Vitacost.com: Free Samples and Excellent Deals!

I am a passionate saver! And so, when I come across a generous e-tailer, I have a hard time not sharing! I shop Vitacost often, enjoy savings and after a year, I finally realized samples were available as freebies with each order!'

With any order from this mega online natural pharmacy store you have the awesome chance to choose two samples with your order. After you are done shopping, click the continue shopping button then look to the lower left for a samples category. If you don't see it, enter 'samples' in the search box.

Double check in your cart that you are not being charged for the sample. It has been my experience that I received two samples per order. When I tried to sneak a third sample into my cart, I was charged $1.49 -- and that was not a freebie!

Vitacost also has great deals on many products that I travel to the WholeFoods for.... Why not plan ahead and search your favs online? Shipping is free often with a minium of $49. Standard shipping is fast, too.

Who knows - you may launch your very own review blog with all the free samples you will receive form this very accomodating, valuable webseller.

Hope this freebie is a blessing!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this information/product for free. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Olay Professional ProX Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion

This product found me. It arrived in my mailbox one day. I read the box which stated, "Professional Designed for Adults with Acne" and that it was a new product on the market.

 

I smiled as I realized the timing for me to review this product could not have been better. I had just gotten home from a one-week vacation of sun bathing every day. Sun bathing and slathering suntan lotion on my face for seven days straight. Cheap, oily suntan lotion that is. I basically used whatever I had in my medicine cabinet this year, trying to be frugal. Big mistake! I came home with a tan and I also came home with a slight breakout on my chin of all places.

The directions stated to smooth over your entire face. I understand this would be beneficial to someone with an acne problem. However, I tested this lotion on just my chin. Smelled clean, non-greasy, clear so it didn't mess up my turtle neck sweater!  I did see a marked improvement in the skin. The lotion had a drying effect which was immediate. No doubt the entire Olay Professional Pro X Kit (shown) would be a great skin care plan for an adult with breakout issues. I also would recommend it to someone who has skin issues elsewhere - neck, back or even small areas prone to breakouts.

I hope the good folks at Proctor & Gamble (manufacturer of Olay) will allow me to review more products - especially the suntan lotion without all the oil (Olay Professional Pro-X Clear UV Moisturizer SPF 15). I'm not one to support the "name it and claim it philosophy", but in this case, What not?

But chances are, if I had used Olay Professional Pro-X Clear UV Moisturizer SPF 15 on my vacation, then chances are that I would not have needed the sample I received in the mail after my vacation.

I enjoyed trying out this acne solution in the generous .24 oz tube. It's getting stashed in my purse - just in case. A girl can never have enough skin solutions! I have truly found my go-to for acne in Olay Professional Prox Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Procter & Gamble as part of their complimentary sample distribution 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Decision Points by George W. Bush

This book was written in first person by George Bush. The tone was conversational and down-to-earth. I almost felt as if Mr. Bush were sitting beside me sharing the ups and downs, the true accounts and the not-so-favorite memories and challenges he experienced both privately as well as publicly.

His memoir included color photos in the center of the book (loved

that personal touch). There are also random shots of other times and places. Although sad times were discussed (Katrina, 911, start of war with Iraq), the photos were mostly upbeat and showed a softer side of the President.

 Evident was his love for the Lord, his wife and country. I have always respected and enjoyed learning about this man and what he went through during his presidency. Actually, it was my very first time ever voting and I voted for him. Reading Decision Points brought back so many memories from my first experiences with politics. I was drawn to politics as a result of witnessing this man share his "easy speak" with the nation.

After reading the chapter on Katrina I understood more so what had happened behind the scenes. I better understood the role the government had (both federal and local) during that horrible time when so many needed help and just waited for someone to come to their aid. I appreciated hearing from the President first-hand the process and his frustration.

A memoir such as this I will treasure always. Timing is everything and the timing on Mr. Bush's memoir coming out was to me, perfect. We are a country right now that needs hope. I have the hope that one day our country will once more have a president with Biblical values, belief in this nation's ability to persevere, and the success of our superpower status.

Was George Bush perfect? No. Not by any means. And one takeaway I got from this book is that he never claimed to have all the answers. But I can imagine hearing his voice now after reading Decision Points as he points to the sky and says something like, "I don't and never did have all the answers. But I know someone who did. And that makes every de
cision easier to make."

