Soul's Gate Review

I was intrigued by this book based on the concept. Soul's Gate by James L. Rubart imagines a battle for the soul. The idea that someone can inhabit another's soul to battle for them. Imagine being able to save another person by bringing them closer to God. This fictional title explores this concept as four individual set out on this mythical quest to battle for good against evil.
To me, the book was somewhat slow to get started and was hard to get into. I am not sure why, but I did not become immediately interested in the book until after about Chapter Five (so if you like the concept, but are not struck by the book in the first few chapters-- hang in there).
I enjoyed the tying of christian and psychological thriller genres. The combination made for an interesting and thought-compelling read.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Yo Gabba Gabba at the STL Fox Theater!

MamaBreak is excited to share Yo Gabba Gabba at the Fabulous Fox!Get your tickets TODAY to the Fabulous Fox Theater's Yo Gabba Gabba! 


YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! GET THE SILLIES OUT! TOUR WILL VISIT THE FABULOUS FOX THEATRE ON Friday, JANUARY 18th AT 7 PM!
Tickets and Gabba Party Packages are on sale NOW!  Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office, www.metrotix.com or by calling (314)534-1111.

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Get the Sillies Out! Tour hits the Fabulous Fox Theatre for one show only on Friday, January 18th
Catch DJ Lance Rock, Biz Markie and your favorite cast of colorful creatures as they jump, shake and shimmy the sillies out! Get your tickets TODAY at metrotix.com!

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! is a state-of-the-art production and an interactive experience that offers audiences of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life when DJ Lance Rock and fans say the magic words, “Yo Gabba Gabba!”.
Hip-hop legend Biz Markie will join the cast on stage for Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out! with Biz’s Beat of the Day. The show will also feature Super Music Friends and Dancey Dance guest performances.




Chicken Soup for Christmas Soul Review


I love books that fill me with the holiday spirit. I love reading about miracles during Christmas time, and how it brings families closer together. If you do as well, you will love Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas.

One of the fantastic things about the Chicken Soup for the Soul books is that they are written in short story format. Usually, I have only a couple minutes here and there to read. With this book, I have it in my purse and any time I have a few moments (picking up the kids, dropping them off, running errands), I just open it to a new story! I can usually finish a story in a short amount of time! 

There are so many titles to choose from. Check out the complete collection at:

MamaBreak belongs to the Chicken Soup for the Soul Blogging Network. They received this book to review here on the website. They did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

Build a Bear Review

Are you looking for the PERFECT stuffed toy to put under the tree this year? Look no further! MamaBreak has the answer for you!
First, it comes in a special little box. Even my oldest knew EXACTLY what came in the box!

It is, of course, a Build a Bear. Could this bear any cuter??? AND she smells like Christmas cookies!!!



And a sweet little face!!!!
For those not familiar with Build a Bear, it is a store that kids can go into to "build" their own stuffed animal! They also have an online store, and the BEST part for my kids is picking the accessories!
From a sugar cookie little purse.

To these DARLING shoes!!! (who could NOT fall in love with striped shoes!!!)

And even a little hair bow to top things off!

Build a Bear makes giving a sstuffed toy a unique experience to create a toy that any child would love!!

You can check out their website at: http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/
Where you can both order OR see if there is a store in your area!

MamaBreak received a Build a Bear to review here on the website. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our experiences and opinions are our own.

Nielsen Massey Review

We love out of the box ideas for the holidays. When I think of Vanilla extract, it does not seem like something to get too excited about. But when Nielsen-Massey Vanillas asked us to do a review and I looked at all of the options, I DID get excited!

This is NOT your mother's vanilla! The only vanilla I had in my home prior to this review was a vanilla extract I purchased from the grocery store for a few dollars. 

We were able to try the Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, which was DIVINE, Pure Peppermint Extract (which we have been adding to hot chocolate), AND Pure Chocolate Extract . . . which we add to . . . everything!
I did not think I would use it as much as I do, but I love especially adding it to my morning coffee! You can obviously also use it in baking and cooking and would make the perfect gift for a baker in your family!

Check out the full range of products that Nielsen Massey provides at: 
http://www.nielsenmassey.com/consumer/index.php

MamaBreak received the extract to review here on the website. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

Kids and Pets Review


One of our favorite reasons to review here at MamaBreak is because we often get to share products that we absolutely adore with our readers. Kids and Pets is a product that I have been using for over 5 years, and simply could not live without. As a family with 3 kids, 2 dogs, and a cat, it is a MUST HAVE in our home, and we hope you love it as much as we do!

Kids and Pets is an odor and stain remover that is safe for Kids and Pets. I love the name because it cleans up after Kids and Pets AND it is safe for them as well. We are so careful in our home with the products we clean with, and we are so glad that we know this is safe. 

