Giveaway Ending Tomorrow 10/31

A little over 24 hours left on the "Trusting in the Shepherd" DVD Giveaway...  Just leave a comment for a chance to win!

Click on the button below to "Show Some Saturday Love" to a few bloggers.  Hope everyone has a FUN Halloween weekend!

Healthy Lips to Happy Skin

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carmex®. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with the popular little round tin of lip balm known as Carmex, right?  That’s because it’s a great product which has been around for over 70 years and still delivers its promise of healthy lips.  So many people that I know use it and carry it around in their purse/pocket on a daily basis, especially during the winter months.  If you’re one of those Carmex addicts-- I mean, users-- that I’m speaking of, then I’m quite confident you’re going to love these:

The Carmex brand that you know and love in lip protection is now available for your skin!

I recently was given the opportunity to “test drive” the two new skin care products from Carmex.  I’ve always been a fan of their lip balm, so I was more than willing to give the skin care line a go.  I received a bottle of the new Healing Lotion, a bottle of the Healing Cream, and a small sample size of the healing lotion (which has conveniently already found a permanent home in my handbag).

Here’s what I loved:

• With the very first use, I knew I was pleased with the products.  Both left a light, soft, silky feeling on my hands... not heavy, thick, or greasy.
• It only takes a small amount for each use.  This helps me to know that the products will last a while.
• After applied, the Healing Lotion absorbs itself pretty quickly, so that you’re not leaving oily/greasy tracks on everything you touch afterwards.
• For people with tough dry spots, such as eczema breakouts, the Healing Cream is a more concentrated formula that covers well, yet still absorbs quickly without an oily residue.
• The packaging on the bottles is clean, attractive, and still portrays the well-trusted, “Carmex” look.

Here’s what I didn’t love (but still relatively like):

• Both products have that very familiar “Carmex” smell.  If you’ve ever used the lip balm before, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.  The good news is that the scent is not very strong or overbearing.  Yes, it’s very light... but definitely there.  It certainly wouldn’t prevent me from purchasing the products.

Overall, I’m very pleased with both products and am glad I chose to participate in the review campaign.  Now it’s your turn to give them a try! The Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream are both available now for purchase ($5.99 each) at Walgreens, Walgreens.com, and drugstore.com.

Good Tidings of "Grape" Joy

If finding a four-leaf clover brings good luck,
then what does a  grape of love  bring??? 

Protect Your Active Kids from MRSA

In September of 2009, my daughter (then 2 1/2 years old) was hospitalized for 6 days because of an infection from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as MRSA.  We'll never know when or how our family contracted the bacteria, but it was an extremely difficult battle to fight.  Unfortunately, infections from MRSA are more common than most people realize and are very contagious, especially among school-age children.  

This time of year, with fall sports in full swing, equipment cleanliness and item-sharing on and off the field may get overlooked between carpools, homework and bedtime.  But, skin infections like MRSA, which can be potentially life threatening, are the cause of 56 percent of all infectious disease outbreaks in competitive sports in the U.S.

It’s important that as parents and coaches we do our part to help prevent the spread of MRSA.  You can begin by getting involved in the Equip them Well program through three simple steps –

collect, disinfect, donate. 

Please take a few moments to watch this short video and learn more about the Equip Them Well program:

No compensation was received from this post.  My name was entered into a gift card giveaway by participating in this campaign by One2One Network.

Bumps n' Bruises

We'll blame it on the "tea" from her recent tea party...

Not Your Ordinary Tea Party

My little ones decided yesterday afternoon that they would like to take some of their indoor toys outside for a tea party in the warm sunshine.  Because of the gorgeous fall weather, I totally embraced their request and all but shoved them out the door.

Pretty soon I decided to keep them company in a chair situated on the deck close by them.  I was secretly observing their every move, absolutely loving the scene my sweet children were creating.  The pretend tea, cups, and snacks were distributed between the two and their party proceeded without a hitch.

It was comforting to just sit and watch them play together happily.  All the fatigue, stress, and irritation that can come about during motherhood had disappeared for a few moments.  Just as a bit of mommy-pride started creeping in, suggesting that I might possibly be doing things right in rearing them, I look up to watch my three-year-old daughter sip her cup and say, "Mmmmmmmm!  This beer is good!"

*GASP*

Maybe not...

Ashworth Offers Alternatives

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ashworth College. All opinions are 100% mine.

Even though my children are still quite young, the topic of education continues to remain on the forefront of my mind.  Like every mother, I want the absolute best for them.  We get only one shot at raising them and training them in the way that’s appropriate for their individual selves.

