GROW - In Theaters October 17!!!

You know how every fall we say we’re going to do all the cozy family things — apple picking, hayrides, pumpkin spice everything — and then by mid-October we’re just trying to locate one matching mitten and praying no one remembers that “we promised to carve pumpkins this weekend”?

Yeah. Same.

There’s a New Movie We’re Adding to Our Fall Bucket List 

A family-friendly film called GROW is hitting theaters October 17, and it’s basically pumpkin spice in movie form. It’s cozy, it’s funny, and it’s one of those rare family films that doesn’t involve anyone screaming (except, possibly, your toddler during previews).

You can already grab tickets here ➡️ GrowTheFilm.com — and I highly recommend doing so before the kids pick another superhero sequel “because it has explosions.”

What’s It About?

At the heart of GROW is the sweet (and sometimes prickly) bond between a no-nonsense aunt and her spirited niece. The story takes place in the Pumpkin Capital of the World (which is already a mood), where little Charlie—who has a magical knack for connecting with plants—sets her sights on growing the biggest pumpkin in town.

Her pumpkin “Peter” becomes the talk of the neighborhood, but the real magic happens as her aunt, Dinah, learns that family can grow in the most unexpected places—kind of like the pumpkin vine that takes over your garden when you ignore it for two days.

Throw in some curmudgeonly farmers, rival growers who clearly take their pumpkins way too seriously, and a whole lot of heart, and you’ve got a story that’ll make you laugh, maybe tear up a little, and definitely crave a slice of pumpkin pie.

Why I’m Excited to Take the Kids

Because not everything in October needs to involve skeletons jumping out of closets, thank you very much.
GROW is that perfect fall alternative — warm, whimsical, and full of color (and personality… apparently even the pumpkins have character).

Plus, Charlie’s love for “wild gardening” might even inspire our crew to finally water the houseplants again. Maybe.

Fun Extras for the Kids

There’s even a downloadable kids’ activity book you can grab from the movie’s website — which means they can color pumpkins before we end up finding a moldy one on the porch in November.

Giveaway Time! 🎁

To celebrate the movie’s release, I’m giving away a $10 Amazon gift card (U.S. only). All you have to do is comment below with your favorite fall family tradition — pumpkin patch? cider donuts? pretending not to see the candy wrappers under your kid’s bed? And include how I can reach you - email, IG handle etc.

Winner will be drawn and submitted by October 24, so don’t miss it!

Where to Find More GROW Goodness

🎟️ Buy tickets: GrowTheFilm.com
📘 Facebook: @GrowTheFilm
📸 Instagram: @growthefilm
🎵 TikTok: @growthefilm
📺 YouTube: @GrowTheFilm
👉 Hashtag: #GrowTheFilm #GrowMovieMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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Bottom line: Whether your fall bucket list includes corn mazes, carving pumpkins, or just surviving homework season, GROW is one of those rare movies that gives you all the autumn feels without the haunted-house-level stress.

Grab your popcorn (and maybe your tissues). 🍿
Grow hits theaters October 17 — and trust me, it’s going to grow on you.

Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

 

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully...and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

My kids and I watched this film last night, and at first I wasn't sure because the Herdman kids were rough. They were smoking, hitting, stealing etc, and I was worried the takeaway from the film was that kids could act like that, but by the end, my kids seemed to understand that everyone should be welcome in church, and people can change. It was a really enjoyable film. It had moments where I felt sad and wished we were foster parents again because these kids could have used some parents who were looking out for them, and then other times when we were all laughing together. I was even teary eyed at one point because a moment was so touching. I would highly recommend this film for kids and adults alike. For reference, my kids range from ages 4-12. 

Watch this moving family film in theaters starting November 8!

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card (Note: This is limited to US winners only.

How To Enter: Leave a comment down below with a way to contact you if you win!

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#TheBestChristmasPageantEverMIN #TheBestChristmasPageantEver #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

GIVEAWAY: $10 Amazon Giftcard!

