Rural Mama's Sandbox: Reviews and Giveaways

Showing posts with label Reviews and Giveaways. Show all posts

Have you ever wondered what Jesus was like as a child? Obviously, he was raised by Mary and Joseph, but what would it have been like to be Jesus' parents?

Parenting isn't easy and I can only imagine the trials they went through as parents.

March 11, 2016, a movie about young Jesus is being released, The Young Messiah.

Inspired by Scripture and rooted in history, The Young Messiah imagines a year in the boyhood of Jesus. Remaining true to the character of Jesus revealed in the Bible, this story is an inspirational story about the childhood of the Savior for the whole family.

When the mystery of Jesus’ divinity begins to unfold in His early years, He turns to His parents for answers. But Mary and Joseph, in an effort to protect their child, are afraid to reveal all they know. How do you explain the ways of the world to its Creator? How do you teach the Teacher? How do you help the Savior who came to save you?

Follow the young Messiah as He and His family take the extraordinary journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem – where His true identity and profound destiny are revealed.

Check out The Young Messiah “Parenting” featurette and leave a comment with how the holy family inspires YOU and what it means for family to support and protect each other.

Sound interesting to you? Me too!!!

Sooooo, with the help of Ribbow Media Group I am offering my readers a chance to win 2 AMC Movie Tickets to see The Young Messiah! Each household is only eligible to win 2 AMC Movie Tickets via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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Hope you are having a beautiful day dear followers!

Disclaimer: I was not paid to complete this blog post, however, I am working with Ribbow Media Group, they supplied these materials for me as well as provided the giveaway items.

Yesterday I posted the Press Release for I Love Lucy LIVE coming to Indianapolis on February 11th!

Check out the amazing Cast Biographies for this show!

SARAH ELIZABETH COMBS (Crystaltone Singer “Gertie” / Fern / Dinah Beach / Pleasant Peasant / Gal on the Go / Understudy for Ms. Irwin) Sarah is blessed to join the “Lucy” company! She was most recently seen as Christine in Phantom of The Opera, Las Vegas. Regional credits include: Sound of Music (Maria), Sweeney Todd(Johanna), Oklahoma! (Laurey), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Miss Dorothy), and Les Miserables (Cosette). Love & thanks to God, family, friends!www.sarahelizabethcombs.com

JOANNA DANIELS (Ethel Mertz) Joanna played Ethel in the Chicago production of I Love Lucy® Live on Stage and is thrilled to join this tour. She has been on the stage from Florida to London, and NYC to LA since age 11. In other words, she’s a newcomer. She has also been in many commercials and voice-overs, several TV shows, and a smattering of films. She’s your basic working actor, and proud to be one. www.joannadaniels.com

GREGORY FRANKLIN (Crystaltone Singer “Grant Bosworth” / William Parker / Laboratory Tester) Theatre Highlights; I Love Lucy® Live on Stage in Los Angeles and Chicago, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Divorce! The Musical, Light In The Piazza, Glengarry Glen Ross, Man of La Mancha, Joan of Arc, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Galileo, Kabuki Medea. TV Highlights; “Mad Men,” “Samantha Who?”, “Weeds”, “Close To Home”, “House”, “Young and the Restless”.

SIRENA IRWIN (Lucy Ricardo) Sirena Irwin originated the role of Lucy in I Love Lucy® Live on Stage for which she has received multiple awards. Stage work includes starring in many shows at various small Hollywood theaters and comedy clubs plus the occasional Shakespeare Festival. TV work includes “Spongebob Squarepants.” She also writes and directs. She is deeply grateful to Rick Sparks and the producers for this extraordinary opportunity and she dedicates this show to the queen of comedy, Lucille Ball. @sirena_irwin

PETER KEVOIAN (Standby for Mr. Remington, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Martin, Mr. Milliron and Mr. Tracy) Broadway and National Tours Include: Wicked, Ragtime, The Phantom of the Opera, Zorba, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunset Blvd., Cats & Les Miserables. Television Credits include “LA LAW”, “All My Children”, “The Guardian”, “McMillan”, “Cheers”, “Matlock”, “Doogie Houser”, “Becker”, and “ER”. Proud member of Actor’s Equity since 1973.

JAYME LAKE (Crystaltone Singer “Ruth-Anne” / Makeup girl “Ernestine” / Headache Sufferer / Pleasant Peasant / Gal on the Go) National Tour debut! Favorite Credits:Footloose (Ariel), Honk! (Penny), Hillary Agonistes (Chelsea - Off Broadway, NY), Helen (Cherry - Getty Villa). Thank you to Rick Sparks and the Lucy Live team for this gift. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the love and support of my family, friends and my incredible husband, Harley Jay! www.jaymelake.com

CARLOS MARTIN (Crystaltone Singer “Buck” / Laboratory Tester / Eye Doctor / Understudy for Mr. Mendieta) Film: Finishing the Game (Sundance), Electronica(Cannes). Alumni Second City. Stage: Life Could Be A Dream (Skip-Original Cast) The Wizard of Oz (The Tin Man), The Pajama Game (Sid), Singing in the Rain (Cosmo),The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), The Fantasticks (El Gallo), Phantom (Phantom) Follow me across the Nation on Facebook at Footloose and Fancy Free, or www.carlosmartin.me

