CLOSED:GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: ESV Journaling Bible #JOURNALINGBIBLE #FLYBY

journalReading the Bible without meditating on it is like trying to eat without swallowing.” — Anonymous

Reading the Bible has always been a great source of joy, peace and wonder for me. I always seem to find new things that are perfectly applicable to whatever situation I am going through and I am in awe at knowing that I am reading the inspired word of God.

Whenever I am worried or afraid, all I have to do is to open this age-old book of wisdom and I know the triune God (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) are with me guiding, directing, loving and rejoicing when I give everything going on in my life to Him. I also know that unless I am feeding my mind and soul with the Word, I am probably not reacting to situations the way I should. The more we are in the word, the more it pours out of us in life in all situations. It doesn’t mean we are perfect – just properly equipped.

What I love about this journaling Bible is that you can make notes, write dates of prayer requests and even doodle as you contemplate God’s word. I have gone back to more than one older Bible in my life time and really enjoyed seeing what I wrote and how God inspired me in a particular moment. This publication of the Bible gives you plenty of room! I have always enjoyed journaling and reading the Bible and here you have both together.

I am doing a quick giveaway of one of these Bibles this week (to end by Friday, 11/20/15). US & Canada shipping only. Please comment below for a chance to win your own ESV journaling Bible. See more information about this Bible below.

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About the ESV Journaling Bible: (Retail Price: $37.99) 

Features:
 – Black letter text
 – Double-column, paragraph format
 – Cream-colored paper
 – 2″ ruled margins
 – One-Year Bible Reading Plan
 – Introductions and section headings for each Bible book
About Crossway:
The purpose of Crossway has been, from its founding as a not-for-profit ministry in 1938, to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church.   They seek to help people understand the massive implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word, for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God.  
 
Disclosure: Thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Contest Rules: Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or, if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

 

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GIVEAWAY: The Marvel Experience in Philadelphia in June #tmxtour #tmxphiladelphia

Our family loves the Marvel-inspired movies, Marvel TV spin-offs and everything super hero and now there is the coolest show coming in town that lets my kids feel like Super Heroes themselves. And, of course, I may have to get into the action a bit too because this show is for ALL ages!

Comment below for a chance to win 4 tickets to the The Marvel Experience Show in Philadelphia at 1 pm on June 19, 2015 at the Lincoln Financial Field. Contest end June 12, 2015. A winner will be notified Saturday June 13th.

300x250_SUMMER_PHIAbout the Marvel Experience: 

Become a part of THE experience. You will smash villains as Hulk, fly as Iron Man, shoot energy beams with Vision, and scale buildings with Spidey! Your journey will take you through the amazing 3D 360 degree Stereoscopic full-Dome projection theater before taking flight in the thrilling motion ride. S.H.I.E.L.D. has assembled Marvel’s Avengers to battle Red Skull and HYDRA and they need your help!  Become part of this  ‘all ages’ immersive experience at the world’s first ever Super Hero Recruitment Tour! Don’t wait, as this limited engagement at the (venue name) is for 2 weeks only.

Tour Dates

Philadelphia, PA. Lincoln Financial Field: 6/19 – 7/5

Chicago, IL. McCormick Place: 7/11 – 8/2

New York, NY. Park Avenue Armory: 8/8 – 8/30

St. Louis, MO. America’s Center: 9/5 – 9/20

 

About the Technology Behind The Marvel Experience:

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CLOSED: GIVEAWAY: American Sniper Blu-Ray & DVD

American Sniper 3D Box Art

Leave a comment below to enter to win an American Sniper Blu-Ray & DVD set by June 1st. I was given three copies – one to giveaway here, one to review and one to give to a veteran as a gift.

This Blu-Ray & DVD set hits stores May 19th – just before Memorial Day or buy a copy online at Amazon.com. Warner Bros. is donating a dollar from the sale of each DVD, up to $1 million, to the Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission is to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To learn more about WWP’s life-saving programs and services, please visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs.

