What's In The Bible: Why Do We Call It Christmas Review and Giveaway

Disclosure:  This review and giveaway is sponsored by Propeller Consulting, LLC.  I received a copy of the DVD to facilitate my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received!  Sponsor responsible for prize fulfillment!  *Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

CHRISTmas always been my favorite holiday.  I loved all the church activities, the CHRISTmas plays, live Nativity Scenes, candle lighting ceremonies and more.  The one thing that always stood out to me was that CHRISTmas meant love!  I have always been able to sit back and FEEL all the LOVE around me.  It just seems to radiate from everyone.  The Nativity story has always been a favorite of my entire family and we read it every year on CHRISTmas Eve to remind everyone about the true meaning of the holiday.

Have you ever wondered why we do all the other things?
Cutting down trees? Hanging stockings? Santa Claus? What do any of these have to do with Jesus' birthday?  More than you'd think!

We were given a copy of the DVD,  Buck Denver asks... Why Do We Call It Christmas to review.

About the DVD:  Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer along with intrepid newsman Buck Denver and all his friends on an amazing journey into the world's most popular holiday! Sure, you know the Christmas story. But do you know the story of Christmas? Don't miss the whimsical, educational, Christmical party to end all Christmas parties as Buck Denver Asks … Why Do We Call It Christmas?   This DVD answers a lot of questions and covers these areas:
-Where do we get the word Christmas?
-When was Jesus born?
-What do Christmas trees have to do with Jesus?
-Who is St. Nicholas?
-What is Hanukkah?
-Who is Emmanuel?
-Luke 2 Story



We sat down as a family and watched the DVD.  As huge Veggie Tales fans, we were already familiar with Phil Vischer, so we knew this was going to be a great DVD.  We loved the awesome newsman, Buck Denver.  The entire journey we went on with him and his friends was fun and informative.  Chefy and I were taught just as much as the kids.  I never knew what Christmas trees had to do with Jesus, but I do now!  NO!  I am not going to tell you.  You will have to watch the DVD yourself to find out!

You can learn more by following via these links:
Facebook
Twitter
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Pinterest

Would you like to win a copy of  Buck Denver asks... Why Do We Call It Christmas?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below!  You will not be disappointed!

Molecule Cargo Pants - Built For Living

Disclosure:  We will be receiving a pair of these pants to review.  No monetary compensation has been received.  All opinions stated are honest and are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.

Molecule Clothing - Men's and Women's Cargo Clothes - Built For Living

Kat loves to wear cargo pants.  She loves having all those pockets so she can carry everything she needs without carrying a purse!  We will soon be receiving a pair of Molecule Clothing cargo pants for her to try out.  They are made with high quality materials, durable waist ties, bellow pockets, pop-flaps, solid stitching and double-strong belt loops!  Molecules have been designed for fashion and are functional for every occasion!  Molecule's Cargo pants combine the double stitching with double stitching to make a super durable, comfy pair of pants!

We cannot wait to give you our review once the pants arrive!  Stay tuned for our thoughts.  Want to check them out for yourself?   You can get a $10 discount by clicking HERE!

Keep your eyes peeled for the review!  These pants would make a great Christmas gift.....

Check out the New Album Release by Neil Diamond #MelodyRoad #O2O

Disclosure: I participated in the Neil Diamond Melody Road album review program as a member of One2One Network.  I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.


Growing up a Daddy's Girl meant if my daddy liked something, I had to check it out.  My daddy loved to hear Neil Diamond sing.  His favorite movie was the Jazz Singer, and I guess over the years we saw it more than 50 times.   The more I watched the movie and the more I listened to Daddy's Neil Diamond albums, the more I fell in love with his music.  "Love on the Rocks" and "America" were some of my favorite songs, along with "I am, I said" and "Play Me."  Choosing my absolute favorite is impossible.  Neil has a way of pulling you into everything he sings.  We never got to see him in person, but Daddy bought all of his albums and Neil Diamond became a part of our family.

