Love My Readers Paypal or Amazon eGift Code Giveaway

I have passed 1,100 followers on Facebook   I really never thought that was possible.  Now I am looking forward to 1,500, then on to 2,000, 3,000, 5,000.  Wow.  

We have also recently passed 1,000 GFC readers on our blog!

Is that even possible?

I really hope so!  

I would love for my Facebook page to pick up more and to get more interactions on there with all of you. Would love to be able to play games on Facebook where we could giveaway things to you all. Plus, I would also love if we could get more comments on the blog as well.  Because, the more comments, the higher the rankings will go and then I would be able to pick up some new sponsors where we can host some more fabulous giveaways.

I know that we don't give away a ton of things like some of the more popular blogs.  Or even, a lot of high ARV items (though, we just did have one worth about $500), but I am hoping that changes in the future and that you all stick around to watch us grow.

Because we passed 1,100 Facebook fans, we decided to have a little giveaway for all of you!  You will be able to take either $10 Paypal (must have a Paypal account), or choose a $10 Amazon eGift code.  Your choice!

Rules: This giveaway will end on August 12, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. est and will be open to residents of the US and Canada both, who are 18+. 

Disclaimer: This giveaway is hosted by and the prize is supplied by Lollipops n' Ladybugs.  

Children Learning Reading Program Product Review

I am a homeschooling Mom and am in the process right now of teaching Ms. E how to read so when I came across the opportunity to be able to get a program to help with that, I jumped at it.

Have you ever heard of the Children Learning Reading Program?

If you have then you have probably seen or used the program.  I had never heard of it but am glad that I did.

The program was developed by Jim and Elana who are proud parents of three children.  According to their website:

Our program is an unique and sure-fire learning to read system that many parents like you have used to successfully teach their children to read in a relatively short period of time - spending just 10 to 15 minutes each day.

But me, I am a "I have to see it to believe it" sort of person.  We've been working on reading for a while now and though our little one knows quite a few site words, she has the tendency to memorize things as well.  So she can actually fool you into thinking that she is reading complete sentences when she has actually memorized what it says because we've gone over it a time or two.

So, I wanted to try this program as I really want Ms. E to pick up on some better reading skills and heck, I can do the 10-15 minutes a day.

How does the program work? Glad you asked.

You are basically trying to teach your child to read by using really short stories that engage the child and phonics.  Pretty basic information, but it is basic information that works. Program claims that with it, you will be able to teach a child as young as 2 to read.  

Our opinion:

When I first downloaded the product, there was a whole lot of information in the beginning that made me just want to skip it and get to the "meat" of the program.  They suggest that you don't do that and if you do, they recommend you go back and read certain sections.  I had to actually stop myself a couple of times from just skipping ahead.   Once you get through the beginning of it, it is more smooth sailing.

Also, Ms. E is past the beginning things, such as saying letters, sounds, etc, so we used that as a review for her.  She enjoyed it a bit, but was getting bored.  She would say "I already know that is the letter B." So, I had a hard time keeping her interested in the beginning.

The program is pretty much all laid out in easy to understand and follow along sections for both the child and the parent/caregiver/teacher. 

I have noticed that she is now picking up a bit more and have been shocked at some of the words that she does not recognize in sentences.  The other night she actually read me the title of a book that she had never seen before. I was impressed, to say the least.

I am a lover of books myself and really enjoy reading and am a firm believer that the earlier you are able to teach someone to read that the more success that they will have later in life.  You will also give them the love of books, a way to escape and use their imagination.  Sadly, I have come across people that I know in our personal life, that even though they have graduated high school (and some college) they still aren't able to read well.  This doesn't have to be the case, especially when you have programs like Children Learning Reading.

I would highly recommend this program to any family or individual that is teaching someone to read.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  I know that Ms. E and I are going to keep working along with the program for our 15 minutes at a time.  I like the changes that is is making in her, you can see more confidence in her eyes when she comes across a word that she knows or a word that she doesn't know that she is able to sound out. 

