Showing posts with label Giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giveaway. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Valentines Day Instant Pot Giveaway

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope your day is filled with love and maybe it will get a little sweeter if you win an InstaPot!

I got one of these for Christmas, and I love it!  I have just used it a handful of times, but it is definitely a favorite go-to of mine now.   If you have used an InstaPot and have a favorite recipe, I would love for you to leave a comment with your favorite recipe!

Enter for your chance to win an InstaPot of your own.

Giveaway ends 2/18.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Tips To Getting Kids to School On-Time

Morning are hard, especially mornings before school.  Getting everyone up, eating breakfast, making lunches, making sure backpacks are ready... oh and don't forget the hair.

I have to confess, we have left the house a few times when I realized I did not fix my boys hair; my daughter's hair I seem to notice more as it is totally crazy if it is not done (heck sometimes it is crazy when done- the trouble with having half curly hair).

I remember pulling in front of my oldest son's school looking over as he was getting out of the car and thinking, oh crap, we didn't do his hair.  I didn't dare tell him, as it wasn't that bad and I didn't want him to be self conscious about it, as it was too late to do anything about it then.

How can I help my kids get ready faster in the morning?  Here are a few tips I am learning.
Tips For Getting the Kids to School on time

How to Get The Kids to School On Time

1. Let them Pick Out Clothes the Night Before
   -Yes, I said them, as not only would it be one less thing for me to do and teach them responsibility and all that good stuff, but my oldest is starting to get picky now.  Skinny jeans in his world are a no go; for a kid who is as tall as me but has the waist of a toothpick, skinny jean would look good on him, but try as I might he will have nothing to do with them.  It is so much easier if I let him pick out his clothes the night before.

2. Pack their bags the night before
  Nothing worse than scrambling in the morning looking for their missing homework or permission slips, get it all in the bag the night before! (Have a spot in your home for their homework papers-here is how I organize all those school papers and homework)

3. Make Lunches the Night Before
   I always do a little dance on the days the kids want to buy lunches, but on those days they don't-- if we would just make lunches the night before it might be a whole lot easier.  I even have two posts full of Easy School Lunch ideas!

3. Make Doing Their Hair a Breeze!
   When your boys wake up and their hair is sticking straight up, a product like GRIT is a life saver.  My boys both have more of the natural hair style, my youngest is totally the California surfer curly hair, so I don't want a product that is too heavy or mega hold.

We have recently started using GRIT Low Hold, Low Shine for my oldest.
Grit hair care review

This morning his hair looked good enough to me, but he asked if I could use the GRIT product as he said he likes how it helps his hair stay in place and look shiny (even with the low shine).

I'm telling you-- my son starting to care more how he looks is a bit of a new world for us-- welcome to the teenager years.

GRIT has a whole line of products for men and boys, available at Great Clips, even some that are strong hold and mega shine.
Grit Products

My husband used the Hair + Body and said he was surprised how thick it was, as often products like that are just too runny, he liked it.

**A little tip- if you are going to Great Clips to get your hair cut (where I take Alex to get her bangs trimmed as I cannot do it straight for the life of me)-- you MUST get their Great Clips App.
Great Clips App

 It is free and you can use it find out wait times AND check in and reserve a spot.  If you just walk-in, everyone who reserved a spot will get in ahead of you, even if you were there first, I learned this this hard way one time, so definitely get the App!**

What tips do you have to make the mornings go more smoothly?

Make sure to check out the Great Clips Instagram Feed-- they currently have a Giveaway for a Playstation4 Pro happening!  Definitely something you will want to enter.
Playstation Giveaway

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

David Archuleta Ticket Giveaway

--I was given two tickets to give to you my wonderful readers to help promote this event--

I didn't begin watching American Idol until many years into it-  I missed the year that David Archuleta was on, but I definitely know who he is.

I love his sweet voice and loved this song that was in the Meet the Mormons movie.


David Archuleta is currently on tour with guest Nathan Pacheco and next week he will be in Southern California and I have TWO tickets to giveaway!


The Show:
 -- December 21st 7:30 PM 
 -- Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa


This will be a quick giveaway since the show is next week- use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.



