Hoppin' For the Holidays Giveaway Hop (Ends 12/29) U.S.

Welcome to the Hoppin’ For The Holidays Giveaway Hop hosted by MamaNYC! Christmas is nearly here, and we’re all starting to think about holiday gifts, decorating, and snuggling up under the mistletoe. We’ve all gathered together to bring our readers some amazing prizes that would surely make fantastic holiday gifts this year, so start hopping down the linky below!  This event will run from December 13-29th, which means you will have plenty of time to enter all of our giveaways.Best of Wishes & Happy Holidays!

I will be offering two fabulous gifts in my giveaway.  One of them just arrived yesterday, and I want to make sure it get the exposure it deserves.  I will be reviewing it this weekend, but for now, here is the info.

We just received this game in the mail!  We are looking forward to playing it on Friday and posting a review this weekend, but I can tell you that I already like what I see.  This comes from the same people who make the Say Anything game.

You can find out everything you want to know--including watching a video promo of the game (too long to post here) here.  My daughter is really excited to play this game, and I have linked my review here since it is posted.  And one of my U.S. readers will win one of these games.  If you want to buy your own game, check out Walmart and other major retailers.  You should be able to find it nationwide with little problem.

And that same U.S. reader will win the following CD.

I was fortunate to review "A Very Merry Golden Records Christmas."   I grew up with Christmas record albums.  In fact, I used to have a 400-some record collection.  I always loved the old records, and there was nothing like putting on the old LP's. This is definitely a step back to a simpler time.

Buy your own copy here.
Check out the website here.

I want to be very honest here.  While I love all the new stuff out there, and I find myself buying new Christmas albums each year, I get tired of what the modern musicians do to well-known loved Christmas songs.  When I am in the Christmas mood, I want to hear simple renditions of songs without all the jazzy elements and even the R & B sound.  There is nothing better than hearkening back to the old-time songs and listening to them.  It reminds me of when it was acceptable to wish people "Merry Christmas" and not be worried about offending anyone else.

I was sent both of these products in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Please enter by 9 P.M. Pacific time on December 29.  And don't forget about all the giveaways on the linky!



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"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" CD Review

I am one of those people who love listening to Christmas music.  And I love practically everything from classical to country to R & B at Christmastime.  I was quite pleased to have the opportunity to review the CD It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.  This is a beautiful, peaceful instrumental album that I find very relaxing in the midst of the holiday rush.  Yes, it does tend to be on the classical side, but being a classically trained musician myself, I can always appreciate good classical music.

This CD is recorded by Manor House Music.  They are a well-rounded musical group that play all sorts of stringed music.  They are based in the UK, and Vaughan Jones is the founder of the group. This CD is a great introduction to their great prowess as musicians.

If you are interested in their music, the beauty of the internet has made this readily available in all sorts of places.  Listen to the samples and buy/download the CD here. Check it out on itunes, too. One of the things I appreciate the most about the CD is that it is a long CD.  That may be silly to some people, but long CD's mean that you not only get your money's worth, but you don't have to change the CD as much.

I know one of the questions that is always asked about a CD is what the favorite song is on the CD.  I honestly do not know all the carols--although I enjoy them.  I love the fact that all these songs are genuine carols instead of some rocky song that means nothing.  I have always enjoyed Sussex Carol, and most people don't record that song.  In fact, I have only ever heard Julie Andrew record it.  It was very nice to hear this talented musical group play this little-known carol.

If you are looking for a peaceful CD this holiday season performed by a fantastic string quartet, I would highly recommend this CD.  You won't regret it!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

"Make a Discovery: Songs for Kids" Album Review

I am pleased to tell you of a new children's album that is completely free to download!  It is called "Make a Discovery: Songs for Kids" by Marcie.  It includes all of the following original tracks:

All pertinent information including a download link can be found here.

As a singer/songwriter, Marcie has  made a name for herself in the dance music scene with Top 10 releases worldwide. With a degree in psychology, Marcie has spent a decade working as a nanny, camp counselor, tutor, and children’s musical choreographer. Marcie is currently pursuing a master’s in elementary education.

