Church People Film giveaway! #ChurchPeopleFilm #ChurchPeopleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Hey y'all!! Today I get to share a really fun movie with an important message, too!  And one of you will win a digital code to view it from home, as well! We can all use a laugh after the year we've had, am I right?  CHURCH PEOPLE will keep you laughing! 

CHURCH PEOPLE

IN THEATERS SAT, MAR 13, SUN, MAR 14, MON, MAR 15

First, let me say that this movie has an awesome cast! NSYNC's Joey Fatone, Christian Comedian Thor Ramsey, Michael Monks, The Hallmark Channel's Erin Cahill, Donald Faison, Stephen Baldwin, plus Clancy McCartney, William Baldwin and Chynna Phillips. 

A heartfelt and laugh-out-loud faith-based comedy film, CHURCH PEOPLE is the story of real people with real struggles and their unique paths to discovering what faith in Jesus is all about. It all starts when “America's youth pastor,” Guy Sides, realizes he’s stuck in the megachurch marketing machine and wants to find his passion again.

But when Guy attempts to get back to the heart of ministry, he is thrust into the throes of dissuading his zany church leadership from performing a strange and potentially blasphemous stunt for the upcoming Easter service while navigating his own personal problems. CHURCH PEOPLE exposes the wacky heights some people will go in the evangelical subculture while revealing God’s out-of-this-world grace through a poignantly redemptive climax.   CHURCH PEOPLE is a powerful message about rediscovering your passion for Christ and learning to surrender what you hold dearest, all told in a redemptively humorous way.

Visit the official website by clicking here.

You can see this movie next weekend at local theaters.  Or your church can host a viewing by visiting this site to sign up!

Locally, it will be playing at these theaters:

AMC Sugarloaf Mills 18

5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043-7857

AMC Avenue Forsyth 12

350 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

AMC Barrett Commons 24

2600 Cobb Place Lane NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

You can purchase your tickets here. 

View the movie trailer here...

You can also download a CHURCH PEOPLE Discussion Guide here. 

Endorsements: 

“CHURCH PEOPLE was a complete surprise for me. I had no expectations whatsoever, and I was totally shocked when I absolutely loved the movie. I was inspired. I laughed, and then I laughed some more.  Thor Ramsey was phenomenal and his performance brought light to the dark times many of us have been going through. I can't recommend this movie more. As a matter of fact, if you're going, buy me a ticket and I’ll go see it again with you. Chuck and I have always believed that Christian film needs to elevate it's game. That it needs to be great. It needs to be fruit that if you lay it at the altar, God would be pleased. I believe that CHURCH PEOPLE has accomplished this. No higher compliment could I give this movie than to say for 90 minutes I was able to get away from the world, and was the better for it. Christopher Shaw's directing work in CHURCH PEOPLE showed passion and love not only for the material but for the cause of Christ. As filmmakers, Chuck and I were inspired by it.”

- Cary Solomon & Chuck Konzelman (Writers & Directors of God’s Not Dead and Unplanned)

“I loved CHURCH PEOPLE! It made me laugh out loud but more importantly, it has a message that

leaves a true impact in your soul.. a perfect watch for this Easter season. If you are seeking something

fun to do with the whole family, make plans to see this movie!”

- Jenn Gotzon (Actress & Producer of “The Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland”)

Want to see CHURCH PEOPLE from the comfort of your home?  I can help! I get to draw one lucky winner ~ Simply enter via the Rafflecopter widget below! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. 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.

Canvas Factory Giveaway!! *ended*

I love taking pictures.  I have so many prints that are waiting to go into scrapbooks.  But some of my favorites get put into frames so I can enjoy them daily.  I also love to have my favorite shots turned into canvas prints.  There is something special about turning your 4x6 photo into a beautiful canvas for your wall.

So....I'm excited to be working with Canvas Factory for another giveaway!

Their website makes it so easy to order your canvas.  Just pick the size you want, upload your photo (from your laptop, phone, Insta, FB, Dropbox or Flickr) and voila - you'll have your beautiful, high-quality canvas in days! The process couldn't get any easier.

The canvas on the bottom normally hangs in my son's room, but I moved it here to show both canvases. 

Close up of the latest canvas on the bottom! 

The two canvases in my pictures are both from Canvas Factory.  The top one is my kids on my daughter's graduation day.  The one resting on the mantle is the latest one I've ordered.  It is of my son and two great friends he met at the Duke TIP summer program last year.  I had to cover the girls' faces since I don't have permission to share them with the world, but you can still see the fantastic quality of the print.  The photo that was used for the canvas was taken on my iPhone, no fancy camera or anything!

