Why meeee???????

I was definitely not compensated for this post. This is my personal opinion and experience. Yours may have been or might be different than mine.

Awhile back I posted about card.com. Getting the card and reviewing it for the first time was easy. Very easy.

Fast forward a year and a half and I am needing to get a replacement card due to mine being stolen. All honesty, one of my kids took off with my wallet and its contents as well as my favorite purse and I have seen no trace of any of it, the purse or contents, anywhere. The kid however, I see everyday.

Hence my call to their customer service. Mid November. I told them what happened and that I needed a replacement card. The rep told me they would get a replacement out to me withing 48 hrs and cancel the old card. Fine. No issues with that. Then they said it would take 8-14 to get. Whatever.

 17 days later, still no card. Another call to customer service.

Apologies and promises to get a replacement out to me. I did get mad as I had money on the account and had a deposit put in right before I cancelled the old card. Promised money would get on it with no issues. 8-14 days. Whatever but this is getting old!

18 days later. STILL NO CARD! Yet another call to customer service. They don't understand the problem! GRRRR!!! Been through this before. Repeated everything and demanded to be put through to a supervisor. I get the supervisor, or the girl in the next cubical I think. We go through it again and she tells me to go online and order another card. It will all transfer and Ill be all set.

7 days later, I GOT A REPLACEMENT CARD!!!! I call to activate it and talk to a rep who seems to know what they are doing/saying. Tells me 2 days and all money should be on card. 3 days later, no money so I call again. The rep tells me should be all set give another 2 days. 3 MORE days later, still no money on my card! Now I'm very angry!

I call again and the rep says hold please while I look into it. 13 min later he's back on telling me his supervisor is looking into it and asked if I could continue to hold. I got snippy and said I'm trying top get my money of course Ill hold! 16 minutes later a woman gets on the line tells me she doesn't understand why its taking so long to transfer the funds from one account card to another. Honestly, I really wanted to reach through the phone and throttle someone. ANYONE!

So she puts me on hold, again. Comes back about 10 min later and says I should be all set and, ready for this??? Give it 2 Days and the money should be transferred to the new account!

AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!

My kids and hubby say I'm too nice on the phone and with other people. But this woman got the snotty of me! I flared at her like no tomorrow and said "I'm not going to believe you until I see my money in my account within 2 days! I'm tired off all the sh*t to get my own money in my hands! I do need it to help feed my children!"

Horrible experience so far and I have a feeling that it wont be resolved in 2 days either!

UPDATE: FINALLY! I have my money! It was 4 days, but I will stop there in the complaining. 

Wisdomantics Game Review & Giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and 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.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

**Wisdomantics–New King James Version (NKJV) is an interactive DVD board game for players of various faiths who desire to gain the vast wisdom of King Solomon. Wisdomantics-NKJV utilizes the proverbs of Solomon and blends chance, knowledge and strategy to create a fun experience while you learn! We are currently developing Wisdomantics-New International Version (NIV), a variation of the original game. This version of the Holy Bible is considered by some to be more mainstream and will allow us to reach a broader scope of consumers. The game’s intent is to bring individuals together to learn how to cope with numerous situations in a fun and relaxed environment.

Wisdomantics utilizes 2 DVDs which contain 400 multiple-choice questions/proverbs. There is a built-in variable timer which automatically adjusts for
1st, 2nd and final attempt questions. The DVD will grade your response and King Solomon will quote the proverb when you answer correctly.
Finally, the DVD will instruct players when to draw a specialty card which will enable them to navigate the game board.
 

The game board illustrations chronicle Solomon’s life! They begin with his most notable acts and achievements and end with a divided kingdom through disobedience and rebellion. Hear King Solomon quote his wise biblical truths. The audio-visual element is a huge plus and adds greater depth to the game. Players may also strategize with specialty cards, which can skip or detain opponents, recover lost assets, and provide protection from adverse scenarios. To replicate Solomon’s temple, players receive colored tiles (gold, cypress and cedar) as they navigate the game board. The first player to complete their Solomon’s temple scorecard wins!**

**Taken from their website.**

Review:

I had the camera all set to take pics and to record us playing but my older kids suddenly became very camera shy! We played this, its alot like Monopoly, and we had fun. Unfortunately we couldnt finish it because we had a family issue come up but we will play again this weekend. The only other issue we had was the DVD's didnt want to play in the XBox so we had to dig out the DVD player. After that they worked fine!