 Make A Discovery (Songs for kids) is Marcie’s full length album geared for healthy child development. The album was initially funded through Kickstarter, and as thanks to fans all around the world, the complete album (20 songs) is offeredfree for all! Picture ebook included.

All music on the album is pleasant-sounding and easy to understand.  Children will love being able to hear songs that teach them about topics they know, understand, to which they can relate.  I love the fact that there is a nice piano background with these songs, and there is nothing inappropriate about them.  My daughter is too old for these songs, but these would be perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary.  I can certainly see the influence of the music education degree--since I myself am a music educator myself.  

So don't delay!  Download today!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Golden Record Holiday Gift Pack Giveaway (Ends 12/4) U.S.

It is that time of year!! Holiday Season!

What puts most of us in that holiday mood? Wonderful music and stories of joy!

Golden Records has all that covered!

I am sure many of you remember growing up with Golden Records! Now, they have released their wonderful Christmas CD.

A Very Merry Golden Christmas - found on iTunes, Walmart, and Amazon

The tracks include:
 1. Merry, Merry, Merry, Christmas (Didi Conn and The Golden Orchestra)
2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (John O Hurley)
3. Jingle Bells (Malin Akerman)
4. 12 Days Of Christmas (Missi Pyle)
5. A Christmas Carol (Wallace Shawn)
6. Crackerjack Christmas (The Golden Orchestra)
7. I Want A Hippopotamous For Christmas (Didi Conn)
8. Christmas Morning (Sabelle and The Golden Orchestra)
9. Winter Wonderland (Dermot Mulroney)
10. Frosty The Snowman Story (Busy Philipps)
11. Frosty The Snowman (John O Hurley)
12. Little Stowaway On Santas Sleigh (Missi Pyle)
13. Sleigh Ride (Dermot Mulroney and The Golden Orchestra)
14. I Dreamed That I Was Santa Claus (The Golden Orchestra)
15. When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter (Malin Akerman)
16. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Story (Cheryl Hines)
17. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (John O Hurley)
18. Reindeer Dance (Missi Pyle)
19. I Just Cant Wait Till Christmas (The Golden Orchestra)
20. Twas The Night Before Christmas Story (Ed Asner)
The second great prize in this prize pack is the Golden Records: The Magic Continues, Celebrity Series Vol. 1 - found on iTunes, Amazon, and Walmart . This CD gives you the wonderful stories you loved growing up as a child read by familiar voices. A few examples are The Little Engine That Could ready by Ed Asner, Rapunzel ready by Alicia Silverstone, Little Red Riding Hood ready by Constance Marie, Jack and the Beanstalk read by Susan Sarandon, plus sixteen more wonderful stories and songs on this disk.

I don't know about you, but I love Christmas music, and my daughter is an avid fan of fairy tales being read on CD.  In fact, it took me forever to convince her we could get rid of a baby CD that had "Alice in Wonderland" read aloud on it.  This is a great pack that should be perfect for all the family to enjoy!

One lucky winner will receive A Very Merry Golden Records Christmas CD, Golden Records: Celebrity Series Vol 1. plus an added bonus of the Timeless Golden Records Vol. 1 & 2 {4 CDs total}{rv $62}

You can listen to a few songs and get a free download on their Facebook Page You can also check them out on Twitter and Pinterest!

Hosted by: Baby Costcutters

With a very special thank you to my co-host Just Davey & Me, Mom to Bed by 8, Powered by Mom, and Real Mom Reviews

This giveaway is from Nov 20 – Dec 4th at 11:59pm est. Open to US Only, must be 18+ years of age to enter.

Good Luck! Just use the form below to enter.

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from those of your own. My Devotional Thoughts is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

"Chris Mann Roads" CD Review

Well, I have found a new artist that has absolutely knocked my socks off!  Chris Mann was a finalist on "The Voice," and I actually remember seeing him one of the only times I have ever watched the show.  I am not a fan of that show--I just never got into it no matter how hard I tried.  But Chris Mann has found success from this show.  He is a classically-trained tenor, and you can certainly hear it in his voice!  My thoughts are that he is a cross between Josh Groban and Michael Buble (if that makes any sense).  He has real power in his voice, and his falsetto is to die for!