I love the quality of my Canvas Factory canvases, and the care they take in shipping them.  It was packaged so carefully and I received it in perfect condition.

Canvas Factory is giving one of my readers their own canvas, too! Just enter through Rafflecopter below and stay tuned to see who wins!!
(I have a new IG so be sure to follow the new one as one of your entries, too!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Medieval Times Atlanta Castle Giveaway and Back to School Drive! #MTFAN *ended*

Medieval Times Atlanta Castle ~ Family 4 pack GIVEAWAY! 

photo credit ~ Medieval Times Atlanta

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament’s Atlanta Castle is dedicated to “Chivalry in Action” and in honor of this philanthropic mission, they need our help for their largest-ever back to school drive.

For the first time ever, they will be providing 750 book bags to 15 pre-selected Atlanta-Area Schools!

So how can you help?  If you are local you can drop off new school supplies at their Sugarloaf Mills location - 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville GA 30043

Now through July 28th, guests who donate at least one unused school supply per ticket when visiting the Atlanta castle will receive up to $22.00 off their adult-priced tickets. Guest must show proof of donated items upon arrival at the Box Office.  Such a great way to help local kids be prepared for back to school! #ChivalryinAction

Want to win a family 4 pack of your own to visit Medieval Times Atlanta?  

Enter via rafflecopter below!! 

The person who will be donating the most supplies to this awesome back to school drive wins the family 4 pack of tickets!! Woohoo! (Minimum of 1 supply per person/ticket)

To be eligible you must be local to Atlanta, and be able to visit Medieval Times by July 28, 2019.  I will notify the winner on the 24th and you have 24 hours to confirm that you can attend.  Of course, you will need to take your school supply donation when you visit MT, too! You'll get a fun night out, and local kids will get much-needed school supplies! 

I'll be attending Medieval Times with my friend Dana and our daughters next week.  Follow me on IG, FB and Twitter to watch all the fun!! I've got some awesome school supplies to donate, too! 

Comments are not working for some reason, so please enter via Rafflecopter and I will pick a winner from there - so sorry for the issues blogger is having! 

Summer Travel - DC & Virginia - Oz Restaurant and Bar

UPDATE 6/30/19:  I'm sad to report that Oz has closed.                                                                                                                                     

We took a 2nd trip to Washington DC earlier this year.  It is such an amazing place to visit with your family!

Lots to share about this, but wanted to start with Oz Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia.

I really wanted to eat here because I'm a dork.  I adore Ashley Darby on Real Housewives of Potomac, and she and her husband own this restaurant.  He is Australian so the menu offers lots of Australian-themed food. It was on my list of places to visit when we went back to DC!

The interior is lovely. Lots of fun touches, like boomerangs on the wall, and bamboo in the foyer.

My husband is a very adventurous eater.  As in, he'll try anything once! So I knew he would love their exotic menu.

He had a beetroot slider first, then he chose the camel burger for his entree! What!?

Beetroot slider

He said it was delicious, and quite tender.  And he looked like a goofball when I took this picture!

I am not adventurous when it comes to food! So my son and I ordered from the regular menu.

I ordered the crumb steak. It's chicken wrapped in prosciutto, with sweet potato mash and charred brocollini, topped with almonds and mushrooms.  This was a really tasty meal! I didn't know it had mushrooms, as that wasn't on the menu.  I didn't eat those.  But the sides and the crumb steak were amazing.

We also got to try these delicious vegemite biscuits while we waited for our entrees.  They were so good!

David had Greek flatbread but we didn't take a picture of it.

For dessert, he and I shared Aussie banana pudding, with salted caramel bananas and anzo cookies, topped with whipped cream and berries.  My husband had the golden turmeric milk.  What a lovely meal - we still talk about it 5 months later!  It does look like they have a new menu on the website now (we were there in May), but I'm sure everything will be just as delicious!  (Crumb steak and Greek flatbread are no longer options).

We parked in a parking garage on the same block as Oz, and did a quick walking tour of the Monuments in DC after dinner.  Such a great time!


Oz is located at  2950 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA and hours are as follows:


Monday-Wednesday // 4pm-12am
Thursday-Friday // 11:30am-2am
Saturday // 10am-2am
Sunday // 10am-12am


If you are in the area you have to stop by!

Garden Grill Restaurant at Walt Disney World Epcot

My son and I just returned from a wonderful eight day vacation in Florida.  The majority of our time was spent at Walt Disney World, and I'll be sharing some of our favorites from our trip over the next few weeks!

