Looking for some interesting material to add to your home schooling curriculum? Art Class from See the Light proves to be interesting, informative and captivating! Not only is Pat Knepley comfortable in front of the camera and easel, but she also knows how to keep your attention. The art lessons are set up like an art club with each lesson lasting approximately 10 minutes, giving students time to practice what they were just taught.

In this 10-disc series is a step-by-step series, Knepley speaks clearly and takes the time to explain various “how’s and why’s” throughout each lesson. Her delivery of the lesson grabs your attention, keeps it, and even makes adults WANT to learn to draw.  In my view, Pat Knepley is also a master weaver – artfully weaving in biblical truths all through each lesson.

Whether you homeschool or not, this series is a great addition. With so many schools doing away with the arts, you can supplement your child’s art lessons with these DVD’s. I can see even having your children’s friends over frequently for ‘art class’ with Pat Knepley. What a great way to educate and entertain at the same time.

DVD provided by publisher. Thank you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Reviewer received one or more of the product mentioned above for free in the hope that it would be mentioned on CWAHM.com. Regardless, CWAHM only recommends products we would use personally and believe to be good for CWAHM’s audience. Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

IT’S AN All-NEW “HARE” RAISING EASTER ADVENTURE!

VeggieTales^® Easter-themed DVD Full of Music & Meaning
Available Just in Time for the Holiday Season!

VeggieTales^®: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter reminds kids and families of the true meaning of the easter celebration, importance of helping others in need.

Big Idea Entertainment, the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands, released their first new Easter holiday DVD in seven years, VeggieTales^®: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter, in Christian and general market stores.

This brand new DVD features plenty of fun music as well as a new character—Cassie Cassava—voiced by American Idol top finalist Melinda Doolittle. Other memorable family-friendly content includes silly songs, interviews and a backstage pass feature with Larry the Cucumber on the “VeggieTales Live!” tour. ‘Twas The Night Before Easter examines how important it is to help other people while exploring the real meaning of Easter. The title’s launch is supported by a comprehensive marketing and advertising campaign with licensing and promotional partners such as, Gund^®, Toys “R” Us^®, Walmart, Target^®, American Greetings Interactive^®, Frankford Candy & Chocolate^®, American Puzzle Company^® and more, as well as live events.

“We hatched ‘Twas The Night Before Easter as a holiday surprise for families,” said Leslie Ferrell, General Manager of Big Idea Entertainment. “This title follows the huge sales success our first Easter-themed release, An Easter Carol, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to deliver a new DVD timed to the holiday this year. It was truly a rewarding experience working with Melinda Doolittle, and we think fans are going to love her character, Cassie Cassava, just as much as her wonderful singing!”

DVD Synopsis

It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade is hunting for a way to help others. She cooks up a plan to save the old theater with a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit to perform “Up With Bunnies.” Now there’s only one thing missing – the star of the show! When word spreads that singing sensation Cassie Cassava (Melinda Doolittle) is arriving to perform in her hometown church’s Easter service, Marlee schemes to steal the starlet for her own pageant! But when things go haywire, will it be curtains for Marlee’s dreams – or will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about?

Recently Charm Factory was kind enough to send me a charm bracelet full of hearts & symbols of faith. It’s such a great piece as well as a conversation starter. It’s well-made and you can choose from hundreds of charms! The charms on my bracelet are Sterling Silver, but on their website shows charms with colors, “jewels,” and even some gold options. These would make a fun gift for daughters, moms or any special women in your life.

How cute are these?! I was so excited when Dayspring sent school supplies my way to review. Each product has a Christian theme and is a great conversation starter for teens – or kids of any age. Dayspring has geared these for teens, but I sent them off to school with my 3rd grader and kindergartner (who wants to know why there is a “garden” in kindergarten – ha!) and they love them. I don’t think it’s ever too soon to start developing the witness in our children and teaching them to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)

So, thumbs up to Dayspring for these great products – one more way that we can influence our kids to stand firm in their foundation of faith and be a light shining for Jesus at school.

I jumped at the chance to review the iSafe backpack because I thought it looked like a great way to keep kids safe. What I found, though, was that it’s a great way to keep anyone safe – I myself will carry one of the iSafe bags, especially if I happen to be out by myself or if it’s just me and the kids.

