Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Giveaways & Reviews

Inspirational Film Review of The Movie Camp

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned below for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”
Camp_DVD

I was able to watch a copy of the movie, CAMP last week.

Nashville, TN – (June 28, 2013) – Word Films announces the August 27 nationwide DVD release of the inspirational film “CAMP.” Inspired by true stories from camps for abused and neglected children, the film’s writer and director, Jacob Roebuck, tapped into real-life events to acknowledge the power of the camp experience and the opportunity it provides to give unconditional love to those seemingly forgotten children who need adults in their lives. “CAMP” is the story of a deeply troubled boy, Eli (Miles Elliot, “The Mentalist”), and an apathetic investment advisor, Ken (Michael Mattera), who get paired together at a summer camp for foster kids and discover the meaning of unconditional love.

The first thing I noticed about the movie was that the camp it was being filmed at looked just like the camp I went to in high school.  I did a search and found out it was…Hume Lake if anyone is familiar with that place. This was great because a lot of the places where it was filmed looked familiar to me. I almost want to say we stayed in one of the cabins that was used in the film.

Given the subject matter of this movie I knew it would be a good story.  When I was in college I interned at a foster care agency and I heard about the  types of homes the kids lived it.  It is hard to imagine that parents would treat their children in such a way that they would have to be removed from the home.  The foster kids in the movie reminded me of the kids I used to work with and how they just want to be loved and treated well.

I really admire the owners of the real life camp and what they are doing for these kids.  After the movie is over you can hear some of the real life stories from former campers and counselors. A few of them have ended up adopting some of the children who attended the camp.

It can be easy to think our world is falling apart but it is nice that there are people out there that have stepped up to help children who need it.

You can now purchase this movie as it just came out on August 27th!

The film is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 111 minutes. For more information about “CAMP,” Royal Family KIDS, Inc. and for a listing of upcoming engagements visit: www.campthemovie.com.

Take Dad To Outback For Father’s Day

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Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Outback Steakhouse. I will be compensated for this post.

outback, bloomin onion, military mates, military, operation homefront

My Dad and I have this tradition of going out on a Father/Daughter date whenever I got to visit or he comes to see me. We have been doing this for years and years. A lot of the times we like to go to Outback. We sit, talk and have a yummy meal. I won’t be able to take my Dad out this Father’s Day. I am in Tennessee and he is in California. However, if you can, you should take them to Outback 🙂

Everyone knows the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — and dads are no exception.

Planning on dining at Outback this Father’s Day to satisfy this special guy’s craving for an award-winning steak? We’ve got the inside scoop! When you bring dad in for a meal on Father’s Day, you’ll leave with an extra gift from Outback – a certificate for $10 off two dinner entrees that can be used on a future visit! Hey, maybe you can even treat Dad again for all the things he has done for you throughout the years! This Father’s Day certificate will be given out in restaurant only while supplies last!

Get in early and be sure to ask your server about the offer!

Certificate details: Valid for Dinner only June 17-June 30,2013. $10 off the purchase of 2 dinner entrees or $5 off the purchase of one dinner entree. This offer is valid for dinner only, and is not valid for the No Worries Wednesday Complete Meal for 2 or in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

And don’t forget – Outback Steakhouse will honor our nation’s heroes with 10% off the entire check at Outback when they come in for lunch or dinner valid now through July 4, 2013.

 

Stories in Uniform A Look at the Heroics, Laughs, Sorrows, and Tragedies of Our Soldiers Review And Giveaway

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Stories in Uniform A Look at the Heroics, Laughs, Sorrows, and Tragedies of Our Soldiers Review And GiveawayStories in Uniform
A Look at the Heroics, Laughs, Sorrows, and Tragedies of Our Soldiers
By Editors of Reader’s Digest
Published by Reader’s Digest
Hardcover: 224 pages
May 2, 2013; $15.99 US/$16.29 CAN; 9781621450634

Description
From boot camp to combat, a collection of Reader’s Digest’s unique, emotional, and wide-ranging coverage of military life.

Stories in Uniform is a chronological retrospective of the best military pieces Reader’s Digest has run; pieces that will make you weep, make your heart sing, inspire you, enrage you, and make you laugh. Beginning in World War I and continuing though to the war in Iraq, readers will follow soldiers into the trenches, peer in on emergency surgery taking place in the depths of the ocean, watch heroes carry the bodies of fallen brethren, trail Eisenhower for the three days leading up to D-Day, and be inspired as men and women rise above and beyond normal human limits to preserve our rights and save their friends.