First up is our lunch at Garden Grill Restaurant.  It's located in The Land building towards the front of the park.   This is what the lobby of the building looks like, when you first enter.   (Click on any pic for a larger view)  Garden Grill is on the main level (2nd floor) straight ahead.

Here's a closer view of the front of the restaurant:

You really need a reservation for any of the table service or character meals at Walt Disney World.  I made our reservations back in June for this trip!  We saw many disappointed people during our trip who tried to walk up and get in at restaurants.  So make sure to plan your trip well in advance, then you can start making dining reservations 180 days from your trip date.

We checked in a few minutes early, and were given a pager.  This lovely Christmas tree was in the waiting area and was so pretty to look at!

Once the pager lit up, we were quickly taken to our table.  The restaurant rotates very slowly, and you get to see portions of the interior of Living With the Land ride as it moves.   Our waitress was named Jenna and she was AMAZING.  Everyone there was friendly and helpful, and you can tell they love their job! 

She took our drink orders, then brought them plus fresh rolls with clover honey butter, and a gorgeous salad that contained fresh veggies grown in the greenhouses at Epcot! It was tossed in a ranch dressing and was delicious.  The rolls were fluffy and the honey butter was out-of-this-world fantastic! (I haven't eaten rolls or bread in 3 months, so that might be part of the reason they tasted so good, ha!) 

Next up was the entree.  She brought David a serving of mac-n-cheese (topped with goldfish crackers) and sweet potato fries, in addition to our main entree skillet.  It contained turkey with a delicious bacon and leek dressing, cranberry sauce, tender pot roast with buttermilk  mashed potatoes, sweet Italian sausage with peppers and onions, and green beans.  Everything was perfect!  I tried a little of each and my favorites were the pot roast and the turkey.  Both were really tasty.  Dessert was a blueberry and strawberry shortcake, with vanilla bean whipped cream. YUM! 

While we ate, we were visited by some adorable characters!  The coolest part?  They came by several times during our meal! That never happens at other character meals we've had!

We were on the free dining plan, so we paid nothing for lunch, except for our 20% tip.  But this is what it would have cost if we'd had to pay out of pocket.

If you can book a trip and get the free dining plan- DO it!! We had 6 table service meals, 6 quick service meals, and 6 snacks each - for free.  Totally worth it!! All you will pay is your tips - please tip your servers well!   Actually, now that I think about it, we did pay a little for our plan, because we switched from the Coronado resort to Pop Century, and just upgraded the dining plan.  It was a very nominal fee, though.

My travel agent was Jo Vagos with The Magic For Less.  We paid a $200 deposit back in April, and paid a little on our trip each month.  The balance for our trip was due one month before travel.  I really suggest going this route and being able to save for your vacation throughout the year.  Please be sure to tell Jo that Aimee Ransom referred you if you use her!

Jo Vagos ~ Travel Specialist

Affiliated with The Magic For Less Travel

Email: Jo@themagicforless.com

Phone: 407-568-2789

More Disney information to come - we had a magical vacation with lots to share!  Tusker House, Chef Mickey's, Ohana, Be our Guest, and more! 

Giveaway ~ The Canvas Factory

I was offered an opportunity to receive a printed 16 x 20 canvas from The Canvas Factory recently, and I was happy to try them out.

I had a hard time choosing the perfect picture to use! After going through many of mine,  I also looked through the stock pictures that The Canvas Factory had available - there are cityscapes, landscapes, all sorts of beautiful images you can choose!  In the end, I settled on one with both of my kids at my daughter's graduation.

It's hanging in my hallway, so it's hard to get a good picture of it.  But the quality is fantastic and I really love my canvas!

Wrapping inside the box - it was well protected!

Once I ordered, it took about a month to receive my canvas.  It was packaged very well, and looks fantastic!  I will definitely order from them again!

I've got a canvas from The Canvas Factory to give away to one of you, too!  All you need to do is enter through my Rafflecopter widget giveaway below....

Giveaway - Where Jesus Slept #WhereJesusSlept #FlyBy

Can y'all believe Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!? Then the Christmas hustle and bustle begins. Even though my kids are older, I still keep a shelf of Christmas books out for the months of November and December.  Sometimes when things get crazy, I'll sit on the couch and read one or two of them by the glow of the Christmas tree lights, just enjoying the peace and quiet for a bit. Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year and I enjoy finding new Christmas books to add to our holiday bookshelf.

I was able to review a new hardcover children's book that is for sure going to be on my holiday shelf from now on!  It's called Where Jesus Slept, and it has the most darling illustrations (look at that precious Baby Jesus on the cover!) and the sweetest rhymes that tell the story of the first Christmas.  I absolutely love it.   I think y'all will enjoy it too!