This would be a great youth group game or a game for any church group.

Giveaway:

One winner will win a copy of the Wisdomantic Game. If you have won on this blog in the past 30 days, Im so sorry to tell you, you you will not be eligible to enter.  New rules for all giveaways on this blog starting 12/23/2014. Just use the easy entry below. Good Luck!

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Pine Mountain Yule Log Giveaway

Pine Mountain Yule Logg Giveaway

Hosted By:

Holiday Contest and Sweeps

Co-Hosted By:

The Stuff of Success

Michigan Savings and More

My Devotional Thoughts 

Simply Sherryl
Everyday Success

3 - Winners

Holiday Contest and Sweeps is pleased to work with Pine Mountain to bring you the

 Pine Mountain Yule Logg Giveaway.The New Pine Mountian Yule Logg Firelog Three

Hour Firelogs will bring  it's user's hours of use instead of having to add logs more often.

Gather around the hearth and delight in one of the oldest of holiday traditions with the Pine Mountain Yule Logg Firelog.3 Hour that have Colorful dancing flames and seasonal fragrance rekindle the joys of holidays past and create new memories for years to come.

The New Yule Logg brings you the following great features:

Colorful flames
Crackle sound
Cinnamon fragrance†
Fast and easy lighting
Simple, with no mess
Burns cleaner than ordinary cordwood, producing up to 75% less particulate matter* and up to 80% less carbon monoxide*

†Cinnamon fragrance is for preburning enjoyment. In a properly functioning fireplace, most of the fragrance will be drawn up the flue and typically will not disperse throughout the room.

 Click Here To Sign-Up For The Pine Mountain Newsletter

 Click Here To Visit The Pine Mountain Website
 

A Big Thank You To Our Sponsor

Pine Mountain

This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook,
Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This giveaway is valid in
the Continental United States. Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter.
This giveaway will end at 12:00 AM (EST)1/8/15

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Holiday Contest and Sweeps did not receive any type of compensation for this
giveaway. Pine Mountain will be responsible for awarding and shipping
of the prizes to the winners.

   

 

Madison Reed Holiday Hair Tutorial

Holiday Hair Tutorial - Side Bun with Bling

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

It is holiday party season and if you are looking for a simple, but elegant way to style your hair, you will love this side bun with a bit of bling complements of our friends at Madison Reed.

How to Create a Side Bun with Bling

1. Start with dry hair. Use a curling iron to add a little texture. We find that second day hair works really well, too.

2. Make a side part. Gather hair below the ear on the side opposite your part for a more dramatic effect.

3. Twist hair and pin into a bun.

4. Add a beautiful barrette right above the bun. Get creative with what you have! In this photo, we took a shiny necklace and pinned it above the bun. Use bobby pins to fasten securely for style that won’t stop.

Even the simplest of styles can be dramatic with a little extra sparkle. Give your hair that extra shine every day with Madison Reed Radiant Color Kit or the new semi-permanent Color Reviving Gloss. Madison Reed's hair color is better for you and better for your hair as it contains no harsh chemicals like PPD or ammonia. Find your perfect hair color now!

Take advantage of a Free Upgrade to 2-Day Shipping! Get 2-Day Shipping for the price of Standard Shipping through December 21, 2014 - no code needed.

Ozeri Ultra 42 inch Wind Fan

I was sent an Ozeri Ultra 42 inch Wind Fan for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way and my opinion, as always, is my own.

Ozeri Ultra 42 inch Wind Fan on Amazon.com

Normally priced at $129.95

As of 12/14/14 it is $89.95 w/free shipping

Boasts a sophisticated and stylish space-saving design that complements and enhances room decor.
Engineered to generate more air velocity with less noise on a foot-per-minute to dB basis, setting a new benchmark for noiseless airflow.
Features 3 preprogrammed airflow patterns designed to foster sleep, relaxation and comfort, and 3 whisper-quiet speed settings with 90 degree oscillation for optimal air circulation.
Includes 12 hour timer that can be programmed in 1 hour increments with push-button ease, and an enhanced-range remote control that conveniently stores in the fan.
Easy to assemble (no tools required). Ships with fan, base, extension column (to customize fan height), enhanced-range remote control, manual and warranty card. 

Satisfaction Guaranteed.

I like my box fans. When I agreed to try this tall fan, I was a bit skeptical. Im a tower fan now! I love the remote that comes with it so I can control it while Im in bed. It turns very quietly. It isnt completely noiseless though as it does make a small wind fan, but I like that! I need a white noise to sleep. 