 About THE GARDEN

“The Garden” is a Christ-centered children’s cartoon series aimed at teaching your kids the Gospel in a way they can understand. It features LENNY THE LION and LUCY THE LAMB—two best friends who work inside a magical garden where ANYTHING can grow! Each story revolves around them having to accomplish their goals by learning a Bible story or an original song. “The Garden” will take your kids right along on these adventures, too!

The Garden is created by BUTCH HARTMAN, the creator of the iconic Nickelodeon animated shows: THE FAIRLY ODD-PARENTS, DANNY PHANTOM, TUFF PUPPY, and BUNSEN IS A

BEAST!

This is a funny video that had my kids mesmerized! The bright colors are so appealing and the humor appeals to younger kids without it being potty humor. It was a delight and would highly recommend it for younger kids!

Buy the Christmas episode here:

https://www.gardencartoon.com/shop

GIVEAWAY: $10 Amazon Giftcard

Leave a comment down below with a way to contact you (Ig handle or email) Simple!

#TheGardenMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

CSB Explorer Bible GIVEAWAY!

 

The CSB Explorer Bible for Kids helps kids place God’s word in the middle of God’s world. Engaging features, easy-to-read 8.5pt text, and full-color design connect with kids’ natural curiosity and help them experience the wonder and truth of the Bible. From the two tables of content — one in order and one sorted alphabetically — to the topical concordance and index of Bible stories, each detail is designed to give kids the tools to find their way around God’s Word.

Engaging full-color designs and clear language will welcome kids of all ages into exploring and understanding the Bible for themselves. With fun facts, timelines, photography, and more, they’ll see the Bible as real, exciting, and life-changing truth.

My 6 year old loves his new Explorer Bible, and while he can't read it all yet, it has certainly captivated his attention and he WANTS to read it!

WIN IT: Win a copy of the CSB Explorer Bible

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Pureflix Membership, just in time for EASTER!

JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION ARE THE HALLMARKS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. EXPLORE THESE FILMS TO HELP DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THIS MONUMENTAL MOMENT IN HUMAN HISTORY. STREAM CLEAN AND HAVE FAITH IN YOUR ENTERTAINMENT WITH PURE FLIX.

DISCOVER THE TOP CHRISTIAN MOVIES AND TELEVISION SHOWS AVAILABLE TO WATCH RIGHT NOW – START YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY!

I enjoy looking onto Pure Flix for family movie night. We try to hang out every Friday night as a family and find something the entire family can watch and there are so many to choose from. A couple years ago my older kids watched the Passion, but it was a bit too intense, so I was happy to see they came out with a "brick" version for kids. My son has watched Lego everything - Lego batman, Lego star wars etc. It makes it relatable to him and his interests, so I'm thrilled to see some Christian content in "brick" form.

There are also films that my husband and I would enjoy like the Case for Christ. I remember reading this book back when I was in high school. I'll admit I've gotten out of the habit of reading my Bible regularly and reading Christian education books like I used to, but putting the information into film format makes it more appealing to me and my stage of life. It's something that enriches our minds but also provides some entertainment.

As we approach the Easter season, check out the wide variety of Easter films that are available on Pure Flix. You can sign up for a free trial and see if this subscription is for you. I also know that many churches provide memberships, so perhaps yours does. It never hurts to ask, right?

He is Risen!

WIN IT: One 3-month Pure Flix subscription

(Note: Giveaway is limited to US winners only)

HOW TO ENTER: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#PureFlixEasterMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

GIVEAWAY: Roar Like A Lion (Kids Devotional Book)

With eye-catching art, fascinating stories and facts, Bible verses and prayers, and simple action steps, this 90-day devotional will help your kids approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God's faithfulness.

 

Roar Like a Lion covers highly relevant topics such as:

• Facing fears about school and friendships
• Dealing with peer pressure and bullying
• Handling new challenges, disappointments, and grief
• Having courage to try something new
• Understanding how we each fit into God's great story

My kids have really enjoyed this so far. For reference my kids are 9, 8, 5 & 1. Each devotional is 2 pages long, with some application and then some fun facts. My oldest son, Braeden, loves learning facts about people, places and animals. He just soaks it up, so I can see him doing this devotional for a long time coming!