Here's a little more about the book:

"This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.” From here, the story builds with each spread, adding a new element and explaining the relationships among the participants and witnesses to the first Christmas. From Jesus sleeping sweetly to the wise men bringing gifts, this charming book reminds readers young and not-so-young of the joyous event we celebrate at Christmastime. Children will love the delightful illustrations and the engaging repetition in this cumulative tale.

About the author:
Norma Lewis is the author of ten books. She lives in Grand Haven, MI, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.    Illustrated by Katy Hudson.

It's perfect for ages 4-7 and retails for $16.99.  It will surely become a Christmas must-read for your family too!



I have a copy of Where Jesus Slept to give away to one of my readers!  Just enter via my rafflecopter widget below.

Don't forget - you have to leave a comment below this post as your mandatory entry. Without that, no other entries will count, so you won't be eligible to win if you don't complete that mandatory entry.

Remember to share this post with your family and friends using the share buttons at the bottom of this post under my signature!  Good luck!

Giveaway ~ Atlanta JapanFest "Cooler Japan" 2016 tickets!

Want to learn about Japanese culture?  This year’s JapanFest “Cooler Japan,” offers an electric combination of cool tech-advanced modern Japan with a traditional twist.  It promises to be a fun weekend for the whole family!

JapanFest Weekend will be held on September 17-18, 2016, from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday) at the Infinite Energy Center (located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097).

We make Japanese culture COOL in our Children’s Area! Children will be able to make paper puppets and enjoy Kamishibai, a form of Japanese theatrical storytelling that uses paper puppets. They can also learn Japanese calligraphy, try on traditional Japanese clothes, make kites, color in Japanese coloring books, fold origami figures, and play with traditional Japanese tops and paper sumo wrestlers! For our modern counterpart, children will get to play with Samurai Borgs (Japanese fighting robots), Beyblade (modern Japanese tops), Hyper yoyos, and Kendama (modern cup and ball game).

Kids will also be given the opportunity to let their creativity shine. This year we will be featuring a 3D pen that will make their art literally stand off the page! And with our 3D aquarium, they can bring their art to life! Children will draw their fish, and after scanning it, they will be able to see their fish swim around our 3D fish tank. Everyone in your family will find something to enjoy at JapanFest!

If you need a pick-me-up from all the fun, JapanFest Konbini store and Japanese grocery store, Tomato, are providing tasty and unique Japanese snacks!  My son is looking forward to this!

Love music? JapanFest will feature a variety of musical performances sure to suit all ages and interests, including taiko drumming, J-Rock and J-Pop, and classical music. The festival will also feature Japanese dance performances, a kimono fashion show, and kabuki theater.

Want a selfie taken in Tokyo without the jet lag? Take a virtual trip to Japan with our Magical Photo booth. Take a picture in famous Japanese locations such as Mt. Fuji, Harajuku, or even a photo with a sumo wrestler! Other photo ops include the cute Japanese mascot Domo-Kun, who will be at the festival.

This will be our second year collaborating with anime convention, MomoCon. The Anime village is a section of the festival completely dedicated to anime products, anime viewings, and gaming. Keep Momocon is also sponsoring a Pokémon Go! Meetup. Capture and boost a gym, claim resources from Poke Stops and build your team, all factions welcome!

For fans of more traditional fighting methods, rather than Pokémon battles, there will be demonstrations of virtually every Japanese martial art in existence, including aikido, karate, kendo, kyudo, and sumo.

Shoppers will love the amazing array of Japanese goods available. Ginza-dori, organized by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and named after Tokyo's famous shopping district, will feature Japanese ceramics, traditional Japanese clothing and accessories, and fun items such as masks and toys. For those who want to try on a kimono, the Konnichiwa Club will dress them in the latest kimonos from Japan.

Attendees are encouraged to purchase  tickets online to minimize waiting at the event entrance, as additional entrances are provided for pre-purchased ticket holders.  Individual tickets are available for sale until the day before the event (Though Infinite Energy Center ticketing system, AXS).  http://www.infiniteenergycenter.com/events/detail/japanfest-2016 .  The deadline for our corporate ticket package is August 10th for e-tickets https://japanfest.formstack.com/forms/ticket_package  (60 tickets and above)

Tickets are $10. Children age 6 or younger free. Teachers can bring students to JapanFest for free by applying online at www.japanfest.org. Larger organizations can purchase ticket packages online.

No pets other than guide dogs are allowed inside the convention center. For more information,  call 404-842-0736 or visit www.japanfest.org.