The top is a convenient pop top that is easy to use, but put it in a space our of reach of kids!  We use Kids and Pets on all of the nastiness in our world from urine to vomit to the sippy cup mess that was left in the car (YES! It WILL take care of that smell!). It can be used for general cleaning as well AND as a stain removed in the laundry!

But don't just take our word for it. Check out these AMAZING Amazon reviews:

We purchase our Kids and Pets at the local Walmart, but you can buy it at several online retailers, as well as on their website:
http://www.kidsnpetsbrand.com/
KIDS ‘N’ PETS is available at Wal-Mart for as little as $4.98; and many grocery stores nationwide.  (You will find KIDS ‘N’ PETS in the cleaning section near the mops and brooms.)  KIDS ‘N’ PETS can also be purchased on Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and Walmart.com.  To learn more about KIDS ‘N’ PETS, visithttp://kidsnpetsbrand.com/

MamaBreak received a bottle of Kids and Pets to review here on the website. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our experiences and opinions are our own.

Toe Juice Review


Here at my house, I love to pamper my feet. I am running around all day, and I love products that help to soothe them. Although the name may seem peculiar, I have been enjoying the refreshing feeling "Toe Juice" brings to my feet.

Toe Juice is a product to apply to any part of your skin that may need refreshing.  It has a cooling agent to it, and leaves the area feeling cool. I have placed it on skin that is itchy as well, and it helped to soothe the itch.

 

The consistency it very liquidy, and is not like a lotion or a gel. It has a medicinal smell to it, much like mouthwash, which is not bad, just not something that I would ordinarily place on my skin. Parents should also be aware that the produce is primarily alcohol-based (similar to rubbing alcohol). Be careful with using it on little ones skin!
My husband has used it on his excema stated that it really did provide cooling relief!

You can purchase your own Toe Juice on their website for JUST the cost of shipping!!!
www.toejuice.com 

Be on the lookout for a review . . . coming soon! 


Kim Co Wine Bottle Cover Review and Giveaway

We love unique gift ideas. Although this is not a gift idea, per se, it IS a great way to wrap! One of our favorite things to bring to parties is a bottle of wine. It is a great hostess gift, but I am always stumped with wrapping it. My husband and I once gave wine as a gift for Christmas, and it seemed the only option was to put it in a gift bag. 

That is why I am so excited about KimCo's Wine Bottle Cover!

We think this cover would be perfect for Valentine's Day! It is a stretchy sleeve that simply pulls over the wine bottle and pulls right off. 
The BEST part? They are only $2.99!!! And they come with a gift bag and a gift tag!


We are LOVING these tissue box covers as well!
THIS is what our tissue boxes normally look like. They are beat up, and look like someone sat on them (it is possible someone did!).
BUT, with the tissue box cover, the problem is solved!

The website features so many different designs, they are sure to have ones that match the decor to every room in your house!

Check out all of their unique products at:
http://www.booksox.com/webstore/home.aspx

Want to win your own Wine Bottle Cover? Enter BELOW!!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

December Starlooks Review

We LOVE StarLooks. StarBox from StarLooks is a cosmetics subscription box service for $15 a month. They send at least 3-4 FULL SIZED products each month! We love trying out new makeup, and think this is one of the best boxes around!


You do NOT want to miss December's box!



You get a palette of 15, YES 15 eyeshadows! For $25!!!! An amazing deal! If you had subscribed and been surprised by your box, this box would have only cost $15 (but since the cat is out of the bag, they allow you to post-purchase the box for $25). $25 is still an amazing value for 15 eye shadows.

The colors vary from bright to neutral, and vary in mattes and shimmer!

To subscribe to your own StarBox, check out their website:
http://starlooks.com/collections/featured/products/december-starbox

MamaBreak received this StarBox to review here on the website. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own. 

Handsome in Pink Review

We adore companies that challenge gender stereotypes. In our house, we encourage everyone to play with ALL toys. Our oldest daughter HATES pink, while our youngest LOVES it, as does our son! We are constantly looking for ways for our children to explore their own identities and celebrate their gender, without necessarily giving into gender roles!
We LOVE Handsome in Pink. We were able to get a Handsome in Pink shirt a few months back, and we absolutely fell in love with it! It is my daughter's favorite shirt, as it exclaims, "Forget Princess, Call Me President." She loves this shirt as she hates anything princess, and especially hates that everything for her gender seems to be gender related.

Check out these awesome shirts from Handsome in Pink!

 My son loves the pink rocketship! So cute!

 And my math loving daughter loves this shirt! It suits her personality!
 My youngest constantly wants to where her "bike" shirt.
We have had our initial HIP shirt since July, and it still looks brand new! It has washed well, and is a high quality shirt!

