Balance Benders ~Mama Buzz Review~

I was  blessed with being able to review for a company that I already LOVE and know well. The Critical Thinking Co. has so many fantastic learning resources! If you have never heard of them....well your in for a treat. The Gaertegang was sent a  complimentary copy of Balance Benders ~Beginning (grades 2-6). The Balance Bender series is all about Logic and Algebraic Reasoning. The series uses fun puzzles to help the children develop skills to solve deductive thinking and pre-algebra problems. I really like this series because in my own public school education I don't think I ever learned these things.....which might explain why I was TERRIBLE at algebra. I want to give my children the gift of reasoning, problem solving, and have them learn all these things in a fun way. My children seem to "eat up" these books whenever we have received them.  In all honesty their not flashy, fancy, or even colorful. My kids don't seem to even notice that. They are more interested in what the puzzle is and how to find the answer. As the mom and teacher, I LOVE that these books really make them think hard and stretch them the think about things and problems they have never encoutered before.

Critical Thinking has so much more to offer besides this great new series! They have tons of "try before you buy" downloads, and printables!!! I really LOVE that they offer this on their website, because sometime I am not sure what level I need for each child. With this feature, I can print off material and have them test it out to see what level they need.

As you can tell,  I am a HUGE FAN! I plan to use several Critical Thinking workbooks in our curriculum this coming school year. Speaking of FAN you can sign up to follow Critical Thinking on Facebook & Twitter.

If you want to see in print what Critical Thinking has to offer go here to request a FREE catalog!

Thank you to Critical Thinking for providing us with  a copy of Balance Benders to review. Opinions expressed on this blog are honest and straightfoward. 

DANIELLE

Hurry Time Is Running Out!

Don't forget to sign up for my 48 hr giveaway!!! Ends at Noon today! Go Here to enter!!

DANIELLE

CoverMate Review ~Mama Buzz~

I received a FREE package from CoverMate to see how I liked them. Can I just tell you I LOVE THEM!!! At first I wasn't so sure what to think...they promise to perform on many levels. The only thing I needed to do was find out for myself if they delivered on those promises........Before I report on what I think of them watch this short clip to see what CoverMate is all about.

 I am happy to report that I will faithfully have these handy covers in my cabinets at all times. I have constantly used, and washed them and they have not disappointed me in any area. CoverMate was even generous enough to send me a package to GIVEAWAY to you all......

So I am hosting a 48 HOUR GIVEAWAY!!! You will receive a Variety Pack which will include 10 covers, 4 Medium, 4 Large, 2 Extra Large and a bonus can cover.

HOW TO ENTER! Leave a separate comment for each entry.

1. Follow Gaertgang on my sidebar.

2. Subscribe to Gaertegang.

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Post about the giveaway! (Be sure to leave me the link)

5.Grab my button for your blog!

6. Facebook, or Twitter about the giveaway!

Remember this giveaway will close at NOON on Wednesday May 5th....so enter now!!

Raw Energy~Mama Buzz Review

By: Stephanie Tourles

Price: $16.95 

Raw snacks are nature’s original fast foods—delicious, easy to prepare, and bursting with the ingredients you need to stay healthy and energized on even the busiest days. Stephanie Tourles offers 125 recipes for parfaits, trail mixes, smoothies, energy bars, juice blends, soups, vegetable chips, dips, candies, cookies, and more. Made from unprocessed whole foods—such as nuts, seeds, dried and fresh fruits, vegetables, oats, carob, cocoa, and fresh juices—these snacks have fewer than 250 calories and are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and enzymes.


 I found that this book was full of some great information on the importance of oils, nut, veggies, and fruits in our diet. I was disappointed to find that most of the recipes called for ingredients I had never heard of and did not have in my home. I would not go out and buy all these needed ingredients just to try out recipes I have no idea if anyone would like. Over all I would not recommend this book, if your main objective for getting the book is for the recipes. 

DANIELLE~ Thank you to Storey Publishing for sending me this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Potluck Survival Guide~~Mama Buzz Review