I can imagine him saying that because George Bush is just a man that had a very big role in our history. He served well. We served humbly. He did his very best. And I am grateful to have gleaned from his life and experiences as shared in Decision Points.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

The Chew: Mario Batali's Beef Braciole

After watching several episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond in which Debra outdoes Marie in the kitchen (the one and only time), my husband and I decided to try beef braciole in our own kitchen but just never had the inspiration to actually do it - - until now.

After watching a recent episode of The Chew, I decided to include this video in my Freebies and In the Kitchen category. I plan to plop my laptop on my kitchen counter and cook with Mario!

The Chew continues to be my cooking school.You know you are hooked when you begin to become personally connected to something (I have claimed it as mine though there are millions of viewers!)

I confess I watch 2-3 episodes back-to-back sometimes (just because I can). I literally block out that time for myself. I pour a glass of wine and sit on my chaise, feet up, pen and pad in hand and just glean from the Masters! Of course, there are a few irritating happenings going on (many co-stars talking over one another, double dipping and drinking wine pre-pour, a few social agenda self-promotions, etc) but who cares! This show is mostly about cooking and family and friends having fun in the kitchen. There is unity among the chaos...

Nothing in life is perfect. And I do have to say that I enjoy the humanity in this group of people that share their passion for cooking and for life. The Chew has first priority in my DVR!

Enough talking - I gotta get cooking! Beef Braciole may just become my favorite go-to meal. Just like Debra Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond I may soon have the additional admiration of my husband - and my husband's father and brother and for at least one day in my life. I can already taste the sweet success of outshineing my Mother-In-Law in the kitchen. Now that's a recipe worth going for!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Heaven is for Real "Deluxe Edition" by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent

Before digging in to the meat and bones of this meal, I wanted to share the primary reason I chose to review Heaven is for Real. I wanted to review it to find evidence of correct or point out incorrect theology. My question was, "Does it align with what the Bible says?" This question is in the forefront of every review I post but moreso in this review - - simply because of it's forthright title.

I applauded and celebrated the fact that this book does in fact support the fact that Heaven is for Real. Hell is also for real, but that was not the clear message as presented.

The premise of the book was that a Pastor's son became quite ill and though his medical records did not show his breathing or heart stopped during surgery (or that he had temporarily even lost consciousness), this boy claimed to have gone to Heaven for just three minutes.

The story began with a background of the family and then a flashback to the time of the illness. I began taking notes starting on page 60. Chapter Twelve titled Eyewitness to Heaven opened with a statement by Colton (the son) in which while in Heaven Jesus "told" Colton he had to be good. Well now that statement as presented is not biblical (Romans 3:10&12 just two examples). I understand the boy may have been stating that "do gooding" a.k.a "behaving" from a child's perspective, but I feel doing so was dangerous to those who profess salvation by works alone - salvation on one's being good, which only leads to their demise. Because no one is good according to God. My Christian faith as outlined in God's rulebook the Bible tells me that Jesus Christ is what even allows God to see me as "precious!"

Also, the boy shared about seeing "markers" on Jesus' hands which his father assumed would be the wounds on the hands of Jesus. Historically, the location of the nails that went through Jesus' flesh may possibly have been through the wrist bones. Greek and Aramaic language refer differently to the anatomy in their native tongue. Bones of contention (pardon the pun). Some of the greater details of Jesus' 33 years on this earth are not as important to debate, as one day we will know the Truth about everything. At least those who realize heaven is for real and make the decision (Romans 10:9-11).

Colton's father (and also the narrator) stated something that caught my eye on page 84. I quote, "I learned that I didn't have to offer some kind of churchy, holy-sounding prayer in order to be heard in heaven. "You might as well tell God what you think," I said. "He already knows it anyway." This statement was about a turning point in this man's life. He had been a Christian since childhood at that point and a pastor for half his life when he came to the realization that God actually heard his prayer.

I appreciated his transparency, but couldn't help but wonder if this man had a true calling to be a pastor. Kindly I state that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called. Another reminder that many can play "church" until God in His mercy gives us a Job experience to remind us that He is in control and is always listening to our prayers no matter how grandiose or simple (This book could have been given another title Being a Christian For Real, or Praying For Real - even Believing the Bible for Real).