If you want more than two tickets or just want to buy your tickets now before they are sold out-- go here to buy your tickets


The giveaway will run through midnight on Thursday Pacific time and I will announce the winner on Friday as part of my Friday 5.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thursday, November 10, 2016

American Girl Doll Giveaway

Enter to win American Girl's 2016 Girl of the Year Lea Clark

My daughter loves her American Girl Doll- so I am so excited to be offering one of you a chance to win a doll of your own!

Lea Clark, the 2016 Girl of the Year, dives in to new adventures and explores what's in her heart. The 18" Lea doll is only available until 12/31/16, or while supplies last. This American Girl Doll giveaway is for a Lea Clark American Girl Doll, Lea's Exclusive Collection, and her book Lea Dives In by Lisa Yee, valued at $180. 


Giveaway ends on December 11, 2016 at 11:59 pm. Shipping just in time for the holidays!

Details

Meet Lea, the 2016 Girl of the Year! She dives in to new adventures and explores what's in her heart. The 18" Lea doll has warm hazel eyes that open and close, and long, light-brown wavy hair with sun-kissed highlights. She has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. Lea and her bundled starter set ($180 value!) comes with:
  • Brazilian festival outfit: A bright, multicolored dress, featuring an attached braided belt and braided trim on the straps
  • Sandals with crisscrossed laces
  • Underwear
  • An embroidered canvas messenger bag with colorful woven straps
  • A pretend compass necklace
  • Lea Dives In paperback book
  • Lea's Beach Dress (available only in this collection): A tie-dye-print dress with bows at the shoulders
  • Green flip-flop sandals
  • Matching sunglasses
  • A pretty butterfly hair clip

American Girl Doll Giveaway Lea Clark 2016 Girl of the Year

Sponsored by:

My Mommy Brain

Good Girl Gone Redneck

Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles

It's me, debcb!

Beauty in the Mess

Merlot Mommy

Emmy Mom

Penney Lane

Amber Nicole

Embellishmints

Kiss My Tulle

Simply {Darr}ling

Adventures In Familyhood

Mama Mommy Mom

A Madison Mom

The Best Crowe's Nest

 

 
Terms And Conditions This American Girl Doll Giveaway is open to US Residents 18 years of age or older. Giveaways ends December 11th at 11:59 PM ET. Winner will be chosen by random drawing. Winner will have 48 hours to reply via email to accept the prize or another winner will be chosen. All entries will be validated. Sponsors reserve the right to invalidate any entry at their discretion. Entering will add your email to our mailing lists. We NEVER share our contacts. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with American Girl, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Fall Giveaway- $750 in Gift Cards

Hi, friends! I’ve teamed up with a group of awesome bloggers to bring you a FABULOUS giveaway!
Fall Giveaway

Are you ready for this?
 You have a chance to win a $500 Sephora or Target Gift Card!  

Even better- there is a second prize of a $250 Sephora or Target Gift Card!

Winners will choose the store.

This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL! You must be 18+ to enter or have a parents permission. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. There will be TWO winners! 1st Prize and 2nd Prize chosen by random draw.

Enter by clicking the link below. 

There are a lot of ways you can get more entries, come every few days and do a few more options if you want.

 GIVEAWAY ENDS 9/27/2016 12:00 AM EST

Good luck everyone!

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Mother's Day $240 Pay Pal Cash Giveaway!

Mother's Day. The one day we all get pampered and spoiled.

We're hoping that this one will be a day to remember. So, we're giving you the chance to win $240 in Pay Pal cash. If you win, we hope you treat yourself to an amazing day. Go to the spa, take a late lunch. Pamper yourself.

Not a mom? No worries, if you win you'll have $240 in cold hard cash. Wouldn't that be sweet?

What do you have to do to win? See below and follow the directions. You'll be introduced to some really cool blogs and social media accounts. Want to enter every day? Tweet about the giveaway and you'll get some bonus entries.

 We can't wait to pick a lucky winner just in time for Mother's Day! Mother's Day $240 Pay Pal Cash Giveaway!! (3)  

Brought to you by:  Amber Nicole Blog, Beauty in the Mess, Blushing Noir,  Embellishmints, Emmy Mom,  It's me, debcb!, Living La Vida Holoka, Mama Mommy Mom, Merlot Mommy, Mom's Messy Miracles,  Simply Darrling and This Fairy Tale Life.

