This new DVD in the SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES™ collection is perfect for kids as they wind down the school year, get ready for camp and look forward to spending the summertime with friends. BINK & GOLLIE… AND MORE STORIES ABOUT FRIENDSHIP is an all-new compilation headlined by “Bink & Gollie”, from Kate DiCamillo, the Newbery Medal-winning author of Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux and Alison McGhee. A story of two very different girls who are the best of friends, Bink and Gollie don’t agree on anything, but they learn ways to keep their friendship going strong. The original story for early readers, illustrated by Tony Fucile, won the Theodore Geisel Award, and a new book in the series “Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever” is available from Candlewick Press this spring. 

The Stories:

“A Sick Day for Amos Mcgee” (by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead, narrated by David de Vries) – Amos receives unexpected guests from the zoo when he’s home with the sniffles and sneezes.

 ”The Other Side” (by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, narrated by Toshi Widoff-Woodson) – A friendship develops between two kids from opposite sides of a segregated town.

“Cat and Canary” (written and illustrated by Michael Foreman) – Cat’s unlikely friend Canary shows him a great time when his master is away at work.

FEATURES + DVD Length

• Author and illustrator interviews
• Read-Along Function
• Approx. 36 minutes long

Our Thoughts…

I’m so delighted with Bink & Gollie and more stories about friendship! This DVD is the perfect collection of stories that support respect, tolerance  and friendship! Each story is about 5-6 minutes long and that’s perfect for the little ones with a slightly shorter attention span. Age recommendations are 4-9 years old though the stories kept the attention of my 2 1/2 year old son!

I personally really enjoyed the tales of Bink and Gollie.  Each girl didn’t try to be like the other but both were able to be the best of friends by learning to compromise in some of their actions & behaviors  Their stories are all pretty interesting and have fun endings. Never having heard of this particular story before, I’m looking into personally picking up a few of the Bink & Gollie books at our local library!

My daughter learned a little bit about racial tension in the story The Other Side and about how some people will treat other different just because of their color.  In A Sick Day for Amos McGee the kids enjoyed seeing how the animals left the zoo to help take care of their caretaker when he wasn’t feeling well. And in Cat & Canary a whimsically silly story about what a Cat and Canary did while their master was away!

Overall we highly recommend picking up this great new addition to the Scholastic Story Book Treasure DVD library! It would be a great afternoon flick to watch and to even take a long on a summer vacation trip to keep the kids entertained.

Interested in purchasing? If so, Bink & Gollie and more stories about friendship DVD is available on Amazon.com for $12.99 as of this posting.

In this third installment of THE ADVENTURES OF BAILEY, everyone’s favorite golden retriever pup has settled into his new home and has developed a crush on the neighbor’s female dog. When her brother Felix is snatched and about to be sold at “the Exchange” in historic Cowtown, Bailey sets out to rescue him in order to win the love of his sweetheart. Chaos ensues as Bailey encounters one comical obstacle after another in this warm-hearted, fun-filled adventure! Featuring lessons about acceptance, honesty and teamwork, THE ADVENTURES OF BAILEY: A NIGHT IN COWTOWN is sure to rustle up plenty of viewing fun for the whole family!

If you are looking for fun family friendly movies to add to your must watch during the Summer list, you might want to nab this one! If your kids love talking animal movies free from crude humor, suggestive themes, and other undesirable things that really shouldn’t be there, the Bailey movies in my opinion are a great pick! My little boy is quite sensitive about what he sees on tv and gets scared pretty easily, I am pleased to say this movie was a winner for him. No really scary things to upset him!

Movie runtime is 85 minutes long so it’s the perfect time without being too short or too long. So grab some popcorn, gather together the kids, and get ready for a super fun canine adventure! Also, Be sure to connect with The Adventures of Bailey on Facebook!

For the latest breaking news on THE ADVENTURES OF BAILEY and other releases, follow Entertainment One on Twitter: http://twitter.com/eOneHomeVideo.

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Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this movie to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Melody at age 2. Photo Taken at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Modeling her new hat made by Mommy a week shy of her 3rd birthday

Photo taken by a friend and my daughter at age 4 hugging her toy unicorns.

 …and in four more days, she’ll be five years old!

