From Zondervan comes another fantastic Bible for moms — this time for new moms.

Whether it’s the first baby or the fifth, the first few weeks and months of new motherhood can be exhausting and a little overwhelming.
The New Mom’s Prayer Bible is a wonderful resource to cling to during this time!

This beautiful, duo-tone purple New International Version Bible is slim and small for easy toting in a purse or diaper bag.

The New Mom’s Prayer Bible is the complete Bible but with some amazing add-ins: Mini devotions, spotlight verses, and words to ponder — whether you have one minute, five minutes, or ten.

Fifty-two Thought Starters are tucked within the pages, easily found due to being on thicker, colored cardstock. Thirteen general topics are covered on these devotions, things that matter to your life as a new mom. At the back, 5 Minute Reflect & Pray sections give you the ability to go deeper when you have more time.

The “Word to take with you today” is a one-word reminder of what you’ve read….whether it’s “life” or “Father” or “fruit.”

Just because you aren’t a “new mom” per se doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the New Mom’s Prayer Bible. Though my kids are older now (4 and 5), I still struggle to find intentional, quiet times during the day when I can get alone and read my Bible. The New Mom’s Prayer Bible makes this so much easier to do — and enjoyable, which is as it should be!

The New Mom’s Prayer Bible is beautiful, through, and easy to read. It would be a fantastic gift for any new mom (or nearly-new mom) you know — or just for yourself! You can order it directly from Zondervan, as well as via Amazon, ChristianBook.com, and the Bible section of your local bookstore.

Win it! Courtesy of Zondervan, one of you can win your own copy of the New Mom’s Prayer Bible.

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another item at Zondervan that looks interesting/read-worthy to you!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Sunday, September 12th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this item for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For those shopping trips that just require the picking up of just three or four things, doing it with kids in tow can make it a lot more stressful. I know I’m fastidious about having my children hold my hand both in the parking lot and inside a store. But what do you do when you need to use one or both of your hands to shop? Sometimes you feel like you need more than two hands!

Let me introduce you to a novel product by Reisenthel: The Mother-Child Tote shopping bag!

Reisenthel, a German company, is one of the the top manufacturers of reusable bags, especially in Europe. They pride themselves on outstanding and thoughtful design, outputting bags truly “with purpose.”

The Reisenthel Mother-Child shopping tote is such a bag. It’s constructed of durable, tear-proof polyester, handles long enough for shoulder carrying(plus shorter handles for hand carrying), attractive grommets which can doubly serve as places to hang a key-ring clip, an eye-catching and bold print, interior pockets for a cell phone and other doo-dads, plus the feature that makes it what it is: The separate stitched handle at your child’s height, so you can keep them close to you while keeping your hands free when you need them to be!

The Reisenthel Mother-Child tote is of substantial size, measuring in at approximately 17×17x9″, and comes in four colors: Sand, red, navy and kiwi!

What a wonderful gift this would be — or just a must-have for your weekly shopping excursions with the kids. You can find this bag, along with other Reisenthel totes and baskets, at Touch of Europe and Amazon.com…or use the handy store/retailer locator on their site to find another shop near you carrying their fine products.

FTC info — Disclaimer: A gigantic thank-you to Reisenthel for providing a Mother-Child shopping tote for our review! No other monetary or product compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I’m a planner. Not only because I like to plan, but because if I don’t write things down, I forget them. I blame “pregnancy brain” for taking my sharp memory and never bringing it all the way back.

But I want to be a stylish planner….as well as have all of my info in one place….and that’s why I use and LOVE my BusyBodyBook.

BusyBodyBooks are gridded planners that are available in either school year calendar format or calendar year format. Here are a few of the features of the BusyBodyBook:

~ Thick cardboard cover with an added, translucent plastic cover for extra protection. Keeps the pages neat and dog-ear free all year long!
~ Spiral-bound, letting you flip its pages easily and view a two-page spread at once.
~ Completely versatile and customizable. There are five blank columns on each 7-day page, letting you come up with your own planning categories.
~ Monthly planner pages that allow you to write down birthdays and appointments in an easy-to-view location.
~ A whole page per week for notes and doodles. This is space I use to the fullest!
~ Removable, perforated shopping lists.
~ Two pockets to store important papers….and a movable bookmark.

And this year, per customer request, the newest feature is debuted: FULL page Months-At-A-Glance located at the front of the book — more room to write important info!

I look forward to seeing the new planner cover designs every time a new year is debuted. The designs are always trendy and attractive!

There’s a wealth of options for how you can use your BusyBodyBook: As a blog planner, a school planner, a homeschooling record keeper, a household all-in-one planner, or a work planner!

(Check out the BusyBodyBook Blog for news, updates, contests, and more.)