Enter the $240 Pay Pal Cash Giveaway now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms And Conditions Open to US Residents 18 years of age or older. Giveaways ends May 4th at 11:59 PM CT. Winner will be chosen by random drawing through Rafflecopter. Winner will have 48 hours to reply via email to accept the prize or another winner will be chosen. All entries will be validated and you must enter from the same email as your Pay Pal account. Sponsors reserve the right to invalidate any entry at their discretion. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Escape To Eden: A Thrilling Must-read Book

This post contains affiliate links 

What happens when society begins messing with DNA?  I was recently given a copy of Escape to Eden by Rachel Mcclellan to review; it is definitely a book worth reading!  My first book from 2016 to make my Can't Put Down List.

The Book:
RUN NOW! When seventeen-year-old Sage wakes up in a hospital with no memories, her only clue are the words written on her hand. With a deadly disease threatening to wipe out mankind, Sage must find out who she is and why most people would kill to get their hands on her--before it's too late. This fast-paced, futuristic thriller is a spine-tingling read!

My Review:
Some things are better left alone. When things are 'peaceful' in society- they feel almost bored and begin messing with DNA; trying to make everyone a little smarter, a little prettier. Soon that isn't enough, and it is taken further creating humans with special abilities and unique looks. But when you mess with DNA things can go horribly wrong, and now the human race is dying except for those who harvest from the originals, those whose DNA has not been altered. 

When Sage wakes up in a hospital unable to remember who she is, two words written on her fingers change everything 'run now'. With a daring escape and her memory slowly coming back, Sage encounters others willing to help, others who realize that maybe being 'normal' would really be best for society. 

This fast paced- page turning book keeps you turning the pages right from page one. I really liked the other characters brought into the book and like their level of character development. The author creates a mystical yet real world. It is an interesting look and take on what can happen when nature is messed with and also second chances. The book is definitely setting itself up for a series (the next book is coming out this spring!) I am looking forward to the other book already. This is a clean book-with no bad language, or intense graphic or sexual imagery. I definitely recommend this book. 



This is not Rachel McClellan's first book- make sure to check out her website to see all her books 



You can purchase your own copy at




Plus enter the giveaway the author is hosting!

Monday, February 1, 2016

$600 PayPal Cash Giveaway!

It's almost Valentines Day! We thought we'd make yours sweeter with a $600 Pay Pal Cash Giveaway! 


$600-Pay-Pal-Cash-Giveway

Yes, two posts in one day, (don't forget to link up with the Best of the Blogosphere) but I had to give you this great chance to win $600 in PayPal cash!

Valentines Day. Either you love it or hate it. We're hoping that this one will be a day to remember. So, we're giving you the chance to win $600 in Pay Pal cash. If you win, you can share it with your sweetie or buy some awesome gifts. Don't have a significant other this holiday? No worries. Spoil yourself. Either way you'll have $600 in cold hard cash. Wouldn't that be sweet?

 What do you have to do to win? See below and follow the directions.

You'll be introduced to some really cool blogs and social media accounts. Want to enter every day? Tweet about the giveaway and you'll get some bonus entries. We can't wait to pick a lucky winner just in time for Valentine's Day!

 Brought to you by:  Amber Nicole Blog, A Night Owl Blog, Blushing Basics, Blushing Noir, Budget Fairy Tale, By Sarah Halstead, Creating and Co., Embellishmints, Emmy Mom, Frugal Foodie Mama, Genia Be Me, Getting Fit & Fab,  Inspiration for Moms, It's me, debcb!, Lauren McBride Blog, Life with a Side of Coffee, Mama Mommy Mom, Merlot Mommy, Mom's Messy Miracles, My M0mmy Brain, One Hoolie Mama, Penney Lane, Sandy Ala Mode, Simply Darrling, Southern Beauty Guide, Sparkling Footsteps,  Summer Scraps, Sunny Sweet Days, The Foley Family


Enter the $600 Pay Pal Cash Giveaway now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms And Conditions Open to US Residents 18 years of age or older. Giveaways ends February 12th at 11:59 PM CT. Winner will be chosen by random drawing through Rafflecopter. Winner will have 48 hours to reply via email to accept the prize or another winner will be chosen. All entries will be validated. Sponsors reserve the right to invalidate any entry at their discretion. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

American Girl Doll Giveaway

I never had an American Girl Doll growing up, my friend across the street did, she had Molly.  I always wanted Samantha and loved the books.  When Alex was about 2, the doll of the year had red-hair, just like she did!  My mom bought it and saved it for her for when she was a bit older.  She loves her doll.