When the package arrived my husband was a little skeptical about how effective the alarm would really be. The promotional materials advertise it as the “World’s Loudest Personal Alarm System” so he just had to try it out right away and see. Well, I’ll say this – it is LOUD. If you were carrying an iSafe bag and ran into trouble or found yourself in a dangerous situation, the built in alarm system (which is activated by pulling on a small cord hidden in the “arm strap” of the bag) is so loud that I can’t imagine it being ignored.

I can see this bag being especially effective for families who live in large cities or who maybe live in rural areas have kids who have to walk a distance. The iSafe bags won’t protect you or your child by themselves, but they will certainly add a layer of security to the precautions available to parents today.

Learn more about iSafe bags at iSafeBags.com

Reviewed by:
Jill Hart, CWAHM

COMMENT for your chance to win a copy of Sweetpea Beauty!

My kids love this DVD! My daughter, who is 8, thought it was fantastic that VeggieTales had come out with something new that was “just for girls.” She thought Sweetpea Beauty was cute, but told me that she LOVED Snoodlerella. I thought both were great – entertaining with good lessons … just what a mom hopes for!

About the DVD:

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the truest heart of all?

Once upon a time, there lived a royally sour blueberry, a fair rhubarb
maiden and a dastardly deceptive mirror! Sweetpea Beauty knows that what’s on the inside is what matters most, but insecure Queen Blueberry can’t see past her own reflection! So, when a decree is handed down that only the most beautiful can rule the land, the Queen gets nervous and things turn ugly! Banished to the dark forest, Sweetpea’s fate seems bleak until a charming prince, a band of merry minstrels and seven snow peas come to the rescue! Will Sweetpea and her friends be able to warn the Queen in time to save her from the clutches of the tricky mirror – or will the crumbling kingdom and the Queen’s own heart be lost forever? Find out in this fairy “Veggie” tale about the real meaning of true beauty.

Plus, the almost-classic tale of . . .Snoodlerella.

A self- conscious Snoodlerella is the star of the ball after getting an extreme makeover. Her life of glamour is short-lived as the clock strikes midnight and her glasses, braces and insecurities return. Will she be able to see herself as the good King sees her—unique, beautiful and perfect just the way she is?

DVD Running Time: 45 Minutes

Additional Info: Widescreen and Fullscreen, Spanish and English Subtitles, Running Time 50 min, 5.1 Surround, NTSC Region 1

Have you heard of CSN Stores? They run a network of 200+ stores carrying everything moms could want – everything from upholstered headboards to luxe handbags – even toys!

CSN Stores has over 1 million products and that number is constantly rising. Not only is their product catalog growing but they’re adding new stores like www.LuxeByCSN.com or www.ShoesGotSole.com . You can literally spend all day looking for the perfect gift … for yourself or a gift! Stay tuned for product reviews from some of the CSN stores coming soon!

I was really happy to hear about a new iPhone app that may be able to prevent a crime or save a life called IcePics (In Case of Emergency Pictures).

Anyone who suspects they are about to become a victim of kidnapping, rape, robbery or assault can  simply point their iPhone at the suspicious person and push the IcePics button on their iPhone.  IcePics will email a picture of the bad guy along with the GPS location of that photo right away to contacts pre-selected by the owner.  A wonderful secondary use of IcePics is to confirm the location of your teen or child with the GPS location sent to your email along with the photo.

I tried out the IcePics app this week. I plugged in my husband’s email address and then click the little “Take Picture & Send” button. It somehow didn’t dawn on me exactly what was going to happen, so within seconds I had my husband calling me, asking me about the email he’d just gotten. So, I can say without a doubt that the app works … and works well.

I’d say this is a must-have app for anyone with an iPhone. You can never be too safe and the IcePics app is quick, easy-to-use and gives me peace of min.

* Thank you to Westwind Communications for a review license for the IcePics app.

I’m so excited – within the next couple of weeks I’ll be reviewing a product or two from a unique series of stores, CSN stores. They run a bunch of websites that appeal to moms like us including  everything from shoes to toys to home decor (love these wall sconces) to cookware.

I’ll be back soon with some great suggestions for my fellow CWAHMs!

Isn’t this bag cute? Just seeing it makes me want to head to the pool!