Over the past decade or so, there has been a marked change in parents’ thoughts toward education.  More and more families are seeking alternative routes instead of going with the public educational flow.  The reasons are varied and many, such as moral/religious beliefs, financial issues, proximity, social struggles, and unique learning styles and abilities.  Even jobs and careers of working parents aren’t falling into the traditional boundaries of years before, with schedules that are now unpredictable, along with frequent travel and relocation requirements. All in all, the way that lifestyles of our society is constantly changing has caused many families to explore alternate ways to educate their kids and prevent high school dropouts.

One alternative method that continues to rapidly grow both in acceptance and preference among parents is homeschooling.  This concept of independent study allows both the student and the parent to have more control over their educational success and progress.  Through homeschooling programs, students who are slower or faster learners, bored easily, a bit socially awkward, or maybe feel unsafe among aggressive peers are able to relax, study and learn at a comfortable pace and in a familiar setting.

Quite possibly these facts have resonated with you and your student’s situation but you’ve never really known the best route to make homeschooling a reality for your child.    Maybe you’re like me and are concerned about keeping your child up to date and current with curriculum and proper progress.  One particular homeschooling program that embraces these and many other parental concerns and offers an online solution for your high schooler is from Ashworth College.

Through Ashworth’s High School Online, students can take exciting, interactive courses and apply them towards a general homeschool high school diploma.  The online school provides the regionally and nationally accredited programs your child will need to succeed as a homeschool student.

Here’s a list of what Ashworth has to offer those considering their programs:

* For those students currently in high school (or maybe returning to high school) the flexible, self-paced curriculum allows them to study whenever and wherever they prefer.
* Research shows Ashworth tuition is 50% less than the average accredited online school.
* Tuition includes ALL books and course materials.
* Offers zero-interest financing plus a low monthly payment plan. Monthly payments can run as low as a couple of large pizzas.
* Unlike other programs, you are guaranteed to graduate without student loan debt.
* Research shows students, employers, colleges and universities value a high school diploma over a GED.
* You can choose from three regionally accredited program tracks: General, College Preparatory and Vocational.
* Students needing to make up a class or two can take single classes and have the credits transferred back to their current school. This is ideal for those needing to make up a class in order to graduate or maybe to avoid summer school.

For more information about this and other programs from Ashworth, please check out these resource links:

Ashworth Video Gallery

Ashworth College Featured by National Education Report

Today A Year Ago- Thursday Blog Hop

Today I've chosen to participate and link up with Wyatt Family Farm, Mommy Only Has Two Hands and From PDX With Love for:

As I've racked my brain trying to figure out exactly what was happening one year ago (because I wasn't part of the mighty blogosphere then), I could only come up with one solution...

...to consult the wonderful wizard of Facebook.

Here are the two status updates posted from yours truly one year ago today:

Five-  the number of minutes it takes for the kitchen floor to become dirty again after I sweep, vaccuum and mop it.

So, the kids and I were riding in the car a few moments ago, and Addy asks..."Mommy, wanna sing the lettuce song?"  I say, "The what?!"  She says, "The lettuce song."  I say, "I don't think I know a lettuce song, Sweetheart."  She then proceeds to sing, "All the single lettuce, all the single lettuce!  All the single lettuce, all the single lettuce."  HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!  My little Beyonce.

Yep, we are still "krazy," one year later...

A Day at Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Just in case you missed this blaring fact, let me remind you once more... I love fall!  But in all honesty, who doesn't?!  I don't believe I've ever met anyone who doesn't enjoy most things about this beautiful season.

One of my favorite activities to do this time of year is to visit a pumpkin patch.  My children, husband and I anticipate our annual excursion all year long.  Fortunately, in middle Tennessee where we live, there is quite the picking when it comes to choosing a pumpkin farm to visit.  There are many great locations throughout the area offering festive activities for families each weekend.  Amidst all the various choices, we decided this past weekend to take the longer, scenic drive up to the same location which we discovered last year: Honeysuckle Hill Farm in Springfield, Tennessee.

Funny enough, we unknowingly chose the very same weekend on the calendar that we had visited the year before.  But, boy, was it a completely different experience this time around!  Last year, with daytime temperatures in the 50's, we were dressed in our warm clothes, drinking delicious apple cider and hot chocolate.  NOT this year.  The afternoon temperature rose well above 80 degrees, which is certainly obvious by our children's red cheeks in our photographs below.  As you can imagine, we were quite warm and hot apple cider was the last thing on our minds.