Stories include:

  • A moving memorial to D-Day
  • A tribute to one of the first African-Americans to serve as a Naval Officer • A pilot rescued after his F-16 is shot down
  • A soldier returns to the front after losing his foot in action
  • An American soldier who takes a big risk to save a dying Afghan girl

This book gives a complete perspective on the hell that is war, the love that grows from camaraderie, the pride from accomplishing the impossible, the humor that springs from the military bureaucracy, and more.

About Reader’s Digest
RDA is a global media and direct marketing company that educates, entertains and connects more than 130 million consumers around the world with products and services from trusted brands. With offices in 43 countries, the company reaches customers in 78 countries, publishes 91 magazines, including 50 editions ofReader’s Digest, the world’s largest-circulation magazine, operates 78 branded websites and sells 40 million books, music and video products across the world each year. Further information about the company can be found at www.rda.com.

For more information please visit http://www.rda.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stories-Uniform-Heroics-Sacrifices-Soldiers/dp/1621450635

Link to Reader’s Digest Store: http://www.rdtradepublishing.com/book_display.php?isbn13=9781621450634

Julie’s Thoughts: I am a big fan of books like this. I love to read the stories and learn more what it was like in previous wars. I like that the stories come from different points of view. They are not all told from someone who went to war but from the family members too. Each of the stories in the book is short which is nice if you only have a few minutes to read each day. Make sure to keep a tissue by you when you read this book, you will need it.

Giveaway: I will be giving away TWO copies of this book to a couple of my readers. Just enter using the Rafflecopter below!

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* I was provided a review company for this post.

The 5 Money Personalities Review and Giveaway

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The 5 Money Personalities

Do you and your spouse argue about money? We took premarital counseling when we were engaged and took a test. It was pretty in-depth asking us about everything. From the test we found out that we would usually always argue about money. We were raised very differently and because of that we don’t always see eye to eye on things.  After 10.5 years of marriage, the test we took way back then has proved to be correct. Although we work out our disagreements, it is still an area we sometimes don’t agree.

That is why I was excited to see this book and the opportunity to review it. The 5 Money Personalities: Speaking the Same Love and Money Language by Scott & Bethany Palmer.

About The 5 Money Personalities

The hidden key to a healthy relationship is not just managing money but understanding how the other approaches money.

Every couple argues about money. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple—from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car. And when the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that’s when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry. It’s why money has become the #1 cause of divorce in the U.S. Obviously, something needs to change. The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name. Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka “The Money Couple,” have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it.

Once you know your Money Personality, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together. You’ll discover what has an impact on your loved one’s money decisions, and you’ll learn how to talk about money in a way that’s actually fun! You’ll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all.

It’s not just about money management, and it’s definitely not just about overcoming debt. It is a whole new way of living that will change everything in your relationship. Tens of thousands have already been transformed. Are you ready?

About Scott & Bethany Palmer

“The Money Couple”, have dedicated their lives to helping other strengthen their relationships with the 5 Money Personalities. With 43 years of combined financial planning experience, they launched “The Money Couple” and are regulars on national TV and radio and speak internationally about love and money. Scott and Bethany enjoy an active lifestyle in Colorado with their two young sons, Cole and Cade.

 

My Thoughts- This book is a great way to understand how your view money and why you might clash with your spouse. You can take the quiz at The Money Couple to find out what your money personality is. I took it and found the results interesting.

Your Primary Money Personality is Security Seeker

  • You like to have a plan
  • You like predictability
  • Your future is determined
  • You’re willing to sacrifice
  • You are prepared

Your Secondary Money Personality is Saver

  • You get a genuine rush from saving money
  • Rarely spend impulsively
  • Willing to research in order to find the lowest price
  • Enjoy getting a “good deal”
  • Celebrates when others get a “good deal”

I knew I liked to have a plan. I am a planner by nature. I like to know exactly how much money we have at every given moment. I look up my husband’s LES the minute it comes out. I plan every paycheck out. I get very nervous when I know I am supposed to be paid money and it takes longer than it should. Even though logically I know I will get the money. I am nervous until I actually get it. I find my secondary one interesting because I don’t feel like I save as much as I should. I have my share of impulsive spending too. I do like to research a lot and I love getting a good deal.

My husband hasn’t taken the test yet but I am very curious to find out what his answers would be.

I love how this books talks about different situations and how people deal with them when it has to do with money. I think it would be a great book for any couple to read.

Website: http://themoneycouple.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMoneyCouple

Twitter: https://twitter.com/themoneycouple

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/themoneycouple

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Money-Personalities-Speaking-Language/dp/0849964784/

Would you like to win a copy of the book? Enter the Rafflecopter below 🙂

 

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* I received a copy of this book for review!