Neil's new album, Melody Road wonderful.  The songs on this album are:  Melody Road, First Time, Seongah and Jimmy, Something Blue, Nothing But a Heartache, In Better Days, Ooo Do I Wanna Be Yours, Alone at the Ball, Sunny Disposition, Marry Me Now, and The Art of Love.  The title song is one of my favorites.  It takes me back to simpler days with my Daddy!


Melody Road is true Neil Diamond.  Although he is in his 70s now, Neil Diamond's voice is a smooth and soothing as ever.  He continues to tell stories with his songs, which is why I never get tired of listening to him.  You can purchase this album NOW!
 iTunes: http://bit.ly/NDMelody
 Amazon: http://bit.ly/MelodyRdND

For more information about Neil Diamond, you can follow him at the places listed below.   Enjoy!

* Official Neil Diamond Website – www.neildiamond.com
* Twitter – @NeilDiamond
* Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/neildiamond
* YouTube – http://bit.ly/NDMelody

I participated in the Neil Diamond Melody Road album review program as a member of One2One Network.  I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.

Celebrate with Pump It Up and Classic Christmas Favorites on DVD - Giveaway

Disclosure: I will be receiving the same prize package I am giving away in exchange for this post.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!  No monetary compensation was received!

It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas!  You just have to step into any store to see that the holiday season is in full gear!  Pump It Up wants to make your Christmas even brighter.  They are currently running a sweepstakes that would make Christmas even brighter for your entire family!  They are giving away a 50" LED Smart HDTV and Classic Christmas Favorites DVD sets in their Classic Christmas Favorites Sweepstakes!  This sweepstakes runs through November 30th!  Get your entries in!!

Want to know more about Pump It Up?  Pump It Up is where your imagination comes to play – Our play areas and giant inflatables help spark a child’s imagination. With more than 140 Pump It Up locations across the United States, we’re proud to be Kids’ Favorite Place.

We offer a wide variety of activities for kids – from our always private Birthday Parties, daily Open Jump sessions and Special Events to Fundraisers, Camps, Field Trips and much, much more.  Our play areas are filled with massive inflatables and other games and attractions that offer endless opportunities for kids of all ages to explore and imagine.

Now that you more about Pump It Up, go enter that sweepstakes!   Although there is only one Grand Prize TV, 15 other entrants will win Classic Christmas Favorites DVD sets!  The set includes 10 family-friendly  Christmas movies, such as:

·         Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

·         The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold

·         Pinocchio’s Christmas

·         The Stingiest Man In Town

·         The Year Without a Santa Claus Deluxe Edition

·         Rudolph’s Shiny New Year

·         Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey

·         Frosty’s Winter Wonderland

·         ’Twas The Night Before Christmas

·         Rudolph And Frosty’s Christmas In July

The drawing will be done by December 2nd, so winners can receive their prizes before Christmas!  I'll be the first to admit that I entered the giveaway!  I would love to celebrate with a NEW 50" LED Smart HDTV!!  

What are you waiting for?    OH...my giveaway!  One lucky Shelly's Bits and Pieces reader will receive their own prize package which includes the Classic Christmas Favorites DVD set and four free Open Jump passes!  Enter on the Rafflecopter form below then head on over and enter!  Click HERE! 

Mary Lambert - Heart On My Sleeve Review

Disclosure:  I participated in the Mary Lambert Heart On My Sleeve album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.

To be perfectly honest, I had never heard of Mary Lambert until I participated in this One2One review.  With that being said, I asked my daughter if she knew her and she did.  She then explained to me that Mary sings on the song Same Love with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.  She wrote the chorus, and then used her "She Keeps Me Warm" lyrics in a new song!  Now that I have been schooled on who Mary Lambert is, it was time to review her music.



The album has a lot of different songs, and I must admit, I admire her for doing a cover of the Rick Springfield hit, "Jessie's Girl."  I like Mary's take on the song.  I like the spoken word selection, "Dear One" as well.   All of her songs have a lot of meaning to them and as you listen, you can feel what she has gone through and where her mind was when she wrote the songs.  My personal favorite is "Secrets" which I can relate to in many ways.  Kat, my 16 year old, really liked the album and she introduced her friends to Mary Lambert's music.  

