What To Expect Review & GIVEAWAY (closed)

I'm sure most of you have heard of the "What To Expect When You're Expecting" books.  It is one of the most popular pregnancy guides out there and definitely a must-have essential in any expecting woman's home! 

I recently found out that this wonderful series of books has been making lots of great additions and has even launched a website-- WhatToExpect.com!  WhatToExpect.com is like an online version of the book series with a great community of women and tons of great resources for everything from preconception and beyond!

I had the wonderful opportunity to explore the new site and also receive three of their books for review!

Now, everyone that knows me well knows that I LOVE reading about pregnancy and child development!  My sister gave me the original What To Expect When You're Expecting book a few years back and I had no idea the book had been completely revised until the new 4th Edition book arrived.  I was actually very surprised at ALL of the great changes in the book!  I just love the expanded chapters, helpful hints & tips, and details inside!

The next book I got was the book What To Expect The Frist Year the 2nd Edition.  This book has lots of wonderful information on your child's monthly growth and development and includes the latest medical advice, tips, and solutions to help guide you through your child's first year!

Finally, the last book I received was their new What To Expect The Second Year.  How great that they have expanded their series!  This book is definitely something that parents can appreciate, as it helps guide you through the tough toddler stages with advice on eating, sleeping, safety, health, social development, tantrums, and more!

I found the books super  helpful and informative for my kids and have loved learning more about parenting through the books!

   Be sure to check out all the other great books WhatToExpect.com has on their site and explore all the site has to offer.

Oh, and did you know they are coming out with a What To Expect movie next year?  It looks hilarious and I can't wait to see it!

BUY IT:

You can visit WhatToExpect.com for more info on the book series and for purchasing info

*Remember these would also make GREAT gifts for expecting friends and family!!!

WIN IT:
WhatToExpect.com is giving TWO OF OUR READERS a PRIZE PACK OF THEIR BOOKS including:

- WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING

- WHAT TO EXPECT THE FIRST YEAR

- WHAT TO EXPECT THE SECOND YEAR

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit WhatToExpect.com and tell us something interested you found on the site!

EARN MORE ENTRIES:

(Leave a separate comment for each entrycompleted)

1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly akathrough Google Friend Connect (On the Right Sidebar)

1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog by RSSFeed (On the Right Sidebar)

1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via email(On the Right Sidebar)

1 Entry: "Like" What To Expect Facebook Page

1 Entry: “Like” our Take It From MeFacebook Page & Update your status with a link to this giveaway

1 Entry: Become a follower of What To Expect on Twitter

1 Entry: Follow Take It From Me onTwitter & tweet about this giveaway (You may do this once daily.  Please put the link in your comment- See ourhelpful Tweet button below!!)

2 Entries: Add our button to your blog

3 Entries: Post about this giveaway andinclude a link back to our blog (please put the link to your post in yourcomment)

1 Entry Each: Share this giveaway throughDigg, Stumble It, Google Buzz, etc. (share buttons coming soon- some foundbelow)

1 Entry Each: Send an Email to a familymember or friend telling them about this giveaway and include takeitfrommegirls(at) gmail (dot) com in the CC

Giveaway closes Wednesday December 21stat midnight

Winner will be chosen using Random.org& announced the following day

(Open to US ONLY)

GOOD LUCK!

(Remember to includeyour email in one of your posts or have it available on your profile so we cancontact you of your win)

I was not compensated for this review. I receive product(s) for free so that I can provide my insight and experience.  These are my honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Gift Guide: Chronicle Books (Review & Giveaway) CLOSED

"Inspired by the enduring magic and importance of books, our objective is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that's instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value. This objective also informs our business relationships and endeavors, be they with customers, authors, vendors, or colleagues."

There's nothing like cuddling up on the couch with a good book on a cold winter's night! Chronicle Books has such a great selection of books and activities for everyone in the family, you'll love browsing through them all!

Chronicle Books was very generous and sent me 5 books and activities to review, each one unique in its own way! The first item, The Small Object Thumbprint Masterpieces, is from their stationary section. I love all kinds of stationary, and thought this kit was so fun! It comes with a two-toned ink pad, step-by-step instructions, a ton of adorable post cards, and lots of stickers. You simply choose a post card that suites the person receiving the post card, and start creating your Thumbprint Masterpieces! Definitely a fun set for the creative ones!

The second item, Watercolor Postcards: A Portable Studio, comes from their toys/games section. I really enjoy painting, but most of the time I need A LOT of directions. This kit is perfect for the beginning blooming artist because it comes with easy-to-follow instructions with tips from watercolor experts! The set comes with everything you need to create a beautiful watercolor postcard to send to that special someone! I would love to receive a postcard like this in the mail, knowing someone made it just for me!