A Promise to Protect by Liz Johnson Book Review and Giveaway

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Promise to ProtectI was able to read the book A Promise to Protect by Liz Johnson for a review on my blog.  I just finished it last week!  I had done a review for Liz a while back and was excited about reading another one of her books.

Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend’s sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer–not on his watch. But Matt’s not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women’s shelter she runs. She’s sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can’t handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web more sinister than she’d realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive.

One of the things I liked about this book is that it takes place in California, which is where I am from.  I also liked the mystery that she puts into her books.  She makes you wonder and have to guess what is going on.  Another great thing about this book is that you really fall in love with the characters and you want good things to happen to them.  This was also a pretty quick read so perfect to take on vacation or read in a weekend.

About the Author:

Liz Johnson graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations and set out to work in Christian publishing. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream—becoming an author. She is now a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Promise to Protect is her fourth novel with Love Inspired Suspense. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz’s adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

 

 

Author Interview:

What’s your new book, A Promise to Protect, about?

Ashley Sawyer has been the director of a battered women’s shelter for three years, so she’s no stranger to dealing with threats. But when she helps a young woman disappear, the threats become more intense than she’s ever experienced. Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone is happy to check on his best friend’s little sister, certain he can take care of the situation. But as Matt and Ashley search for the source of the threats, they uncover a plot more sinister than they ever imagined . . . and a love they never expected.

How did you get interested in writing about Navy SEALs?

When I was in college, I picked up a novel about a SEAL, and I was hooked. Who were these men unafraid of facing down the worst in this world? Who would go through such torturous training to be called the elite? I began watching documentaries on Special Forces units and reading everything I could about the men on the teams. Lately I’ve been reading biographies of SEALs including Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and Fearless by Eric Blehm, fascinated by the type of personality it takes to become a SEAL.

It’s been said that good writers are good readers. What do you enjoy reading?

I’ll read just about anything that I can! And I read as often as I’m able. That translates into—whenever I’m not on deadline. My favorite books cross genres and years. As a kid, I read The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and I loved it! Still do. As an adult, I’ve really The Princess Bride and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Mostly I just enjoy a rich story with a happily ever after.

What have you enjoyed reading recently?

I’ve written three books this year—met three deadlines—so I haven’t had as much time to read as I’d like. But I did catch new books by some of my favorite historical authors—Julie Klassen and Karen Witemeyer. On a recent road trip I finally listened to the audio version of Susan Meissner’s The Shape of Mercy. It was wonderful!

Liz, what’s up next for you?

Right now I’m working on the follow up to A Promise to Protect, which is due out next year. It’s about Ashley’s brother and Matt’s best friend, Tristan. Then I’m scheduled to write a third book in my SEAL series. I’ve loved writing about the men of SEAL Team FIFTEEN and the women they fall in love with, so I’ll be sad when the series wraps up. I’m also working on a contemporary romance and bouncing at least a hundred and three other ideas around my mind.

 

Excerpt:

“Tristan is the closest thing I have to a brother. He’s worried about you, and so am I. Let me help.”

Fear flickered through Ashley’s eyes as she whispered, “Someone almost ran me over.”

“Tristan said something about a letter,” Matt pressed.

Ashley nodded. “When I got home that day, there was an anonymous note saying that someone wanted his property back.”

His gut clenched. What kind of jerk threatened a battered women’s shelter? “Listen, I’m in town for a few days. Let me look into things.”

She smiled up at him. “Thanks, but I got the note more than a week ago. If there was any danger, something else would have happened by now.”

As they reached her car, her smile died. He didn’t have to ask if she still thought the threat had passed as she took in the smashed windshield of her coupe. Tucked under a wiper blade, the person responsible for the mess had left a clear message.

            If I don’t get what’s mine, you’ll get what’s yours. 

 

You can win your owned signed copy of A Promise to Protect!  Just enter the Rafflecopter below 🙂

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* Was provided a free copy of this book for review!

Shindigz Party Supplies Review and Giveaway

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Parties can be a lot of fun! Last week we had a little birthday party for my son Drew. He was turning six and was asking for an Angry Birds Star Wars party. I was contacted by Shindigz Party Supplies to do a review for them a few weeks before his party. Since they do not make “Angry Birds Star Wars” party supplies yet, I went with a few Angry Birds items and a few Star Wars items. It fulfilled his wish for an Angry Birds Star Wars party.

Angry Birds Birthday Party

I was able to pick out some super cute plates, cups, table cover, balloons, decorations , goodie bags and a Piñata. Ordering on http://www.shindigz.com/ was pretty easy. I was able to search by theme and found what I wanted. They even have packs of items you can buy than include items such as plates, cups, balloons, silverware, personalized banner napkins, ribbon and streamers. I received my order quickly which was nice since I needed it for the party.

