NCV Mom's Bible -- Review

NCV Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers by Bobbie Wolgemuth

Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers gives women an awareness of just how precious and vital they are in God's plan for the family.

Available in the New Century Version and drawing on solid Bible teaching, it encourages women at every stage of life to strengthen their relationship with God. A perfect gift for Mother's Day, birthdays, or whenever it's time to say "thank you" to a special mom.

Includes these special sections:

• Book Introductions: historical, emotional, and spiritual context for each Bible book
• Walking In...: ways that are pleasing to God
• Our God Is...: discovering who God is and what He does, based on His words and actions
• Godly Character: exhibiting godly qualities in daily living
• Passing It On: creating a legacy of faith to inspire the next generation
• Moms in the Bible: lessons from some of the Bible's most famous mothers
• Insights: short, practical thoughts on Bible passages from a mom's perspective
• Wonderful Counselor: issues facing moms from the perspective of a Christian therapist
• Questions Kids Ask: answering the tough questions about God, the Bible, and Christian life
• First Touch Verses: verses to mull over throughout the day
• Topical Index

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Who knew that brown font could be so pretty? This Bible is a treasure and a delight. Being made up of the New Century Version translation this is a perfect companion to the popular Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan. Through the additional text in this Bible the notes from Bobbie Wolgemuth allow the truth of importance that a mother is to her family. The encouragement found within these pages is incredibly valuable. My favorite part is probably the "Moms in the Bible" segments where profiles are highlighted that share lessons for our own mothering roles and give a focus on how to be a woman that pleases God as a Mom. Another valuable segment is "Questions Kids Ask" with some great scriptural answers.

This Bible is a great gift idea, and one that will definitely allow Mom a few moments of going back to God and just being with Jesus that is until the next tatrum. *grin* (Pardon me, my baby calls...)

*Thanks to BookSneeze for providing a copy for review.*

View all my reviews >>




Purchase from ChristianBook.com:

NCV Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers, Hardcover By Bobbie Wolgemuth / Thomas Nelson Whether you're a mother-to-be, a new mom, or a beloved grandma, this lovely, easy-to-read study Bible will remind you just how precious you are in God's plan! Available in the New Century Version and drawing on solid Bible teaching, Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers encourages women at every stage of life to strengthen their relationship with God. Makes a great gift for Mother's Day, birthdays, or whenever it's time to say "thank you" to a special mom. A perfect companion to the Dad's Bible. Features Articles Our God Is — Build your knowledge of triune God Moms in the Bible — a look at the lessons taught by biblical mothers Questions Kids Ask — Learn Scripture-based answers to your children's questions—expecially about God, the Bible, and the Christian life Walking In — Godly Character — Strengthen godly character and grow a Christlike heart  Passing it on — Articles about igniting the faith of the next generation Wonderful Counselor — Experience Bible-based, Spirit-led advice from a Christian therapist on tough issues Insights — Articles giving practical, biblical answers to life situations Book introductions Memory verses Topical index Presentation page

Product Review & Giveaway/Discount: Organic SleepyWrap #babywearing

This giveaway is now closed, but please enjoy the review.

My first experience with a wrap was not a positive one, but so many people rave about them I was thinking that perhaps I had just picked the wrong one. After doing a little research and reading I discovered the SleepyWrap. *Thanks to Ashley of NAP, Inc for providing an Organic SleepyWrap for review!* As soon as I received the wrap and pulled it out of the matching drawstring bag I knew I was in love.

Past experiences with a wrap that belonged to SisterL of a best selling wrap had caused me to doubt my desire to babywear via a wrap, but SleepyWrap has completely renovated that idea for me. I can honestly say that I am terribly sad that I did not know about SleepyWrap when AppleBlossom was a newborn, but now I know and will be prepared next time around. Honestly, a SleepyWrap is a must have for new mamas!! It really is the best place after the womb.