 

MOVIE SYNOPSIS

From director Clint Eastwood comes “American Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, whose skills as a sniper made him a hero on the battlefield. But there was much more to him than his skill as a sharpshooter.

Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield, and as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname “Legend.” However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front: striving to be a good husband and father from halfway around the world.

Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, personifying the spirit of the SEAL creed to “leave no one behind.” But upon returning to his wife, Taya (Sienna Miller), and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.

Movie Trailer:

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GIVEAWAY: Penguins of Madagascar DVD/Blu-Ray Set

Penguins

This week I am giving away a couple of the NEW Penguins of Madagascar DVD/Blu-Ray 2 disc sets. Please enter in the Rafflecopter below. I have also included a synopsis and trailer below in case you haven’t heard of this totally fun movie.

Synopsis: In Penguins of Madagascar, audiences will discover the secrets of the most entertainingly mysterious birds in the global espionage game. Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private now must join forces with the chic spy organization, the North Wind, led by Agent Classified (we could tell you his name, but then … you know) to stop the cunning villain Dr. Octavius Brine from taking over the world.

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CLOSED: GIVEAWAY: Disney DVD Set of Star Wars Rebels: THE CLONE WARS and Phineas & Ferb: STAR WARS

CLOSED: Winners will be notified.

Enter to win a set of Disney Home Entertainment DVDs including Star Wars Rebels: THE CLONE WARS and Phineas & Ferb: STAR WARS. (Several sets are being given away! Each winner wins one of each.) Start by leaving a comment about your favorite character and then several options will come open for tweeting and liking Facebook pages for extra entries. Shipping to U.S. addresses only. Contest ends December 1st.

phineas star warsABOUT: PHINEAS AND FERB: STAR WARS

Releases On DVD November 11, 2014 – DVD Includes Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars Full-Length Adventure Plus Five Additional Episodes (Over Two Hours of Content) And A Complimentary Collectible Perry-In-Carbonite Keychain!

 About The Release:  Bring home the ultimate intergalactic adventure when the plans for the Death Star accidentally fall into the hands of Phineas and Ferb who (along with Agent P, of course) become thrust into a crisis to stop the evil Darthenshmirtz. The epic battle to restore balance to the universe includes the full-length adventure, Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars and 5 additional episodes. Plus FREE inside every DVD is a collectible Perry-In-Carbonite keychain!

Synopsis:   A couple summers ago in a galaxy far, far away, Phineas and Ferb are happily basking in the glow of Tatooine’s twin suns – until plans for the Death Star accidentally fall into their hands, thrusting them (and Agent P) into a galactic rebellion and an epic struggle of good versus evil in Phineas And Ferb: Star WarsTM.

Will Phineas and Ferb be able to resist the Dark Side? Will Stormtrooper Candace finally bust a Rebel? Can Agent P stop Darthenshmirtz from using his Force-powered “Sith-Inator”?

Featuring 5 additional episodes for over 2 hours of action-packed fun, this mind-blowing, intergalactic adventure is a blast for all ages! May the Ferb be with you…always. 

clone-wars_webABOUT STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS: THE LOST MISSIONS

Blasts onto Blu-ray™ and DVD November 11th, 2014

Synopsis: Against a backdrop of ever-shifting loyalties, uneasy alliances and ancient hostilities, the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists ramps up, setting the stage for Darth Sidious’ ultimate act of treachery against the Jedi. In these uncertain times, some of the deepest mysteries of the light and dark sides of the Force are revealed as an intrepid clone trooper uncovers a shocking conspiracy, Anakin Skywalker’s closest relationship is tested to its limits, and Master Yoda makes a discovery that could forever change the balance of power in the galaxy.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Want to win a car seat?! #BuckleUpForLife

Head over to my other blog DIYFrugal to read more about this month’s car safety campaign through BuckleUpForLife and learn how you can win one of over 25 car seats being given away. I am giving away one on DIYFrugal but read through that post to see where more are being given away on Twitter and via Google Hangout this coming week and to read about the precious moments I’ve shared with my kids in the car over the years.

buckle up

 

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CLOSED: BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY: DECK wireless speaker @SolRepublic & Motorola

sol republic deckRecently, I received a DECK — the portable wireless speaker by Sol Republic and Motorola – and I LOVED it so much I am giving a brand new one away too! If you can’t wait, Best Buy stocks these nifty little devices too.