Oh ladies, I am so thrilled to tell you about this book.....I guess that is what you call it...Cook book, Tips/Hints book, "How-to Book", Calculator book, I mean really this book does it ALL!!!! This wonder Survival Guide is written by Cherie Kimmons, published by Five Star Publications, and sells for $18.96. (which is on sale)
Hold onto to your seat because I am about to say something shocking......THIS IS A MUST HAVE BOOK!!!!!! This book is worth WAY MORE than the sticker price....I can't believe I am saying that, but honestly girls you need one. This master piece is filled with close to 300 recipes I am thinking....I actually tried to count them, but with 4 kids and a husband I kept getting interrupted and losing count so somewhere after 250 I gave up. Okay so 300 recipes and then Cherie has filled this book with invalueable information on hints/tips on each recipe!!!! I love it when other people can make the mistakes and then tell me about them...saves me time, money, and frustration. All these great hints help to ensure I make the best food I can in less time....I LOVE that!!! Cherie talks about preparing meals for your childrens sports teams, classroom gathers, and  any other large group. She gives suggestions on food to serve as even provides you with an amazing chart to calcualte how much food to make for that event. As I went through this GUIDE I felt like I was learning so many things I hadn't heard before! Helpful things that I wondered why I hadn't seen before in other cookbooks and what not. I feel that this book is great for women in all season of life as well. If you are a young married you will learn a wealth of information on how to cook great meals for your spouse. If you are a mommy of many children, again this book provides all that info, and we all know that our kids grow up and then have friends over. Since I have 3 boys ( one girl too), I know that having some friends over will one day equal feeding a small army with large appetites!!! Also those children will be involved in all sorts of activities that will require needing to fix food for many active teens! If your children are all grown, well then that equals them having their own families and now your a grandma and have many more mouths to feed.
So really I feel like I couldn't say enough positive things about this book....I am slowly working my way through each page and combing over all the great information. I have up to this point been skipping around and checking all the different sections out so I could get a good idea of the book and what it had to offer....which is a lot of must know goodies!!!

Thank you to Five Star Publications!! The Gaertegang appreciates being a part of this great tour of Potluck Survival Guide!!

Wright On Time: Arizona~Mama Buzz Review

As soon as we received Wright On Time, my 8 year old snatched it up and curled up in the chair and started reading. Wright On Time: Arizona, is  book one in this fun series about a family who had decided to embark on an adventure across the USA in an RV. They are a homeschooling family that loves learning and immersing themselves in a hands on approach to schooling.

Lance, my 8 year old, said he really enjoyed reading the book. He wants to see what adventures the Wright family find waiting for them in Utah (Book 2).

From a mommy's point of view, I did like the book. I felt the sense of adventure as I flipped the pages. I would have like to see the book explore more of Arizona. I felt that the book concentrated only one aspect. I would have like to see the book be longer in length and include more details about the state.  I do like that this book represents two things our family is passionate about, homeschooling and RVing. My husband has even mentioned he would love to take off in our camper and travel the country......playing Bluegrass music to support our travels......Ohhhh well a guy can dream!


 Wright On Time , which is aimed at 5-12 years olds, 87 pages in length, and will cost you $12.99. I find this a little pricey for such a short book and would like to see the cost down about half that price. I do like concept of having a collection of books by the state as this series progresses.

DANIELLE

The Story of Christmas~Mama Buzz Review

The Story of Christmas  by Gwen Ellis
Illustrated by Steve Smallman
Ages: 4-7
Put out by:   Thomas Nelson
Price:  $10.99
Based on the International Children’s Bible, this book begins with the birth of John the Baptist. Next comes the angel appearing first to Mary, then to Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, the angel’s announcement to the shepherds, the wise men and their gifts, fleeing to Egypt, and at last heading home to Nazareth. The “Can You Retell the Story” activity at the end of the book is a fun way for children to learn to tell the story themselves.

I was sent a FREE copy of The Story of Christmas (DVD included!) from Thomas Nelson, which is a book that is a part of the READ and SHARE series. The DVD reads along with the book (which is about 17 minutes long) and the DVD also includes 6 other stories, and coloring pages. The animation was really great, I enjoyed watching it myself. My two year old was caught up watching it just as much as my 6 year old. I would say it was just the right length for my two year old and kept her attention the whole time. For Caleb, he said he could have been longer and that he knew all the stories. Since children learn in different ways I like that this resources enforces the same story in two different ways: listening and watching. I also think the asking price of $10.99 is very fair for this product.....especially when you get a book and a DVD! I would recommend this product for 2 to 4 year old children.

DANIELLE

Review for Mama Buzz~ Police Blockade

POLICE BLOCKADE is the latest product I have been genereously given to review FREE!

Here is some information from Timberdoodles website (the company who provided me with this product)
This company offers many different games and homeschool materials so be sure to check them out!

Police Blockade

Sirens screaming and tires screeching, there is nothing like a little police action to liven up a road trip. Police Blockade lets you keep it legal but is just as exciting.
Your Job: Block Him
An elegant red sports car has been stolen and the police force is scrambling to jam every escape route. As police chief, your child will be asked to coordinate all available units in order to prevent a getaway. His career is on the line; can he block the perpetrator's escape and avoid unnecessary bloodshed?
60 Challenges!
With 60 fast-paced easy to expert challenges he will have plenty of chances for a "do over"! For 1 player. Includes game board, clear plastic lid, one red sports car, six police cars, and four sets of buildings, game booklet, and a nifty elastic band to hold it all together.
Logic, Thinking Skills, Visual Perception...
This one-player game develops logical reasoning, builds higher cognitive thinking, and strengthens visual and spatial perception. It is self-contained, includes solutions, and makes an ideal travel companion. Plus, it offers an amazing amount of fun for all ages!