Let me be honest with you guys (I always an, anyway!).  When I first thought about reviewing the CD, I was not all that interested.  I figured I would not like the songs, but I am always willing to listen to new singers.  As I listened, this morning, all my misgivings were blown out of the water!  I would actually buy his CD.

As to the selection of songs, it is quite eclectic.  Everything from Ave Maria to Need You Now.  Most of the songs he sings are remakes of old songs such as My Way or Always on My Mind, but somehow you will get a new perspective on the song as if you were hearing it for the first time.  I was not a fan of every single song, but that's pretty common.  I certainly loved most of the songs, and I can hardly wait for his next CD!

Preview some of the songs here

Be sure to check out all the sites below, including the buy links.  After all, this would be the perfect Christmas gift for the music lover in your life.  You will not be sorry!

.

• ChrisMannMusic.com - http://bit.ly/CMannMusic
• Roads on iTunes - http://bit.ly/SgkwJb
• Roads on Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/XQpJc8

I was sent a copy of this CD in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Wicked Romances Giveaway Hop (Ends 10/27) U.S.

  Sharing My Favorite Read Giveaway Hop was organized by Reading Romances!

Now, I do my best to only giveaway "clean" romances.  But I think "Wicked" can have multiple meanings.  When I think of something "wicked" in relation to romances, it can be very passionate and almost  "guilty pleasure" type.  

My post is going to be a little bit different.  I have been giving away so many books that I decided to celebrate romances that I love on Broadway.  Let's talk "Wicked Romance," shall we? 

This is probably the first "Wicked" romance I ever saw. I saw it on Broadway, and I was so sure I wouldn't like it.  But I loved it, and it quickly became  my favorite musical!  Wicked--a disfigured genius, a beautiful opera singer, kidnapping, unusual happenings



I saw this in London, and I absolutely loved it!  I already had the soundtrack memorized, but let's talk  "wicked."  One daughter, one  mother, and three possible fathers?  Don't forget about a wedding amongst other things.



Need I elaborate?  I have seen  Wicked in Texas and Washington state.  This is the real story of the Wicked Witch of Oz, and the tortured lovers are truly "wicked"!



I love this recording of this musical, and let's talk "wicked."  A polygamist, Siamese king who is in love with a young English widow?  How do you get more wicked than that?

I am linking to the movie version of this, but Barbra Streisand originally created this role on Broadway.  The musical is based on the life of Fanny Brice, and it is, by far, Barbra Streisand at her greatest.  I am not a huge Streisand fan, but honestly, this is amazing!  And the story is truly wicked!




This is the last one  I am featuring  here, and yes, this is a movie musical.  This is, by far, Judy Garland's greatest!  And, of all things, James Mason is in it, and the story is completely tragic!  She almost won an Oscar for her performance, and I think she would have had she not turned so many studio executives against her.

So, there are a few selections, and now to my giveaway.  You may pick any of the above musical  soundtracks or another "wicked" musical soundtrack $10 or under.  This giveaway is only open to U.S.  So enter my giveaway below, and then hop on to the other blogs for the chance to win even more giveaways!

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Rocktoberfest Giveaway Hop (Ends 10/15) U.S.

 Welcome to ROCKtoberfest hosted by Cheap Is The *New* Classy! Many bloggers have come together to bring you this awesome music themed giveaway hop! This event runs until 10/15 to give you plenty of time to enter on everyone's blog for more chances to win fabulous prizes! All of the prizes are music related and worth at least $25! The GRAND PRIZE for this event is an autographed prize pack sponsored by Grammy Award winning southern rock and country group - Kentucky Headhunters! After you are entering on this blog, please come and enter for this fabulous Kentucky Headhunters prize pack at Cheap Is The *New* Classy which is open to US/CAN!

My giveaway is only open to the U.S., and it has two parts.  First of all, the winner will be able to pick a CD or DVD of choice $15 or under.  I will order that directly from amazon for the winner.  The second part is a little different.  I have two "stores" online where I sell my used items--books, CD's, DVD's.  I will pull at least $10 worth of CD's and DVD's (I even have VHS--I will ask the winner's preference on that one) and pack a "grab box" for the winner.  This will be shipped from me.