Find these and other amazing shirts at Handsome in Pink's website:
http://www.handsomeinpink.com/cgi-bin/hip
We love the articles they post on their Facebook page! Follow them at:
 https://www.facebook.com/HandsomeinPink

Webkinz Review

Looking for something to fill that stocking this Christmas? We LOVE Webkinz at our house!
If you did not know, a Webkinz is a stuffed animal, that comes with a special code. With the code, you can go online and create a community of your animals. My 9 year old LOVES Webkinz, so we were both really excited to review!

This polar bear is so incredibly soft. He comes with the traditional beads inside, but this is the first time we have had a Webkinz that's fur was so snuggly!

The hit though was this rock star tiger Webkinz!

The webkinz logo is slightly different.

He also comes with a special code, allowing more access on the Webkinz site.

Webkinz are so very special! They not only are a stuffed animal, but encourage kids to use their imagination!

MamaBreak received Webkinz in order to review them here on the website. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

Nature's Sleep Review and Giveaway

Looking for a way to pamper yourself this holiday season? We LOVE these Nature's Sleep Slippers!


We got the soft blue color and they are SO comfortable. They have memory foam, so you feel like you are walking on clouds!



So comfy!
Check out all of the ways Nature's Sleep will help you relax on their website:
http://www.naturessleep.com/
Use code: BEARS50 to save 50% off anything on the site!

Want to win your own? Enter Below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunny Beadz Review

My kids love things that change . . . especially when they go outside! We love these Sunny Beadz bracelets because they are really a simple concept.



As you can see the bracelet is made up of fairly simple beads. The colored ones can be chosen (we chose blue). The white ones change color in the sun. This color changing jewelry is a great idea for the holidays!


We have not had a lot of sunny days, so this may perhaps be a better item for summer . . . or a warmer climate where you can expose your skin to the sun during daylight hours (it was -9 today! brrr!).
My daughter did like taking it outside and watching it change. Sure to be a hit when the sun comes back out!

Check out all of the sun-changing items at: http://www.sunnysleevez.com/
For special discounts and promotions, follow them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sunny-Sleevez/177189230364
 


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.

Exceprts from the Heart of a Mom Review

Here at MamaBreak we love items that make us feel better about ourselves as moms! We are always looking for reassurance and guidance, not on how to be a perfect mom, but to be the best moms we can be.


Exceprts from the Heart of a Mom is a collection of advice, short tips, to be a better mom. They are not things you do not already know, but things that we need reminding of.

My favorite? "Sometimes it is all about you." Because Mamas, sometimes it IS. Sometimes it NEEDS to be. As a mom, I give and give and give. Sometimes, I need time and energy for ME. Just for ME. I know that, but reading it reassures me and reminds me to take a moment . . . a "mamabreak" for me.

You can find "Excerpts from the Heart of a Mom" on their website at:
http://livethroughtheheart.com/announcing-excerpts-from-the-heart-of-a-mom/

MamaBreak received a copy of the book to review here on MamaBreak. We did not receive any other sort of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

The Muffin Tin Cookbook Review

Do your kids love cupcakes as much as mine? It seems like, when I make cupcakes, they are gone within 2 days! When I make a cake, it can hang around for about a week. My kids are crazy about anything that comes in a cupcake container, which is why I LOVE this new cook book!
The Muffin Tin Cookbook takes a TON of recipes you can make in your MUFFIN tin, and puts them into this wonderful cookbook! The recipes are NOT just desserts and muffins! They include veggie cakes, gourmet food (like wellington!), and even PASTA! I love the book and love the simple recipes. Oh, and I especially love serving my kids a "cupcake" for dinner!

You can purchase the cookbook on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Muffin-Tin-Cookbook-Delicious-Mini-Pies/dp/1440532168

MamaBreak received "The Muffin Tin Cookbook" to review here on MamaBreak. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

Wax Vac Review

One of my most hated tasks is cleaning my children's ears. They get extremely dirty! I use wax drops, but it does not seem to effectively get rid of all of the wax. I am always tempted to us q-tips, even though I know you should not!


We love the Wax Vac. It has really changed the way we clean ears in our house. I was a little nervous to use it, but my son (the primary person we use it on) does not mind it at all, and would tell us for certain if it hurt him.

The end that you see works as a little vacuum with a limited amount of suction. We apply these was drops before the process (you can pick some up on the Wax Vac website), although applying the drops is not necessary. My son has very waxy ears, so this helps to break down the was before "vac"-ing.

The wax is effectively removed without any pain or irritation. Hooray for clean ears!

I did not try the Wax Vac on my own ears, only on my sons.

Please use caution, as always, when purchasing online. We have heard reports that shipping and handling charges are VERY high. The total for your item (with shipping and handling) is $23.98, but you will NOT see this total until you have ordered. Please read all of the fine print before placing your order. 

You can check out Wax Vac at:
https://www.waxvac.com/

MamaBreak received a Wax Vac to review here on the website. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

Dead Sea Spa Products

Are you looking for a way to relax more this holiday season?