 

The third item, the World's Smallest Post Service is from their craft kits section and is absolutely hilarious! You must check out the short video below to get the feel for just how small these packages and letters are! The set comes with 40 mini writing sheets, 40 mini envelopes, 60 envelope seals, 4 mini gift boxes, 4 sheets Kraft wrapping paper, 4 sheets miniature "newspaper" packing paper, 44 inches twine, 40 postage stamps and 32 special delivery stickers. I'm planning on using these to write special notes to my kids, which I know they will LOVE!

The fourth book, Farts Around the World is my husbands favorite! We were both on the floor laughing with this one. Each page has a country and a number that corresponds to the number on the side. Each fart has been nick named and has a short blurb on it, then you press the button and listen to the fart! I was very surprised at how well each fart represented the country, which made it even more ridiculous than it looks and had me laughing so hard!

The fifth book, How to Speak Wookiee is for the Star Wars fan because it teaches you all the techniques for speaking Wookiee! Whether you are in the office or using public transportion, you'll know how to communicate to your fellow Wookiee friends! The blurb on each page is quite entertaining and pretty genius, you'll have everyone in your family laughing!

Buy It!

Chronicle Books products are available to purchase on their site!

Win It! 

Chronicle Books has generously offered 1 of our lucky Take It From Me readers one copy of each of the following: The Small Object Thumbprint Masterpieces, How to Speak Wookiee, Watercolor Postcards: A Portable Studio & World's Smallest Post Service!

 

HERE'S HOW TO WIN!

MANDATORY ENTRY (1 Entry):

• Visit Chronicle Books, then come back here and tell us a couple books you would love to have!

EARN MORE ENTRIES! You may do any or all of these in any order.  Leave a separate comment for each entry completed. 

•  1 Entry: “Like” Chronicle Books on Facebook
• 1 Entry: "Follow" Chronicle Books on Twitter
• 1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly aka Google Friend Connect (On the Right Sidebar) 
• 1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog by RSS Feed (On the Right Sidebar) 
• 1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via email (On the Right Sidebar)
• 1 Entry: “Like” Take It From Me on Facebook and update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway
• 1 Entry: Follow Take It From Me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You may do this once daily.  Please put the link in your comment- SEE TWEET BUTTON BELOW FOR EASY TWEETING!!)
• 2 Entries: Add our button to your blog (On the Right Sidebar)
• 3 Entries: Post about this giveaway and include a link back to our blog (please put the link to your post in your comment)
• 1 Entry Each: Share this giveaway through email, Digg, Stumble It, Google Buzz, etc (Share buttons coming soon- some found below)
  

Giveaway closes Thursday December 1st at midnight

(Open to U.S. & CANADA!!)

Winner will be chosen using Random.org & announced the following day

GOOD LUCK!

(Remember to include your email in one of your posts or have it available on your profile so we can contact you of your win)

This product is featured in our "2011 Holiday Gift Guide!"

A big thank you to Chronicle Books for providing me with these books to review, and for providing a set of books as a giveaway for one of our readers.  These are my honest opinions, your experience may vary.

Let's Go To Volcano Valley....Review!

There is a great new board book out for children aged 4-8 featuring a favorite PBS cast of characters!  Let's Go to Volcano Valley features all the friends your child knows and loves from Dinosaur Train!  Here is the scoop...

Get ready to board the Dinosaur Train and meet some new friends! Buddy, the adorable preschooler Tyrannosaurus Rex, and this adoptive Pteranodon family are always on the move. Today, they are going to Volcano Valley. Along the way, the train is making stops at the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous stations to make dozens of dinosaur discoveries. With more than 40 flaps to lift, kids will want to explore Buddy’s world again and again! 

A&W love this book it is FULL of lift the flaps which they go crazy over and also full of fun and interesting facts about dinosaurs.  I feel like each time we read the book there is something new we discover.  This book is a huge hit at our house and I would highly recommend it for fans of dinosaurs or the show Dinosaur Train.  Thumbs up all around!  You can pick it up today on Amazon for just $9.99...

Bilingual ME....Review!

I only know one language...English.  I took French in high school but I feel like it was harder to grasp because I had zero exposure as a young child.   Children are like sponges and the earlier you introduce them to something new, like a language, the quicker they are able to pick it up.  Let's face it, the US is way behind in teaching other languages.  Most other developed countries have children speaking at least two.  I am not into the whole let's turn the world into one big super competition but wouldn't it be wonderful to give our children the gift of being able to better communicate with others?

I was recently introduced to Bilingual ME which is a program designed to help teach young children (aged 3-8) Mandarin Chinese.  The program includes books which can by used alone or with the LOYO pen which allows the child to hear the words spoken in Mandarin...