Features
Develops logical reasoning
Builds higher cognitive thinking
Strengthens visual and spatial perception

Game includes:
Game board
60 puzzles with four levels of difficulty
One red sports car
Six police cars
Four sets of buildings
Solution booklet

Time To Play: 5-20 minutes
Players: 1

I don't know about you but I love games that does double duty! FUN and EDUCATIONAL!!! I also love that this game is something my children (the 6 and 8 year old) can do this indepentenly in their own quiet time. I also love that their are so many options and way to play the 60!!! So far I think this game is a hit with our family, but because of busy schedule and getting the game just a short time ago we have only been able to test out the product for a short time. I think this would be a great suggestion for someone to get for your children for Christmas and worth the money since it will provide great training for great life skills!
Go HERE to purchase POLICE BLOCKADE for $17.95.

DANIELLE

Jantsen's Gift ~ Mama Buzz Review

 I was sent a FREE copy (actually two FREE copies because of a shipping mistake) from the Hachette Book Group for this review. The people at the Hachette Group generously let me keep both copies to with as I wish...sweet of them I thought!

 The very first thing that drew me to this book was that IT'S TRUE!!!! This book is based on the true life experiences of Pam Cope, a SAHM of two kids (one son and one adopted daughter...then later two more adopted children.) This book takes you along on her journey to find real faith, real strength, and discover what is truly means to be passionate and sacrificial about giving.
The book begins when Pam's  son Jantsen suddenly dies in 1999, due to an undiagnosed heart defect. I appreciate how honest and candid Pam is about her experience in dealing with severe depression and the grief associated with losing a child. Pam was very honest and transparent throughout the book, and I think that takes real courage. Courage is something Pam re-discovers in herself throughout the book. I think the book really captures of essence of what ONE PERSON can do to make such a PROFOUND difference in the lives of other people. I think many of us, including myself, fall prey to the lie "What can I do I am only one person....what I do is not really going to change the world." I love how this book puts that excuse to rest and shows ONE person's great vision can and does make a difference ONE child at a time.
I learned so much while reading this book. You see I also am a small town girl, always have been and probably always will be. I guess in the back of my mind I knew things like child prostitution and child trafficking existed, but never chose to let it sink what that really meant for MILLIONS, yes you read right, MILLIONS of children around the world. I feel ashamed that I have not been broken over what a huge problem this continues to be in 2009.......SLAVERY is still alive and well in many corners of the world people!!!! CHILD slavery.....just saying it makes me angry and sick all at the same time.
In the book Pam focuses on the places in the world that her organization, Touch A Life, is operating.

Ghana, Africa were millions of children and orphans are bought and sold like livestock. Parents who can't afford to feed themselves let alone their children are forced to sell them in order to survive. BE CAREFUL not to judge to quickly though. This takes a lot of courage and love on their part because they think they are giving their children a life they are not able to offer them with food, schooling, clothing and shelter. Unfortunately child traffickers are professional liars and these children are fed MAYBE once a day, worked from 4am to dark, beaten within inches of their  lives, and not sent to school., Most don't know their age, or why they have been sent away from their parents so suddenly.

Vietnam is also another place of focus for the Touch A Life organization. Here they focus on getting children off the streets, out of brothels, into a safe environment with schooling. Prostitution runs rapid in the streets of Vietnam and lots of girls, as young as 5 years old are sold into prostituted out to Cambodia where apparently many western men go to do unthinkable things to these poor souls.

I would have only two bad things to say about the book. First, some of the language was a little strong for my taste. Nothing really offensive, but some cursing I could have did without. Second would be the price of the book. Since I am frugal in nature I would personally have a really hard time paying just shy of $25 for a book. On the flip side of that, I think the message that this book sends is priceless.

After reading the book for myself, and knowing how it has convicted my heart to be more aware of these issues. More importantly I have a new importance for teaching my children about these hard issues and taking advantage of some real teachable moments. So with that being said I would pay $25 for this book and I would pay it again to buy one for a friend!
This book makes me even more convinced that not everyone is called to adopt....not everyone is called to travel to far away places.....but we are ALL CALLED to do whatever we can to help save these children from these horrible, abusive, and heartbreaking lives they are forced to lead.

If you would like to learn more about Pam's organization visit www.touchalifekids.org

 Jantsen's Gift is Hard Cover book that is 320 pages in length and is available through Hachette Book Group. To get a copy of this compelling book  for $24.99 go HERE!