A big thank you is due to One2One for providing this album for me to review.  It opened my eyes and ears to music that I normally would not have heard.  "Secrets" is now one of my favorite songs, and although I could do without some of the explicit lyrics in the song, I still enjoy listening to it.  Check it out!  You might find out that you'd like it too! 

You can purchase this album at itunes by clicking HERE or at Amazon by clicking HERE! 


Disclosure:  I participated in the Mary Lambert Heart On My Sleeve album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide Day #1 Beethoven's Treasure Tail Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this DVD to facilitate my honest review.  The Sponsor is responsible for giveaway prize fulfillment.  No monetary compensation was received!

Movies are an ideal gift idea when you are trying to choose something for a child or and entire family.  Nothing is better to me than a good, heartwarming family movie.  It puts you in a good mood and for a little while, your mind is taken away from the stress of the day.

My first holiday gift idea is Beethoven's Treasure Tail.  Get ready to howl with laughter in this all-new family comedy starring America’s favorite St. Bernard, the one and only Beethoven! After a doggone disaster of a movie shoot, the big-hearted pooch and his trainer, Eddie (Jonathan Silverman, Beethoven’s Big Break), are heading home when they get stranded in a small coastal village. When Beethoven befriends a local boy (Bretton Manley, Ted), he helps him find a pirate map to lost treasure and together they em-bark on an adventure that brings the whole town together. Co-starring Morgan Fairchild (Flamingo Road), Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), it’s a heartwarming “tail” about finding fun wherever your nose leads you.

The movie is very cute and is something the entire family can enjoy!  Back on November 6th, I reviewed the movie.  You can click HERE to read my review.  

Want to win a copy for someone you love?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below and it could be yours!

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 - Let the Giveaways Begin

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  My husband says that I always seem to shine the brightest from November 1st - January 1st every year, and I give the credit to the holidays!  I love both Thanksgiving and Christmas and I spread my joy into the new year.

Beginning today and running up until Christmas, we will be having giveaways and gift ideas posted daily.  You never know what kind of goodies we will be featuring, so check back daily.  Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa or Happy Holiday season.

Sweeten Your Holiday with Mrs Cavanaugh's Chocolate!

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  I will be receiving chocolate for posting this information, but I only post about companies/products that I believe in.  All opinions stated are honest and my own and are NOT altered by sponsorship.

Chocolate has always been a part of my holiday season.  Someone would bring over a box of chocolate candy as a family gift every year.  My brother and I looked forward to trying all the yummy goodness.  Sweet memories!  This year, I am planning to give my family some Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolate!

Time was when Marie Cavanaugh spent hours in her South Dakota farmhouse each Christmas season making pecan rolls and homemade chocolates for holiday gifting.

"It started when my aunt sent her pecan-rolls recipe," Mrs. Cavanaugh recalled. "I gave the recipe my own touch and started making the yummy specialties. Then I began dipping chocolates. Our friends and neighbors loved these treats, encouraging me to start a candy business. Finally, I decided it might be a good idea.'"

Her husband George and children Carla, Lorraine, Calvin, Colene and Genise rallied, helping Mrs. Cavanaugh fill demands for her homemade sweets.

...In 1972, the family moved to Utah, leaving good friends and their beloved cattle ranch.

"It was a difficult decision, especially for George," Mrs. Cavanaugh said. "He was excited about making our new venture, which we chose to call Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies, a great success. We felt Utah was blessed with good chocolates and that we would enjoy - and could compete with - those who pride themselves on making excellent chocolates."

Millions of pounds of chocolates later, Mrs. Cavanaugh's candies have earned a reputation for unquestionable excellence....

Ask chocolate aficionados. They will direct those seeking the best chocolates to the popular Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies. My readers receive Buy 1 lb Get 1 lb FREE of Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolates use promo code: usfamily2014 at http://www.mrscavanaughs.com/

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  I will be receiving chocolate for posting this information, but I only post about companies/products that I believe in.  All opinions stated are honest and my own and are NOT altered by sponsorship.

Preparing for Christmas with All Things Christmas and More.com

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  I will be receiving a gift certificate for posting this information, but I only post about companies/products that I believe in.  All opinions stated are honest and my own and are NOT altered by sponsorship.