While part of me is disappointed that I did not know to invest in a SleepyWrap at the beginning. It would definitely be worth every penny of buying one when I finally did get my skeptical hands on one at four and a half months old. Even now at AppleBlossom's seven months, I would still suggest someone go out and get one! Especially as the teething epidemic has begun... nothing soothes quite like our SleepyWrap.

Maybe it is because I am a blogger, but I am really particular about the companies that we use products from with our AppleBlossom. Customer service is a must, but information is extremely important and it is surprising how many companies out there provide products with little to no pertinent information. SleepyWrap.com is a breath of fresh air. They have FAQs and Testimonials, as well as photos and detailed instructions on use and tying methods. They even link you to various videos that are thorough and understandable. Articles on the benefits of babywearing and "Exterior Gestation" provide an in depth and educational value on their website and company that you just do not find much elsewhere. They also have a great Comparison Chart for various Baby Carriers that is very informative as well.

True that at first any wrap, especially a stretchy wrap (mine is Organic cotton terry) can be a bit intimidating. But after a few wraps you'll be a pro and the comfort it completely worth it! I have tried several other wraps that I appreciate, but none of them quite add up to the SleepyWrap. If anyone were to ask me for a wrap suggestion, this would be my first choice every time.

Just a few more points in the plus column: Not only is the wrap delivered very quickly, but it is affordable! And available in organic in two colors! As well as plethora of other solid colors in their original classic fabric. You could literally have a wrap to go with every outfit in any color, or go with a neutral color (like those in the new organic line) to work with anything.

Discover more about SleepyWrap:

www.SleepyWrap.com

Facebook Fan page

Twitter @SleepyWrap

Buy It:

Sleepy Wraps are very affordable. They retail for $39.95 (they ship internationally!) and can be purchased on Sleepy Wrap's website. Use the discount code ‘Creative’ and get 10% off any Sleepy Wrap order until April 30^th

Also available through Amazon -- Sleepy Wrap Classic Wrap

Win It!!

One lucky Mama (or someone who knows a Mama/Daddy/caregiver in need) will win an Organic SleepyWrap Baby Carrier. This giveaway open to the US and Canada and ends April 3rd.

Mandatory Entry: Visit the SleepyWrap website and then come back here and comment telling me what color you would want to have and why you would like to have an Organic SleepyWrap. (Entries without the mandatory entry will not qualify).

Extra Entries: (Leave a comment for each entry to be counted!)

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This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only and is open until April 2nd, 2010. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Product Spotlight & Discount: Oilo Modern Berries Crib Set

OILO™ MAKES DEBUT WITH CHIC, MODERN NURSERY DÉCOR, BABY BEDDING AND HOME FURNISHINGS

Collection Offers Custom Designed Look and Quality Without Designer Price

Alpine, UT -- (March 2010) -- Oilo™, a manufacturer of designer inspired contemporary nursery décor and home furnishings products, makes its debut with two bedding collections, faux leather gliders and a range of coordinated lighting and pillows.

Founded by Annalisa Thomas, a former art director and graphic designer and her mother, Dorte Anderson, a former interior designer with more than 25 years of custom interior design expertise, Oilo offers the modern mom a fresh new approach to style-setting nursery décor. The Oilo collection includes chic baby bedding and designer home furnishings. Thomas founded the company while looking for the perfect baby bedding for her first child after discovering a void in the category for high quality designer level modern baby décor without the designer price tag. 

OILO INFANT BEDDING

Two sets make their debut in Oilo’s infant bedding collection:

Wheels features clean, circular mod designs. Made from 100 percent fine woven cotton. The bedding set includes a zippered side bumper cover (foam filled for standing durability), tailored skirt and fitted cotton percale crib sheet. Wheels will be available in Cobalt. Recommended Retail three-piece crib set $399.

Modern Berries blends style and softness for a chic, sophisticated look for baby’s room.

