Wisdomantics Interactive DVD/Board Game ~ 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.  

My family loves playing board games of any kind.  We have family game night at least once a week.  Chefy and I watch a few game shows on television as well.  Trivia games are my absolute favorite.  Even if you don't know the answer, you learn what it is, and next time you'll know.  One of our favorite game shows revolves around Bible trivia, and we love to play along with the TV.  Thanks to Wisdomantics Interactive DVD/Board Game, I can now play Bible trivia with my family at home, anytime!

About the game:  This game is made for 2-4 players, ages 12 and up.  Wisdomantics–New King James Version (NKJV) is an interactive DVD board game for players of various faiths who desire to gain the vast wisdom of King Solomon. Wisdomantics-NKJV utilizes the proverbs of Solomon and blends chance, knowledge and strategy to create a fun experience while you learn! The game’s intent is to bring individuals together to learn how to cope with numerous situations in a fun and relaxed environment. Inside the box you’ll find 2 interactive DVDs with 400 questions, score cards, blessing cards, and more!

The following video will show how the game is played!

My mom came over and joined us for family game night, and we had a blast.  The game is not hard to play, and the questions were interesting.  We decided that since Mama won, she is no longer allowed to play with us. (Just Kidding)  My mom is a Sunday school teacher as well as a preacher's kid and a preacher's wife, so I guess you could say she was a ringer!  She was especially pleased that Wisdomantics questions came direct from the Bible!  We have discussed all the uses for this game.  It is perfect for Bible study and for youth group meetings.  It would be so easy to play on teams!  During the Christmas holiday, we'll have several teens over and I can't wait to see how well they do!

You can check out the Wisdomantics Official Website to purchase this game and for more information!

Would you like to win a copy of this game for your family?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below!

Idahoan Review & Giveaway

Disclaimer:  I participated in this event on behalf of Wendy's Bloggers for Idahoan Foods. I received Idahoan products to facilitate my review.  All opinions stated are honest and my own!  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Christmas is right around the corner and if you are like my family, you are running around like a chicken with its' head cut off.  We seem to have somewhere to go and something to do every night of the week,  During these busy times, it is more important than ever that I provide my family with a tasty meal.  Fast food just cannot top a home cooked meal.  My family loves a home cooked meal, meat and potatoes if possible.  I love potatoes as much if not more than the rest of the family, but sometimes they take too much work.  Getting good potatoes is no longer a problem for me, because now I use Idahoan! So I’m glad that I’ve found Idahoan Flavored Mashed Potatoes, with a number of flavors varieties to choose from, no matter what we’re eating for dinner!

About Idahoan:  Idahoan is a grower-owned company in Eastern Idaho which began over 50 years ago. Idahoan uses 100% Idaho potatoes in all of its products. The rich, volcanic soil, warm days, cool nights and mountain water from the area offer the perfect conditions for growing high-quality potatoes.  Idahoan uses a proprietary one-pass process in dehydrating these potatoes which allows them to retain the authentic, homemade taste and texture without the hassle of washing, peeling, boiling and mashing. In fact, families can enjoy our mashed potatoes in as little as 4 minutes. Simply put, Idahoan is in the business of making lives easier.  Idahoan potatoes are not only available in the regular plain ones, they also have a variety of Idahoan Flavored Mashed Potatoes!!

Making these Idahoan potatoes is super easy, and that makes them perfect on busy nights.  If I need inspiration, I simply visit the Idahoan.com recipe section and I have lots to choose from.  I decided to make a corn chowder for my family the other night.  Idahoan had a yummy looking recipe for a Clam and corn chowder, but since I am allergic to clams, I decided to just omit them from the recipe.  I also added a few diced potatoes to make the soup even heartier!  The result was a DELICIOUS corn chowder that my family inhaled!  The soup did not take long to cook which was ideal for a busy night!

Would you like to win a prize pack like the one I received?  It retails at about $50 and includes :

4 pouches Idahoan Buttery Homestyle
4 pouches Idahoan Four Cheese
4 pouches Idahoan Loaded Baked
4 pouches Idahoan Baby Reds
4 pouches Idahoan Roasted Garlic
1 deck custom Idahoan playing cards
1 Idahoan branded premium soup bowl/cup



Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below.  Please note:

One winner per household, email address, or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again. Winners must have a U.S.-based address to receive their prize.

If you want to learn more about Idahoan, you can follow them on facebook!

InStyler Ionic Styler Pro Review

Disclosure: I received the InStyler products from Vocalpoint at no cost to facilitate my honest review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own and were in no way influenced by receiving the free product.

