Friday, September 30, 2011

TruKid Fan Contest!

TruKid has an amazing contest starting on Facebook October 1st and it boasts pretty large prizes. They are trying to reach 5,000 Facebook Likes or Fans by the end of October and will be offering 4 of their "fans" at random a grand prize of their whole TruKid Line for 2 months!! In addition, the 4 people who referred the winning "fans" will receive 5 items of their choosing from the TruKid line. So go to TruKids Facebook and LIKE them and tell 'em Hanging Off The Wire sent ya! Good luck!

The Changing Behavior Book *Giveaway*

The Changing Behavior Book by James Sutton

About The Book:
Dr. Sutton makes a case for a noncoercive approach to gaining compliance and notes how changed behavior begins in the adult, not the child. He also suggests that the solution to compliance with difficult and defiant youngsters lies in asking the same question until the answers become clear.

My Thoughts:
This book was so informative! I thought I had a pretty good handle on Callan, until I tried some of the ideas in the book, and I was astonished. This is a good book to keep on hand, so you can turn to it when you think you and your child are butting heads. You can read the entire book, or just read the chapters that apply to you and your child. This book is better than therapy!

About The Author:
James Sutton started off working for the government: the United States Navy. As a member of the US Naval Security Group, he saw combat duty in Vietnam with the Third Marine Amphibious Force in the late 60s. He earned his college degree and teaching certificate as a GI-Bill student, then taught learning and emotionally-challenged youngsters as a Special Education teacher while he earned his masters in school psychology. It was as a school psychologist that Jim developed exceptional skills in assessing and outlining management and treatment for emotionally and behaviorally troubled youngsters. Demand for these skills grew when he completed his doctorate, earned his psychologist’s licensure, opened a private practice, and began consulting, writing, speaking, and training nationally. His clients have included universities (over four dozen of them), schools and school districts, residential treatment centers, group and foster homes, hospitals, juvenile justice authorities, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, and child-service agencies. Jim is a proud member of the National Speakers Association, and he holds the special designation of Certified Speaking Professional, the highest earned credential in professional speaking. In addition to The Changing Behavior Book, Jim has written other books, including If My Kid’s So Nice … Why’s He Driving ME Crazy? 101 Ways to Make Your Classroom Special, What Parents Need to Know About ODD, and 60 Ways to Reach a Difficult and Defiant Child. He is a contributor to the award-winning parent blog, www.EmpoweringParents.com, and edits his own monthly email publication, the ODD Management Digest (available at no cost through his website below). Jim and his wife, Bobbie, have two grown children and four grandchildren. Their Yorkshire Terrier, Lucy, graciously shares her home with them. For more information regarding consultation or training, go to his website, www.DocSpeak.com.

The book releases in January, 2012, but you can order the book on the website starting in October!

One lucky reader will win a copy of this book! Here's how to enter:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
3. Promote this giveaway on Twitter using @callansmama.

Giveaway ends October 9th. Good luck!

I recieved a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Secrets Of The Ultimate Husband Hunter *Giveaway* 2 Winners

Secrets Of The Ultimate Husband Hunter by Nancy Nichols

About The Book:
The book that is changing the way women think about men, themselves and the relationship process. Ever wondered how some women attract the interest of almost every man they meet? How some women have wonderful men pursuing them passionately for a serious relationship? Ever asked yourself . . . Why do I attract, date and commit to the wrong man? Why am I unable to attract the interest of a wonderful man? Why do men suddenly stop calling or dating me? Are you discouraged about finding the right man? Insightful! Sensational! Life-Altering! Based on a true story Author Nancy Nichols, with wit, candor and savvy, tackles the negative, judgmental, counter-productive attitudes and behavior that attract the wrong man, versus a woman s open-minded, intriguing, alluring presence which attracts many men. Her novel dating concept is replete with unique introspect, inspiring relationship stories, and the take-charge actions that will show you how to: avoid involvement with the wrong man, gain the sincere interest of desirable eligible men, enjoy dating those men, and ultimately gain you the love and devotion of a quality man. A genuine eye-opener for the dating single woman who asks, What's wrong with me? 