Made from 100 percent fine woven cotton. The bedding set includes a zippered side cover bumper cover (foam filled for standing durability), tailored skirt and fitted cotton percale crib sheet. Modern Berries will be available in Spring Green and Tree Trunk Brown (note: Tree Trunk Brown will debut Spring 2010). Recommended retail three-piece crib set $399.

Individual items in each bedding set are also available for purchase separately.

Two additional bedding set offerings, Raindrops (Aqua) and Cobblestone (Taupe) will make their debut in Spring 2010.

OILO GLIDER COLLECTION

Oilo’s faux leather glider collection is a beautiful and comfortable seating choice for the nursery or any other room in the home. Features include a unique parallel rocking motion and tall back for maximum comfort. Coordinating plush pouf footrests are available as well. Three leather glider styles are offered: Gus, Penelope and Cohen. Available in Spring Green or White. Recommended retail $1,299 (White), $1,599 (Spring Green).

OILO LIGHTING

Brighten up baby’s nursery and any room in a home with a perfect light from Oilo’s lighting collection. Lampshades can be customized from Oilo’s pattern and color palette to perfectly match a room’s décor. The lights feature a sheet of white acrylic which encloses and diffuses the light to cast a soft glow. Two lighting styles are offered, Double Decker and Cylinder. Recommended retail Double Decker $199, Cylinder $149.

OILO PILLOW COLLECTION

The perfect accessory to add a soft decorative touch to your glider, nursery and any room featuring Oilo’s distinctive designs. Oilo’s 100 percent woven cotton pillows are available in a full range of the company’s signature patterns and colors. Available in three sizes: 20” x 20”, 16” x 16” and 13” x 17”. Recommended retail: $39-$49.

“Oilo is all about turning the nursery into the most comfortable, clean, and carefree environment in the home, said Annalisa Thomas, founder, Oilo. “We design our products with the mother in mind, as we want the nursery to feel like a sanctuary she can share with her baby. Many products in our collection, including our gliders and lighting are also designed to create a sophisticated modern look in the home beyond baby’s room.”

Though not an actual word, Oilo’s name is derived from a combination of Hawaiian words, “lio” (small sprout) and “ho’oilo” (the cool, rainy season). The Oilo name personifies the image of relaxing and enjoying the serenity of life.

The Oilo Collection will be available at retailers nationwide, select online retailers and online at www.oilostudiocom. Special order items (including gliders and poufs) will have a 6-8 week lead time for production plus 7 days shipping. Custom lighting orders have a 2 week lead time. All other items will ship immediately. Oilo products can be customized as long as they are requested within the company’s offered fabric options. All items in the Oilo Collection are made in the USA.

About Oilo

Alpine, UT-based Oilo, LLC was founded in 2009 by mother and daughter team Annalisa Thomas and Dorte Anderson. The Oilo Collection includes style-setting high quality designer inspired nursery décor, baby bedding and home furnishings. For more information visit www.oilostudio.com.

*Thanks to Hilary Abbott Communications, Inc for providing this information.*
 

Founded in 2009 by Annalisa Thomas to offer a chic, new solution for fashionable nursery décor. In her quest to find modern and stylish nursery décor for her first child, Thomas found a void in the marketplace for distinctively styled nursery décor at an affordable price. With a degree in arts and a background in graphic design, she founded Oilo™ to offer the modern mom high quality designer level products that feature clean, simple and sophisticated design. Oilo’s distinctive collection of bedding, furniture, wall art, rugs and lighting is designed by Thomas in partnership with her mother and company co-founder Dorte Anderson. Anderson brings to Oilo more than 25 years of interior design experience specializing in custom décor. 