Ionic Styler Pro

MAX 2-Way Rotating Iron

TULIP Auto Curler

My girls are always trying new products to change their hairstyles.  We recently had the opportunity to test out InStyler’s Hot Tools for the Holidays!  We were sent the Ionic Styler Pro, MAX 2-Way Rotating Iron, and the TULIP Auto Curler.  We decided to try out the InStyler Ionic Styler Pro because it’s a ceramic hot brush and flat iron combination.  LeeLee could not decide how she wanted to wear her hair, so we decided to flat iron it first.  Once we flat ironed it, LeeLee was so excited with the results, there was no reason to go any further!  Since the before picture was not viewable, I decided to use a photo which shows how LeeLee's hair usually looks.

LeeLee Before

LeeLee After

The Ionic Styler Pro worked fabulously!  It heats quickly and it was very easy to use.  Usually it takes quite a while for us to get her hair flat ironed, but this product stayed heated, but not so hot that it damaged her hair!  We give the InStyle Ionic Styler Pro a huge recommendation from the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.

Right now, you can get 30% off any InStyler’sTools at RSVPInStyler.com with Code: SAVE30

This would make a wonderful gift for that special female in your life!  

Disclosure:  I received the above mentioned products to review as a member of Vocal Point.

CatDog: The Complete Series Review & Giveaway #HGG

Disclaimer:  I received this DVD for free in exchange for my honest review.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe in.  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.”  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!

The DVD I am recommending next is really something that the entire family can enjoy.  I was actually introduced to CatDog by my brother and sister-in-law who were hooked on the show.  CatDog is a fun series to watch.  Lots of crazy adventures are in store on this DVD series.  Never heard of CatDog?  You've been missing out!

So you think you have trouble dealing with your sibling? Then you’ll howl with laughter and meow for more watching the madcap misadventures of the feline and canine brothers who bring a whole new meaning to the idea of “family bonding” in CatDog: The Complete Series.
Brothers Cat and Dog couldn’t be more different — Cat is clever and cultured, while Dog is a naïve but lovable goofball. But they definitely share one thing in common: a body! This crazy set of conjoined twins find themselves in all sorts of silly adventures, but through them all, the two misfits stick together…whether they like it or not!  All 68 episodes of this fan-favorite series has been released as a complete series DVD for the first time, exclusively at Wal-mart.

We have watched this series all the way through once and now my brother and SIL are watching it.  My nephew has already requested to view it next.  I had no idea how many people liked CatDog until I got it in to review.  Kat had never seen it, and she joined us one afternoon as we watched several episodes.  The zany antics of the conjoined CatDog twins had us all laughing.  It is a great stress reliever and has easily earned a spot in my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!

~~Giveaway~~

One lucky Shelly's Bits and Pieces reader will WIN their own copy of CatDog: The Complete Series!  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below.

Transformers Cybertron Giveaway #HGG

Disclaimer:  I received this DVD for free in exchange for my honest review.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe in.  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.”  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!

We're on to the little boys in your life, or the big boys who never quite grew up.  My gift recommendation for those who enjoy the Transformers is Transformers Cybertron: The Complete Series, featuring all action-packed episodes collected in one deluxe 7-DVD box set.

In 2005, Transformers fans were introduced to the animated series Transformers Cybertron, the third installment of the rare Unicron Trilogy – consisting of Armada, Energon and Cybertron. Unicron has been defeated, but his destruction has created a black hole, which is threatening the Autobots’ home world of Cybertron. It’s up to Optimus Prime, his team of heroic Autobots and their new human friends — Coby, Lori and Bud — to secure the four mystical Cyber Planet Keys, in order to destroy the black hole. Unfortunately, Megatron and the Decepticons are always lurking. And if the Cyber Planet Keys fall into their hands, it could mean the end of life as we know it. The race is on!

In my house, when the guys are in charge of the TV, you can guarantee that there is some action going on.  Little man loves to watch anything with the Transformers, and Chefy is right there with him.  I will admit that I occasionally watch too, but it is their bonding time, so I try to butt out.  We were recently given the opportunuity to review Transformers Cybertron:  The Complete Series, and both my guys were very happy.  This 7-DVD set gave them hours of viewing enjoyment and bonding time.  One thing I really enjoy is that they are trying to save the planet.  It gave Little Man such ideas.  He was role-playing for days coming up with ideas of his own.  (I had to burst his bubble when I ruled out eliminating broccoli as a way to close the black hole.)  

Do you have someone in your house who is a Transformers fan?  If you do, this is a great gift idea for them.  They get every episode in this set, so they can go back and watch their favorite ones over and over.  Two big thumbs up from the men in my house!

     ~~Giveaway~~

One lucky Shelly's Bits and Pieces reader will WIN their own copy of Transformers Cybertron: The Complete Series!  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below.

My Little Pony The Complete Series on DVD Review and Giveaway #HGG

Disclaimer:  I received this DVD for free in exchange for my honest review.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe in.  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.”  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!