BILL MENDIETA (Ricky Ricardo) originated the role of Ricky Ricardo in I Love Lucy® Live On Stage in Chicago and Los Angeles where he received the Best Actor Broadway World award. Other favorite roles include Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing and the title role in Hamlet. Film credits: Soldier of God, Dead Border, Race. TV credits: Days of Our Lives. Web series: The Sanctum, Mob Boss Associate. Twitter: @Bill_Mendieta

TYLER MILLIRON (Stage Manager “Gerald”/Chevy Dancer/Understudy Mr. Martin and Mr. Todd) Tyler loves Lucy, and is thrilled to be along for such a wonderful ride! Tyler is a Los Angeles-based Actor/Artist/Composer/Director/Producer whose work can be ‘splain’d at www.millironstudios.com. Thanks to Bons, Stage9 and his whole family for their undying support. www.tylermilliron.com

DENISE MOSES (Birdie Mae Figg / Speedy / Pleasant Peasant / Charwoman / Dorothy Day Spokesperson / Dance Captain / Dance Assistant) Original Cast / Dance Captain I Love Lucy® Live on Stage, Los Angeles. Original cast - Tony ’n Tina’s Wedding Off-B’Way, New York. Toured U.S. with her one-woman comedy show. Numerous commercial/film and TV credits. Earned her Equity card playing Porky Pig & her SAG card as a dancing egg.

KEVIN REMINGTON (Fred Mertz) is thrilled to join I Love Lucy® Live – thanks for this tremendous opportunity. Recent roles: Truman Capote in Carved in Stone and Edgar/Jane in The Mystery of Irma Vep. Regional and touring favorites: Edward II, A Christmas Carol, 1940’s Radio Hour, Antony & Cleopatra, Comedy of Errors, Guys & Dolls and Romeo & Juliet. Love and thanks to his amazing parents, family and friends.

CINDY SCIACCA (Crystaltone Singer “Patsy” / Stomach Ache Sufferer / Pleasant Peasant / Daisy Davenport / Gal on the Go / Bill Parker’s Date) Originated the role of Miss Santa Monica in the Los Angeles Premiere of I Love Lucy® Live on Stage. Los Angeles: Justin Love, The Life, [title of show], and Into the Woods. Chicago: Tony and Tina’s Wedding. Television: “America’s Got Talent”. DVD: “Richard Simmons’ Project Hope”. Cindy received her BA from Columbia College Chicago. www.cindysciacca.com.

JEFFREY CHRISTOPHER TODD (Crystaltone Singer “Chester” / Fever Sufferer / King Katt Walsh) Jeffrey is thrilled to be touring the country with this incredible company! Recent Theatre: Proposals, Aladdin, Bat Boy, Lucky Duck, My Way, Sordid Lives. TV/Film: Switched at Birth, Free Agents, Wizards of Waverly Place, Not Another High School Show, Polar Opposites, Tunnel Rats. Northwestern University graduate. Member: Musical Theatre Guild. www.jeffreychristophertodd.com

MARK CHRISTOPHER TRACY (Maury Jasper, Desilu Playhouse Host / Laboratory Tester) Mark is delighted to be working, yet again, with longtime collaborator Rick Sparks. He is delighted to be playing Maury Jasper again in I Love Lucy® Live on Stage, having originated the role. Mark and Rick go back 20 years, including the multi-award-winning They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

CAROLYNNE WARREN (Eugenia, Understudy for Ms. Daniels, Ms. Sciacca, and Ms. Moses) Carolynne is thrilled to be spreading Lucy Love everywhere. A graduate of both Second City and Harvard University, Ms. Warren has been described, in print, as “deliciously kooky.” That probably says it all. She is a native Bostonian with beloved regional credits in Chicago, Boston, Milwaukee, and Los Angeles.

TAMARA ZOOK (Standby for Ms. Irwin, Ms. Combs, Ms. Lake, Ms. Warren and Ms. Moses) This multi-award winning actor’s NY, LA & regional credits include works of Brecht, Feydeau, Feiffer, Moliere & Tennessee Williams. Recent musicals: Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz and Roz in 9-5. Roles in soap operas to sitcoms, 150 commercials, studio features and award winning independent films screened at major festivals & everywhere in between.

Now that you are excited about the show and the actors, here is your chance to win 4 tickets to the show OPENING NIGHT! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win!

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Have a wonderful day dear followers,

Despite some serious internet problems this month, I finally have this review up and running for your viewing pleasure! I hope you all are as excited as I am about my very first Video Review!

So what did you think?
In case you weren't able to watch my Video Review, here it is in black and white:

Today, I would like to introduce you all to a product called OraMD.