Today I am happy to say I am part of a big giveaway for the 2016 American Girl of the Year Doll!
American Girl Doll Giveaway: Lea ClarkT, the 2016 Girl of the Year

Enter to win Lea Clark American Girl's 2016 Girl of the Year

Lea Clark, the 2016 Girl of the Year, dives in to new adventures and explores what's in her heart. The 18" Lea doll is available until 12/31/16, or while supplies last. This American Girl Doll giveaway is for a Lea Clark American Girl Doll, Lea's Exclusive Collection, and her book Lea Dives In-written by Lisa Yee, valued at $180. 2016 American Girl Doll Giveaway Lea Clark

Details

Meet Lea, the 2016 Girl of the YearT! She dives in to new adventures and explores what's in her heart. The 18" Lea doll has warm hazel eyes that open and close, and long, light-brown wavy hair with sun-kissed highlights. She has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. Lea and her bundled starter set ($180 value!) comes with:
  • Brazilian festival outfit: A bright, multicolored dress, featuring an attached braided belt and braided trim on the straps
  • Sandals with crisscrossed laces
  • Underwear
  • An embroidered canvas messenger bag with colorful woven straps
  • A pretend compass necklace
  • Lea Dives In paperback book
  • Lea's Beach Dress (available only in this collection): A tie-dye-print dress with bows at the shoulders
  • Green flip-flop sandals
  • Matching sunglasses
  • A pretty butterfly hair clip

American Girl Doll Giveaway - Lea Clark 2016 Girl of the Year

Sponsored by:

My Mommy Brain

Good Girl Gone Redneck

Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles

It's me, debcb!

Beauty in the Mess

Mom of Girls

Emmy Mom-One Day At a Time

Serendipity and Spice

Pretty in the Queen City

The Foley Fam {unedited}

www.ncbloggernetwork.com

That's Vandy


  American_Girl_Logo

Enter to win Lea below!

Entry-Form


CONGRATS To the winner C.B. in Bridgeport Connecticut! 
Terms And Conditions This American Girl Doll Giveaway is open to US Residents 18 years of age or older. Giveaways ends February 8th at 11:59 PM ET. Winner will be chosen by random drawing. Winner will have 48 hours to reply via email to accept the prize or another winner will be chosen. All entries will be validated. Sponsors reserve the right to invalidate any entry at their discretion. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with American Girl, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

$550 Pay Pal Cash Giveaway!

It's almost 2016! We thought we'd help you toast the New Year with a $550 Pay Pal Cash Giveaway!

$550 Pay Pal Cash Givaway Want a reason to celebrate this New Year's Eve? We're giving you one. The chance to win $550 in Pay Pal cash to start the year off with a bang.

 Just imagine starting the year off with a little extra money in your bank account.  Wouldn't that be awesome? What do you have to do to win? See below and follow the directions. You'll be introduced to some really cool blogs and social media accounts.

Want to enter every day? Tweet about the giveaway and you'll get some bonus entries.

We can't wait to pick a lucky winner just in time for New Year's Eve!

 Brought to you by: A Party of Four, Amber Nicole Blog, Blushing Noir, Budget Fairy Tale, Busy Being Jennifer, By Sarah Halstead, Embellishmints, Emmy Mom, Genia Be Me, Getting Fit & Fab, Growing up Gabel, Hello Nature, Inspiration for Moms, It's me, debcb!, Kiss my Tulle, Life with a Side of Coffee, Mama Mommy Mom, Merlot Mommy, Modern Mommyhood, Mom's Messy Miracles, Naptime is My Time, Penney Lane, Simply Darrling, Southern Beauty Guide, Summer Scraps, This Girl's Life Blog a Rafflecopter giveaway


Terms And Conditions Open to US Residents 18 years of age or older. Giveaways ends December 30th at 11:59 PM ET. Winner will be chosen by random drawing through Rafflecopter. Winner will have 48 hours to reply via email to accept the prize or another winner will be chosen. All entries will be validated. Sponsors reserve the right to invalidate any entry at their discretion. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Best of the Blogosphere: Week 16 AND $500 Nordstrom Giveaway!