It did take me a few more than 10 minutes to put together but thats because Im a clutz! I did get it together after it slipping twice. OOPS! 

Florin 4.5 5 Function Showerhead

I was sent the Florin 4 1/2" 5 Function Showerhead in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own, as always. 

5 functions: wide, centerjet, aeration, massage and wide + centerjet.

Featuring Air Injection technology for a strong and yet smooth shower experience.

Brass ball joint with polymer shell.

Features Dual Force™ Technology.

Optimizes water intensity even at low pressures.

All this for only $58.00! Get it HERE at danze.com 

or to find a retailer close to you.

We live in an older house that seems to use alot of water no matter how hard we try to conserve! Switching out the showerhead isnt only a good idea for conservation, its also a great way to update the look of your shower and your bathroom. Its the little things that make a big difference sometimes. I love the cascading water effect (wide) while the kids like the wide + centerjet. This was a review I looked forward to doing and was not disappointed! I love our new showerhead!

Santa Will Write..To Your Child!

I was sent the Deluxe Package to facilitate my review. No other compensation was given and as always my opinions are my own.

santawillwrite.com

Personalized throughout just for your child Shiny red huge envelope with fancy address label art Santa's TRUE signature on every letter Siblings receive unique letters MAGIC Santa dust in every letter High quality original stationery Newly written letters each year Your children will always remember Amazing price & value Postage stamp from NORTH POLE

Pick from letters, packages, or even a postcard or book!

I must say that even tho my daughter is 9, she loved getting the big and red package! She sat down and read the sparkly letter from "Santa" and "Rudolph".  She was giddy! She started to put the temp. tattoos on her and her brothers, who did not get a package even though they are younger because they are not mentally in a Santa place. 

If you want your child to get this before Christmas Eve, I suggest you order now!

Splash Math & 20% Discount this Holiday!

Splash Math is an award winning math program for kids of ages 5-10 which can be used both at homes and in schools. Splash Math has benefited over 9 million kids and has been used in over 50,000 classrooms. Available on iPads, Android tablets and web, Splash Math works across multiple platforms and devices.

Splash Math is an adaptive program. It personalizes math practice depending upon the child's level of mastery and covers all math skills for all grades - Kindergarten through 5. Splash Math collects the practice data and shares analytical reports with the parents/teachers.

Splash Math combines the best of both worlds. For a child, Splash Math appears to be like a game which rewards on getting answers correct, keeping them engaged all the time. For a parent, Splash Math covers all necessary math skills for their grade levels and provides crucial insight on the child's performance.

Special 20% discount - This holiday season, Splash Math is offering a Special 20% discount.

CLICK HERE

Monogram Online and Special Discount

 When it comes to fine monogrammed and name jewelry, MonogramOnline.com is in the top of its class -- from silver and gold necklaces shaped into first names to cufflinks etched with initials. But that's not all the gift-focused website is about - its huge selection of monogram-ready wares include, but are not limited to, iPhone cases, kitchenware, to sporting goods. There is something for everyone!

45% off store wide - use code BLOG45

Follow this link to order

Wreath and Lights Review

"I was sent the items in this post in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own, as always."

This full, lush and beautiful artificial wreath has a 24" diameter. It has a total of approximately 200 branch tips comprised of 4 different pine styles: Long Needle Pine, Fir Pine, Douglas Pine, and Sequoia Pine. They come together to create a gorgeous look. The wreath was hand-crafted to give it the most realistic look possible. You will enjoy this wreath for years to come.

S-50MMWW-6G - 50 Count Standard Grade 5MM Conical Warm White LED Light Set with in-line rectifer on Green Wire.

I was sent these items for review. Since I know I couldnt do a good enough job doing them one at a time, I have combined the 2 reviews. As you can see in the below picture, I love what I was sent. I still have one more light string to hang but its been too freaking cold here in Central Maine to hang them! The lights on the wreath were from a previous review. 

All things Christmas and More

Winterland Inc.

The Identical..DVD Review

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and 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.

THE IDENTICAL tells the compelling story of twin brothers unknowingly separated at birth during the Great Depression. DREXEL HEMSLEY becomes an iconic 50’s rock ‘n’ roll star, while RYAN WADE (Blake Rayne) struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father. The Reverend Wade (Ray Liotta) and his wife (Ashley Judd) are sure their adopted son has been gifted and called by God to be a preacher. But Ryan challenges his parent’s vision for his life, and unflinchingly chooses to launch his own music career with his best friend (Seth Green). Encouraged by his wife (Erin Cottrell) and employer (Joe Pantoliano), Ryan embarks on an unpredictable, provocative path – performing the legendary music of Drexel Hemsley in sold out venues all across the country.