Please make sure that you check out their site and read all the reviews from everyday folks and you can also see the success stories videos. 

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. However, I did receive a download product so that I could properly do a product review. All words, except for quoted red text are my own and were not influenced by any outside source.

I wish to thank the folks at Children Learning Reading Program for allowing Lollipops n' Ladybugs to participate in this review.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

OPEN By Craig Gross Blog App And Giveaway

Are you ready for some inspiration?

Then check out this book!

Doesn’t it feel great when you find a book that really inspires you? Something that really gets you motivated to live and love better?  

Author and speaker, Craig Gross, is helping men and women all over the country do just that.  In his new book, Open, Craig is letting you discover a life of freedom, confidence and success by being honest and transparent with people you truly hold dear.
How would getting more "open" benefit YOU in your life and relationships? 

Hear why Craig believes this message of "openness" for FAMILIES is so important:

"Open" is for families because "Open" is for everyone. Yes, accountability is helpful for individuals; it can help men become better husbands and fathers and women become better wives and mothers, and accountability can help young believers grow into a more mature faith. But beyond showing the individual benefits of accountability, "Open" shows that an honest, forgiving, caring, consistent, and respectful dialogue within a group dynamic--including families--serves only to make that group stronger and closer together. Your family relationships are forever and will outlast all others--why not make them open?- Craig Gross, author of Open

I know that I can use some serious inspiration at times! More so as I get older. 

How would you like to win your very own autographed copy of this book?

Please note that if anyone pre-orders this book, prior to July 30, 2013, from ThomasNelson.com they will receive a "special freebie pack."

Are you ready to win and for some inspiration?

If you want to, then just check out the blog app and take the "How Open Are You? quiz and post your results as a blog comment and fill out the rafflecopter form.  Easy to do! 

Rules & disclaimer: Giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ and will end on August 3, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. 

Prize and all giveaway assets are being provided by Thomas Nelson.  Many thanks to them and PartnersHub for allowing Lollipops n' Ladybugs to participate in this promotion. We received no monetary compensation for this post, however, in the future we will also receive a copy of this book. All words, except for quoted text, are our own and were not influenced by any outside source.

Good luck!

SUPERBOOK ~ Relive The Greatest Stories Ever Told ~ Review

I am going to admit it right now.  I have not attended a church service of any kind since I was a kid. It isn't that I don't believe in the "man upstairs" it is just that I have always known that I don't need to go to a special place to have my relationship with HIM. Thus, I am not a religious individual.  Sure, I do some talking to HIM as I lay awake in bed at night and I hope that HE does hear me.  I like to think that HE does anyway.

So, when we had our little one, the topic has come up numerous times on how and when we will introduce any part of the bible to her. Up to this point there hasn't really been any discussion of the bible, but with me homeschooling our little one, I want her to be aware.  To share some of my knowledge with her so that when she gets older, she can make the choice on her own.

Coming across a chance to do a review for SUPERBOOK came at the right time.  She is at the age where she can start to watch some of the programming, though I believe she is still to young to grasp some of the stories.

Thanks to CBN and MomSelect I was able to do a review of the SUPERBOOK series.

This series was developed in 1981 by the same folks that brought you Speed Racer.  There have been 52 episodes that have been released and they have them available in 43 languages and the show is broadcast in 106 countries.  The estimate that this show is viewed by over 500 million people worldwide. 

You will travel back in time to the relive some of the "greatest stories ever told," and your travel companions are Joy, Chris and robot Gizmo (who the little one really liked).  These shows are recommended for ages 6+. Some stories you (the adult/guardian), might want to review first as some of the stories may not be suitable for certain children.

These are the DVDs that I was sent:

In the Beginning

The Test

Jacob and Esau

Joseph

Let My People Go!

The Ten Commandments

A Giant Adventure

Jonah

Roar!

The First Christmas

Miracles of Jesus

The Last Supper

He is Risen!