And download and print out, anytime, FREE Weekly GRIDs!

You can purchase BusyBodyBooks directly via the BusyBodyBook website for $17.95….as well as from Amazon.com!

Win it! Thanks to BusyBodyBook, one of you will win a BusyBodyBook gridded planner of your choice!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, which BusyBodyBook planner you’d choose if you win, and what you’ll use it for/how you’ll use it!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!


CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #58, Christina Karnes!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a free BusyBodyBook to review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

If you’re a mom, listen up.

Let’s admit it. We’ve all had those days. Those desperate days. Those days when we begin to feel like we’re drowning in daily duties and if anything can go wrong, it will.

Wendy Hagen understands that there are “those days.” She understands that motherhood is indeed a calling, but that it can be a taxing, exhausting, and confusing journey, too. And she’s packaged all of her thoughts on motherhood into one nice wrapped package, a book that every single mom on earth needs to read.

Did you hear me correctly?

Yes, that’s right: I firmly believe that every single mom (and mom-to-be) on the face of this earth needs to read Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin’ It Real in the Motherhood.

Hagen’s book opens with a horrific (yet humorous) story of a post-birth hemorrhoid experience. It only gets “better” from that point on. Every single “what to expect” during the early years of mommyhood are covered honestly and matter-of-factly as the chapters continue.

Moms of preschoolers and older kids will nod and chuckle knowingly at the painstaking attention to detail when it comes to the “mishaps” and misadventures of motherhood. From poopy diapers in not-so-ideal locations to the brutally honest words escaping from your child’s mouth to embarrass you just so, you’ll be sure to relate — as if you’re laughing and nodding along with a good pal over coffee.

And for those of you who are about to embark on this wonderful adventure called parenthood, there’s lots for you in here, too. There’s blatant detail about morning sickness in all of its necessary glory. You’ll learn all about those early, bleary-eyed first days at home with a newborn, what Hagen refers to “the black hole.” You’ll gain reassurance that hormones will indeed be raging, and that so many things are…yes, really….normal.

And there’s special attention given to those who are unable to conceive or have lost a child. Infertility and child loss are discussed candidly yet compassionately, as Hagen herself is very familiar with both.

Hagen is a devout Christian and speaks openly about her dependence on her faith as a mom….but she holds (and I agree) that Totally Desperate Mom seamlessly applies to women and moms of all faiths.

I give this book five stars….five-and-a-half, if I could. It’s a book that I laughed with, cried with. It’s a book that I most definitely wish I could have owned and read six years ago, as I was expecting our firstborn and still so naive and clueless about what lay ahead.

It’s a book you’ll read and love and want to share with all of your mommy (and pregnant) friends. You’ll love Wendy’s subtle (and not-so-subtle) humor and her lighthearted look at life, at being a mom. You’ll feel better understood, more confident, and definitely less “alone.”

You can order Totally Desperate Mom directly from Wendy’s website for $12 — or pre-order it from Amazon.com. (It will be available there on or before August 3rd, 2010.)

Win it! Wendy has graciously given me an extra SIGNED copy of Totally Desperate Mom to give to one of my readers!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: In a comment below, tell me why you’d love to read this book!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #32, Tracy!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Christina Carlino, the creator of one of the world’s top personal care product companies, has teamed up with yet another wonderful charity organization to promote better lives for so many!

Cristina has published her first interactive journal, The Changing Room: A Mother’s Journal of Gratitude to Her Little Girl. This interactive journal by Cristina Carlino and YOU captures all those astonishing parenting moments before they fade into the swirl of everyday life.

Throughout the book, Cristina shares her personal story and asks questions that inspire you to remember those first precious years of motherhood. This journal is a special place for your memories, drawings and letters. One day it will become a priceless keepsake for your daughter.

(Click here to watch a video presentation about this fabulous journal.)

Cristina’s friend, actress Mariska Hargitay, is in love with the book, and she and Cristina have joined forces for her Joyful Heart Foundation, benefiting survivors of rape, incest and abuse. 100% of the net proceeds for The Changing Room will go to Joyful Heart!

Christina is also hosting a “Wishes for My Little Girl” photo contest via her Facebook page. Five lucky winners will each receive a copy of The Changing Room journal.

To enter to win, click on Carlino’s Facebook page and post your favorite photo of the little girl in your life — it can be your daughter, a niece, a neighbor, the daughter of a friend….and tell us a wish you have for her. (*Winners will be determined by the number of “Likes” they receive from other Cristina Carlino Fans, so invite your friends to Cristina’s fan page!*)

Hurry! Contest ends on Monday, May 10th.