When I received the bag in the mail the first thing that struck me was how adorable it is. I love polka-dots and having my initials embroidered on the front was just the frosting on the cake. Then, as I pulled it out of the packaging, I was shocked by how HUGE it is! You could literally fit an entire family’s poolside needs in this bag and still have room left over. It is enormous!

I decided to take it with me to a conference where I was speaking to see what people’s thought on it would be (and also to see how much stuff I could cram into it). So, I packed it full – a few stacks of my book, my camera, my purse and everything that I was going to need for the day.

(Let me add in here that this bag is DURABLE. It’s a heavy fabric, so even though I had it loaded full I felt comfortable toting it around.)

The bag held up great, kept all of my stuff neatly in one place and I got lots and lots of compliments!

A little more about Initials, Inc:

Initials, Inc. was founded by Sisters – Britney Vickery and Ivy Hall shortly after becoming SAHM’s. During that time they loved being home with their children but found that they were seeking three things; to be challenged creatively, to have flexibility in schedule and to contribute financially to their homes…but they didn’t want to give up time with their young families to get it. Initials, Inc. was created to meet those needs as women and new mothers. Over time, they quickly realized that the solution that they created for themselves could be a blessing to other women. Initials, Inc. officially launched in February 2005. Today, Initials, Inc. is national in scope and is supporting thousands of women and families all across the country through home parties selling their customer designed personalized treasures!

Personalization is always FREE!

Visit Initials, Inc at Initials-Inc.com.

* A huge thank you to Initials, Inc for sending me this product to review. *

Do you have a child who wants to begin music lessons or who is struggling a bit to learn music? Music Ace Deluxe may be the answer. This easy-to-use computer software takes kids step-by-step through 36 lessons and guides them on their learning journey. My kids are still young, but both enjoy working with this software. My 7-year-old has done especially well with it and I would recommend it to anyone interested in giving their kids some additional instruction in learning music.

~ Jill Hart, CWAHM.com

About Music Ace Deluxe:

Music Ace Deluxe™ combines 36 of the highly-engaging music lessons from the award-winning Music Ace and Music Ace 2 products into a single, carefully sequenced product.

Designed by music education professionals, Music Ace Deluxe is a comprehensive series of music lessons and games that teach beginning music students of all ages the basics of music theory, rhythm, pitch, note reading, listening, and the keyboard. No previous musical experience or instrument is required.

Under the guidance of animated tutor Maestro Max, students are led through a carefully sequenced series of music lessons. Used alone or as a complement to traditional music lessons, this program will challenge, engage and motivate music students and help them succeed by mastering important music concepts and skills.

Music Ace Deluxe also includes the creative Music Doodle Pad that allows beginners to easily compose and hear their own musical creations. The Music Doodle Pad alone provides many hours of fun and learning.

This program will challenge, engage and motivate music students and help them succeed by mastering important music concepts and skills.

• Easy to use, self-paced learning
• Complements traditional music instruction
• Appropriate for students of any instrument
• Create and play your own music
• Compatible with General MIDI keyboards (keyboard optional)
• Tracks progress of 10 users

You can learn more about Music Ace Deluxe at their website or you can find it on Amazon.

Why is it that I never seem to get deodorant on my clothes unless I’m traveling and don’t have any good way to clean it out – or any alternative clothes to wear? I’d been carrying these Skid Out sponges with me for a few weeks waiting for a time when I needed them, so that I could test them and see how they work.

I’d almost forgotten about them until, low and behold, I was traveling. I was getting ready to head to a TV station to talk about my book and I looked down and noticed a streak of what looked like deodorant on my pants. How it ended up there I have no idea, but what I do know is that I remembered that I had the Skid Outs along.

I pulled out one of the sponges, rubbed it on the stain and looked closely. COMPLETELY GONE.

I have never been so thankful for a product as I was for Skid Out that day and I can say first-hand that these really do work.

* Skid Out product provided by Solutions That Stick for review.

I’ve been trying to figure out for a while now how I feel about Pokemon. I can’t say that I’ve put a LOT of thought into it, but every once in a while my kids would mention it and I would wonder what exactly Pokemon was all about. So, when I was given the opportunity to check out the newest Pokemon game, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, I thought I’d give it a shot.