So all you need to do is enter the rafflecopter form below by 9 P.M. Pacific time on October 15, and you are in to win!  Then you want to be sure to hop on to the other blogs to enter to win even more giveaways!


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Melissa Green "Sing Loud" CD Review

Have you ever heard of Melissa Green?  I will admit that until I was asked to review her CD "Sing Loud," I was not aware of her talent.

Melissa Green first began singing with the students worked at her nursery school back in 2003.  She truly enjoyed the kids, and the school encouraged her to learn to play the guitar. Before long, she became the music and movement specialist. As her students continued to encourage her, she wrote music.  She began working with her friend/producer. Bruce Lawrence, and that is how her recording career  began.  She now lives in L.A., and she continues to teach private music classes.  She also tours the country.  She has a cat named Cozmo, and her favorite foods are pizza, cookies, and milk.  She would rather hang out in the kitchen than just about anywhere else.

I absolutely loved her CD!  I realize that it is written to appeal to kids, but I actually found myself enjoying it as well.  I think its strength is that it has a beat and is still kid-appropriate.  I can't tell you how many times I turn on the radio, and I am almost ashamed for my daughter to hear the music that is playing.  This is one of those "safe" CD's.  This is her fourth CD, and my favorite song is track #10 we got the beat.  This song features Brooke Shields (I kind of remember her when I was growing up).  The reason I enjoyed this song (yes, it will sound cheesy) is that I recognized it from one of the Target Back-to-School ads!  So I connected with the song (even though the words were different).

This is one of those CD's that I think the family can enjoy together.  It doesn't sound like "baby music."  The songs are upbeat and sound pleasing to the ear.  I  would recommend it to everyone!

In addition to checking out Melissa Green Music, be sure to follow her on facebook and twitter.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers

This Day in History August 17, 1982

Image Source:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdenubila/4797493847/

I was not aware of today's feature, but maybe you were.  On this date in 1982, the first ever CD was pressed in Hanover, Germany.  This was truly a monumental date, I would say.  Up to this point, we had record album and cassette tapes.  Both had their own shortfalls.  But a CD was almost flawless, and it could hold a lot more music.

So are you curious what the first music was on that CD?  No, it was not pop music, country, or rock.  It was
Richard Strauss’s Eine Alpensinfonie by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan.  Yes, it was "classical" music.  Recording companies were resistant to the idea at first, but this particular conductor was very supportive of this new technology.  Of course, it did not take long for CD's to take off.  And now a CD player is as much a necessity as a TV or a DVD player.  

For more information, please check out:
http://famousdaily.com/history/germany-compact-disk-public-first.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_Disc

Music Monday: Slugs & Bugs Under Where? CD Review and Giveaway (ends 12/10) U.S (closed).

My daughter got the supreme honor of reviewing the children's music CD Slugs & Bugs Under Where? 


Randall Goodgame continually tours all around the country with his live show.  For social media purposes, Slugs & Bugs has a you tube channel (includes clips from live shows), parenting blog, facebook , and twitter .  People may be able to relate  Slugs & Bugs with the popular children's music and videos of Veggie Tales, which Randall Goodgame has written songs for.  And of course, the new Slugs & Bugs album titled Slugs & Bugs Under Where?  can be purchased at www.rabbitroom.com and at any Family Christian Store.


My daughter's review:


"When I first got the CD, I totally thought it was going to be about slugs and bugs.  But it was not!  There was only two songs that talked about them! I have gotten to listen to the CD now every night as I drift off to sleep for the past week.  There really is not a theme for the CD in my opinion, but it definitely talks about God and Christianity.  The CD features an adult singing and sometimes children join him.


My favorite songs are as follows:


Lightning Bug--this is the only one that really talks about bugs
Food--it just talks about food, food, food, food (get the idea?)
Mexican Rhapsody--I think this song is mistitled because it is sort of a "rap," and the adult tries to sound Mexican but is not.  
The Wagon--In the middle and end parts of the song, there is a guy who comes on the CD who wants to try out some ideas that are really funny--they crack me up!
Ninja--super fast song, and I don't know the words very well--but it is still fun!
Under Where?--confusion about the two different kinds of "under where" and "underwear"--very funny!
Pajama Drama--the boy in the song is so freaked about not having pajamas in his top drawer and he is going to call his mama and Obama--again, very funny!