My Thoughts:
Though I don't need dating help, since I am happily married, I still found this book quiet interesting and informative. I love the way the book is laid out. You can browse through it, or read it chapter to chapter. You will laugh, you will nod your head, you will go "ah-ha!" It really gives you insight into the male brain.

About The Author:
Nancy Nichols' life's quest has been to understand the winning attitudes and behavior that attract a quality man. It is her personal experiences of divorce, failed relationships and its heartbreak which inspire her to write self-help dating and relationship books. Based on a true story Secrets of the Ultimate Husband Hunter is the pinnacle of her research and personal growth and her passion to help women maximize their ability to find happiness, success and even true and lasting love. Nancy Nichols is an author, TV and radio talk show personality, relationship consultant and the founder and national keynote speaker for Girls Night Out Seminars: Attraction Principles and Relationship Pitfalls. Her seminars are recognized for inspiring women with confidence, self-esteem and relationship understanding. Learn more about Nancy Nichols at www.UltimateHusbandHunter.com. Read her dating and relationship blogs at www.skirt.com magazine.

You can buy this book on Amazon.

Two readers will win a copy of this book! Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway!

Giveaway ends October 8th. US only, sorry. Good luck!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dreams And Nightmares *Giveaway* 2 Winners!

Dreams And Nightmares by Ann Werner

About The Book:
On what feels like the worst day of her life, instead of getting an expected marriage proposal, Decker Jones is dumped by her boyfriend of three years. Her heartbreak is tempered with joy when she receives the news that after ten long years of trying to get noticed, top literary agent Lillian Cardone has agreed to represent her, moving her a giant leap forward towards the dream of becoming a bestselling author. Albert Crawford is a career bank robber who is planning to retire to live the good life in Mexico after pulling one last job. Things go horribly wrong when a bank guard is killed. Three time loser Albert is arrested and sent to spend the rest of his life in prison. Two different people. Two different futures. Neither can imagine what the future holds. 

My Thoughts:
First of all, how can not like the name Decker for a girl? Ok, well I am partial, as that is my maiden name, and Callan's middle name. This book is great. It is excellent story-telling and very modern and realistic with the conversations. I was hooked on this book until the very end. You just have to know what happens! Thrilling, mysterious, a bit suspenseful, and all around exciting!

About The Author:
A woman always in search of experience, Ann Werner has sampled a wide range of occupations: waitress, radio advertising sales, copywriter, voice-over work, cemetery plot sales (she thought it was a dead end job), event coordinator, packaging design and wine consultant, to name just a few. She also worked as a professional actor, best known for her portrayal of Eliana, maid to the evil Dimera family on the NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives. An avid reader, she always had a passion for writing and released her first novel The People Next Door in 2000. Since then she has been busy on her other projects, which include two non-fiction books she compiled with daughter and business partner, Kimberley A. Johnson: The Virgin Diaries and Ain't No Sunshine: Men Reveal The Pain Of Heartbreak. The duo has also launched the Body And Self Image blog, which is featured on the ARK Stories web site. She is busy at work on her next novel and on the newest hush, hush project with Kimberley. To learn more, please visit Ark Stories.

Buy this book on Amazon.

Want to win a copy of this book? Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
 3. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends October 8th. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck!


I recieved a complimentary review copy of this book from Ark Stories. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Confucius Day

Confucius Day honors one of the world's greatest philosophers. Born in China on October 18, 551 B.C., Confucius is one of the earliest, and perhaps the the first great philosopher. He was also a teacher, a scholar, and a politician. He gave the world many teachings, and gave the world 499 famous sayings.

Celebrate Confucius Day by learning more about this ancient philosopher, and read some of his teachings and sayings. Note: Over the years, many comical and humorous sayings have been created and referenced as sayings of Confucius, usually titled "Confucius Says". As a rule of thumb, if the saying is humorous, chances are it is not a true saying by this great scholar.