The Road to Damascus

This one was her favorite one of the group I think:

And she also enjoyed:

If you were lucky to catch them the Superbook episodes aired on both CBS in June and ABC Family in July.  If not and this is some programming that you would be interested in, you can head over to CBN.com and if you join the Superbook DVD Club you will automatically receive each new episode and as a bonus, they will send you two extra copies of each episode so that you can give them to other family members or friends.  Just at CBN.com click on Get Superbook and follow the directions.

As for our opinion:

The programming was really easy to follow, at least for me.  Brought back some of those things that I remember being taught as a youngster, but easier to follow as these are in animation form. The little one was able to watch along and was asking me questions about what had happened or to explain something to her.  She was able to follow along with the programs for the most part, she would probably have a better understanding of what was going on if she was a little older.  

I really liked how the shows allow a child (or even an adult) the opportunity to use their imagination to travel back in time and to become part of the story.  There is even humor involved. 

In my opinion I think that this is programming that your whole family will enjoy, whether or not you attend church or are religious.  If you want some "feel good moments" or just want to brush up on some of the bible stories then I highly recommend this programming.  

Each DVD is approximately 28 minutes long so your child won't lose interest because they aren't sitting there for hours.  We have actually watched a couple of them more than once.  She really enjoys watching them and it is nice, she is actually learning a few things as well.

Disclaimer: I would like to thank CBN.com and MomSelect for allowing Lollipops n' Ladybugs to participate in this promotion.  I received absolutely no monetary compensation for this post, however, I did receive the above mentioned DVDs, free of charge, so that we could do a proper review.

EquityLock Protector & Giftcard Giveaway

If you are like me then you probably worry that some of your major appliances are going to break down and they are going to do it at the wrong time.  Trust me.  I've been there.  First the washing machine (with a load of laundry in it), now the dryer.  I really could have used a peace of mind when this happened.

Now, thanks to EquityLock you can have that peace of mind!!

Information about this promotion:

Fire up the grill, dust off your hammock and prep your pool because summer is here!
It’s the perfect time to relax, chill with friends, and enjoy the sunshine. There’s no better way to unwind than with the peace of mind that no matter come rain or shine... your home and appliances are covered, just in case!

Typically, homeowner insurance policies don't offer help when your appliances break down. With the EquityLock Protector plan, you'll safeguard up to $50,000 of the value of your property and ensure your six most essential appliances are protected, including:

- washer- dryer- refrigerator- microwave- dishwasher- range/oven/cooktop

Each of your appliances will be protected (up to $1,500 per 12-month period) including repair or, if necessary, replacement.  

This summer, get your peace of mind LOCKED! 

Thanks to EquityLock Protector you now have a chance to win 6-months of coverage (ARV $470+) and a $15  EquityLock Home Improvement Card that  is good at any home improvement store.

So, would you like to win? Then just check out the blog app and then fill out the rafflecopter form with the required entry and you are in!!!

Giveaway is open to residents of the US 18+ and will end on July 25th, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. est. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notice so that their information can be passed on to the sponsor. No PO Boxes as sponsor will ship prizes via UPS or FedEx.

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. However, I will receive, in the future, 6-months of the EquityLock Protector for this post.  All words, except quoted red text, are my own and not influenced by any outside source. All information and prize information is/will be provided by EquityLock Protector.

Many thanks to EquityLock Protector and PartnersHub for allowing our blog to participate in this promotion.

Now, onto the giveaway!!

Celebrate Social Media Day Giveaway

Have you heard that July 15, 2013 is Social Media Day?

Here is some information about the project:

Social Media Giving Day is the same day as Twitter’s birthday: July 15! We are partnering with Givver.com to make social media matter! 

#Give with Givver to help us set a world record for the most donations given in one day through social media! Will you help us do this?

Givver.com is awesome. It enables you to donate quickly and easily to your favorite causes with a single tweet! Whether it’s a non-profit, educational, or political organization you want to support, Givver is here to help you fund and raise awareness for the issues that matter, all by simply using Twitter. 