Welcome back. It's week 16 and we're looking for the best posts on the internet and we don't care what genre they are. Not a craft blogger or foodie? Not a problem. We welcome all posts.



Emmy Mom

*******Make sure to check below for a $500 Nordstrom Card Giveaway!*******

The post I was going to pick for my favorite of the week, The Art of Being Busy, actually was one of the top clicked posts, so as I was looking through the rest of the links, trying to get caught up, one really stuck out to me and hit home with me, The Journey to Catch My Arrhythmia from Don't Dare Blink.

Some of you may not know that I had open heart surgery when I was five-years-old.  As I read her post, and the new problems she was struggling with, I wished I could just reach through my computer and give Daffny a hug!  Something I have always loved about blogging is the community, friendships and support.  So please head over to her blog and show her some love! 


As for your favorites? Here they are- the most viewed posts from last week. Enjoy! 
Baked Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe | DailyDIYLife.com

My Faith. Leting Go Series- View From in Here

art-of-busy


We had some amazing posts link up last week. Now onto this one. Meet your hosts! 
Best of the Blogosphere Hosts
Party Rules:
  • Follow your hosts! Take a moment and give us some love! Follow us on social media so we can promote you!
  • Link up your best post of the week. Be sure to add the link for a specific post, not your homepage. And, please link up only one post.
  • Please link up family friendly posts- nothing political or religious. Also, please do not link up posts to promote giveaways, link parties or shops. Guess what? You can link up a sponsored post if you feel it’s your best post of the week. We’re cool with that.
  • By linking up with the Best of the Blogosphere Linky Party, you are giving permission to us to feature your post with a link back to you- either as a weekly winner or our own personal favorite post
  • Take the time to visit a few blogs and vote for your favorite post of the week.
  • Tweet about us #bestoftheblogosphere
  • Follow the Best of the Blogosphere Linky Party board!




***********************************************
Now for the giveaway!   I am teaming up with a bunch of other awesome bloggers to give away a $500 Nordstrom Gift Card!   I love Nordstom Rack, one of my favorite places to shop.
The giveaway will be open through Monday, May 5th
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 10, 2014

Peace and Good Will Book Review & Giveaway

Have a free afternoon, or just a little time and want to read a quick book that will leave you feeling happy?  Then Peace and Good Will by Lee Strauss is a great choice. I received a copy of this novella to review.

About the Book

Peace & Goodwill is set in The Minstrel Series world, but can be read alone. 

Belle gets the best Christmas present ever, a man in uniform! Ian is a soldier home on leave. Neither of them have any idea how good it will feel to fall in love or how hard it will be to say good-bye. Anna is spending the holidays alone again with only her faithful dog Angel to keep her company. She can’t afford to pay the rent and her landlord is threatening to kick her out. At least she’s finished with her chemo treatments. She can be thankful for that. Plus, there’s Rhys, the handsome visitor with kind eyes. One fateful, cold and snowy night a chance encounter changes everything. Love is lost. Love is found. Life will never be the same. 


Peace And Goodwill, a Christmas novella in The Minstrel Series, grabs the heartstrings and pulls hard.

My Review: 

This Christmas Novella is a very quick read that leaves you in the Christmas spirit and takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. Belle is a young women living on her own with no family, she is dreading spending another Christmas alone, but when a young solider home on leave comes into the book store she works at, things will never be the same.

The book also tell's Anna's story, Anna is also all alone, dying of cancer with only her dog for a companion. She is trying to live in the moment enjoying her last days. One fateful cold day changes everything for her.

I don't want to give any of this book away as there is a twist that I never saw coming, that is definitely worth the read to find out.  

This is a clean book, free of language and graphic imagery. 


I definitely want to read the rest of the series myself now, so I definitely recommend this. 

***************
In the book, the main character writes and sings a song at one point, this song has been produced and the author is giving away a copy of the song to anyone who pre-orders the book.  If you pre-order or order, just go to this google document and fill out the form so you can get you free song. 

You can order the book at the following:

Amazon//Barnes and Nobel//

You can find out more about the book or the author on-line at the following:

Social Media Links:

YouTube channel


Giveaway

With the launch of this new book the author is also doing a giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I was given a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Drone Games: A Book Review and Giveaway

Have you ever read one of those books that you know is fiction but it seems like it could so easily be real?   That is how I felt when I read Drone Games by Joel Narlock.  I was given a copy to review.