The original Confucius day dates back thousands of years.

Sweet Betsy From Pike *Giveaway*

Sweet Betsy From Pike by Sam Sackett

About The Book:
Sweet Betsy from Pike is a historical novel based on the ballad of the same name, which has been one of the most popular American folksongs for the past 150 years. It's 1849. Betsy is eighteen, a minister's daughter, and pregnant. To escape the shame, she and her lover, Ike, run away and join a wagon train headed for the California gold fields. They end up in Hangtown (now Placerville). Along the trail and in the mining camp Betsy outgrows Ike and becomes a strong, independent woman, capable of shaping her own destiny.

My Thoughts:
Writing a story from a song can not be easy, but Sam Sackett has done a phenomenal job. I was so engrossed in this story, from cover to cover. Sometimes it is kind of hard to follow the dialogue as the author tries to write the story in an as authentic way as possible. So if you can get past the language, it is a very interesting and enjoyable read.

About The Author:
California-born Sam Sackett received his Ph.D. from UCLA. While a student he published several science-fiction stories. He taught at Fort Hays State University in Kansas, where he published a translation of a Flemish novel, a collection of Kansas folklore, a children's book of cowboy songs, and a critical study of E.W. Howe. He also founded and served as president of the Kansas Folklore Society. After 23 years as an English professor and folklorist he burned out and left teaching. He worked first for a newspaper, then for an advertising agency, then for a public relations firm. By this time he was an expert on career change, so he moved into the career management field. After gaining experience with two local companies, he worked for 12 years as vice president of the Oklahoma City office of Bernard Haldane Associates. Sackett retired in Thailand for six years, writing short stories which have been collected in two books, Through Farang Eyes and Snapshots of Thailand. On his return to the US he published his first novel, Sweet Betsy from Pike. He had heard the song at an American Folklore Society meeting, and it struck him that Betsy learned she couldn't trust sweet-talking Ike to take care of her and that she had the strength to take care of herself.

You can buy this book on Amazon.

One reader will win a signed copy of this book! Here's how to enter:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.


3. Promote this giveaway on Twitter using @callansmama.
Giveaway ends October 8th. US only, sorry. Good luck!

I recieved a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Examined Life

The Examined Life by Virgil Jose

About The Book:
A man's been killed! I think it might be David! Gil Rodrigues is a Vietnam vet, widower, and world-weary private eye. His life is in the doldrums. Even his affair with a beautiful young woman adds few sparks to his mundane routine. However, the sudden murder of his best friend David Chang, and the plight of David's daughter jump-start him into action. Gil soon uncovers unseemly details about his friend's business affairs and lurches into an investigation involving professional hit men, international espionage and a series of clues, each one more bizarre and puzzling than the last. As Gil closes in on the killer, he quickly finds that his career, his lover and his life are in jeopardy. He is inexorably forced to pull all the stops, solve the mystery and find the killer, but he exacts a diabolical revenge for all the bother! 

My Thoughts:
I was captivated by this book from the very beginning. It is a great story, and told so well, you can picture every scene in your head perfectly. Gil is such a likable character and you root for him through the entire book. And you just smile at how it ends. This is the first in a planned series. I can't wait to read more about Gil Rodrigues!

About The Author:
Virgil Jose is a licensed California private investigator but has no active practice. He is a UCLA graduate who has been writing since high school. In the business world he has held titles such as Manager of Corporate Communications, responsible for public relations and for producing company publications, executive speeches, newsletters and white papers. As a freelance journalist, he has done feature stories for a suburban newspaper group in Southern California. In the early 1960s, he performed analysis and wrote reports as a military intelligence analyst. Early in his business career, he performed insurance investigations, much like his protagonist, private eye Gil Rodrigues. “The Examined Life” is his first work of published fiction. To learn more, please visit Virgil's blog: The Examined Life.