Sponsors:
Platinum-Delta, Gold-Aflcac, Coca Cola, Silver-Fisher-Broyles, Kumon North America,  TV Japan/NHK Cosmomedia America Inc., WSBTV-Channel 2, Bronze-American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Power Equipment Division; LeafFilter; Miura America Company; PriceWaterhouse Coopers; Sapporo USA, Inc; Temple University, Japan Campus; TOTO USA Inc; Fuji-Dexerials America Corporation, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,  Inside Gwinnett Magazine, Panasonic Automotive Systems, Yamaha Motor Corp.U.S.A, Sakura-Atlanta Parent Magazine; Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC; Ernst & Young LLP; Global Atlanta; Gwinnett Daily Post; Holiday Inn Gwinnett Center; Creative Loafing; Honda Precision Parts of Georgia; KPMG; Nidec Elesys Americas Corporation; Toppan Printing; Ume-Atlanta Braves, Kuraoka Clinic, Machida Family of Duluth

Doesn't JapanFest look awesome?  I can't wait to take my son! This will be a fun, educational experience for us both.  

Local friends, I'm giving away a four pack of tickets to JapanFest! Enter via Rafflecopter below! (Must live in metro-Atlanta area to be eligible to win)

$25 Family Christian Stores Giveaway! #FamilyChristianStores #FlyBy

Last week I had the opportunity to visit my local Family Christian Store for a little shopping.  They have some great summer sales going on and I was excited to see what I could find.

We were greeted by the salesperson as we entered the store, and she told us about the awesome sales going on.   We headed back towards the journaling Bible section first, but along the way we checked out some of the other sale items!  The wall art is fantastic here - so many beautiful options.   Coloring books, CD's, water bottles, greeting cards, books - they have it all at Family Christian Stores!

I already have the Inspire Bible, which I received as a gift last Christmas.  Even so, I still love to look at all of them, as well as the tools that go with them.  Family Christian has a great variety of journaling Bibles and supplies, and many of these are on sale for 30% off now!  (Think Christmas gifts!)

Speaking of sales: The Family Christian Summer Sale is in full swing right now!
Make the most of your summer with Family Christian’s unbeatable Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off sale on ALL Books, Movies and Music for the whole family! You can mix and match products to get the deal, which means you don’t need to shop within the same department. For example, you can buy a movie at full price, and get a book (or CD or another movie) for 50% off!

This sale is going on now through August 25, so visit your local store or shop online at familychristian.com!  Their website is very user friendly so shopping online is as easy as shopping in their store!

Just a few of the summer sale items you will find in stores and online:

Bible: Journaling Bibles
Description: Select journaling Bibles are now 30% off through August 25! Ignite a renewed passion for exploring God’s Word, whether you’re jotting down notes from a church sermon or recording prayer requests from small group—you’ll have all the space you need. And many of our journaling Bibles are filled with illustrations to inspire and get you started. Choose from 26 styles, and save now!

Book: For the Glory by Duncan Hamilton
Description: Eric Liddell, hero of Chariots of Fire, ran and lived for the glory of God. This compelling narrative is his untold and inspiring story of athletic heroism and faith in the darkest circumstances—from his Olympic medal to his missionary work in China to his last, brave years in a Japanese work camp during World War II.

Book: Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson
Description: When Evie Blackwell arrives in Carin, Illinois, it’s to help launch a new task force dedicated to reexamining two of the city’s unsolved crimes. As she dives into evidence and develops new leads, she unearths a surprising connection . . . possibly a third cold case. She’s determined to solve them before she leaves town, and Sheriff Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to those answers. Book #1 of the Evie Blackwell Cold Case series.

Music: H A R D L O V E by NEEDTOBREATHE 
Description: This sixth studio album from NEEDTOBREATE finds the group reflecting on the tumultuous seasons behind their recent albums, Rivers In the Wasteland and The Reckoning, and enjoying extraordinary success while experiencing personal conflict. “We were in a dark place when we made the last record, but to me this album is mostly a story of redemption,” Bear Rinehart said.   H A R D L O V E delves into the world of electronic effects and instrumentation, resulting in a sublimely crafted and expansive sound that reflects the band’s unforgettable live show. Includes lead singles “Happiness” and “Money & Fame.”

DVD: Miracles from Heaven 
Description: Upon discovering her 10-year-old daughter, Anna, has an incurable disease, Christy Beam becomes a ferocious advocate of finding a solution. After Anna has an accident, an astonishing miracle unfolds in the wake of her rescue, restoring her family’s faith. Based on a true story. Stars Jennifer Garner and Kylie Rogers with Queen Latifah.