All Things Christmas And More is a family business for over 5 years now. We pride ourselves on offering the best Christmas products around at an affordable price. We stock over 2,500 items year round and expand our catalog every year. This year new Was Halloween next year we are looking to expand and a carry a Spring and Summer Catalog. This Holiday Season we are proud to offer FREE shipping on all order placed November 1st thru December 11th.

Christmas is in less than 7 weeks and it is time to start thinking about decorating.  There are lots of places to shop, but why not check out the All Things Christmas and More store online.  They offer lots of beautiful and unique items that I think you would enjoy!    And remember...between now and December 11th, they offer free shipping!!  


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I will be receiving a gift certificate for posting this information, but I only post about companies/products that I believe in. All opinions stated are honest and my own and are NOT altered by sponsorship.

Winterland and LEDgen Lighting

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  I will be receiving a gift certificate to one of these stores for sharing this information.  No further compensation will be received.  All opinions stated are honest and my own.

Christmas is just around the corner and it is time to start thinking about decorating inside and out.  When you are trying to find out where to buy, check out Winterland and LEDgen Lighting.  You will be surprised at all they have to offer!

We started Winterland, Inc. more than twenty years ago with a passion to create holiday decorations that make a dynamic and awe-inspiring statement. Concept after concept, we dare to be different. How? We're committed to listening to our clients and working hard to provide solutions that are tailored to their needs. Winterland thinks about Christmas every day of the year. While you're putting the decorations away in January we're already planning for next Christmas. Our designers are constantly looking for the latest trends, while at the same time remembering the classic elegance that many people look for during the holiday season. Whether it's decorating the tree in the corner of the living room, putting up a 50 foot animated tree in the center of a shopping mall, or creating a fantastic drive through light park experience for your community, Winterland has been there, done that, and is here to make it easy for you. Our goal is to exceed your expectations for creativity, personal service, value, and delivery. We do it with every single customer because we take the holiday season seriously. Winterland's flexible and willing to accommodate your ideas as a customer. If you don't see what you had in mind please feel free to contact us. If you can dream it Winterland Inc. can build it!!!! Let us assist with a custom design for the holiday season. we will be more than happy to help and answer questions all you have to do is contact us.

Lighting consumes over 20% of all the power used in the United States and incandescent lighting is becoming "banned" in many commercial applications and Canadian territories for use as holiday lighting and in new construction. That is why LED lights - the most efficient light source available to date - represent the greatest breakthrough in lighting technology since Edison's invention of the incandescent light bulb. LEDs are rapidly replacing incandescent and fluorescent lighting in a variety of functional applications including traffic lights, vehicle lights, industrial lighting, and emergency exit signs. LEDs are a low-maintenance, energy efficient solution for anyone looking for dynamic lighting displays. They are also versatile and can be used in many creative applications featuring a variety of brilliant colors and decorative styles to choose from. More reasons why LEDgen Lighting LEDs are the better choice for seasonal and decorative lighting:

50 Foot Animated Tree from LedGenLighting on Vimeo.

Free Shipping on your order this holiday season at Winterland or LEDgen Lighting Holiday Stores. Use code GUIDE 
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11834&dealid=1795

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  I will be receiving a gift certificate to one of these stores for sharing this information.  No further compensation will be received.  All opinions stated are honest and my own

BEETHOVEN’S TREASURE TAIL Review

Disclosure:  Shelly's Bits & Pieces received a complimentary copy of this movie in a Blu-Ray combo pack to facilitate our honest review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family!

Ever since the first Beethoven movie hit the movie screen in 1992, I have enjoyed watching this hugely huggable dog cause chaos.  My Kat has grown up watching the movies, and now we are able to share them with the youngest kids.  Recently, we were offered the opportunity to review the newest Beethoven movie, Beethoven's Treasure Tail.  We sat down as a family and laughed together at the craziness that this lovable St. Bernard digs up.