DANIELLE

Girl Talk Review

Five Star Publications graciously sent me a free copy of the book GIRL TALK to Review (Mama Buzz). Well to be honest I really had no idea what the book what really about until I started reading it....I wasn't really sure what to expect or sure if I would be able to relate to the book. I can say I was pleasantly surprised as I started pouring over the pages as to how much I was enjoying every word. GIRL TALK is a book of compiled "words of wisdom, encouragement, mentoring, and heart touching moments". The subjects of discussion ranged from career, home, travel, and home. The women in his book come from all walks of life, some are famous Hollywood stars and other are proud stay at home moms. Throughout the book these different women enlighten us with their thought provoking words.

Here are a few of my favorite excerpts from the book: page 27

"I really enjoy shopping for gifts for my friends and relatives and I really don't mind wrapping them in pretty paper and bows, but I do not like having to buy and fool with the boxes that the gifts go in. If you buy a gift and it comes in a box, that one thing but how many shirts ever come in boxes? Anyway, I discovered that an empty cereal box is the perfect size for a shirt! I just pull the paper out and wrap away! I would rather spend the extra money on the gift rather than the box! CHERYL LYLES~Civil Engineer
Great hint don't you think so?

Excerpt: page 19
"My husband and I borrowed this idea from a friend. We collect Christmas ornament from cities we visit..It's fun to bring those out each year and recall that trip, and tell our children about it. We want them to want to explore new places too. We write the year on each ornament too so we won't forget. 
We also buy books from and about the places we go, so we have a library of our travels...We really want to travel all over the United States and learn more and more about this amazing country. (Not that we are against international travel either.)
FRAN COODE WALSH~ Television Producer
I totally love the buying a book about each place you vacation!!! Instant library and a souvenir that you might actually look at again...most other souvenirs just end up in the trash.

Excerpt: page 91.
"In a conversation with an avid gardener, I found out some fabulous tips on gardening that you can use your leftovers for.
Violets need an acidic liquid to bloom, so some cold leftover coffee is a perfect solution.
Roses need a lot of potassium and potash, so some diced banana peels around the base of each  bush should do wonders. Roses also love the tea from  inside used tea bags. This is one of the reasons that English rose gardens are beautiful, the English drink lots of tea every day! Just open the used tea bags and sprinkle the tea around the base of the canes.
To keep you lawn green and keep the crabgrass away, spray a mixture of half beer and water over it. 
If you are planting green peppers, throw some leftover matches in the hole first because they love sulfur."
MELISSA MARTIN~ Junior Varsity Basketball Coach  

I love how this book pays tribute to women lovingly helping other women through life with inspirational thoughts and heartfelt guidance in all areas of life.The book is 146 pages in all and is a great book for someone who doesn't have a lot of time to devote to reading a book.....

You can buy this charming little easy read for $15.95 HERE!

BLESSINGS, DANIELLE

Draw & Write Through History ~ Mama Buzz Review ~

Okay the day is here! My first Mama Buzz Review!!!(I know you've been checking out my little button on my sidebar and wondering what that is all about. Well, here is the first book/product I have been blessed to take part in reviewing.

We were sent a FREE copy of the first book, Creation through Jonah, in this series of four. Draw & Write is published by CPR ( a Christian company). This fantastic series is written by Carylee Gressman, homeschool mom and mother of seven. The great illustrations are done by Peggy Dick, a mother, pastor's wife and former graphic-design artist.
My boys love to draw, and they didn't waste any time diving into this new book. Since I, their mama, (and school teacher) can't draw a stick person to save her life, I really appreciate resources that can teach them how to better their talents in the art department. I love several things about Draw and Write Through History. I love that is can be used to supplement whatever time in history we are learning about, or use it alone just for the pure enjoyment of drawing (and sneak learning facts in while they don't even realize it). I love the step by step in which each "project" is presented. Breaking each drawing in smaller steps that make drawing fun even for people like me who seemingly have no art ability look like an artist.

Want to try it before you buy it? Take a sample art lesson HERE!Here is a picture of the first two pages in the book. I decided to have my boys each write their name and the date on each picture they draw in this series and then I put them into my school binder so I can watch them improve their skills as we work our way through the school year. My two oldest boys participate twice a month in an art class at our local library, and I am very excited to have this great book to use in between those class sessions. I would highly recommend this great series who is looking to supplement their history lesson with some hands on applications of art work. I also really like that because this book does such a nice job of breaking things down into step that I can use it for my Pre-school age kids as well as my older kids, which is so huge for me when I can find something we can all enjoy together.

One book is $12 or the whole series Books 1-4 for $40 available HERE.

Creation through Jonah-Book 1
Covers the time period from c. 600 B.C. to A.D. 395- Book 2
Vikings to the Middle Ages and lightly touches on the Renaissance- Book 3
Pilgrims, Pirates, and Patriots covers mostly American History to the Revolution- Book 4

BLESSINGS,
DANIELLE