Givver is a great way to show your friends, family, and followers on Twitter that you care in a tech-savvy way! Let's all tweet to #give to at least one organization that needs our help by using Givver and make social giving go viral this Social Media Giving Day on July 15!

With this promotion, Givver is going to give one of our readers a prize pack that will include: Givver #Give limited edition t-shirt and sticker. 

How would you like to win your own combo pack? Just check out the blog app and fill out the rafflecopter form and you are in. Giveaway is open to residents of the US 18+ and will end on July 19, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email so that their information can be forwarded onto the sponsor.  No PO Boxes as sponsor ships via UPS or FedEx.

Disclaimer: I received absolutely no compensation for this post.  All materials and prize are/will be provided by Givver.  Many thanks to Givver and PartnerHub for allowing us to participate in this promotion.  All words above (except for quoted red text) are my own and not influenced by any outside source.

Now on to the giveaway!!

Blue JUPPY BABY WALKER MOMENTUM Giveaway

I have been given the opportunity to give away another BLUE JUPPY BABY WALKER MOMENTUM! 

How excited are you to win? I know that I am excited to have our blog give you all another chance!

In case you haven't heard of a Juppy Walker let me share some information with you.








I think this is the gift that is perfect for anyone with a little one that needs a little assistance with walking.  No more back strains from bending over holding those tiny hands while they take their first steps.  Here is also a snippet of my previous review for the Baby Juppy Walker Momentum:

My review: You will love the Juppy!  It is Doctor Approved! Very durable material with two Velcro straps that overlap with a zipper. It adjusts so if you are 4 foot 10 or 6 foot 5 you can still use it. The Juppy is good for a baby up to 35#'s! Comfortable for both the baby and the caregiver that is using it to assist the child in walking. It is machine washable and it made from cotton to ensure comfort! You will love it.  Your child will love it. Everyone will be happy! These would make perfect gifts for mom's to be, baby shower gifts and even dad's to be.  We know that they like to help their child take those first safe steps as well.

You can check out the Juppy on  facebook or twitter.  

So, now that you have checked out their YouTube video and read my snippet, how would you like to win one? This would make the perfect gift for yourself, a family member, friend, baby shower gift, etc.

Disclaimer: I received absolutely no compensation or product for this post. All words spoken are my own and were not influenced by any outside source.

*We would like to thank the folks at Juppy Walker for having our blog tell you all about the Momentum and for being generous with giving our readers a shot at winning one of their very own.  

*Lollipops n' Ladybugs is not responsible for the shipment of the prize to winner. Product will be shipped by Juppy.

Now onto the giveaway and rules.

Giveaway will end on July 24th, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. and is open to residents in the US who are 18+. See Rafflecopter form to make your entries.

Thank you and good luck!

DELIVERY MAN ~ Trailer Preview ~ SNEAK PREVIEW!

By now you have seen some short previews on TV about the new movie DELIVERY MAN that is coming out in November of this year.

In the film, Vince Vaughn plays an affable underachiever looking for his purpose in life, when he finds out he’s fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them want to meet their biological father.

DELIVERY MAN opens in theatres everywhere on November 22nd.

Those little sneak previews just give you a peek into the new movie.  What I (and 532 other bloggers) have for you is the early release of the trailer.  Yes.  You can check out this trailer months before the movie is going to be released.

This looks like it is going to be such a fun movie and a wacky yet heartwarming way to look at family.  

Can you imagine finding out that you have 533 biological children? What would you think? What would you do if half of them, or so, wanted to meet you?

Anyhow, we all hope that you enjoy the trailers and it makes you look forward to the movie coming out in November.

Here are also some unreleased photos from the movie!!!

And, now what you are waiting for.  The Official Trailer, seen no where else on the internet, except for the participating blogs.

Enjoy!

I would like to thank: Marshall Weinbaum from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, for allowing Lollipops n' Ladybugs to participate in this promotion!

Disclaimer: I received absolutely no comensation for this post.  All words, except quoted text are my own and not influenced by any outside source.