I was sent a variety of the Bilingual ME books and they really are wonderful. Using vivid and clear "real" pictures, they show the Mandarin and English word along with an item which would be commonly used in either language (foods, colors, shapes, vehicles etc..).

 

 

All three of my children enjoyed the Bilingual ME books.  They found the pictures especially interesting and enjoyed flipping through.  My son "W" was especially interested in the different symbols used in Mandarin and took a real interest.  I really wish I had the pen.  Not being a person who is really skilled in languages made it tough for me to try and pronounce the words.  I had a feeling my interpretation would NOT actually be teaching the children Mandarin but, instead, a new made up mom language!  I do think there is real value in  the site word recognition though and I think the books alone do a tremendous job teaching these in a way that is engaging.  Even Baby R likes to flip through just to see the great pictures.

I give Bilingual ME a thumbs up but I would highly recommend getting the LOYO pen to go along with it.  I think the added games and interactive  portion would be of huge benefit.  Visit Bilingual ME to purchase today.  You can also find Bilingual ME on Facebook and Twitter.

I received this product to review as a member of LivingYourMoment.com's blogger review team. I was compensated for this post but all opinions are my own.

My Favorite Book For Gifting....

If you read my blog regularly, it is no secret that I am HUGE fan of book.  I love, love, love to read and love to share books with my children.  I also love hearing (and giving!) book suggestions for  the kids and for myself.  I am definitely "that" person in the bookstore handing out unsolicited book advice (sorry!). 

Last night at story time with A&W I read them what is, quite  possibly, my favorite book to gift to children AND adults.  Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg is a stunning, unique book celebrating the power of making a "mistake".  Each page shows a perceived "mistake" in art and shows how it is transformed into something wonderful.  This is books is brilliantly done and is a excellent reminder to people of ALL ages that life's mistakes can become amazing opportunities.   This book is always on my graduation and birthday party gift list.

I found this fun video which shows the pictures and has a song to the words.  Just a note....I don't sing the words because my singing voice is considered torturous once my children reach the age of one (or the age in which they can use their hands to cover my mouth!)...


Beautiful Oops is one of my favorites because of the beautiful message as well as the wonderful interactive aspect.  If you are looking for a special gift this one fits the bill for any age. You can buy it for just $6.79 from Amazon today (a steal!)...

Area 51...Review!

I was lucky enough to given a much buzzed about book to review...Area 51:  An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base by Annie Jacobsen.  I am not typically a person who reads a lot of non-fiction but I find the topic of Area 51 pretty intriguing so I was excited to have a read.  In case you have missed the buzz (where have you been??) here is the scoop...

It is the most famous military installation in the world. And it doesn't exist. Located a mere seventy-five miles outside of Las Vegas in Nevada's desert, the base has never been acknowledged by the U.S. government-but Area 51 has captivated imaginations for decades.

Myths and hypotheses about Area 51 have long abounded, thanks to the intense secrecy enveloping it. Some claim it is home to aliens, underground tunnel systems, and nuclear facilities. Others believe that the lunar landing itself was filmed there. The prevalence of these rumors stems from the fact that no credible insider has ever divulged the truth about his time inside the base. Until now.

Annie Jacobsen had exclusive access to nineteen men who served the base proudly and secretly for decades and are now aged 75-92, and unprecedented access to fifty-five additional military and intelligence personnel, scientists, pilots, and engineers linked to the secret base, thirty-two of whom lived and worked there for extended periods. In Area 51, Jacobsen shows us what has really gone on in the Nevada desert, from testing nuclear weapons to building super-secret, supersonic jets to pursuing the War on Terror.

This is the first book based on interviews with eye witnesses to Area 51 history, which makes it the seminal work on the subject. Filled with formerly classified information that has never been accurately decoded for the public, Area 51 weaves the mysterious activities of the top-secret base into a gripping narrative, showing that facts are often more fantastic than fiction, especially when the distinction is almost impossible to make. 

Aren't you swept right up into the hype??  Well, my take is this...if you are hoping to hear about little green martians (I was) this one probably is not for you!   Area 51 is incredibly interesting but it is heavy on the conspiracy theories and it is decidedly NOT a light read.  If you are a history buff or interested in government relations and controversy this one is for you.  I did enjoy the book but I was left with some conflicting theories about what I believed.  My suggestion? Read it and decide what you think for yourself!  It is an interesting read full of plenty of history....a great beach and beyond read!  Pick it up today on Amazon...




Disclosure: I was given a copy of the above mentioned book for purpose of review. The opinions expressed are my own and have not been altered by anyone. I was not paid for my 100% honest review.