My personal favorite of the Oilo designs is their new Modern Berries Crib Set, specifically  in Spring Green. When we were in our Georgia house, a few months before the news of being laid off, the Enginerd had just finished our nursery for AppleBlossom. It was beautiful and though our original theme was Classic Pooh, the Oilo Modern Berries Crib Set would have been classy and perfect for the room. If we are able to buy again soon (if the Georgia house sells) I would want to reinvent what we did for that nursery and make the nursery divine with a Spring Green Modern Berries Crib Set!! It is definitely on my wish list. *Grin*

MODERN BERRIES MOTIF

Style and softness embrace sophistication with Oilo’s Modern Berries Motif crib set. Made from 100 percent fine woven cotton. Bedding set includes zippered side bumper cover (foam filled for standing durability), 17” tailored skirt and fitted cotton percale crib sheet. The bedding is machine washable and made in the USA.

Recommended Retail Three-Piece Crib Set (bumper, tailored skirt and crib sheet): $399

Recommended Retail for individual Modern Berries Motif crib set items:

Modern Berries Crib Bumper: $249

Modern Berries Crib Sheet: $49

Modern Berries Crib Skirt: $159

Available Colors: Spring Green, Tree Trunk Brown (Note: Tree Trunk Brown will ship Spring of 2010)

Buy it: 

Go to www.oilostudio.com to purchase and use discount code "cm2010" to get 15% off any order! 

Product Review: Canopy Cards

Can you say OMGoodness how very cute?! That is my exact response when I first placed my eyes on Canopy Cards. Thanks to ChicExecs I discovered Canopy Cards and I am in love.

Why should sleep-deprived parents do all the work? Start your baby on the path to doing their share early with canopy card’s baby thank yous with jest. Written from your smart-alecky baby’s perspective, these little gems say it all (so much so that exhausted momma can even just sign and send while still earning her thank you note brownie points….) All letterpress text with swiss dot envelopes, one might say [outside]: hate to brag [inside]: but I look seriously cute in these new threads you sent. Or the ever-popular [outside]: i’m drooling over what you gave me [inside]: okay, so sometimes i just do that. i still love what you gave me. And for those parents who can string more than a few sentences together, there’s canopy’s award-winning baby love letters. Ten letterpress cards come nestled in a chocolate brown polka-dot slide box, each focusing on one of baby’s first-year milestones. Every time the li’l munchkin conquers a new feat, mom or dad pens a letter all about it.

Jen Parker of Canopy Cards sent me a sample of "thank you with jest (drool)", along with a sample of "baby love letter (babble dabble)". First I received the envelope and was already impressed. It is amazing with structured scissors can do. So creative! Then I opened it up, polka-dots of love! (Seriously can I get myself a round business card?)

at a time when you’re most sleep-deprived you have to write the most thankyous. hardly seems fair. but these letterpress, punchy text-only babies do all the work for you.

sold 6 cards and envelopes in each polka-dotted box
8 sayings available in pink or blue

After AppleBlossom was born there were a million things to do. The least of which on my mind was thank you cards. I tried so hard and bought a box from Target of blank generic cute cards and wrote personalized messages in all of them. (Just a few more minutes here and there that I could have been sleeping!) Well let me tell you what! If I knew about Canopy Cards, I would have bought be several dozen, addressed them and been so content! They are too adorable and your gratitude and point is literally gotten across.

I love it! I'm sold. *grin* Go to Canopy Cards and check some out for yourself.

Product Review: Bravado Bras

About mid pregnancy, one of the first things that I noticed about my changing shape was that I could not comfortably wear my current bras. Suddenly, my body was a stranger to me. It was a bit of a bummer too, because just a month or two earlier, DH had splurged on some great Victoria Secret for me. *sigh* Enough of that. I spoke to my SisterL (the first source for all things pregnancy) and she suggested that I look into Bravado Bras and nothing else. I also spoke to my friend and at that time fairly new Mama Lindsey and she said the one thing she regretted was not purchasing quality nursing bras. So right then, mid pregnancy, I did the research and splurged on two fabulous Bravado Nursing Bras that I have worn through out my entire pregnancy and also my first almost three months of nursing mama-hood and I have only positive things to say.