We are LOVING these Dead Sea Spa Care Products!
We were able to try Skin Renewal Skin Body Butter in Cucumber Melon.



The body butter is so thick and creamy. I LOVE using it now that the weather is cold and my skin is getting so dry!

We also tried the Dead Sea Salt Scrub! My arms and legs REALLY need a wonderful scrub, and I was not disappointed. The smell is so relaxing and refreshing!

You can check our Dead Sea Spa Products on their website at:
http://deadseaspacare.com/

And follow them on Facebook for some AMAZING promotions!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Sea-Spa-Care/196117949183?ref=ts&fref=ts

Lazy Gourmet

Too tired to make dinner tonight? Me too!
I am loving all these recipes in the "Lazy Gourmet" cookbook. What a perfect gift for a new mom! Not that new moms are lazy, but they need a break more than anyone!


This cookbook takes wonderful recipes that are delicious and nutritious and makes them fast and easy to make!

Check out the Lazy Gourmet Website: http://www.twolazygourmets.com/

Or purchase on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Lazy-Gourmet-Magnificent-Meals-Made/dp/157344653X

MamaBreak received a copy of Lazy Gourmet to review here on the website. We did not receive any other sort of compensation. As always, our experiences and opinions are our own.

Lemons and Lavender

Are you looking to become more eco-friendly in the new year? Looking for better ways to clean?

Lemons and Lavender is a guide that provides you with cleaning tips that are natural AND will save money! We love all the cleaning tips (and love using lemon in our own cleaning-- I love the smell).

This is the perfect gift for the eco-friendly person or even the new mom looking to have a healthier household!

You can purchase Lemons and Lavender on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Lemons-Lavender-Guide-Better-Homekeeping/dp/1936740109

MamaBreak received Lemons and Lavender to review here on MamaBreak. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

Girlfriends Forever

Do you have a special friend in your life that you share everything with? Mama Steph is one of my best friends, and I think having girlfriends, at any age, is so important! As women, we need someone to share with, someone to talk to, someone to give us comfort and support.

Girlfriends Forever is a small book that focuses on that relationship. With funny little antedotes, as well as thoughtful reflection, the book captures the relationship of girlfriends. The perfect gift for all of the female friends in your life!
You can purchase your own copy on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Girlfriends-Forever-Weve-Each-Others/dp/1936740214/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356137648&sr=1-3&keywords=girlfriends+forever

MamaBreak received a copy of Girlfriends forever to review here on MamaBreak. We did not receive any other sort of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

Use Your Words . . . A Review

Are you looking for a way to write more creatively? Are you wanting to become a better writer for your blog, and stuck in a lurch?
We think Use Your Words is the perfect solution! It is a book written for women who are looking for inspiration in their nonfiction writing. With helpful tips and guidance, it is a great resource for any woman looking to write more!

 Purchase your own copy at:
http://www.amazon.com/Use-Your-Words-Writing-Mothers/dp/1936740125/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356137697&sr=1-1&keywords=use+your+words

We received a copy of "Use Your Words" to review here on MamaBreak. We did not receive any other sort of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.

Entertain Like a Gentleman . . . A Review

My husband loves to cook. He likes looking up new recipes and trying them out. That is why we love "How to Entertain Like a Gentleman." This cookbook focuses on a male-centered approach to cooking. You will not find flowery photos and frilly instructions. The cookbook is made "manly" by giving more direct instructions and giving titles that make the items seem more "masculine."



My husband enjoys the cookbook, and I like that he is inspired to cook!
Purchase your own copy on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Entertain-Like-Gentleman-David-Harap/dp/1935547186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356137760&sr=1-1&keywords=entertain+like+a+gentleman

I received a copy of the cookbook to review here on MamaBreak. I did not receive any other kind of compensation for my review. As always, my opinions and experiences are my own.

Guess What Dear Diary . . . A Review

My 9 year old is one of the hardest little people I know to shop for. Perhaps it is that way with ALL little girls that age. Last year we purchased her a diary, but she never really knew what to write about. I could tell she needed direction. That is what I like about, "Guess What? Dear Diary."


It is a diary for young people that gives them prompts to talk about. It explores different topics that are relevant to a young person's life, and gives them the direction my daughter was searching for.


We love that it also came with this cute little pen. Perfect for the holidays!

The best part? It is co-written by a young girl herself, and we LOVE that her mom helped her to publish and bring her idea to life!

You can order your own, here on the Guess What? Dear Diary website:
http://cherryevasquez.tateauthor.com/?page_id=1793
Or order on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Guess-Diary-Cherrye-Vasquez-Ph-D/dp/1478234946

We received a copy of "Guess What? Dear Diary" to review here on MamaBreak. We did not receive any other sort of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own.