As the brothers destinies tragically collide, Ryan discovers that Drexel is his identical twin which leads him to question everything he’s ever believed about God, family and his own identity.

THE IDENTICAL is a City of Peace Films production featuring the talents of three generations of the Marcellino family from Nashville, TN. Dustin Marcellino is the first time director, Jerry Marcellino co-wrote the 20 plus original songs with his son Yochanan, who is the founder of City of Peace Films. Yochanan and Don Noes are the two men who propelled the movie to the big screen by raising the production funding and the film’s marketing budget. The movie will be distributed by Freestyle Releasing and will be opening nationwide on September 5th.

STARRING: Erin Cottrell, Amanda Crew, Brian Geraghty, Seth Green, Ashley Judd, Joe Pantoliano, Blake Rayne, and Ray Liotta

DIRECTED BY: Dustin Marcellino

PRODUCED BY: Mark G. Mathis, Yochanan Marcellino, Matthew Dean Russell

DRAMA –  107 Min

Featuring over 20 original songs by Jerry Marcellino and Yochanan Marcellino including: “Your Love’s Keepin’ Me Tonight,” “City Lights,” “Angel of Mine,” “Everybody Knows It” and “Nashville Tonight”

My opinion.....

If you like Elvis type music, this is the DVD for you! Although I am not a big Ashley Judd fan, she did ok in this movie. I think it would be best for a more mature audience because in parts it did seem a bit slow, and yes, kind of boring. But over all I feel it was a good family movie!

Because of a family issue, I will not be holding a giveaway for a copy of this DVD.

Zubels Doll Giveaway

Zubels 12 Inch Doll - Winner's Choice Giveaway

  Zubel's makes terrific hand knit products such as 100% cotton dolls that come in these sizes 7″ rattles , 12″, 14″ and 24″. They also offer sweaters and hats to match – their is no product in the market that delivers such great looks with our high quality standards… Zubels were born of a creative group working together to bring smiles to children. There was a need for an eco-friendly yet purposeful toy whose only requirement was a little love and imagination.     Zubels has terrific products that are hand knit and make for great gifts - each product is a terrific gift alone or even better as part of a full set. So many options! Read more about Zubels on this Stuff of Success post. And this Stuff of Success Post.   One lucky reader will win a 12 inch Zubel doll of their choice. The prize will be sent directly to the winner from the sponsor. The giveaway will run until 12/20/2014 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen randomly via Giveaway Tools and will be announced on the Giveaway Tool Widget. Any taxes or other charges that may be part of the prize are the winner’s sole responsibility. The giveaway is open to United States residents only. You must be over 18 years of age and you guarantee that you are eligible by entering. We reserve the right to cancel any giveaway. No purchase is necessary. One entry per person per household.  

Entry-Form

Disclosure: The prize sponsor will send prize to the winner. This blog is not responsible for prize. If you have any question please send an email to thestuffofsuccess@gmail.com. All entries are optional, if you do any of the tasks you can collect the entries.

Canon is a great family gift from Best Buy! Check it out!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card 

and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Best Buy is the ultimate destination for the latest cameras to capture your holiday memories. The Canon EOS Rebel T5i is one of the best-selling DSLRs. This camera makes advanced photography easy and fun, and gives you exceptional image quality, along with a host of features to enhance your creative expression.

•      Capture Hollywood caliber full HD video
•      Continuous autofocus while taking HD video
•      Features an 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 5 image processor to ensure vivid, crystal-clear images.
•      The 3" vari-angle touch screen simplifies navigation.

Save $150 on the Canon EOS Rebel T5i at Best Buy*. Visit Best Buy to learn more.

*offer valid 12/7-12/20

As a blogger, having decent pictures is a must. I own a cute little canon and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It takes great photos no matter the weather or where I am snapping away! Digital images capture your pictures in much better detail and and they are so much easier to share and edit.
I went to Best Buy to see this camera for myself and I was impressed. They were sold out but the guy was super nice and let me play around with the display one they had out. Although I do like a few less buttons and "dodads" they ones on this Canon are easy to understand and it feels lighter than it looks. Overall I was super impressed!