Technology can definitely be a double-edged sword; when a new bird like flying drone, meant for exploration of Mars, ends up in the wrong hands, things turn deadly.

This fast paced suspenseful book about domestic terrorism plays out so detailed and with such realistic detail that it seems like it could have or could truly happen. The book jumps between the thoughts/actions of the terrorists and those working for homeland security and the government trying to stop them.  

It was eerily fascinating to read and I liked how the mindset and thinking of terrorists was shared. The author either has a lot of background dealing in domestic terrorism or did a lot of research as it all seemed so realistic and accurate.  Yet, even with this realism and attention to detail, the book is not so overwhelmed by the details that is slows down the story or became to much for me to read and comprehend.  The story moves very quickly and I definitely found myself pulling for the good guys, wanting them to succeed. 

The book is definitely setting itself up for a sequel and I definitely will want to read the next book.
If you enjoy authors like Brown or Clancy or shows like "24",  I think you will really enjoy this book. 

You can buy your own copy of Drone Games at the following locations:
Cedar Fort//Amazon//Barnes And Nobel//

You can also read more about the book and the author Joel Narlock on his website.

And today I have a copy of the book to give away to one of you, call it an early birthday present from me.  Enter using the rafflecopter form below.  The giveaway will end November 2nd, with winner being announced on the 3rd.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I was given a copy of Drone Games to review, all feelings and opinions are my own and truthful.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Books For Young and Old

You may have noticed most Monday's I have been doing Book Reviews, well today I have two reviews and a giveaway!

I received ACR copies of both of these books to review.

The Ruby Pendant 
The first book The Ruby Pendant by Dorine White is great for the young middle school age and is the second book in a series.   I reviewed the first book The Emerald Ring here.

From the author:
  Book Two: The Ruby Pendant 

  "Welcome to New Orleans- home of Mardi Gras, jazz music and voodoo. Eighth grader Melanie Belaforte is home for Spring break and itching for excitement. Late one night she discovers a hidden chamber and a secret journal in her deceased Aunt Florence’s bedroom.
            The diary contains the writings of a mad woman, along with vague clues to the whereabouts of a ruby necklace that once belonged to Cleopatra. The ruby bestows upon the wearer the power to hear other people’s thoughts- even the thoughts of the dead!
    And so the hunt begins. Melanie, her best friend Sybil, and a haunting specter unravel clues that take them from crumbling graveyards, to the busy streets of the French Quarter, and then into murky swamps, all to find the prize. But they need to watch out, because a murderous cult is matching them step for step, and they won’t give up, ever."

Often the first book in a series is the best, but I actually enjoyed this book even more than the first.   Even though this is a continuation of the story, this book introduces a new characters and the original book and characters don't even come up until halfway through the book, making this almost a stand alone book (though I recommend reading in order). 

This book is a very quick and exciting read. The characters are developed just enough to help you know who they are but not too deep, just perfect, for the intended audience (10+ crowd). I appreciated that this book also brought up subjects such a prejudices and what that means for friendships. 

This is a very clean book and great fantasy style book for the young audience it is intended for.


You can find the author at the following locations:
Author Website- http://www.dorinewhite.com/
Blog- The Write Path- http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/
Twitter @Dorinewhite- https://twitter.com/DorineWhite
Facebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/dorinewhite

You can purchase The Ruby Pendant at the following locations:

Now for the Grown up book Patchwork Reality: Happily Married to a Schizophrenic by Pauline Hansen 

Patchwork Reality 
Your life is good, you are happily married with children and life seems to be just as you planned.  One day your husband tells you some exciting news, something big and exciting is about to happen to your family, your family will soon be getting a lot of money.   

This day is actually the beginning of a path that will lead to your life never being the same.  

For Pauline, this was her reality.   Pauline's husband Curtis reveals to her that they are part of what he calls "The Game", which if they play correctly will lead to them winning a lot of money. 

At first The Game doesn't affect things too much, but slowly Curtis behavior changes affecting so many of those around him; finally it gets to a breaking point where Pauline realizes there is something truly wrong.

This book reads like a fiction book, meaning it does not get into the science of schizophrenia but instead tells a first person experience dealing with a spouse that has it. As a psychology major and also knowing the ending diagnosis as I read I kept thinking, why couldn't you see that? But Pauline does a great job of explaining how she was able to overlook or try and make excuses for a lot of the signs. 