Buy this book on Amazon.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Good Neighbor Day

Ah, Good Neighbor Day. It's definitely a good thing. Being good neighbors is an important part of the social fiber that makes this country so great. Therefore, it seems only fitting that one day a year honors good neighbors. This day of recognition is not to be confused with other forms of "Good Neighbor Days". Stores proclaim "Good Neighbor Days" to promote sales, a wide range of organizations announce "Good Neighbor Days" to promote their cause, and local municipalities and governments proclaim "Good Neighbor Days" for a variety of reasons. Rather, this day is to truly recognize and appreciate your good neighbor. Hopefully, one of those good neighbors is you!

History:
In the early 1970's, Mrs. Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana recognized the importance of good neighbors, and started the effort to make this a National day. With the help of congressman Mike Mansfield, she succeed in getting three presidents (Nixon, Ford, and Carter) to issue proclamations, along with numerous governors. In 2003, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, sponsored by Montana Senator Max Baucus, making September 28, National Good Neighbor Day.

Here are some suggestions for celebrating the day:
Help your neighbors in some way
Offer a smile and friendly hello to your neighbor
Have your neighbor over for a meal
Hold a block party
Get to know your neighbor a little better

The Robin Hood Chronicles *Giveaway*


The Robin Hood Chronicles by Sam Sackett

About The Book:
The Robin Hood Chronicles is a historical novel which makes a half-serious attempt to re-create what may have been the true-life original of the Robin Hood legend. The Robin Hood Chronicles is written in a style appropriate to the historical period in which the events are supposed to have taken place.  It is not 14th century English - that would be unreadable for the 21st century reader - but it alludes to the language of medieval chroniclers.

My Thoughts:
I've always been interested in Robin Hood for some reason, so it was a pleasure to read this book. The story is enjoyable, but it is hard sometimes to read through the language used in the book. It is not so easy to understand sometimes, but the author did it that way to make the story seem more authentic, and you do get the gist of what is being said. An intriguing read!

About The Author:
California-born Sam Sackett received his Ph.D. from UCLA. While a student he published several science-fiction stories. He taught at Fort Hays State University in Kansas, where he published a translation of a Flemish novel, a collection of Kansas folklore, a children's book of cowboy songs, and a critical study of E.W. Howe. He also founded and served as president of the Kansas Folklore Society. After 23 years as an English professor and folklorist he burned out and left teaching. He worked first for a newspaper, then for an advertising agency, then for a public relations firm. By this time he was an expert on career change, so he moved into the career management field. After gaining experience with two local companies, he worked for 12 years as vice president of the Oklahoma City office of Bernard Haldane Associates. Sackett retired in Thailand for six years, writing short stories which have been collected in two books, Through Farang Eyes and Snapshots of Thailand. On his return to the US he published his first novel, Sweet Betsy from Pike. He had heard the song at an American Folklore Society meeting, and it struck him that Betsy learned she couldn't trust sweet-talking Ike to take care of her and that she had the strength to take care of herself. He had been interested in Robin Hood since he read Howard Pyle's book in the fifth grade and always wondered what truth might lie behind the legend. Answering that question resulted in his second novel, The Robin Hood Chronicles, which is a sharply different take on the story.

One reader will win a signed copy of this book! Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
3. Promote this giveaway on Twitter using @callansmama.

Giveaway ends October 7th. US Only, sorry. Good luck!

I recieved a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mary's Son

Mary's Son: A Tale Of Christmas by Darryl Nyznyk

About The Book:
Eleven-year-old Sarah Stone is lonely in a mansion amidst butlers, nannies, housekeepers, and a father who is too busy for her. She is angry at the world. On the other side of town, in a slum called the "Sink," Jared Roberts and his gang barely survive broken families and a hardscrabble existence. Jared, too, is angry, and intends to do something about it. He eyes Sarah's mansion for a pre-Christmas burglary that will show the world who he really is. Into this mix comes a mysterious little man named Nicholas, who intrigues, yet scares, Sarah and Jared. Against incredible doubt and cynicism, Nicholas tries to guide the two youths away from their anger and the suffering that will follow, only to realize he can not move them. Finally, he whisks them to another time and place where a Christmas long ago teaches them the true meaning of life in a way they never imagined. "Mary's Son" is a modern tale of the fears and passions of youth overcome by the wonder of the real Christmas story. 