Despite being a bit toasty, we had a wonderful time enjoying all that Honeysuckle Hill Farm has to offer.  With the hayride, petting zoo, slides, swings, jumping pillow, and pumpkin cannon (just to name a few highlights), there was something for each member of the family to enjoy.

One thing I do have to complain about mention is the steep admission price.  Each person over 2 years of age is charged $9.00 + tax to enter the farm.  For a family of four, that's FORTY bucks.  Add to that the money for the gasoline needed to drive over an hour to get to Springfield, plus any food or beverages purchased while at the farm... that all makes for NOT a cheap day.  WHEW!

So, if you're near the Springfield area and have a chunk of change to spend on an incredibly fun family outing, this is the farm to visit.  But you better hurry- the last day of their Fall Festival Season is October 31st.

 

 

My sweet punkin' niece, Annslee.

The Klapper girlies.

Daddy & sister flying down the "Monster Rippler."

 

$40 admission and my son just wants to kick a ball around.  
Go figure.

 

Note to self:  Purchasing ring pops before attempting a family photo is never a good idea.

Here we are... the four "krazy" Klappers.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Let's Take the Long Way Home

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Geile Leon. All opinions are 100% mine.

Autumn is truly my favorite time of the year.  I pretty much love everything this season has to offer:  warm days, chilly nights, shorter daylight hours, football games and festivals galore.  And then there's the best highlight of them all... the gorgeous show of colors that nature proudly displays.

These are the days when I find myself hunting for every opportunity to hop in the car to just drive.  I'll take the extra long route to the post office or bank just to soak in the sights of fall.  Every now and then, we'll happen to catch some free time as a family to head off down a country road to see what the city doesn't offer.  The natural beauty of the season is just plain therapeutic.

If we were financially able, I'd load my family into our van and head west to Branson, Missouri.  I imagine it to be an absolutely beautiful location to spend an autumn weekend.  From the fall foliage driving tours of the Ozarks to the annual craft and music festivals, Branson is rich with sights and sounds of the harvest season.

What about you?  Are you a nature lover during the fall or would you rather soak up the warm fall colors in your favorite clothing store?  Does the fall season have a tendency to give you the itch to just drive around, or better yet, take a long road trip somewhere?  Maybe you've considered spending a weekend with your family in Branson, Missouri, but just haven't decided when to do it.

Now through November, the autumn landscape in the Branson area explodes into an array of rich colors.  For any outdoor enthusiasts, this is prime time to explore the lakes, rivers and hills of the Ozarks.  For those who prefer to view nature from a distance, it's always a great time for shopping in Branson, which features everything from arts and crafts markets to outlet mall shopping unlike any other in the region.

As if all of this doesn't sound fabulous enough, top it all off with incredible lodging accommodations at either the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.  Both locations are currently offering a Fall in the City package, starting at $309.50 per night, as well as a unique Shopping Package that starts at just $164 per night.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a drive to Branson.  With the current temperate weather, shockingly gorgeous natural beauty of the area and the excitement of the fall season,  I can't imagine a more perfect time to visit.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day

I can't let today, October 15th, go by without acknowledging the multitudes of women, including myself, who have gone through the incredibly painful experience of losing a child... whether in pregnancy or after.  My thoughts and prayers are with all women tonight who are currently dealing with the fresh wounds of infant loss.  My heart also joins with many, many others across the globe who are remembering our babies who left us all too soon. 

I ask you to join me in remembering all babies born sleeping,

or whom we have carried but never met;

or those we have held but could not take home,

or the ones that came home but didn't stay...

and in raising awareness for those losses that are all too often left unacknowledged.

"Held" by Natalie Grant

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling

Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
We're asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair

This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held

This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow

This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held

If hope is born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior

This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held

Tips To Prevent Falls At Home

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Medical Guardian. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that falls have become the leading cause of injury deaths for senior citizens?  Among people 65 years and older, falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.  Each year in the United States, nearly one third of older adults experience a fall.  

The unfortunate part about those statistics is that most of the falls are preventable.  Below is a list of action steps that can be taken to help in protecting senior adults from fall injuries...

Tips To Prevent Falls At Home:

• Have regular vision and hearing tests.  Discuss falls prevention with your doctor.

• Be sure to take prescription and over-the-counter medications correctly.  Keep a medication record and review it regularly with your doctor.  Let your doctor know if your medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded.

• Install proper lighting throughout your home.  Pay special attention to stairs (with a light switch at both ends) and bathrooms.  Use night-lights in the hallways, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.