FTC info — Disclaimer: I was given an opportunity to receive a copy of The Changing Room for posting this announcement. I received no other monetary compensation for this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It’s almost Mother’s Day. The day where moms everywhere are celebrated.

Moms — they truly do color our worlds, don’t they? I know my mom colors mine.

There’s a special bond between mom and daughter. I tell most everything to my mom — she and I are also close friends. It’s a bond that’s everlasting and a kinship that’s unbroken.

There’s a wonderful project called She Colors My Day that seeks to promote the special bond between mother and daughter….all the while raising funds for breast cancer research.

The She Colors My Day project began when a mother named Annette, dying of breast cancer, created a keepsake for the four daughters she was preparing to leave behind. Annette sent a CD of she and her daughters singing to her many friends and family. Unbeknown to Annette, her act of love would be the inspiration for her friend, Cristina Carlino, founder of Project Miracle, to ignite the She Colors My Day movement.

I’m writing this post to help promote awareness of this terrific, intentional project among you, my readers. Wondering what you can do to get involved with the project? There are several ways:

~ Join the She Colors My Day Facebook fan page. On it, you’ll find a link to the She Colors My Day Facebook app where you can invite your FB friends to “color” with you…and pass the crayon around virtually to everyone you know!

~ Sing along! The “She Colors My Day” song co-written by Cristina Carlino and Stuart Mathis for Cristina’s daughter has been recorded by multi-Grammy award winner, Amy Grant. Download the “She Colors My Day Song” and video and help to support this organization. A portion of net proceeds from the song supports the She Colors My Day project, benefiting Susan G. Komen for a Cure ® Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s/Women’s Cancer Research Group.

(Many thanks to MomSelect for letting me know about this wonderful project/initiative geared towards breast cancer research.)

Fruit2O, the creators of the original fruit flavored water, introduces Fruit2O Essentials! Fruit2O Essentials combines several nutrients found in TWO servings of fruit (including 1 gram of fiber) with crisp, refreshing, clear water….all without calories OR sugar!

Did you realize that 80% of Americans don’t drink the recommended amount of water (8 glasses) each day? It’s also known that 77% of us don’t eat the recommended servings of fruit every day.

Fruit2O Essentials is the perfect drink for active women who are seeking to maintain a healthy diet and achieve an ideal weight. Since drinking less than the needed amount of fluids equals dehydration, healthy calorie-free drinks such as Fruit2O Essentials provide you with the amount of hydration your body needs, giving you optimum mental and physical performance all during your busy day.

Fruit 2O Essentials comes in six subtle yet tasty flavors — Cranberry Raspberry, Strawberry Kiwi, Peach Mango, Citrus, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Cherry Acai.

You can find Fruit2O at your local grocery stores and club stores. For a complete retail location list, visit www.fruit2o.com. (Their website also has handy coupons for printing, too!)

The folks at Fruit2O have partnered with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in working together to help women make small changes that create lifelong results for improved health. Making small changes each day, such as swapping sugary beverages high in calories for Fruit2O Essentials, is a terrific way to make healthy choices that can reduce the risk of certain health conditions, including diabetes.

Become a Fruit2O Facebook fan to share your thoughts on small changes you can make with their other fans!

Win it! Courtesy of Fruit2O and MomSelect, one of you will win a one month supply of Fruit2O Essentials to keep you hydrated and healthy throughout your busy day!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, one small change you want to make in order to take a step closer to optimum health and a healthier life!
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Monday, April 19th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to the winner, #139, Geoff K!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

When I first picked up When Did I Get Like This?, a brand new book by actress and columnist Amy Wilson, I fully expected to read a humorous story about being a mom.

What I didn’t expect was to be turned sideways in stitches and nodding my head in agreement at every other sentence. She was spot-on (and exceptionally hilarious) in her written sentiments, scenarios and truths about being a mom.

You’ll be laughing a lot (out loud, mind you) at her reflections and dictations on all-things-mommyhood:

~ Having to line up seven positive pregnancy tests in a row before even remotely believing you’re actually pregnant. (This I know well — I took six myself.)
~ Following every single rule in pregnancy and parenting when it comes to the first child….and surreptitiously letting go of about half of those restrictions and rules when child two and three comes along.
~ Navigating the tricky (and often black-and-white) field of breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding.
~ Weighing the importance of and feeling the pressure of social interaction and morning out classes….starting at your baby’s mere 6 weeks of age.
~ Potty training.
~ Carpooling.
~ Preschool picking (or their picking you).

Throw all of this together and toss in a bit of marriage, work, and housekeeping, and you have an all-together realistic (albeit funny) look at today’s modern American wife/mom/woman.

I found Amy’s writing full of wit and liveliness. Never a dull moment in this book. With the clever use of italics, scriptwriting, and descriptive prose, you’ll feel like she’s talking to you face-to-face instead of through written page. It’s like a long, fun evening of swapping motherhood stories with “the girls.”