My Thoughts:
I love Christmastime and Christmas stories, so naturally I loved this book. I read it in only a few hours, as I was hooked, and Callan was off at preschool, so I had some "me" time. It reminded me slightly of the Scrooged story, or something similar, with the kids not really being grateful for what they have, and Nicholas coming to them, sort of like one of the three spirits in Scrooged, and guiding them to find their way and realize the true meaning of Christmas.

You can buy this book on Amazon.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from PR By The Book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I Used to Know That: Gegography

I Used to Know That: Gegography Stuff You Forgot From School by Will Williams

About The Book:
Rediscover the World around You! Did you know that the Himalayas are still growing? That the Antarctica is a desert? That humans survived the last Ice Age? It's hard to know all there is to know about geography and its ever-changing landscape. But with I Used to Know That: Geography you'll be able to update your classroom knowledge and examine both the physical and human aspects of the world in short order. Inside you'll explore . . .Our physical world - rivers and coasts, plate tectonics, changing climates, the "ring of fire". The human world - causes of the American dust bowl, population expansion, and industrial growth. Charts and maps - the countries of each continent, capital cities, and populations. Geo Gems - surprising facts about our world. So whether this book becomes a trip down memory lane, a voyage of discovery, or a companion for future crossword puzzle clues, I Used to Know That: Geography offers something for anyone with an interest in our planet and the people who live in it.

My Thoughts:
I learned so much reading this book that I did not know - or forgot. It is very interesting. You can browse through the book, or read it chapter to chapter. It is fun to learn, and remember. A good book for students too, just to have on hand for reference. All the charts and maps are cool too, it helps you better understand what all the facts mean.

About The Author:
Will Williams, author of I Used to Know That: Geography: Stuff You Forgot From School, was born twenty-five yards from the Marston Brewery in Burton upon Trent. He always knew that places would be important in his life. After a good state school education at King Edward's, Lichfield, he went on to Hertford College, Oxford, where he read Geography. Though secretly harboring a desire to be a stuntman, he is currently entrenched as the Head of Geography at St Paul's School, London. The place he calls home, though, is near the banks of the Garonne in South West France, with his wife Christelle and daughter Fleuve. 

Buy this book from Amazon!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from FSB Associates. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Redneck P.I. Review & *Giveaway*

Redneck P.I. by Trish Jackson

About The Book:
When small town Southern girl, and self-professed Redneck, Twila Taunton breaks her vow never to allow a man into her life again, it opens up a huge can of worms. Her sexual desires clash with her head over what to do with hunky Harland O’Connor, and when she discovers he has a twin brother who is a cop, her body even forgets her cop allergy. Circumstances force her to become a Private Investigator, (and in Yankee territory to boot) where she uses her “Redneckesque” lack of sophistication and disregard for political correctness to solve even the toughest cases, assisted by her hard drinking, Harley riding Great Aunt Essie, and her neighbor Gasser Cunha – master hacker and farter of note. 
My Thoughts:
If you're a Southerner, you will love this book. Heck, if you are anyone from anywhere, you will probably love this book. Twila is about the funniest character in a book I have ever read. I laughed out loud several times reading this, and Jason kept asking me what was so funny. I'd love to read more about saucy, sassy Twila. Great book!

About The Author:
This is Trish Jackson's second romantic suspense novel. She comes from a family of writers and artists and was raised in Africa. She now resides in the US. Visit her website at www.trishjackson.com

Buy this book on Amazon.

One reader will receive a free copy of this for their eReader (Kindle, etc.). Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends October 4th. Good luck!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Awesome Hair Finds

Esha Natural line from Esha Girl - Unruly hair and frizz don’t stand a chance when indulging in this terrific collection. It’s a one-stop s...