 Order Roar Like A Lion today!

WIN IT: 1 physical copy of Roar Like A Lion

Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only. 

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway

 #RoarLikeALionMIN #roarlikealion #tommynelsonbooks 

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

GIVEAWAY: Gary LeVox (formerly Rascal Flatts)

Gary LeVox, former lead singer of Rascal Flatts, is releasing his first solo EP, ONE ON ONE! 

Gary LeVox's ONE ON ONE released Friday, May 21st and fuses two of his biggest passions - music and faith! 

 

When asked about the role God has played in his musical journey, LeVox said, “I feel like God graced us with a platform where we can not only touch people’s lives through music, but by being men of God offstage too,” explained LeVox. “At those times when we are with fans that are going through something like cancer, it is so wonderful to not only sing for them but to hold their hand and pray with them. I want them to know that they have a friend in me. I’m not just some guy on the stage. I feel like Christ has put me in this position because He knew I could handle the obligation, which often means taking the time to lift someone up in prayer.”

I always loved Rascal Flatts. I even saw them in concert once and it was amazing. I didn't realize that they were also men of God at the time. I think it's amazing that Gary could transition from country to Christian and express his faith in song. Not only do I love the sound of his voice, but I've been listening to the words of the songs and they are very reassuring and calming. Some are about doubts, some about love and kindness. We need more of that, especially right now! I think this will be a big hit!

The music is OUT now, so listen today!

GIVEAWAY: Win a signed 8x10 Gary LeVox poster

HOW TO ENTER:  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Capitol Christian Music Group 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.

#GaryLeVoxMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

GIVEAWAY: Sesame Street – Elmo’s World DVD

 

Los Angeles – What do elephants, drawing, grandparents, and chickens have in common? They’re all things Elmo loves! Everyone’s favorite furry red monster stars in Sesame Street – Elmo’s World: Things Elmo Loves, available on DVD and digital download on February 2, 2021 from Shout Kids and Sesame Workshop. The release is packed with episodes from Sesame Street’s beloved Elmo’s World segment, each exploring a different topic to spark kids’ curiosity. Also included -- the full-length feature Elmo Loves You!, with celebrity appearances from Trisha Yearwood, John Legend and R.E.M.

Each engaging Elmo’s World segment in this collection offers young viewers lessons to help them grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.



Experience over two hours of fun with Things Elmo Loves. Little ones will learn along with their friend Elmo as he discovers the world around him, in segments covering…

·        Emotions

·        Grandparents

·        Bus Drivers

·        Drawing

·        Fruit

·        Supermarkets

·        Toys

·        Hair

·        Dog Walkers

·        Chickens

·        Scientists

·        Nursery Rhymes

·        Balls

·        Elephants

·        Games

Bonus Feature:

·        Elmo Loves You! (Full-length feature)

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WIN IT: Win a copy of Elmo's World on DVD

HOW TO ENTER: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Lauren Daigle Holiday CD and TV Special!

I personally love the sound of Lauren Daigle's music. Anytime one of her songs start to play I recognize it right away because of it's easy and soothing sound. She definitely has a signature sound unlike many other artists out there right now. That's why I'm excited about a Christmas collection and holiday special coming soon. On December 6, 2020 at 9:00 pm ET | 6:00 pm PT  you can catch her first full-length Christmas television special, “Christmas Under The Stars with Lauren Daigle,” on BYUtv. You’ll hear Lauren’s Christmas memories and the influences of New Orleans Jazz in her renditions of Christmas classics and beloved originals from her Christmas album Behold in this intimate concert experience. So, gather the family, roast some chestnuts (or at least pop some corn), and enjoy “Christmas Under The Stars with Lauren Daigle” on Sunday, December 6 at 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT on BYUtv. You can also stream the program for free on the BYUtv app anytime after the premiere.