A Short Bio on How Healing Mittens Came To Be From Shop Owner Michelle …

I started making the cotton mittens after one of our many trips to the pediatrician to try to find relief for my daughter’s eczema. In addition to two prescriptions, the doctor told me to buy her 100% cotton gloves or mittens, which would do two things: 1. stop her from itching herself elsewhere and 2. help keep the medicines in contact with her skin, since her hands are where her eczema is the worst. She couldn’t tell me where to find them. I couldn’t find anything on the internet either — they were either 100% polyester or they were made for adults.

My mother is an avid seamstress, so when I mentioned the problem to her, she laughed and told me to make them myself. We went to the fabric store and they had an entire section of stretch, 100% cotton fabric. I let my daughter pick out the fabrics she wanted and we traced her hand to make a pattern. After a couple versions and modifications, we had mittens.

The mittens are an integral part of my daughter’s eczema routine. Her fingers and hands bear the worst of her condition, and on days when her skin is really bugging her, she’ll tell me “I wear my gloves to night-night, Mommy? Then I feel better?”

I opened the etsy shop at my husband’s suggestion. “There HAVE to be other parents out there looking for these things, just like you were.” And now, when I’m making gloves for an order, my son will say “Mommy is making gloves to help kids with owies like Allie.”

I only hope the gloves can help other kids suffering from eczema.

My Thoughts…

My son Owen age two years old recently had a very bad eczema flare up. I was a desperate mother in search of products to help aid in restoring his skin back to health. In restoring his arm and legs areas wasn’t very hard to keep covered up will medicines worked but places like his neck, hands, and face not such an easy task! Even though his nails are short, he’d still do his best to scratch and in doing so, it made the area much worse!

I was so happy when I came across Healing Mittens on Etsy! These gloves are 100% cotton, extra long, and can be worn under a long sleeved sleepers very easily during the night time hours. After my son started wearing these during his worst eczema flare up times, I have seen much better results. His healing which could take over week ended up being in a matter of days.

I was extremely happy to come across Healing Mittens and hope other parents with little ones with eczema issues know that there is a place where they can get mittens to help aid in their children’s healing. The prices are affordable and to make things more fun, Michelle even makes these in a few different patterns perfect for both boys and girls. Size ranges is xs-xl and if you need something a bit more custom, she’s happy to work with you!

As my son grows, I know I’ll probably be ordering a few more sets for whenever those unexpected flare ups show up. I encourage you to check out her shop, prices range from 3.00-5.00 depending on what size you need. Whether if your child has eczema, chicken pox, or any other skin irritation, I urge you to click HERE to check out Healing Mittens for yourself!

I so adore coming across beautifully handcrafted items of all kinds, especially jewelry. I don’t have a whole lot in my current collection because I’m pretty selective in what appeals to me. I’ve adopted that that less is more so I like to really only collect pieces that can be worn when dressing casual as well as for a more formal occasion. With that being said, I recently came across the perfect combination of both in the original hand-crafted jewelry created by Freshie & Zero!

The artist behind Freshie & Zero is located in Nashville, Tennessee! Tennessee is a most stunning place and will always hold such memories as I spent my honeymoon their over six years ago. I’m also from Georgia so I appreciated coming across another crafty southern sister! After browsing the necklaces, earrings, & lariats offered I was having a hard time in deciding which piece would most I like to wear and review! I found all pieces to be simple, subtle, uniquely beautiful. I have been to many art shows and browsed many other stores but never have I happened upon such interesting shapes and designs! I so love the originality!

A Christ loving girl like myself, believe it or not had not previously owned a cross necklace. I know right? So I opted for the Simple Tiny Horizon Cross in sterling silver from Freshie & Zero. The hand hammered cross measures a petite 1/2″ across and you can choose between either a 16″ or 18″in chain. I’m in love with this piece! It’s ever so dainty, light, and elegant. I can wear it with just about anything in my wardrobe!

The presentation was also top notch. I received my necklace in darling little jewelry box imprinted with the companies name on it and wrapped up in tissue paper. It would be perfect for ordering a gift for someone else knowing that all that extra and love went into not just the finished piece but in the way it’s presented.