It was about three months ago, when I emailed the Bravado Customer Service for some images and they probably think this review is never coming, but even in the business I think of how much I love these bras and by word of mouth have told many friends about them. Personally, I need to get some more!

The first bra is the Bravado Original in Bamboo.

The second choice I made was for the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra.

I bought the original in bamboo at the same price as the cotton as was super excited. The only option was white, but that really does not bother me. One of the best things about the Bravado Designs (www.bravadodesigns.com) website is their information and advice pages. The topic of "Whose breasts are these?!" is completely unique and so true every word (and emotion) of the pregnant woman. Since I was mid pregnancy, I bought the Original in my current size and then went for the approximate suggestion of postpartum size for the Body Silk Seamless. Both of them I could wear right away. Sleeping in them is quite comfortable too. To be honest, I was one of those people where when I was out about for the day, I looked forward to getting home and going braless for a while. Nothing was every very comfortable and always annoying. (Now that you know too much about me...)

The Original is so attractive. During my entire pregnancy it was practically my go-to bra. For whatever reason, I guess to show off the sudden cleavage, pregnancy tops almost always are low cut. (Completely annoying and not attractive in my opinion!) With the Original Bravado, I was able to wear practically any shirt that had been a no go for me before with only the Motherhood Sleeping Bras (my other pregnancy/nursing bra stash). The shape is smooth and flattering and the ease of one-hand snapping and un-snapping is unbeatable. The support for these, I swear they are not the ones I remember, is great and very comfortable. I really need more.

The Body Silk Seamless Bravado is fabulous. I was so certain that the bigger size was going to envelope me, but it did not. It fit right away. Now on the days where I'm very ready to nurse that screaming starving child this bra is the best and most comfortable, where the smaller size of the Original, which is great most of the time, just does not quite cut it as enough coverage. The shape is very flattering and the support is great. In the later months of pregnancy and postpartum, this has by fair become my favorite bra. This bra comes with inserts to protect your shape and give you coverage. With or without them, either way works for me. I just plain love this bra. The price makes it harder for me to stock my drawer with these, but oh if the gift cards would head this way. (Keep that in mind for your baby showers, you need new clothes just as much as the baby does!)

Both bras are very comfortable and attractive. The only draw backs in my opinion are the price, but that's just economics. All and all, they are worth every single penny! Speaking of saving a buck. Head on over to www.bravadodesigns.com right now and get FREE shipping using a special free shipping discount code. Tell them to enter FS-101 at checkout.

Birth Story

Mine's a little odd.

My girl was due August 15th. On July 30th, I had a normal OB check up at 37 wks and 6 days. I was 5 1/2 cm dilated and had felt no contractions or anything, but we decided to go ahead and sent me across the hospital (attached to doctor's office building by bridge). I got all settled and hooked up to a monitor. According to it, I was contracting every two minutes. I still felt nothing. They started Pitocin, which I was not happy about, but they were a little befuddled as to why I was not feeling anything. I stayed on the pitocin and monitor until 11 pm, when the OB came to break my water. By this time the monitor was finding contractions within a minute, but I still felt nothing, except maybe a little pressure on my back.

It was about one AM, when I really felt some pain, and then for the entire hour of one to two AM I was in pain every 20 seconds. I do not remember the hour from two to three AM, but I know the nurse checked me and paged the doctor. Apparently at one AM I was dilated still to 5 1/2 cm, but at two AM I was 9 1/2 cm. The doctor and an entire team of nurses came parading into the room. I was miserably in pain, and the doctor is asking me why I did not have an epidural or anything. She had me start to push, and on the fourth push my girl flew out (this according to my husband).

Everyone kept telling me they do not know how I did not feel all the contractions going into labor. They are also shocked that I was so dilated so early, and then later how quickly I dilated the rest of the way since this is my first pregnancy. The other thing they said is that it was unheard of for me to have gotten her out with four pushes.