I had a chance to screen the special early, and it has a blues and Louisiana flare to it, which is not typical of her previous songs, but if you enjoy that style, you'll enjoy this holiday special!

WIN IT: Lauren Daigle CD: BEHOLD, A Christmas Collection

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: CSB LIFE ESSENTIALS INTERACTIVE STUDY BIBLE

ABOUT:

In the CSB Life Essentials Study Bible, renowned Bible teacher, Dr. Gene Getz guides readers through Scripture by expounding on 1,500 life principles found throughout the Bible. Distilling these truths into life principles, Dr. Getz helps readers remember and apply the Bible’s wisdom to everyday life.The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible integrates a multimedia digital study system with more than 250 hours of in-depth video teachings from Dr. Gene Getz on these essential life principles (accessed through smartphone-accessible QR codes). Questions follow each principle to inspire personal reflection or group discussion. A topical index and cross references for all 1,500 life principles is included, and each book introduction provides a list of corresponding life principles found in that book.

Features include:

• Commentary and application questions on 1,500 life principles
• 250 hours of free in-depth video teaching to accompany each life principle
• Two-color interior design
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Presentation page
• Two-column text
• Topical subheadings
• Black-letter text
• 9-point type
• Textual footnotes
• Concordance
• Full-color maps

The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

REVIEW:

I've tried a handful of different types of Bibles and translations in my lifetime, so I think I have a fairly good grasp on what I'm looking for. I've discovered I am not a KJV gal as it's too flowery and formal sounding for my taste, but CSB is a very readable translation that I enjoy. I've also discovered that while I like to read the Bible as a book, I'm not a fan of the chronological bibles because it is way too hard to find a referenced scripture without referring to the table of contents over and over and over. You can't just say Exodus is the second book and turn there. It could be the fourth, according to chronology.  I've also learned since using my husband's bible that I enjoy notes and extra information, which is why I've been enjoying this study bible. The extra commentary provides background information and context that helps explain the passage. I've been really enjoying this bible since it arrived in the mail, and I think it'll quickly become my go-to bible!

WIN IT: One reader will win this B-I-B-L-E for themselves!

HOW TO ENTER:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Amber Vale Home Holiday Sampler

I was recently sent the Amber Vale Home holiday sampler to try out, and I have to say they smell amazing!

One has that evergreen wintery scent that you imagine when you think of winter in the woods. One is a mint chocolate and it smells EXACTLY like mint cocoa (which I'm obsessed with by the way), and the third smells lightly sweet like whipped cream, but not overpoweringly so.

They have wooden wicks and are made from a soy-coconut blend. They are great for holiday decorating or gift ideas. Most people I know would love getting delicious smelling candles as a gift!

WIN IT: Win a sampler

HOW TO ENTER:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: He Reads Truth Bible

The CSB He Reads Truth Bible includes robust, well-crafted theological extras to draw the reader back to Scripture, increase biblical literacy, and foster a growing affection for God and His Word. Color coded by genre, each book of the Bible features detailed book introductions, a reading plan with supplemental passages for deeper understanding, and full-color maps, charts, and timelines by the He Reads Truth team. In addition, the CSB He Reads Truth Bible features 66 key verses, artfully lettered to aid in Scripture memorization. This Bible invites every man to count himself as part of the He Reads Truth community of “Men in the Word of God every day.”

Features include: 66 hand-lettered key verses, 17 full-color timelines, 21 maps, 122 charts (including infographics and lists), and 4 illustrations, reading plans for every book of the Bible, one-year Bible reading plan, detailed book introductions, key verse list, smyth-sewn binding, two colored ribbon markers, and wide margins for journaling and note taking.

The CSB He Reads Truth Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

My Thoughts:
It's a very thick and heavy bible, so if you want something compact and lightweight this is probably not for you, but I really like the artistic verses in every book. They highlight a key verse and illustrate it to make it more eye catching. I also like that they provide a guideline to read through the bible in a year, if you choose to do so. I think it offers a lot to someone looking for a little bit of everything in one Bible. It's not just a study bible, or a read in a year bible, but also appealing to read through. Great gift idea!!!