Today we are talking about a great Christmas gift idea for your little girls, or for those of us who are still kids at heart.  When My Little Pony became a cartoon in 1986, I was already an adult, but I have very strong memories because I was watching the cartoons on Saturday mornings with my little cousins.  Those two girls, who rarely agreed on anything, would race to the TV to get it on the correct channel for My Little Pony.  Now, we can watch this wonderful series all over again because it is now available on DVD!  ALL 65 Episodes are in this DVD set!

About My Little Pony:  You’re invited to return to Ponyland, the home of all your favorite classic Little Ponies, including the Earth Ponies, Unicorns, Pegasus Ponies, Flutter Ponies, Sea Ponies, Baby Sea Ponies, their human friends Megan, Danny and Molly and, of course, their dragon friend, Spike! Together, they live a life of games, songs and harmony with allies like the Bushwoolies and Furbobs. But, occasionally, there are problems in Ponyland and the Little Ponies of Paradise Estate must face evil witches, goblins, Stone Backs, Grundles and more! Now you can join in the fun and adventure with My Little Pony: The Complete Series!

My Little Pony is a very cute cartoon and it allows you and your kids to just enjoy being kids.  The series is full of fun songs and you will enjoy going on fun adventures with the Little Ponies and their friends.  Kids will learn that every life has problems, buy they can be worked out.  Want to win a copy for your family?  (If it is for you...I won't tell anyone!)

We are lucky enough to be able to offer one lucky Shelly's Bits and Pieces reader My Little Pony the Complete Series on DVD!!  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below!

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN By The Lumo Project Review #JOHNONNETFLIX

Disclosure: I received a free viewing of this movie in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces Family.  No monetary compensation was received

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— John 1:1

About the film:
FOUR GOSPELS. FOUR FILMS. ONE JESUS STORY. FOR EVERYONE.
A ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels.
The Lumo Project is a ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels: redefining the standard of visual Biblical media. The Lumo Project presents four films – one for each Gospel account – that will revolutionise the way we all experience the story of Jesus and the world of First Century Palestine in which he lived.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
The Gospel of John takes the story of Jesus from John’s gospel with its own unique characteristics. For John, Jesus is the Word of God made human. John is clear that that when encounter Jesus, we encounter God.  The gospel writer points to the miracles (the ‘Signs’) and teachings as evidence of Jesus’ special relationship as the divine Son of God.
This full-length feature film about the life of Jesus takes the actual Gospel text as its script, word for word, unedited. Five years in the making, this epic production has been critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic telling of the Jesus story. Narrated by leading British actor David Harewood (‘Homeland’, ‘Blood Diamond’, ‘Merchant of Venice’) it is based on the latest theological, historical and archaeological research. With specially constructed sets and the extraordinarily authentic villages and countryside of rural Morocco, it immerses the viewer in the world of first century Palestine. 

OUR THOUGHTS
Chefy and I enjoy watching Christian and Bible related movies.  I am a huge stickler for wanting the movie to stick to the text of the Bible.  My daddy and Papa were both preachers and I grew up in church learning about Jesus.   I have a personal relationship with Him and I am not ashamed to state that out loud.  With that being said, Chefy and I were very excited to check out The Gospel of John.

One of the things I loved most about this movie is that it uses the Bible text as the script.  There was none of the, "This might have happened", or far fetched theories that I have seen in other movies.  In my opinion, you cannot veer off course if you follow the text of the Bible. The movie was filmed in Morocco which provided an ideal back drop and enabled me to feel like I was back in that time.  The narrator was very easy to follow.  His voice is not monotoned, and is actually soothing.  I really loved watching the miracles being performed by Jesus.  I felt like I was there watching it as it happened.  Chefy and I were both very thankful that the death of Jesus was not as gory/bloody as I have seen it depicted in other movies.  I truly understand that it was barbaric, but for younger viewers and for those of us with queasy stomachs, less blood and gore was appreciated.  

We have and will continue to recommend this movie to others to watch and we are anxiously awaiting the other three Gospels.  Give yourself a gift this holiday season and watch The Gospel of John on Netflix.  I do not think you will be disappointed!  


Yoyu can stay connected with The Lumo Project on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 


Sending a huge thank you to FlyBy Promotions and The Lumo Project for sharing The Gospel of John. My family really enjoyed it and look forward to watching it, and the other Gospels on Netflix!

Chuggineers Ready To Build DVD Review & Giveaway #HGG

Disclaimer: “I received this DVD for free in exchange for my honest review.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe in.  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.”  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!

As we continue on with the 2015 Holiday Gift Guide, we Chug right on into the station with this Chuggington DVD, "Chuggineers Ready To Build."  My little ones love Chuggington and we were thrilled to review this DVD.  What?  Never heard of Chuggington?  Learn more about the TV show below.