I’ll most certainly be shopping at Freshie & Zero in the future! Most necklaces & earrings are available in either sterling silver, oxidized sterling, or gold filled. There is variety of pieces with all sorts of stones and the lariats all are available in either sterling silver or gold filled. And to make things even more wonderful, orders are shipped for FREE via First Class Mail in 2-4 business days!

I highly encourage to pop on over and check out all of the beautiful handcraft jewelry pieces!
But first be sure to enter the giveaway below to win a $50.00 gift certificate to the shop!

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If you are looking for an all-natural lip balm perfect for both guys and girls Cuebalm may just be for you. This lip balm is made up of only three ingredients; jojoba oil, beeswax, and vitamin e. That’s it, there’s nothing you can’t pronounce! No un-needed flavors, fragrances or colorings. This product is perfect for everyone but especially those that may have skin sensitiveness of any kind.

If you are wondering what the “CUE”in Cuebalm stands for it’s condition, uphold, enrich. Everything a lip balm, should aim and stand for in caring for your lips. Each of the three ingredients have all sorts of great qualities such as explained below:

Jojoba Oil
A natural antioxidant and emollient. It resembles the natural oil produced in the skin which is known as sebum and balances moisture. Jojoba oil soothes and makes the lips silky.

Beeswax
A natural antioxidant and emollient that is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-allergenic. Beeswax is a thickening agent that converts oils to balms and helps lock in moisture to keep the lips firm and plump. Beeswax softens and creates a long lasting coating against various elements.

Vitamin E
A natural antioxidant and preservative. Vitamin E helps keep the lips smooth and bright.

I’ve been using Cuebalm for a little over a week now and can honestly say I’ve been really happy with it! The lip balm has no scent or flavor which sometime is off putting. The lip balm applies smoothly without being overly greasy which can often be an issues in some natural balms. I’ve found that through out the day 2-3 applications seem sufficient in keeping my lips from being dry or otherwise agitated.

I think the product packaging is fresh and very appealing. It’s design ensures that it could be used for either a guy or a girl too. I know my husband often has dry lips and wouldn’t want to be carrying around a much more feminine styled lip balm and a over fruity or floral flavored one at that! He totally approves of Cuebalm too, so I think I’ll be getting more soon and spreading the word around about it among my friends and family members!

Interested in purchasing? Cuebalm is normally 2.99 each but right now the company is offering a buy one get one free deal! Do note that the seller is only accepting Paypal payments as this is a new product.

Get Connected
http://www.cuebalm.com | Like them on Facebook | Follow them on Twitter

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product but no other compensation has been received. All thoughts about the product are my own.

There’s always been something special about receiving pearls as a gift. Often given as gifts of love, pearls are the perfect gift to give to someone you love to make a significant moment that much more memorable. Pearls are ever so versatile and available in the form of all sorts of jewelry accessories too! Whether you’d like to wear them casual or for a more formal occasion, pearls work both ways. Plus, hadn’t you heard that Pearls are a Girls Best Friend?

I recently was introduced to Dolma Jewelery. This company specializes in pearl accessories of all kinds! On their website, you can find necklaces, earrings, bracelets, accessories, and charms all featuring naturally beautiful pearls that were hand picked personally by the gals behind Dolma.

I was sent the Christina Cross Necklace to review and decided upon giving it to my daughter Melody. Melody is turning five years old this month and I wanted her to have something very special to help her celebrate her day. She is growing up so quickly, no longer a baby, toddler, nor preschooler. She’s becoming quite the young lady. She’s also been eager to learn more about God and our faith so I knew the pearl cross necklace would symbolize and serve well in her walk.

The necklace is beautiful. The sterling silver chain it hangs from it top quality and it seems to shimmer in the light. The pearl cross is silky smooth. The necklace is simple in design but that’s very suitable. Sometime when it comes to fashion among other things, less is more. My daughter often wears her pearl cross necklace when we are out on special occasions as well as to church. I’m glad she loves it so much!

If you are looking for Pearls jewelry or accessories of any kind, do check out Dolma Jewelry. The prices are affordable and there’s a wide selection. They also support several charities such as  The Thirst Project ,an organization striving to provide clean water to those around the world who don’t have access to it.