About the movie:
Get ready to howl with laughter in this all-new family comedy starring America’s favorite St. Bernard, the one and only Beethoven! After a doggone disaster of a movie shoot, the big-hearted pooch and his trainer, Eddie (Jonathan Silverman, Beethoven’s Big Break), are heading home when they get stranded in a small coastal village. When Beethoven befriends a local boy (Bretton Manley, Ted), he helps him find a pirate map to lost treasure and together they em-bark on an adventure that brings the whole town together. Co-starring Morgan Fairchild (Flamingo Road), Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), it’s a heartwarming “tail” about finding fun wherever your nose leads you.

My entire family enjoyed the movie, from the oldest to the youngest, and including Chefy and me.  It was a fun, wholesome family adventure that was fit for all to see.  This movie has been lovingly added to our family DVD cabinet and will be enjoyed for years to come.  If you are looking for a great family movie to consider this holiday season, give Beethoven's Treasure Tail a look!

Disclosure:  I received this DVD free of charge to facilitate my honest review.  No further compensation was received!

A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas book review and giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

About the book:
Discover how to live out a sacred marriage. You believe your marriage has eternal purposes. you long for it to reach beyond your home and encourage others. But what does it look like to have a spiritually intentional relationship in the midst of dirty dishes, work deadlines, and car pools? In Sacred Marriage, Gary Thomas showed us that God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy. Now, in A Lifelong Love, Thomas gives us the practical tools to craft our marriages into inspiring relationships that breathe spiritual life to others. Whatever season of marriage you are in, A Lifelong Love gives your the practical help you need to infuse your marriage with a spiritual passion that will not only change you but will change the world around you.


About the author:
Gary Thomas is writer-in-residence at Second Baptist Church in Houston, a frequent guest on Focus on the Family and FamilyLife Today radio, and a popular speaker. His award-winning books, including The Sacred Search, have been translated into over a dozen languages and together have sold more than a million copies worldwide. Thomas and his wife have been married thirty years and have three children.

Official Website:  www.alifelonglove.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGaryThomas
Twitter: https://twitter.com/garyLthomas

My thoughts:
Marriage is so much more than just staying together.  It is about love and commitment, respect, give and take and more.  I believe that marriage is made by God and is HOLY.  We need to grow together in our faith and in our knowledge of God to strengthen our marriage.  This book reminded me to think about the fact that my spouse is a child of God, not just my husband.  Each chapter of the book has questions for you to think about.  It is thought provoking.  I have added this to our family library and I feel it is a good book for married couples to read.

Would you like to read A Lifelong Love?  I have graciously been allowed to giveaway a copy of Gary Thomas’ A Lifelong Love. You can enter on the simple rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway ends 11/13.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Good luck!

Orkin "Mouse in a House" Game & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I will be receiving one of these blankets as a thank you for posting this.  No monetary compensation will be received.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.  Each household is only eligible to win One Orkin #MouseInAHouse Cozy Fleece Winter Blankets 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.

Fall has arrived, and cooler weather has come with it. Whether or not you know it, your warm house is an open invitation to unwanted guests looking for a cozy winter vacation: rodents. Each fall, rodents migrate from their outdoor “summer home” to the warmth, food and shelter of their “winter timeshare” – your house!

Being human has its perks, like having a cozy house to enjoy during the winter, but imagine having to survive as a mouse? Try your luck by playing “Mouse in a House” – a choose-your-own-adventure game that puts you in the shoes of a rodent looking to survive the upcoming harsh winter season – try your best to stay alive and see how long you last!
Orkin uses the latest technology and unparalleled training to develop an effective treatment that's right for your home. To learn more about pest control grounded in science or to schedule an inspection, visit orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN®.

Orkin Pest Control Facebook Page: facebook.com/OrkinPestControl
Ask The Orkin Man® Twitter Page: twitter.com/AskTheOrkinMan
Orkin YouTube Channel: youtube.com/user/OrkinVideo

                 ~~~~~~~~~~GIVEAWAY~~~~~~~~~~

One lucky Shelly's Bits & Pieces reader will receive an official Orkin #MouseInAHouse Cozy Fleece Winter Blanket (4'x6')! Enter through the Rafflecopter form below.