There is one song that I don't mind even though it is not my favorite--There's a Hole in My Sock.  It's not a fast song, and I really like fast songs.  But it does have a good rhythm.


I don't know what the song Dizzy is really talking about, so I cannot say I really care for that song.  I'm Adopted is another song I don't really care for (even though I have memorized most of the song!). 


This CD definitely receives a 5-star rating from me!"


Now onto the really exciting part.  The company has agreed to give away a CD to one of my U.S. readers!  This giveaway will end at 9 P.M. Pacific Time on December 10.  What a perfect gift for the child in your life! And this company is awesome.  They got the CD out to me very quickly, and I am sure they will do the same for my winner!  Just place your entries in the rafflectoper form below!

Thoughtful Thursday--Mandisa "Stronger" CD Giveaway--2 winners! (Ends 12/3) WW (Closed)

Do I ever have a treat for you!  Do you remember my post from the Women of Faith Conference?  I told you how impressed I was with Mandisa.  And I bought a couple of her CD's.  Kind of on a fluke, I contacted her management team, and they agreed to send me two copies of her current album to give away! This is the most exciting giveaway I have ever done because I am actually giving away a CD of a fantastic musician!

I just couldn't wait to review this CD--I actually listened to it from beginning to end on the way to work yesterday.  And it was exactly what I needed.  I really have been going through a lot these past weeks, and I had really struggled with all kinds of things.  When her album began with the song Stronger, I began to cry.  There I was driving down the road with tears pouring from my eyes.  This trial is going to make me stronger. Then What If We Were Real was exactly what I had had a hard time with the night before.  I thought perhaps I should begin stuffing what I felt down inside of me and not sharing it--not good at all!  This song told me to continue to be real.  These Days was good, but when I got to The Truth About Me, I was completely broken.  I kept thinking, "How does she know the story of my life?"  I really felt like she was singing the story of my life lately. Say Goodbye  was good, but talk about a Hallelujah song--Good Morning was off the charts!  I loved the rap part in it, and that is saying something.  Just Cry--yep, you guessed it.  I cried.  Temporary Fills was great, but when I got to Free, I was claiming the promises of God!  Her album ends with Lifeline.  Yes, indeed.  This album touched my heart in a way an album has not in ages.  I am so glad God had that album there for me at the right time.

Mandisa is someone who I loved from American Idol.  I remember when she was voted off to the shock of all three judges, and it was all because of a comment she had made that was not liked by the homosexual community.  She also handled herself appropriately when Simon made jokes about her weight--he even later apologized to her.  She has lost over 100 pounds since being on the show.

So, now I get to give away two copies of this album, and the giveaway is open worldwide!  This giveaway will end December 3 at 9 P.M. Pacific Time.  So don't forget to enter in the rafflecopter form below!

Music Monday--Four Freshmen The Capitol Collector's Series

Tonight I am reviewing a CD that is probably not on your top ten list or even your top 100 list. But I have to say that it was nice for a change.

I think I happened to find this CD at a yard sale, and this was the first time I had ever listened to it.  It was really mellow music as I cleaned my room and put stuff away.

The first several songs made no impression on me.  I wasn't familiar with them so they didn't exactly "click" with me.  However, I have learned that sometimes  CD's have to grow on you.  And I think that the songs may have been arrange chronologically.  So their early music may not have been as nice as their later works.

Mood Indigo and It Never Occurred to Me were the first ones that caused my ears to perk up.  I was vaguely familiar with these songs, and the sound was more mature.

Song #15 was the best song of all--Graduation Day. That seriously had to be a big hit for them.  I knew  that song, and it was possibly the reason I bought the CD.  And all the songs following this were more familiar.  Route 66--how can you go wrong?   I loved #17--It Could Happen to You.  Fantastic song about not falling in love and yet you do without realizing it.  Classic!  And #21 And So It's Over--how could it be more appropriate?

I tried to fault their harmony, but never once was their harmony out of tune--at least on this CD.  Sometimes the melody was overshadowed by the harmony, but I could not fault their sound.  All I can say is that you have to be in the mood for these kinds of songs if you are going to listen to it.