I cannot imagine going through what she did and was amazed at her resilience and her ability to save their marriage and her husband in the process. 


For anyone that has ever dealt with someone in their life who suffers from any kind of mental illness, I think this book would be a fascinating read, one which is filled with hope. 

You can find Pauline at the following locations
  Author's Website: http://www.paulinehansen.com

You can purchase Patchwork Reality:

Today I am giving away a paper back copy of Patchwork Reality!   The giveaway will be open through Sunday, with the winner announced next week.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What book have you read lately?

Disclaimer: I was given an ACR copy of both books to review, all feelings and opinions are my own and truthful.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Fun And History: The Emerald Ring Book Review

I must admit, I mostly read for entertainment; I love getting lost in a good book that makes me feel and think.  Occasionally I will read to learn things, but really I just like reading for enjoyment.  So when there is a book that combines a great story with some history, it is a win win.

I was given a copy of The Emerald Ring by Dorine White to review and am part of the book tour.

When middle schooler Sara helps her grandma clean out her attic she finds a beautiful emerald ring that her grandmother lets her keep. Sara soon realizes this is not a normal ring as it seems to have a magical power, which makes it nearly impossible to even get off her finger. 

The ring has a history and a magical power, which ends up transporting Sara (in dreams) back in time to the days of Cleopatra. She soon finds herself in danger and having to protect the ring from an evil man who is trying to reunite all of the stones of Cleopatra's necklace.

This was a fun quick read that would be a great fit for the tween age, maybe even as young as age 9.  There was friendship, adventure, magic, and even history lessons intertwined into the story. It was nice that the hero of the story was a character who had interest in history and different unique things. 

The story didn't totally suck me in and keep my attention at times, but I honestly do not think that would be the case with the intended audience and I think the age bracket it is written for would absolutely love it. There wasn't a lot of character development, but that helped speed the book along, which would fit the intended audience as well. 

This book is the first of a future series.  It would be a great series to get kids started on. 

It is a clean book, that does not have anything offensive or graphic for the intended demographic.   

I will definitely be giving this book to Lucas to read as I think he will enjoy the mystery and adventure in this story.

You can find the author Dorine White online here:
 Website//Blog//Twitter//Facebook

You can purchase Emerald Ring at 
Cedar Fort //Amazon// Barnes and Nobel//Deseret Book//

Also today, you can enter to win your own e-version of this book.  
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck!  Don't forget, if you want a great opportunity to advertise of the Review Extravaganza please e-mail.

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the Emerald Ring in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

Monday, November 11, 2013

One Sweet Post With Cupcakes

I was given a copy of One Sweet Cupcake to review.

Who here has a sweet tooth?  Who would like something like this?
cucapke1F

Or this?
cupcake2F

Drooling yet?
cupcake3F

Janell Brown, winner of Cupcake Wars is sharing her recipes, tips and how to make amazing cupcakes in her new book One Sweet Cupcake.

Janell grew up in a small town with only one mom and pop grocery store, so not only are her recipes amazing but they easy recipes made with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.  When she faced some financial struggles, this stay-at-home mom decided to take her hobby to the next level and opened her own (now award winning) business.

The book is beautiful with big amazing pictures, like the ones above.   Not only does Janell share recipes but she also shares tips to be able to make sure your cupcakes will be awesome.

I was amazed at the amount of recipes for different kinds of cupcakes.  As soon as I thought it would end there was another section with even more recipes.

She also shares frosting recipes, decorating tips, topping and fillings recipes.  It really is very comprehensive.  Also, though she gives the full recipe for each type of cupcake,  the way the book is divided into sections, would make it very easy to mix and match different fillings or frostings with different varieties of cupcakes.

The book really is pretty with big pictures, big easy to read font, and just makes me want to start baking, or at least keep flipping the pages and drooling over all the recipes!

You can find out more about Janell's business on her website One Sweet Slice.

You can also find her here:
Twitter// Facebook// Pinterest 
You can purchase One Sweet Cupcake at the following locations.

Today you can enter to win your own Copy of One Sweet Cupcake by Janell Brown!  Giveaway will be open for two weeks.

What is your favorite kind of cupcake?
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer:  I was provided a copy of One Sweet Cupcake to review, all feelings and opinions are my own and truthful.

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