• Keep your floor and stairs free of clutter.  Avoid the use of scatter rugs.

• Be sure to have at least one handrail (preferably two) on all stairways and steps in your home.  Ensure handrails are securely attached and in good repair.

• Check that stairs are in good repair and are slip resistant.  If any stairs are broken, have them fixed promptly.  Add a strip along the edge of each step in a contrasting color to make it easier to see or use reflective anti-skid treads.

• Take the same precautions for outdoor steps.  In addition, arrange to have leaves, snow and ice removed on a regular basis.  Use salt or sand throughout the winter months.

• Wear proper footwear.  Shoes, boots and slippers should provide good support and have good soles.  Avoid loose slippers or stocking feet.

• Install grab bars in all bathrooms, by the toilet and in the bathtub or shower.  It's a good idea to have two bars in the tub, one on a side wall and one on the back wall.  If you need extra support, consider a bath seat or bench so you can have a shower sitting down.

• Use a rubber mat along the full length in your tub and a non-skid bath math beside the tub.

• Use walking aids and other safety devices for extra safety.  If you use a cane or a walker, check that it is the right height and that the rubber tips are not worn.  Install stainless steel prongs (ice picks) on canes for safe walking in the winter.

• In case of an accident or fall, it's always a smart investment for senior adults to have a medical alert system, such as Medical Guardian, in place.

A Friday Follow Celebration

Remember when I mentioned yesterday that I was getting really close to checking number 1 of the list?

Wellllllll, thanks to all of YOU I was able to do just that- 

My blog has passed the 100 followers mark and I am super excited! 

Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog!  

Go ahead and sing along with me...
don't pretend like you don't know the song. *wink*

Have a great weekend!

Finding Freedom with NMEDA

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever taken the time to contemplate how your life would be different with a physical handicap?  I'm the first to admit that I take my physical capabilities for granted far too often.  As I think back on people I've seen or known with these difficulties, I realize that the freedom that comes from being able to maneuver, or even travel from place to place, is quite hindered by their circumstance.

Fortunately, there are people who have taken a step forward to change this.  NMEDA is a trade association of mobility equipment dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to broadening the opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment.  All members of this valuable group work together to improve transportation options of people with disabilities.

NMEDA, which stands for National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, does not sell anything.  They are actually the only association that promotes safe driving and equipment for disabled people. They are non-profit and their members are required to adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NMEDA dealers (members) are the ones who sell handicap vans and vehicle modifications for disabled people.

No two people with a disability are exactly the same.  That's why NMEDA offers a personalized "in-person" evaluation. Anyone who chooses to use their services can be confident they are getting the right driving solution customized to specific lifestyles and needs.  Even if additional training or product refinements are needed, a willing NMEDA dealer is there to help.

Within the association, NMEDA has dealers AND Quality Assurance Program dealers.  The Quality Assurance Program (or QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the adaptive mobility equipment industry. The program is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality.  A QAP designation enhances vehicle modification and mobility equipment installation in a manner consistent with the highest guidelines available in the industry.

A NMEDA dealer can not only help the elderly or disabled get back onto the road of independence; but, they can be a valuable resource for their caregivers, as well.  Do you know someone who can use more information about NMEDA and the services they offer?  Then encouraging them to visit nmeda.org to find their closest qualified dealer.

"Transportation is the key to freedom, 

NMEDA is the key to quality transportation."

New followers, new blogs, new JOY!

Six days later and I'm still hopping around!  : )

I'm excited to see my followers increasing *happy dance* which means I'm getting really close to checking number 1 off the list...

If you've found me from one of these blog hops shown below, 

WELCOME!  

Just leave me a comment and I promise to visit your blog and follow back.  While you're visiting, please check out my three current giveaways going on here, here, and here.

The Artist Formerly Known as YOU!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Popstation. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever wanted the opportunity to audition for hit contests such as American Idol or America's Got Talent?  Do you have a singing voice that is begging to be discovered?  Well, thanks to PopStation, you can now have your chance to showcase your vocal chords to the world!

PopStation is an online music & entertainment singing experience, where people like you have a chance to sing their way to the top of The Charts and qualify for an Album Deal.  Several different styles of music are highlighted on different days, including Hip Hop, R & B, Country, Pop and Rock.  Original PopStation songs are released Monday through Thursday and are available in the practice rooms for two weeks.  Whatever genre and song that you choose, you are given the chance to make it your own to showcase your unique talent.  Once your recorded song is entered into a contest, the winners will be chosen by the PopStation audience-- no rude celebrity judges to deal with.