GIVEAWAY: Win CSB HE READS TRUTH BIBLES

HOW TO ENTER:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Turbotax!!!

Do Your Taxes w/TurboTax® This Year. File Online With Confidence.

#1 Rated Tax Software · Free State Filing · No Tax Knowledge Required

...offers one of the simplest ways to file a tax return

We've been using TurboTax for the past few years and plan to continue doing so because it makes filing taxes easier. I wouldn't say it makes them "easy" because ours were very complicated, but it was such a huge help. Since we had a failed adoption in 2012 and then a successful finalized adoption in 2013 we had the adoption tax credit to figure out for 2012, 2013 and 2014. And then again with the adoption of our second and third children this makes filing SO much easier!!! Without the help of Turbotax we would be lost. 

What I like about TurboTax is that with just a click you can get explanations of what tax words mean, or in which situations you would quality. It leads you to answers instead of having to scour the web for them. It's a click away. I also appreciated that they cover EVERYTHING. They lead you through income and can even pull up records from employers (not all, but many). They ask about your investments, your loans, your deductions etc. You just keep pressing on until you're done.

New this year is TurboTax Live, which gives consumers on-demand access to personalized chat, phone, or video-based tax advice from a credentialed tax expert (CPAs, Enrolled Agents, or Practicing Attorneys) who can also review, sign and file the customer’s return.

...and now 2 of my readers will have a chance to file their taxes with Turbotax this year.  Each code below is good for one free federal + state preparation and e-file. See below...

WIN IT: 3 readers will each win a Turbotax Premier code to do their 2018 Taxes!!!!

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Favorite New Accessory | A Unique Wood Watch by JORD

My Favorite New Accessory | A Unique Wood Watch by JORD

If you know me you know that I get on certain creative kicks from time to time. When I was in college it was all about art and drawing. When I graduated it became cake decorating. After that I moved on to nail art, and now fashion and beauty are my passions, and I've recently gotten into accessorizing, especially with watches. In 2017 I asked for 3 different watches for Christmas if that tells you anything. After all I had to have one in every type of metal to match my jewelry, right? Recently someone asked me if I had tried wooden watches, and I hadn't. At first I was thinking they would look rustic or like a camping accessory, but I was wrong!

I discovered a brand called Jord (pronounced Yode). They are based in St. Louis, where they are constantly developing new designs. The watches are are a sophisticated mix of natural, and largely re-claimed materials, combined with quality movements and components.  They are made to fit your wrist, so they're customized watches for you. They come in a variety of colors from golden to deep brown, black to red with all types of watch faces. I was really impressed with what I saw, and when I got mine in person I was even more impressed.

I received the Frankie watch, made with zebra wood which has a light yellow-brown color and a large circle face. When I ordered it, they had me measure my wrist so it could be made to fit me specifically, and it fits me perfectly! The watch face is a bit larger than I typically wear, but I like that it's a statement piece. People will notice this watch! I picked this color combination because I feel it will match almost anything. It's versatile, but still eye-catching.

These are also excellent gift ideas. They can be customized; you can pick the face plate and the wristband combination you would like. You can order it to size the recipient perfectly. In addition, many of their watches are able to be engraved and personalized. I think that this would make a great gift for dads, moms, husbands, sons etc. They have a one year guarantee, free worldwide shipping and can be returned or exchanged, which always makes online shopping less stressful. I would LOVE to receive one of these for a gift. There were so many other styles I wanted to try, but whittled it down to only one.

...and if you've been dying to try one, here's your change!

WIN IT: One reader will $100 off their next purchase at JORD! Everyone who enters will receive 10% off just for trying!

HOW TO ENTER: www.jordwatches.com/g/melindajoy
(giveaway runs for 4 weeks from the date of this post)

Wooden Wrist Watch

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