That game is for the Nintendo DS which is great because that means it can travel just about anywhere.  The game allows you to choose and name the Pokemon character that you’d like to play as, as well as your ‘buddy’ who travels through the game with you. The game seems simple enough and even my 4 year old can navigate it for the most part, although my one complaint with Nintendo is that many of their games include a lot of reading which is (obviously) very frustrating for their younger players. But, that actually worked to my advantage because I was able to sit and play with him, reading him the lines when necessary.

Overall I thought the game was pretty much like most of the other character games out there – walking and fighting. I can’t say it’s my number one choice of games for my kids, but in the end good conquers evil which makes for a great in-road to talking about spiritual things. God truly can use anything.

Become a Pokémon and Save the World!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is the newest installment in the Pokémon Mystery
Dungeon video game series. The game expands on the fun found in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon:
Explorers of Time and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness. Players become a
Pokémon and team up with a partner Pokémon. Together the two set out on an adventure of
exploration and discovery, ultimately saving the world from destruction. With additional Pokémon to
become, new “Special Episodes” and enhanced communication features, this is a grand adventure
with a moving story and stunning finale. This game is a great starting point for players to enter the
world of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and for returning players to discover even more secrets.

FEATURES:
• Become a Pokémon and experience the world in a whole different way. Enter into a spectacular adventure to
save the Pokémon world.
• Uncover new chapters in the immersive Pokémon Mystery Dungeon storyline by playing new Special
Episodes.
• Play as one of 19 different Pokémon (including five additional starter Pokémon). Find out which one you will
become. Interact with more than 490 Pokémon as you explore.
• Trade items with your friends via a local wireless connection. Also, you can trade with Pokémon Mystery
Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness and see what happens.
• Send a demo dungeon to your friend’s Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi™ system via a local wireless connection.
• With a wireless broadband Internet connection, access special Missions or rescue fallen friends over
Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection.

I was so excited when I got a little Netbook computer – they are so much lighter and easier to travel with than the average laptop. The one drawback is that they don’t have CD drives, so it can be a bit of a challenge to add new software to your netbook. So, when I found that Corel® has a new line of  ‘Home Office’ software available – and that it comes on a reusable USB flash drive – I jumped at the chance to check it out.

What makes Corel® Home Office unique is that it has a low memory requirement and small footprint – so small, in fact, that it’s offered on a USB stick. For families that are considering purchasing a netbook as their child’s school/homework computer, this is especially important, as many of these new, low-priced mini-notebooks do not include a CD-ROM/DVD drive and you certainly want to have a word processor available on your child’s computer. In addition, for multi-language families (or those whose kids are learning a new language), Corel Home Office can be installed in 13 different languages, allowing you to go back and forth between languages as needed.

Installation was easy. I just stuck the USB stick in the port, followed the on-screen promts and ta-da! I now have a word processor, spreadsheets and the Corel® Show presentation software available for use. The software works great on my netbook – opens quickly and doesn’t slow the computer down. Overall, I’m really impressed with Corel’s innovation and their user-friendly approach to software!

* Software provided for review by Corel®.

Goodness knows after giving birth to 2 children and a battle with my thyroid that I can use all the bodyshaping help I can get. So, I jumped at the chance to review the bodyshaper from Amon Maternity. I gotta say, it’s better than I even anticipated.

The bodyshaper is made out of nylon and spandex (what more could a girl want?) and it’s super soft. I found I could wear it all day – even under a t-shirt and jeans and still be comfortable.

Amon not only have have a bodyshaping line, but lots of maternity products as well. So, if you’re like me and need a little extra help in the tummy area, definitely check out the products they have to offer. http://amonmaternity.com

The iHome 2.4 GHz Wireless Presenter is fantastic! I literally plugged it into my laptop, opened up Microsoft PowerPoint and starting my presentation. It was that easy! It’s small, easy to figure out and the USB receiver fits right into an opening in the remote, so there’s no fear of losing it.

It also includes a laser pointer so you can point things out while presenting. If you have customer presentations or any type of speaking engagements, this product is a must-have!