“Chuggington” is a contemporary, action-based, energetic and vibrant CGI series for children ages 2-5. The series follows the adventures of three young trainees – Wilson and his friends Brewster and Koko – as they ride the rails and take on exciting challenges that test their courage, speed and determination. Along the way, and with help and support from a strong community of engines and people, they learn positive values and new skills that empower them to become the best trainees they can be. Further information is available at www.chuggington.com.


My little Trainees love to ride the rails with Brewster, Wilson, Koko and their friends.  Chuggington really empowers kids and assures them that they can do anything if they try hard enough.  I love the positive values it teaches!!  This DVD introduces two new characters, Payce, the tunnel runner from Tootington, and Cormac, the cheeky forklift engine.  They fit in perfectly with the rest of the gang!  They made their exciting DVD debut in “Chuggineers Ready to Build,” helping Wilson, Brewster, Koko and little trainees at home discover important lessons about safety, responsibility and teamwork! Included in the five episodes is an extended Chuggington special that premiered on Disney Junior this fall. And the DVD includes awesome bonus features:  a new music video, Badge Quest episode, character montages of Zack and Jackman and Chuggington-themed coloring and activity pages. In addition, for even more “traintastic” fun, young fans will receive a special two-sided Chuggington Collector Poster with each DVD!  

In this special collection of hard-working adventures – including the “We are the Chuggineers” music video! – Brewster joins Chuggineers Zack, Fletch and Tyne to build tracks, bridges and tunnels, make repairs, haul heavy loads and more! 

Featuring new wagons and machines, including the massive yellow Mega Chug Crane, and new friends Payce, the tunnel runner from Tootington, and Cormac, the cheeky forklift engine, “Chuggineers Ready To Build” (SRP: $14.98) will help Wilson, Brewster, Koko and little trainees at home discover important lessons about safety, responsibility and teamwork.

Episodes:
·         “Chuggineers: Ready to Build Special”
·         “Brewster Makes Tracks”
·         “Back Up Brewster”
·         “Outward Bound Olwin”
·         “Fault Finder Emery” 

DVD Bonus Features:
·         New Music Video: “We are the Chuggineers!”

Badge Quest Episode: “Night Chuggers”
Character Montages: Zack and Jackman

·         Coloring and Activity Pages

Would you like to win a copy for your little Trainee?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below! 

TICKETY TOC DVD, ‘CHRISTMAS PRESENT TIME' Review and Giveaway #HGG

Disclaimer: “I received this DVD for free in exchange for my honest review.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe in.  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.”  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!

It’s time to hop into the sleigh for festive escapades with “Christmas Present Time,” the latest title in the popular Tickety Toc DVD series featuring a compilation of five funny winter-themed episodes and hilarious holiday hijinks from the hit Nick Jr.® TV show, including the zany Christmas Present Time extended special. 

In “Christmas Present Time” (SRP: $14.98), it’s Christmas time in Tickety Town and Tommy and Tallulah are determined to make every merry second count! This all-new collection of seasonal adventures – including the Christmas Present Time extended special – brings viewers along as the twins find a new way to make snow, build a giant igloo, roll the biggest snowball ever and even help Santa fix his sleigh in time for Christmas Eve. But when their zany escapades get out of hand, the twins look to their friends, McCoggins, Pufferty, Madame Au Lait and Tooteroo, to help them make things right!

Episodes include:
·         Christmas Present Time
·         Winter Time
·         Snow Time
·         Igloo Time
·         Leaf Sweeping Time

DVD Bonus Features:
·         Coloring Pages

My youngest kids really enjoy watching Tickety Toc and were thrilled when we received "Christmas Present Time!"  They love Tommy and Tallulah because they are always going on some type of adventure.  One of the things I really like about this series is that it does stress friendship.  Children need to understand what it means to truly be a friend!  

If you have never heard of Tickety Toc before, read below for more information about the show.

Tickety Toc follows the everyday adventures of 6-year-old twins, Tommy and Tallulah. Traveling through the special Tickety Toc clock, where the twins live, audiences enter a CGI world of eclectic characters as they tag along on exciting escapades filled with slapstick surprises. Tommy and Tallulah’s strong “can do” spirit often produces an unanticipated outcome, but their individual approach to sticky situations and joint resourcefulness always shine through and save the day! Through the twins’ madcap adventures, Tickety Toc explores teamwork, social responsibility and problem solving – important concepts for preschoolers as they learn and grow. Tickety Toc has quickly become a top performing afternoon show on Nick Jr. (Nielsen) and has been picked up for a second season.

When we started putting this holiday gift guide together, we decided that we needed to add this DVD because it is fun and it is a wonderful way to not only keep your kids entertained this holiday season.  It is also a great teaching tool!  Would you like to win one for your kids?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below!