(Photo Credit: Yellow DECK pict offered by Sol Republic for this review)

Let’s talk nitty gritty now. This little device retails full-price just under $200 and as sound afficionados may wonder, I hear you asking — what do I get for that?

I’ll preface my comments by saying – I am NOT a sound expert. I am your average user who can’t tell you if the lows are better than the highs but I can tell you that the Sol Republic DECK was designed for mobile convenience not high-def surround sound and therefore met my goals for this product, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

For the techies in the crowd, let’s start with some product details:

  • Package includes DECK wireless speaker, carry case, USB Cable AC adapter, 3.5 mm audio cable.
  • Charges via mini USB cable for 10 hours of play
  • Powered by large R2 Sound Engines and a bass port for bigger sound
  • NFC or Bluetooth pairing: Supports A2DP, HandsFree & AVRCP Profiles
  • Offers Heist Mode (TM) for multi-device pairing – up to 5 devices.
  • Speakerphone for hands free calling
  • 360 degree full sound
  • Outdoor boost with extra volume
  • Acoustically transparent slim-fit case lets you listen to the DECK while you protect it
  • Original retail price $199.99 but check around for several places selling for lower.

So how does the SOL REPUBLIC 1500-10 DECK Wireless Speaker work?

DECK SOL

STEPS TO OPERATING Sol Republic DECK: (Note: I was using a MotoX smartphone also made by Motorola to test this device.)

  1. Charge your device via the USB cord.
  2. Turn on the Bluetooth option on your device.
  3. Turn on the DECK. Pairing Mode starts automatiically.
  4. Go to the Blue-Tooth Menu on your device and select DECK. (Note: You may need to search for a new device for the option to come up. Enter 00000 if prompted.)
  5. Once the two pair, you will get a pairing complete tone.
  6. For NFC enabled devices, simply tap your device to the top of the DECK or if that doesn’t work on your device, use the above EASYPAIR(TM) method.
  7. Adjust sound using the plus and minus buttons on the top of the DECK. (Note: Thanks to wireless wonder, your device does not need to touch the DECK for sound to project.)
  8. Use the Motorola button on the top center to play & pause music, answer & end calls, change to Outdoor mode and Heist(TM) Lock.
  9. Use selector switch on side to change between single user and multi-user.

Final Comments: 

I used the SOL REPUBLIC 1500-10 DECK Wireless Speaker effectively in two scenarios over the last week: playing an audiobook wirelessly while cleaning around the house and in playing the playlist of my daughter’s friend off her tablet using the 3.5 mm audio cable.

In playing the audiobook, I found the sound to be completely sufficient to hear the narrator throughout each room where I carried the DECK. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I could start the book via my charging phone in the bedroom and carry the DECK into the bathroom while I cleaned there. There was no change in sound resolution from room to room over bluetooth wireless even when I charged my phone downstairs and carried the DECK upstairs. How cool is that!

At a recent birthday party, my daughter wanted to share her friend’s playlist stored on her tablet. We tried pairing via bluetooth which did not work since the profile wouldn’t come up on her device but the 3.5 mm audio cable worked perfectly. We have great speakers for playing music in our house and normally wouldn’t use a portable device for a party but in this case, for a group standing in the kitchen,  it was a perfect quick solution and you know kids these days – everything needs to be easy and fast. It was also great for outdoors when people went out on the deck for an hour and made s’mores in our fire pit. My husband is a sound snob but he wasn’t there at the moment to hook up his variety of sound options. I like easy and fast too so it totally worked for me.