The iHome USB Foldable headset not only provides crisp, clear sound … it’s also pretty! This version of the LifeTalks Foldable USB Headset supports the Susan G. Komen For The Cure campaign. It’s pink and white and folds up to easily travel with you. He’ll never admit it, but it’s such a great travel-ready headset that my husband stuck it in his bag for his last business trip. We were able to chat online while he was away and it easily stowed in his luggage. The sound truly was great and it’s comfy to wear!Products provided by Now and Zen Group

It’s time to start thinking about Christmas! I had the wonderful opportunity to review a few of the great products available for kids this year:

I-DOG PLUSH PUPPY

(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Fall 09)

No batteries necessary for this cute pooch! Just plug in your MP3 player and you can listen to your tunes! We gave our daughter a iPod Shuffle recently and this works perfectly for her to keep in her room and snuggle with while she relaxes. She loves it!

NERF NFL POCKET VORTEX Football

(Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $3.99/Available: Fall 09)

My son loves this football! It’s the perfect size for his little hands (he’s 4) and he can throw it better than a regular football. It’s cure, it’s fun and at $3.99 it’s perfect for Christmas!

PLAY-DOH BURGER BUILDER
(HASBRO/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Fall 09)
&
PLAY-DOH SPAGHETTI FACTORY
(HASBRO/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Now)

How cute are these! My kids LOVE them! We have spent hours sitting at the kitchen table together making Play-Doh burgers and spaghetti noodles. What fun! This is the perfect gift idea for the little chefs in your family.

SHRED SLED
(Ages 8 years and up/Approx. Retail Price: $119.99/Available: Now)

Ok, I have to admit … this one we couldn’t quite figure out. My kids are 7 and 4 and neither one can quite master the shred sled yet. The funny part is the neighbor kid down the street has one and we see him zipping back and forth down the street on it. For now we’re practicing inside, but I have a feeling it won’t be long before my kids are zipping around on it, too.

* Products provided by Litzky Public Relations

I’ve had an iPhone for a while now and I love it. What I didn’t love was my headset. I want to be able to drive without messing with my phone, but the headset I had was bulky and honestly just a little bit painful to have on my ear.

So, when I was sent the Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset to review I knew exactly what I was – er, wasn’t – looking for.

I have to admit I’m superbly impressed with this headset. It’s lightweight and just sticks right in my ear – no pokey metal piece to try to fit around my ear and align with my glasses. It also has a little carrying case that acts as a charger. So, it’s easy to find in my purse and keeps it charged up to 3x longer than regular headsets – it even has a little display that tells you the level of the charge.

The other thing that really impressed me about the Discovery 975 is that (after charging) I turned it on, paired it (via bluetooth) with my phone and wa-la, it worked. It even does voice-dialing. And I didn’t have to fight with it.

I don’t normally gush over things like headsets, but I must say that this one has honestly made my life just a little bit simpler.

My kids got Zoobies this week. They are the cutest things – a child-size blanket stuffed into a stuffed animal, so that they blanket acts like the “stuffing.”

We’ve found that they are especially great in the car. The kids can play with the animals and then when they get cold, they just unsnap, unzip and wa-la! a blanket! And then when their done we can simply fold the blanket up and zip it back inside the animal. No fuss in this 2-in-1 deal.

We chose Khimba the Koala and Bobo the Baboon. They are so bright and colorful and the kids were immediately drawn to them. They thought it was pretty much the coolest thing they’d ever seen. The toys and blankets are well-made and incredibly soft. We are now a “Zoobie family!”

I’m really excited about Piggy Paint! My daughter, who is 7, and I sat down with Piggy Paint this week to check it out and see what all the buzz is about.

I think what I’m most excited about, though, is that both Piggy Paint’s Nailpolish and their Polish Remover are non-toxic and odorless. I unscrewed the cap from the bottle of polish remover and expected the normal nose-full of smelly odor, but instead I smelled … nothing! It is wonderful!

We love the color that we used (Forever Fancy) and the paint went on smoothly andeasily. The instructions say that you should apply 2 – 3 coats, but we found that 1 worked just fine for us. The added bonus is that even if kids’ fingers end up in their mouth the paint is toxin-free, so us moms don’t have to worry.

Even Better: Now through Nov 15th YOU can get a 15% discount 0n Piggy Paint just for being a CWAHM reader! Use coupon code is:  CHRISTIAN15L at PiggyPaint.com. Spend over $25 and domestic shipping is FREE.