"OraMD is an all natural liquid toothpaste, mouthwash and breath freshener that you will want to purchase now. OraMD is a potent bacteria fighter that is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory with powerful plaque fighters eliminating the need for chemical laden toothpaste alternatives. This product is also has interdental access, meaning it gets in between the teeth and goes after the bacteria that is hiding in the nooks and crannies of your mouth and gums. This precise formulation of three 100% pure botanical oils of almond, spearmint, and peppermint is designed to kill the bad bacteria that are ravaging your gums. There are 100's of types of these 3 botanical oils and dozens of properties for each type - literally millions of combinations. This is a scientific formula matching the right properties of the right oils and designed specifically to combat the bacteria in your mouth. There's nothing like it on the market - it's fast effective, and leaves a lingering real fresh clean feeling in your mouth unlike anything you have experienced before." -information found at http://www.oramd.com

My experience with the product was wonderful and I love it! It was a little intense at first, but the intensity did reduce the more times I used it. The directions state to use 3-5 drops when you brush your teeth, however since I have such a sensitive mouth 2-3 drops seem to work well for me. The thing I love most about this liquid toothpaste is that it isn't a paste and it doesn't foam up. I can tell right away if I didn't brush well enough because there isn't a bunch of foam all over my mouth,

After brushing with OraMD my mouth feels really clean and fresh and just like I came out of the Dentist's office. When I wake up in the morning after I brushed at night, my teeth don't have that "morning grunge" that I used to get when I used the normal toothpastes on the market. My teeth are as sleek as the night before, its awesome! It did take a couple times to get used to because I have been so used to regular toothpaste for so many years, but I just love it!

Because of the intensity, I would not recommend using it for children. Some children may be able to handle 1 drop but you should use your own judgement because every person is different.

I recently had a visit with my Dentist. No new cavities and she complemented me on my brushing. OraMD has worked amazing on my mouth! I honestly don't think I will change back to the average toothpaste ever again and I will recommend it everyone I know.

Are you interested yet? Well, here is all the information you need to enjoy OraMD yourself:

My Rating: A+ $$$

Click here to see what My Rating means!
Cost: $22.97 per bottle, lasts about 4 weeks when you used their 4 step process. I don't use breath fresheners or mouthwashes and I have been using OraMD for several months and still have some left.
Where to Buy: Online at http://www.oramd.com
Like OraMD on Facebook and get $5.00 off your order today!
Follow OraMD on Twitter

I hope you all enjoyed my first Video Review as much as I did! Thank you for following and I hope to have more great products for you in the future!

Have a wonderful day dear followers!

Disclaimer: I received a 0.5 oz bottle of OraMD from Trusted Health Products in order to provide an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions in this review are my own. I, nor, OraMD make and guarantees and use of the product is done at your own risk.

My little girls LOVE books! Whether it is a book from the library or an eBook on our tablet, they love when Mama reads to them. I am sure there is a ton of research out there on the benefits of reading to young children but I don't need it. I can see the benefits as I watch my girls play and interact each day.

My girls and I were given the awesome opportunity to review several eBooks from author Julia Dweck. I received a copy of these EBooks complimentary in exchange for a fair, honest, non-compensated review. I hope you all enjoy the reviews and perhaps decide to read them to your little ones!

Mary Had A Sleepy Sheep
If your children are familiar with the nursery rhyme "Mary Had A Little Lamb," they are going to LOVE "Mary Had A Sleepy Sheep"! This new story of Mary's sheep is very creative, cute, and funny. It was written so that you can sing the words to the tune of "Mary Had A Little Lamb" as you read. My girls got a huge kick out of Mary's sheep falling asleep EVERYWHERE! Poor Mary! There are also some fun activities at the end of the book which were very entertaining as well. My oldest loved flipping back through the story looking for the cat on each page! Julia Dweck did a great job writing this book and the illustrator came up with beautiful and creative ways to bring the story to life. Overall, I would highly recommend this book for children of all ages!

Blucy: The Blue Cat
Blucy is a great story for young children. Our family is actively involved helping shelter animals and this was a great story illustrating importance of adopting a homeless animal no matter how different it is. I like how even though Blucy had her naughty moments Mandy was able to over look them and love Blucy anyways resulting in a sweet perfect cat in the end. It has a wonderful message between the rhyming lines. Kudos to Julia Dweck for incorporating a lovely message into a sweet childen's book. The illustrations are beautiful as well and really help tell Blucy's story. We also loved the special games and facts at the end.

Humpfree: The Humpless Camel
Both of the girls were glued to the tablet screen as I read Humpfree: The Humpless Camel by Julia Dweck. The first time I read Humpfree to my girls, I had to stop for a moment to grab something from across the room. Big Sister yelled,"Wait I want to hear more about the Camel" and when HumpFree was sad both my girls kept kissing the screen on our tablet to make him feel better! I think this was their favorite Julia Dweck book so far! I love the lesson this book teaches, even though you may be different than others you are special just exactly how you are! The illustrations are adorable and entertaining, the illustrator did a wonderful job portray Humpfree's journey to find his humps! I highly highly recommend this story for children!

Julia Dweck has written several other children's books besides the ones above. You can check them out by visiting Amazon's Julia Dweck Page.

Have a wonderful day dear followers!