She may have come out in a short matter of time, but that one hour, or perhaps I guess it was two as she was born at 3:11 AM July 31st at 37 wks and 7 days, was really painful and I thought I would die. She also gave me a good third degree 3 1/2 inch tear on her way out as well.

Baby girl was capable of discharge 24 hours after birth, but I was kept under observation for four days due to substantial blood loss and the tear.

Oh... and the u/s from the Monday of this week (she was born on Friday) showed her at 6 lbs 11 oz. She was born at 8 lbs 2.3 oz.

We cannot imagine what size she would be if we had attempted to make it to our due date of more than two weeks later!

Review: Your Pregnancy Quick Guide: Postpartum Wellness

Your Pregnancy Quick Guide: Pospartum Wellness, What you need to know about recovering from childbirth, enjoying your newborn and becoming a family by Glade B. Curtis

By the best-selling authors of the Your Pregnancy series, medically sound and succinct information for the pregnant woman who needs detailed information on a specific concern

What you need to know about recovering from childbirth and enjoying your newborn

Tips for recovering from childbirth and regaining strength and vitality

How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk or formula

Nutritional information and recommended exercises to help you get back in shape

Creative ways to set aside time for you and your spouse to be alone together

Questions to ask at baby's first visit to the pediatrician and your first post-delivery check-up

Coping advice for adjusting to the changing dynamics in the household

Information on selecting childcare, if you're returning to work

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received this book at the perfect time, it arrived the day before I delivered my first child, a daughter. The wisdom in this book is exactly what I needed to read and hear. The quick guide is not overwhelming with information, but provides enough to give advice and reassure the new mother (or other person affected by a recent family addition) in a time of drastic change. Reading this book over a week, just snippets here and there when a break from new baby care occurred was just what I needed. I cannot wait to read more of the Quick Guides from the "Your Pregnancy" series and I highly recommend them to others.

View all my reviews >>

Wordless Wednesday - 37 1/2 weeks

The Complete Illustrated Pregnancy Companion: a review

The Complete Illustrated Pregnancy Companion: A Week-by-Week Guide to Everything You Need To Do for a Healthy Pregnancy by Robin Elise Weiss

The comfort of knowing what is going on during pregnancy combined with advice that changes each week with an expectant mother’s body will warm the heart and well as calm the nerves.

This fully illustrated pregnancy guide gives an expectant mothers week-by-week information on their body and the child’s physical development; and then explains what they should do at each week of pregnancy for an optimally healthy pregnancy, delivery, and baby. A chapter is devoted to each week of pregnancy and covers everything readers need to know including, baby’s size, mother’s size, what’s normal in terms of physical symptoms and development, and what could indicate a potentially serious problem. Nutritional, exercise, and lifestyle advice, tips on treating common pregnancy discomforts like morning sickness and sciatica, and pregnancy do’s and don’ts, ensure a happy and healthy mother and baby.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At this point I think I own a copy of every pregnancy book that goes weekly out there including journals and this one is the best by far. It does not go into all the medical jargon as to what can possibly go wrong as some other books, but give tips and specific notes on what changes are occurring in your your body and your baby's body this week. My only down note was that I did not discover this until my third trimester. IF you are looking for a more medically inclined book I strongly suggest Your Pregnancy Week by Week, it is absolutely fabulous in that aspect.

This book gives you the "crash course" of what's going on in a checklist format, and then throughout a chapter goes into more detail, so you can immediately find pieces you are curious about, and skip things you are not so intrigue about or rather come back to them later. The coloring and changing of fonts with various sections as well as the images and pictures through out really makes this a beautiful and esthetically pleasing to the eye book. It is a big book as in wide and tall like a text book, but it is a fabulous resource that I recommend for every pregnant woman to have around.

View all my reviews >>

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Fair Winds Press (February 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592333583
• ISBN-13: 978-1592333585
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 1 inches

Change over the last 9 months??

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