Gospel of John

I was allowed a sneak peek at this film in exchange for my review. All my opinions are my own and no other compensation was given.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

 #JohnOnNetflix

FOUR GOSPELS. FOUR FILMS. ONE JESUS STORY. FOR EVERYONE.

A ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels.

The Lumo Project is a ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels: redefining the standard of visual Biblical media. The Lumo Project presents four films – one for each Gospel account – that will revolutionise the way we all experience the story of Jesus and the world of First Century Palestine in which he lived.

lumoproject.com

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

The Gospel of John takes the story of Jesus from John’s gospel with its own unique characteristics. For John, Jesus is the Word of God made human. John is clear that that when encounter Jesus, we encounter God.  The gospel writer points to the miracles (the ‘Signs’) and teachings as evidence of Jesus’ special relationship as the divine Son of God.

This full-length feature film about the life of Jesus takes the actual Gospel text as its script, word for word, unedited. Five years in the making, this epic production has been  critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic telling of the Jesus story. Narrated by leading British actor David Harewood (‘Homeland’, ‘Blood Diamond’, ‘Merchant of Venice’) it is based on the latest theological, historical and archaeological research. With specially constructed sets and the extraordinarily authentic villages and countryside of rural Morocco, it immerses the viewer in the world of first century Palestine. 

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I will admit, the fact that this is 10 hours long made me pause a bit! But as it was going on I was drawn in by the scenery and the actor portrayals. I felt as if I was watching it first hand at times. I have always been a fan of John the Baptist and I loved his portrayal. Before I knew it I realized I had watched almost 1.5 hours of the film! Any film that keeps me that entertained, is a good film! 

Trying to get pregnant can be tough!

I admit, I do not know the struggles of getting pregnant. I have 7 children and 2 Angel Babies. Babies are a gift from God and I feel every woman who wants a child should have all the help she can get to get pregnant. Currently a good friend of mine is trying to conceive. She is taking her temp every morning, using an ovulation prediction kit and taking all the vitamins she needs to conceive, carry and deliver her bundle of joy. ~Debra

Women who are trying to conceive usually want to do everything within their power to make sure that they are maximizing their fertility. That is perfectly normal especially considering that one in five couples have to deal with fertility issues at some point. Fertility sounds pretty simple, but it can actually be quite complex and hard to understand. That’s why some women want a simple, all in one kit to help them boost their fertility. With Conceive Easy fertility supplements, that is exactly what you get. It is a natural fertility booster with no harmful ingredients and no chemicals. That means none of the potentially dangerous side effects that can come along with traditional fertility medications. 

It has an entire TTC kit for its customers that includes everything you need to jumpstart your fertility journey. The Kit comes with a two month supply, a Getting Started TTC Guide, a basal body thermometer, and 20 free pregnancy or ovulation tests. Click here to find out why ovulation tests are so important to getting pregnant. With the Kit, you can order online and have your goodies shipped right to your door, no hassle. 

Start a new Holiday Tradition that will quickly be your child's favorite! Plus a special offer!

Start a new Holiday Tradition that will quickly be your child's favorite! 

Santa is ready to send a beautiful package fully personalized just for your special loved ones. Simply select the package you would like and watch your child's absolute JOY when he or she receives a letter straight from the North Pole that talks all about them personally - what they want for Christmas and what they have done to be good.

 Watch your child's eyes light up when they see their names on the Nice List!

 Bring the magic of Christmas into your child's life with santawillwrite.com. 

15% off any purchase - Use promo code: FG15

Whats in the Bible? Vol 10 Jesus is the good news! Giveaway!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and 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.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

I was sent a copy of this DVD in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given.

I love the Buck Denver Series of DVD's explaining whats in the Bible! These DVD's are done just right for kids to be able to understand and be entertained while they learn.

**In the Gospels, we get up close and personal with the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus, learning about our place in the kingdom of God along the way. Jesus is the Good News! [Matthew, Mark, Luke & John] covers the 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament before digging in to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We walk with Jesus and his closest friends as he delivers the Sermon on the Mount, feeds 5,000, breaks bread at the Last Supper, and gives His life for our sins before God raises Him from the dead. Jesus shows us firsthand what life in the kingdom of God is like – and invites us all to be a part of it!**

Run time: Approximately 60 minutes

**From their website.

Isnt is cute? My kids love to watch these videos! If you would love to add this video to your collection use the easy Rafflecopter below to enter. Good luck!

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