Page 97 shed light on the author's flawed, inaccurate idea that the Bible remains relatively silent about babies going to Heaven. Not true. Be a Berean here and research, seek God, pray about it and read what His Word has to say about this sensitive topic. One day God may use you to comfort a mom or dad in their grief over losing a child. We give hope when we share the Truth of God's Word with others.

Several other theological red flags arose in Heaven is for Real: strange theology (page 133), (page 149) I quote,  "When you look at the book of Revelation and other biblical teachings about heaven, it's kind of fragmented", animals in heaven to include dogs, birds and lions and Colton supposedly seeing departed ones wearing wings (some small and some large).

Where in the Bible does it state that the ministering angels wore wings? And those who choose Christ, are higher than the angels Hebrews 1:1. Surprisingly, missing was Colton's description of people floating around on clouds doing nothing (which is by the way also not in the Bible).

Overall, I am blessed to have reviewed this New York Times bestseller courtesy of Thomas Nelson. I pray it gives hope to those seeking the salvation that only comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the Bible is our source of all inspiration, hope and Truth. This book will no doubt sell millions of copies. However, the greatest book of all time, the Word of God - the Bible will  never be replaced as the real source on what is real - and what is not! Heaven is for real. Hell is for real too Read the book. The Book of Life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Journey to Christmas: 2 DVD Set

Loved it!

This anointed double DVD set was beautifully delivered. The scenes magnificent as well as the sounds crisp and clear. I forgot I was watching from my couch. I felt as if I were taking this very special Christmas Journey along with the 5 Modern Wise Men!

The cast of characters:

Rory - Jewish and Christian Roots but has better understanding of what love is with family than God.

Nazreth - Protestant and Catholic upbringing but searching and looking for inspiration to reignite her artistic endeavors.

Drew - Adopted and in a crisis of faith. He is searching to have a personal encounter with God.

Kim - She has found faith but still has doubts and wants to prove that the Gospel is not just a "White man's Gospel."

Dusty - A born again lover of Jesus Christ just excited to walk where Jesus walked.

Where do I begin to explain this wonderful presentation? There were so many interesting facts given about when Jesus was born, how he lived, who he interacted with, and just the Middle East in general.

The other aspect of this "reality experience" was the interaction and shared experience of the five strangers that became friends. Their guide Nazir Shaheen (bless his heart!) has such an obvious love for the land and he is gentle and sincere in his wanting Drew especially to understand the Truth of the Bible and how so much of what they experienced matters.

My favorite part of Journey to Christmas was in the Church at Shepherd's Field when Dusty sang. Oh my! Tears flowed. I found myself watching Dusty throughout the experience. Drew also was drawn to her and even admitted he was a bit jealous to see Dusty's obvious love of Jesus. Dusty exuded an almost flower-child aura which really appealed to me. I also saw that same quality in Nazreth.

Nazreth was quite but respectful and her summary after being home awhile really touched my heart. I appreciated hearing how each of the five sojourners felt about their time in Israel after they had been home awhile. I was sad I admit that a few of them hadn't come closer to a personal relationship with God, but like Dusty said, You never know what lessons will be learned later in life after experiencing what the group experienced (my quote).

I wanted to scream when the group was hanging out talking about The Wailing Wall. I cheered for Drew and sighed as Rory didn't see the deeper meaning to what was happening at the wall. Nazreth got it and she came away from that wall with a new respect for people and the faith of those who mourned and prayed at that wall. I truly hope the religious aspects of the trip were explained in context with Old Testament and New Testament. Sadly, many in Israel are religious but not in relationship with Jesus Christ. I pray all four (Dusty got it) understand life is not about religion, but relationship. Religion was present and I pray all the pieces came together and that the group will one day understand why Jesus died for them (especially Drew. He pulled at my heart strings!!)

Golgotha was hard to see and I cried along with Dusty. There were so many joys and emotional scenes. I plan to watch this DVD again and again and to share it with as many as possible. This 4-session Holy Land Study experience should be part of a youth group, Advent, small groups and in so many more venues. It was a precious film and a wonderful example of the fact that the Bible is true and that our faith is a gift.

Praise God Bible experts were included: Hugh Ross, Paul Maier, Craig Evans, Claire Pfann and Stephen Pfann. This was truly a special experience for me and I am so grateful to Tyndale for this amazing opportunity to review such an amazing product!

You can learn more about this film by visiting www.journeytochristmas.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their media 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.