On using multiple devices, we found when pairing to both mine and my husband’s phone, that you pair to one for phone calls, etc., and then to multi-devices for music only. I could receive a call coming through my phone but my husband could only join in with music. The DECK did not answer incoming calls from his device while mine was still paired as the primary user. We did not test further but he was able to play music effectively from his Amazon music app. Being a sound snob, he always prefers the surround sound he installed for us around the house but comparing our hardwired home system to a portable device is apples and oranges and not really fair when they are used for different scenarios.

Ultimately, the device achieves its goal. It’s a bit pricey but you can already see prices coming down around the web, making this item affordable and desirable as an easy-use speaker in individual rooms throughout the house, in the car, in a dorm room or other.

Join Sol conversation on Twitter & Facebook.

Check out the options for entering to win your own Deck wireless speaker below. Giveaway is for U.S. and Canada only.

You can also enter to win one over at Cira’s Lyrics!

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CLOSED: Massive Disney GIVEAWAY: Multi-Pack DVD/Blu-Ray Movies: Tarzan, Hercules, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, The Three Musketeers, Fun & Fancy Free and Ichabod & Mr. Toad

disney blu-ray giveawayGIVEAWAY is closed and 10 winners were notified of their prize. 

In honor of the time of year we are all thinking Back-to-School thoughts, I am giving away not ONE set of the following movies but MULTIPLE sets of 5 classic Disney movies on BluRay™ for the first time. Each title has been digitally re-mastered with high-definition picture and sound.

MOVIES IN THE SET:

    1. Tarzan – Disney’s magnificent adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ story begins deep within the jungle when baby Tarzan is adopted by a family of gorillas. But his “Two Worlds” collide with the arrival of humans, forcing Tarzan to choose between a “civilized” life with the beautiful Jane and the life he shares with his fun-loving friends and his gorilla family. Enjoy this wild and wonderful adventure in a whole new way on Disney Blu-ray!
    2. Hercules – Taken from the gods as a newborn and adopted on earth, Hercules is just an awkward pillar of strength trying to fit in. What he wants most is to impress his father Zeus. When Hercules discovers Hades’ sinister plot to take over Mount Olympus, he goes from zero to hero and, with the help of his pals Pegasus and Phil, discovers that real strength comes from the heart!
    3. Bedknobs & Broomsticks – Disney legends Angela Lansbury (“Beauty And The Beast”) and David Tomlinson (“Mary Poppins”) star in this beloved film about an apprentice witch who reluctantly takes in three orphan children. Though her first spells create more laughs than magic, Miss Price and the children soon find themselves swept away aboard a fantastic flying bed – their ticket to fun-filled excitement and adventure. Take the ride of your life with “Bedknobs And Broomsticks.”
    4. Mickey Donald Goofy: Three Musketeers 10th Anniversary –  Best buddies Mickey, Donald and Goofy are small-time janitors with big dreams of becoming Musketeers. They may not look like heroes, but, powered by teamwork and friendship, they soon discover they can accomplish anything if they work together. Packed with six rousing songs and now fully-restored with new and classic bonus features, this heartwarming family film is better than ever on Disney Blu-ray and High-Def Digital. It’s “All For Fun And Fun For All!”
    5. Adventures of Ichabod & Mr Toad / Fun & Fancy Free – First, hang on for a wild ride with the fun loving Mr. J. Thaddeus Toad. When his passion for motorcars lands him in hot water, he must rely on his faithful friends to clear his name. Then meet the infamous Ichabod Crane whose comic rivalry for the affections of the town beauty leads to a heart-pounding race with the legendary Headless Horseman. Share these high-spirited adventures with your whole family on Blu-ray and Digital HD.

Each title has been digitally re-mastered with high definition picture and sound Available on Blu-ray Superset (BD + DVD + Digital Copy) August 12th

Also Available August 12th:
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad/Fun and Fancy Free 2-Movie Collection on Blu-ray Combo Pack (BD + 2 DVDS) & Hercules, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, & Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers On Single Disc DVD

You can see a number of options for entering in the Rafflecopter below – tweeting, Facebooking, leaving a comment, etc. and you have until August 31st to do them for more and more chances to win your own set of 5.

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