Angry Birds Star Wars

 

Angry Birds Star Wars

 

They always have some type of sale going on and coupons you can use. They have a coupon page to see what their current deals might be. They have also just started a 20% discount to any military personnel and their families. Sweet! They also have a “Welcome Home Party” section to help you throw a welcome home party for your soldier.

 

Welcome Home Party

How would you like to win a $50 gift certificate to plan your party? Just enter the Rafflecopter below to win 🙂

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* I was provided a Gift Certificate to http://www.shindigz.com to review items on my blog.

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A&E’s Be the Boss Series Premiere and $100 Giftcard to the Melting Pot Giveaway

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The series premiere of Be the Boss will air, Sunday, December 2 11/10 C on A&E!

A&E presents the new original real life series Be the Boss, a competition-based series that pits two employees of a franchise-based company in the battle of a lifetime, competing for the chance to become the owner of their very own franchise.

From the Emmy-award winning creators of Undercover Boss, Be the Boss faces off two lower-level employees from the ranks, giving them the chance at what they think is a big promotion. In each episode, the CEO summons two deserving candidates to the company headquarters and subsequently puts them through a series of challenges to test their mettle at being in a senior management role. Both employees battle to prove they should earn the promotion, but they’re in for the shock of their lives when they discover that an even greater opportunity is ultimately at stake – the keys to their very own franchise! With franchise fees often running into the hundreds of thousands and sometimes even exceeding one million dollars, Be the Boss offers one of the largest prizes in all of television…and the promotion goes to the runner-up!

Iconic American companies featured in the first season include Complete Nutrition, Auntie Anne’s, Signal 88 Security, Molly Maid, Jazzercise. and The Melting Pot.

Be the Boss is produced for A&E Network by Studio Lambert. Executive Producers for Studio Lambert are Stephen Lambert, Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Brien Meagher and Phil Lott. Executive Producers for A&E are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Drew Tappon, Nicole Reed and Tom Moody.

You can view a clip of Be The Boss here 🙂

This show looks like it is going to be a great addition to the A&E lineup!  It is going to make people very happy when they find out they have won their own franchise!  There are a lot of different types of reality shows out there but my favorites are the ones that help others and just make you feel good when you watch them.

Here is a great blog post about it… http://www.lifetimemoms.com/lifetime-shows-blogs/whos-the-boss-i-am-sort-of

One of the brands featured on the show is the Melting Pot!

With more than 140 restaurants in North America, existing locations in 36 states, Canada and Mexico and more than 20 locations currently in development, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. is the premier fondue restaurant franchise. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot continues to be a memorable dining experience. Guests enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées combined with dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. The Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit http://www.meltingpot.com.

How would you like to win a $100 gift card to the Melting Pot?  I will be giving away one to one of my readers 🙂  Just fill out the Rafflecopter to enter!

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Remember to tune in on Sundays at 11/10 Central time on A&E!

* The Melting Pot Gift card is provided by A&E Television Networks

Hickory Farms Review and Giveaway

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Home for the Holidays Hickory FarmsWhenever I hear the word Hickory Farms I think about Christmas and the holiday season.  I was given the opportunity to review a gift box from Hickory Farms.  They sent me the Home for the Holidays Gift Box which included:

-Our Signature Beef Summer Sausage 10 oz.
-Spicy Savory Beef Summer Sausage 10 oz.
-2 -Turkey Summer Sausage 5 oz.
-Mission Jack Blend 4 oz.
-Smoked Cheddar Blend 4 oz.
-Jalapeño Cheddar Blend 4 oz.
-Farmhouse Cheddar 4 oz. 
-Creamy Swiss Blend 4 oz.
-Three Cheese & Onion 4 oz.
-Parmesan Herb Blend 4 oz.
-Olive Oil & Rosemary Crackers 1.5 oz.
-Golden Toasted Crackers 1.5 oz.
-Honey & Pineapple Mustard 2.5 oz.
-Sweet Hot Mustard 2.25 oz.

Lots of yummy treats to have on hand during the holidays.  My family likes to relax a lot during the holidays and it is nice to have a box of this around for a quick snack.  There are a lot of different types of cheeses in this one and a few different types of sausage. I also like that the box came with some crackers.

This would make a great gift for family or friends or even to your deployed spouse or family member.

Here are some links for more information:

How would you like to win your own Home for the Holidays box?

Just enter the Rafflecopter below which will run until November 29th!

Good luck!

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* I was provided a free gift box in exchange for this review post. All opinions are my own.