In betwixt all of the comedy, I must add, are tender moments captured, frozen-still snapshots of the simple joys of being someone’s mommy. There are many things to laugh about, yes, but also things to celebrate and cherish. Motherhood is so many-layered it’s dizzying. It truly is “the toughest job you’ll ever love.”

This book hit every familiar chord (and opened my eyes to things I haven’t yet experienced as a mom). Moms are a lot more alike than we think, and this book proves that well.

You can find When Did I Get Like This? by Amy Wilson on bookstore shelves now for $23.99 — brand new as of yesterday! — or order it from HarperCollins.com.

Win it! Courtesy of HarperCollins, I can give away FIVE copies of When Did I Get Like This?

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another HarperCollins title you’d love to read. (If you can pick just one.)
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winners!:
#14 – Alicia Webster
#92 – Lisa R
#102 – Maja Meza
#111 – R Hicks
#114 – Donna K

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love where you’ve traveled to? Love where you live? Celebrate those cities and landmarks with products from catstudio!

Catstudio is a super-unique and eclectic company — begun by a husband and wife team — that specializes in original artwork-laden and hand-embroidered products for you and your home.

With over 100 different cities, states, regions, parks and countries represented on catstudio’s gorgeous products, there’s something here to suit everyone’s geographical fancy:

Pillows ~ Taking inspiration from souvenir pillows from the 30s and 40s, these hand-embroidered pillows boast landmarks marking states, cities, and other regions that make the absolutely perfect gift…..a wedding present, a honeymoon keepsake, or a bon voyage wish.

Frosted Drinking Glasses/Tumblers ~ Sold in sets of four, each tumbler measures 15 ounces and features seven color and matte gold illustrations! They are completely dishwasher safe. Great picnic or poolside conversation starters! (They’re so pretty — I find myself drinking more water during the day just to use them, and that’s a good thing!)

Aprons ~ catstudio’s 100% cotton culinary aprons come in several delightful styles, certain to liven up any kitchen or patio!

Dish Towels ~ What special and sentimental towels these are — almost too pretty to use! (Almost!) These 100% cotton, silkscreened, and embroidered dish towels are generously sized and embellished with hand-dyed ric-rac. So retro-chic! (I chose Vermont, where we honeymooned, to commemorate our upcoming 10th wedding anniversary! Just looking at the pictures and locations on the towel bring memories soaring back.)

Catstudio also carries totes and trays!

Every single catstudio product seen here (and more!) is available for purchase from their online store or at various retailers across the US. (Simply contact them for locations.)

Win it! Courtesy of catstudio, FIVE of you will win a set of four drinking glasses/tumblers each!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, which state, city, region, or other landmark you’d choose to grace your set of drinking glasses/tumblers if you win.
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; Continental US addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to our winners!:
#41 – Maureen
#75 – Nicole-Lynn
#88 – Katy
#144 – Rebecca Peters
#159 – Jenn Giannetto

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these products for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the products themselves; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a busy mom? Do you rarely have time to sit and read anything most days?

Zondervan has debuted a Bible just for you. The Busy Mom’s Bible is the perfect Bible for those of us who are fighting for more time in our every day — and fighting to get time alone with ourselves and with God.

It’s the complete Bible (the New International Version), a red-letter edition, with added-in devotionals and Bible study guides. Whether you have five minutes, ten, fifteen, or an hour, you can find daily inspiration and direction from the Busy Mom’s Bible.

The five-minute “Thought Starters” are broken up into meaningful and applicable topics such as: Your Marriage, Your Relationships, Raising Your Kids, Your Identity in Christ, Your Emotions, and Stewardship. There are “Words to Take With You,” passages to reflect upon as you continue throughout your day. There’s also “Reflect and Pray” segments, and if you have more time available, delve into one of the suggested topical studies. (A Study Reference is in the back for quick searching.)

The Busy Mom’s Bible has a beautiful dual-pink-tone leather-like cover. It’s a Thinline Bible, meaning it’s less than an inch thick….that plus the size measuring 6.2″ wide by 9.2″ high means that it’s easily tucked in to a diaper bag or purse — a huge plus! It’s tote-able everywhere.

You can purchase the Busy Mom’s Bible for yourself or for a friend at local Bible booksellers near you, or via Zondervan’s website, for $24.99. Wouldn’t this make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift?

Thanks to Zondervan for sending me the Busy Mom’s Bible to read and enjoy (and review)!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. Upon reviewing the Busy Mom’s Bible, I was eligible to enter a contest sponsored by Zondervan, the prize being the receipt of a personal assistant’s service. I received no monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”