So what is The BIG Deal about this contest?

Awarded every 3 months, one #1 Artist will earn what some people only dare to dream of... Win "The BIG Deal" and you and a guest will enjoy an all-expenses-paid, 3-night stay in New York City at a ridiculously hip hotel.  You will be picked up in a luxury car service and whisked off to a professional recording studio.  There you will spend two days recording your very own album with the help of a professional production team.  Once your album is done with the final mixing, postproduction and design, it will be featured on the Artist's page of Popstation for the whole world to see and hear.

By winning "The BIG Deal" from PopStation, you will be getting a crash course in the music industry, gain valuable insider knowledge about how to promote yourself and your music, and experience the dream.

What are you waiting for?  Start getting those soon-to-be-famous chords warmed up and head on over to PopStation for more details and the official contest rules.

"Trusting in the Shepherd"- DVD Review & Giveaway

Back at the beginning of September, my 3-year-old daughter and I began a journey together of preschool homeschooling.  This was definitely an unchartered path for the two of us, but one that we both were anxious to begin.  I didn’t know much of what I was going to be teaching, or even what I was supposed to be teaching.  But one thing that I was sure I wanted to teach her was Scripture memory.  Thankfully, she has successfully embraced this part of our lessons and can now clearly and accurately quote three paraphrased verses:

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

He who walks with the wise grows wise. 

Proverbs 13:20

God is love.

1 John 4:8

Even though my daughter is quite young, her rapidly growing mind is a thirsty sponge.  The quantity that she soaks up from what she is being taught-- both directly and indirectly-- simply amazes me.  For that reason, I’m doing my darndest to find ways to teach her not only concepts she should be learning as a preschooler, but also life-altering truths about her Heavenly Father.

So, my plan is to continue implementing Scripture memory into our weekly lessons by using stories, songs, and even videos when appropriate.  Fortunately, there are many resources available these days that make this endeavor quite easy.  I was recently given the opportunity to review a new children’s dvd that will work wonderfully for this specific objective and hopefully you will find it just as valuable, too.

The newly released video is from Dayspring’s Really Woolly Kids line and is entitled, Trusting in the Shepherd.  The DVD features two all-new episodes about Gracie & Jacob Woolly as they learn the meaning of Psalm 23:4... that Jesus is always with us to guide and protect us.

From a child’s point of view, my daughter has loved this video.  Even after watching the DVD for the first time, the initial words out of her mouth were: “Mommy, can I please watch that one more time?”.  If you are or have been a parent of a preschooler, you know that those words mean, “Great job, Dayspring!”.

From a parent’s point of view, I appreciated the lessons shared in the two episodes, which are about facing fear and trusting in Jesus as our Shepherd.  The music throughout the video is catchy and fun, plus a sing-a-long is included that helps kids memorize Psalm 23:4.  Here is the paraphrase of the verse used in the theme song:

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not fear...   For You are with me, God, and I am brave when You are near.

Several times I have found myself humming the tune or singing the song as I go about my business each day.  Which means one thing-  I’m learning the Scripture, too!  It’s definitely a win-win situation for both parent and child.

Here are a few more specifics about the DVD itself:

• 40-minute video
• Online Family Adventures Info
• Outtakes
• Really Woolly Kids Trivia
• Deleted scene
• Recommended for ages 3-8

From the DVD’s packaging to the actual content of the video, Trusting in the Shepherd by Dayspring and Really Woolly Kids gets two thumbs up from this resource-hunting parent.  To learn more about this release or other Really Woolly Kids products, I encourage you to visit their website at www.reallywoollykids.com.  Hurry on over to “like” their Facebook page and invite your friends to do the same.

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Good news!  I was graciously given an extra copy of Trusting in the Shepherd to give away to one of my fabulous readers.  For a chance to win this free DVD, just follow the guidelines listed below:


Required entry-  Visit the Really Woolly Kids website and tell me which DVD or gift you like best.

Want an extra entry?  Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.  Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

*Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect.

*Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

*Follow Really Woolly Kids on Twitter. 

*Subscribe to my feed via email or reader. 

*Go to the Facebook page and like Really Woolly Kids. 

*Share this giveaway on your personal Facebook page. 
 

*Blog about this giveaway.  It doesn’t have to be a separate post.  Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways. 

Comments will close on Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 11:59 PM CST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit).  US residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated.  Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

To enter my other current DVD giveaways, click here and here.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.