DVD: Risen
Description: Risen tells the story of a powerful Roman military tribune and his aide seeking to solve the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the Crucifixion. Their goal: to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem. Stars Joseph Fiennes and Tom Felton.

New Product Line: Active Faith
We’re thrilled to be the exclusive retail partner for Active Faith Sports! Formed by a group of Christian athletes, Active Faith offers apparel with Christian-inspired designs and messages, encouraging you to share your faith whether you’re on the court, out for a jog or running errands around town.
Pro athletes seen wearing Active Faith apparel include Stephen Curry, Demaryius Thomas, Clayton Kershaw, James Harden and more.  Men's, women's and youth apparel available now!

About Family Christian:
Family Christian is a Christian retailer, operating in 250 stores across the country. They are committed to helping you find, grow, share and celebrate your faith through a wide selection of Christian books, music, Bibles, DVDs, gifts and more.  When you shop with Family Christian, your purchases support their efforts to unite with ministries that are helping children and families in need around the world.

After browsing the entire store, I ended up choosing the War Room DVD, a Fall decorative "tag" that I'll hang on the back door knob in our family room, two sets of tabs for my Inspire Bible, and some little cards for sticking in greeting cards.   I'm going back again soon for a few more journaling items - they had some cute stickers and other accessories that I have my eye on!  The clearance section in the back is also a great place to score some amazing deals on seasonal merchandise!

Now that you've seen some of what they have to offer, how would you like to have the chance to shop at Family Christian with a $25 gift certificate of your own? (in store or online!) They have generously offered to give one of my readers just that - and it's easy to enter via my rafflecopter widget below!

Don't forget to complete the mandatory entry first - otherwise none of your other bonus entries will count!

Review & Giveaway: A Teen’s Guide to the 5 Love Languages® : How to Understand Yourself and Improve All Your Relationships

Last month I had the opportunity to review A Teen’s Guide to the 5 Love Languages® : How to Understand Yourself and Improve All Your Relationships by Gary Chapman.  Having an almost teen-aged son, it couldn't have come at a better time.

I read Gary Chapman's book The 5 Love Languages® several years ago and took the inventory as well, so I knew my two highest love languages are Receiving Gifts and Acts of Service. This book gives your teen the chance to learn his/her love language by completing an easy profile.  Everyone has a primary love language, and knowing which is yours can really help improve your relationships!

This latest book teaches teens how to interact with others using their love language, and important skills like how to apologize sincerely, and how to become a better listener. It focuses on maintaining healthy relationships with family members and friends.  I consider it a must-read for any teen!  As a Mom, I enjoyed reading it too. David has just started reading it, so he hasn't taken the profile yet.  I can't wait to find out which of the love languages top his list.  I believe knowing his love language will help our relationship as we navigate the teen years!

Here is more information about this book and the author:

Chicago, IL – In a teenager’s world of hashtags and chat acronyms, where relationships
are measured by Facebook likes and Instagram followers, and where a long-term
friendship can be discarded with a click of the mouse, developing lasting, meaningful
relationships can be a challenge. But there is hope.

“Everyone has relationships at some level,” says Gary Chapman, author of A Teen’s
Guide to the 5 Love Languages® : How to Understand Yourself and Improve All Your
Relationships (Northfield Publishing, May 2016) with Paige Haley Drygas. “The question
is, “What is the quality of those relationships?” Maybe you have a thousand Facebook
friends but feel like nobody understands you. Or, maybe you feel you and your parents
are from different planets. The good news is it can get better. The secret is learning to
speak love and appreciation in a language the other person can receive.”

Chapman, a pastor, counselor, and author of the New York Times bestselling The 5 Love Languages®  (more than 10 million sold) brings his popular love language teaching for the first time to the lives of teens, helping them navigate the many relationships they face with family, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, teachers, teammates, coaches, and more.

“Our culture often dilutes the meaning of the word love,” says Chapman. “We tend to use the same word for how we feel about Belgian waffles or a football team that we use to describe our deepest bonds. And for many teens, the word “love” often conjures up images of romance. But, as we learn, love is much more than that and when we understand how to communicate love within all of our relationships, we’ll live a much richer life.”

In A Teen’s Guide to the 5 Love Languages® , Chapman lays a foundation for what love really is (a choice) and how that translates into all relationships, and takes teens step-by-step through each of the individual love languages—words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and touch. He outlines the general characteristics of each love language, explains the various dialects within each language, and offers practical examples of how to communicate the love languages in the daily ups-and-downs of relationships. He also spends time focusing on helping teens navigate their relationship with their parents and siblings (it doesn’t have to be negative), shares how to handle anger and apologies, and encourages teens to focus on their “tribe.”