Get Connected with Dolma Jewelry: Like on Facebook | Follow on Twitter

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product but no other compensation has been received. All thoughts about the product are my own.

I have two little ones at home ages nearly five and two and half years old. My kids are learning all about reusing, reducing, and recycling. This makes my glad my children are being more aware about waste and reuse. They know all about sorting and that we use shopping totes when we go out to the store and handy re-usable zip up snack bags for all their goodies.

The company lil’ Alice recently gave me the opportunity to review a snack bag for each of my children as well as a cloth shopping bag for myself. The snack bags we were sent, my kids were fans of right away! The patterns were super cute and we’ve decided that as far as reusable snack bags go, we opt for the zipper closure 100%. First, the zipper keeps whatever inside contained and the zipper doesn’t collect gunk like velcro closures often do. Each bag is is lined with PUL, waterproof, and completely food safe. Clean up is a cinch too, Wipe out , rinse out or toss in the dryer!

The market tote bag I was sent features a super cute design of a variety of trees, perfect for any nature lover! The material the bag is made out of is called utility fabric which is know to be best for standing up to the rigors of heat, outdoor exposure or just the trials of everyday use. The bag material is 100% polyester and its’ recommended to wipe it clean with a damp cloth or machine wash on cold on the delicate cycle. I am not sure about throwing it in the dryer since I’ve just let mine air dry. The bag itself I’ve used many times and it’s strong, no show of wear and a great way to reduce the need of using plastic or paper bags at the grocery store.

a quick glimpse at the history of lil’ alice

*Bought a sewing machine in 2000 for $127.
*Didn’t know if I would use it or not!
*Made my kids their odd and end bags and pillowcases and other wishes.
*Bought my first pattern in 2010 for $2.99
*It was an apron.
*Made a huge tote bag out of fat quarters for my sons classmate/neighbor.
*Placed it on FB and people were wanting to buy them.
*So I downsized the bag and made them with canvas.
*Needed tags & a name to sew on my items.
*Grandma’s name was Alice and she loved to sew, cook and shop. My top favorite things to do too.
*I was called lil’ alice by my parents etc.
*And so lil’ alice was birthed!

My family highly recommends the Lil’ Alice products we were sent to review! I recommend checking out the other products such as the Keyring Wristlets, fold over clutches, and the totally cute aprons! Prices are affordable and if you don’t see what you are looking for, I’m sure they will be more than happy to do something custom for you!

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Simple Luxuries is a company that specializes in offering quality skin care products with nothing but the best all natural ingredients. Whether you are looking for handmade soaps, shampoo bars, lip balms, tinted lip shines, lotions bars, or soy wax candles, they’ve got you covered. Our skin as well as our senses can be ever so sensitive to our conditions so it’s good to pamper the best we can.

How thrilled I was to be able to review Simple Luxuries lotions bars. There are quite a few scents available now for personal preference to whomever may be looking for a favorite. I was sent the very vanilla scent and the unscented. The unscented was specifically sent along for me to use on my son. My two year old little boy has eczema that can go from normal to severe so I’m avoiding using anything with fragrant oils. Sometimes fragrant oils can cause irritation to those with very sensitive skin.

The Lotion bars are made from Grapeseed Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, and Vitamin E. These specific ingredients ensure long lasting moisturizing to your skin. Having never used a lotion bar before, I must say I’m pretty impressed. The bars come in a roll up container, just like you’d have for a deodorant. You simply roll up to what you want to use, rub it on, and recap for future use.

One of my biggest loves are that these applicators are just the right size for a pocket or purse. You can easily take the lotion bar along with you without fear of a mess! And they would make the perfect gift being able to choose from the following scents: Very Vanilla, Lavender Patchouli, Pink Sugar, Forbidden Fruit, Irish Tweed, and Pure (unscented).

I recommend checking out Simple Luxuries and with their wide variety products and simple yet attractive labeling, these products would be perfect as is or made up into a wonderful little gift basket for someone you know or you can always just grab something for yourself too. Prices are affordable as well, in my opinion.

Get Connected with Simple Luxuries: Like them on Facebook | Read their Blog | Follow them on Twitter

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product from Simple Luxuries but no other compensation has been received. All thoughts about the product are my own.