“Rather than having five hundred lame, half-hearted, Facebook-only relationships, you can cultivate five or ten thriving relationships in which the others really know you and feel known by you,” says Chapman.  While Chapman encourages teens to learn how to build relationships with others by speaking their love languages, he also spends time helping teens figure out their own love language by observing their own behavior, noticing what they ask others to do for them, listening to what they complain about, asking the right questions, and taking the included Love Languages Profile.
“Discovering your own love language helps you understand why you feel more loved by and connected to certain people,” says Chapman. “Once you know your own love language, you start to get your instincts—why you love others the way you do, why you’re drawn to specific people, what you’re looking for in a relationship. This self-knowledge can really help you in life.”

Gary Chapman, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and counselor who has a passion for people
and helping them form lasting relationships. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of
The 5 Love Languages® and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary
travels the world presenting seminars and his radio programs air on more than 400 stations.
For more information, visit 5lovelanguages.com.

Want to get this book for your teen? Here's a link to it on Amazon (affiliate link).  I'm also including one for the original book - it's so good!





I have a copy of A Teen’s Guide to the 5 Love Languages® : How to Understand Yourself and Improve All Your Relationships to give away to one lucky reader.  Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below - one mandatory entry and a couple extra easy-peasy entries! (Plus, you will find out your love language!)

World’s First DC SUPER FRIENDS Themed Area Debuts at Six Flags Over Georgia

New Attractions for the Entire Family Open to Kick-Off Summer Vacation Season The Super Heroes and Super-Villains – BATMAN, SUPERMAN, WONDER WOMAN, THE JOKER and HARLEY QUINN reign supreme, as the world’s first DC SUPER FRIENDS themed area debuts at Six Flags Over Georgia. The five thrilling new rides and attractions at The Thrill Capital of the South are designed for the entire family to experience together. “We are excited to unveil this thrilling new section just in time for the start of the summer vacation season,” said Six Flags Atlanta Properties Park President Dale Kaetzel. “This area, combined with the addition of Bugs Bunny Boomtown earlier this year, solidifies Six Flags Over Georgia as the perfect destination for family fun.”

The all-new DC SUPER FRIENDS area features five exciting rides and attractions, including:

SUPERMAN Tower of Power, releasing the dare devil in thrill-seekers of all ages to take on this 65-foot tall bouncing thrill ride

The BATCOPTERS, an opportunity to help save Gotham City by flying high in the sky  

WONDER WOMAN Flight School, where pilots can earn their wings by flying their own jet

HARLEY QUINN Games, filled with villainous games to test your skills against the best in the family

THE JOKER Funhouse Coaster, the supreme family thrill ride named after the ultimate Super-Villain features 900 feet of track & speeds along at 30 miles per hour.

Six Flags Over Georgia is also announcing the opening of Hurricane Harbor for its third season. The massive water park features acres of water thrills, including the award-winning Tsunami Surge water slide with a 45-foot zero gravity wave wall. Hurricane Harbor is free with park admission. The park is open daily through August 7.

David and I got to attend the opening of the DC Super Friends at Six Flags over Georgia yesterday and we brought my sister and her daughter along for the fun.  The new DC Super Friends area is located across from the Monster Plantation and it's a lot of fun! Here are some pics of our fun day at Six Flags! The new rides are great, and there is even an arcade with lots of games and air conditioning - it makes a nice break from the heat! (of course, I forgot to take any pics of the arcade, even though we were hanging out in there for a while)  Don't forget you can click on any picture to see a larger copy.

Visit the Six Flags website for more information.  (There are some awesome deals on Six Flags dining passes right now, too!)

Disclaimer: We were hosted at Six Flags Over Georgia for the day in order to experience the new DC Super Friends area.  No other compensation was received and all opinions shared here are my own!

Giveaway: ESV Family Devotional Bible

Hi y'all!

I have a fantastic Family Devotional Bible to share with y'all today! I absolutely love this Bible/Devotional.  It's the ESV (English Standard Version) hardcover, and it is a great way to bring your family together for Bible Study and Devotional time.

David & I have only had time to do a few of these together, but so far, we both agree they are wonderful.  Lovely full-color illustrations accompany key Bible stories (there are 130 total). The complete ESV text is interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered readings. Each reading is placed within the Bible text where it is found.  A few of the stories you'll find - "Jacob's Dream, Moses and the Plagues, Ruth and her Redeemer, God's Promise to King David,  Daniel in the Lion's Den, The Last Supper,  The Conversion of Saul, and The Amazing Vision that Jesus Gave to John.

The stories are simplified so that children of all ages will be able to understand them.  Each reading also includes discussion questions, plus a key verse.   Reading this together can help your family develop the habit of reading the Bible and applying its truth to all of your life!  It's such a great way to connect with your family in a meaningful way.

I really like the full-color maps at the back of this Bible, and the easy index of devotionals makes it easy to find each one. There is also a ribbon bookmark that helps us keep track of where we are in the Bible.   This will be a wonderful addition to our bookcase!

It is the perfect Devotional for David & I to use this summer while he is out of school.  I am really looking forward to working our way through this ESV Family Devotional Bible!  You can get your own copy from Amazon.

So happy that I have one copy to give away to one of you!   Enter through the Rafflecopter widget below:

Have a Spring FUN Break at Stone Mountain Park!! #SpringFUNBreak

Hey parents - looking for something to keep the kids busy for Spring Break? I've got a great option for you!  Stone Mountain Park is one of Atlanta's best attractions, in my opinion.  There is something for everyone to do, all year round, and Spring Break is no exception!  Visit through April 10th to enjoy these Spring FUN Break activities!

We always like to start our visits at the Great Barn.  David could spend the whole day there! Four floors of cannons, ball drops, trampoline floors, interactive games, stairs and nets to climb - so much FUN!

The Scenic Railroad train ride is different every season.   I enjoyed hearing the history of the mountain during our ride around the base of the mountain on this visit.  David, his friend Seth & I took plenty of pictures of the beautiful views as we rode along.

Some new things to experience this Spring Break:  

The Great American Duck Race, where Mallard Ducks race to the finish line and you could win prizes!  You can visit with the ducks and even feed them before the races.  

Visit the Azalea Stage and see Magic Mark & Einstein the Rabbit!  Kids will really enjoy this magic show!

Check out the April Fool's Indoor Lasertag!   Make sure you wear closed toe shoes for this awesome five minute, 20 player lasertag experience.

There are so many other cool things to do at Stone Mountain Park, like:

The Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf,  or watch the Yogi Bear 4-D Adventure movie, or get splashed at Geyser Towers!  (you need closed toe shoes for Geyser Towers too!)  You can even trek through the treetops on SkyHike if you are brave enough!  You can take the Summit Skyride to the top of the mountain, or hike up if you feel like it.

If you get hungry, Stone Mountain Park has plenty of places to enjoy a snack or meal.  During this visit, David had pizza, Seth had a BBQ sandwich, and I tried the BBQ chicken nachos. YUMMY!

You can upgrade your daily ticket to include a meal, or to add a ticket to ride the Duck.

The Lasershow will be offered this Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, too.  This is one of our favorite things at Stone Mountain - the music, the fire, the lasers - WOW!

Be on the lookout for the grand opening of The Jump - a thrilling new experience coming to Stone Mountain Park this Spring!

So take a short drive to Stone Mountain Park and check out all of the fun things they have to offer for Spring FUN Break - the kids will have a ball, and you will too!

Check the calendar at Stone Mountain's website for all the details on dates/hours/prices.


Disclaimer: Stone Mountain Park hosted us for the day to experience the Spring FUN Break activities.  All opinions shared here are my own! 

#ATLBabyExpo Coming April 16 at the Fox Theater Ballrooms

Back for its sixth year, the annual Atlanta Baby and Child Expo is

considered THE premier event for expecting and new parents in the

Southeast.  We bring in the ultimate in parenting and baby products and

professionals.  It’s an elite experience, intimate in setting and not

overwhelming.  We like to think of it as a party for expectants, new

parents, grandparents and their family and friends.

When: April 16th, 11am-2:30pm (VIP ticket holders get early entry,

starting at 10:30am)

Where: Fox Theatre Ballrooms, 660 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Tickets: www.atlantababyandchildexpo.com has all the details and tickets

This event features a Cravings Corner, Red Carpet Photos of attendees as

they enter, awesome baby gear to buy and try, thousands of dollars in

giveaways and so much more!

Keep an eye out for special ticket prices from WSB Family 2 Family - they will have a 50%

off deal.  Living Social is offering tickets for $13.99 instead of $20, too.  

These deals apply to new ticket purchases only, not previously purchased tickets!  

I have two tickets to give away to to the Atlanta Baby Expo!  To enter, just leave me a comment below this blog post and make sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you're my winner.  It is going to be a great Expo, and I hope you can come down and take part!