Monday, October 31, 2011

Memoirs Of A Boomer *Giveaway*

Memoirs Of A Boomer by Don Lubov

About The Book:
Memoirs of a Boomer is an action/adventure/travel memoir...an Indiana Jones meets Alan Watts. In the summer of 1971, a lone backpacker treks, solo, across the U.S., with a side trip to Acapulco, Mexico. He encounters Bucky Fuller, a rock festival, a lynching, Mexican drug dealers, brutal heat and terrain, a spiritual enlightenment, near death in the wilderness and a ride with a Hells Angel. Years of exploring communes leads to a stint teaching New Age architecture at Stanford university. After four years and 4,500 miles, he leaves California for a return to the East Coast.

My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I love everything from the late 60's and the 70's. The author takes us on the journey with him, and you feel as if you are right there along with him. The descriptions are amazing. The characters the author meets along the way are great. I can only imagine living during this time period as a young person! The author was very fortunate to have lived this! Great book!

About The Author:
Don Lubov spent 39 years as an artist - drawing, painting, sculpture and architecture. See his website: donlubov.com. He taught art on the university level for nine years. From 1971-1975 he backpacked, alone, 4,500 miles across the U.S., lived in communes, had adventures (here and in Mexico), taught at Stanford University and gathered notes for his memoir: "Memoirs of a Boomer". He has been writing on spirituality since 1971 and began publishing his writings in 2001. His most recent book: "Life's Purpose - From Stress To Enlightenment" is the text for his classes in spirituality; at two local colleges. He also has a blog: Spiritshare.net. He belongs to Writers Bloc of Summerfield, FL and The Florida Writers Association.

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

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



4. Promote, promote, promote!



Giveaway ends November 10th. Good luck!

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

Food Stories Review & *Giveaway*

Food Stories by Denny Stanz

About The Book:
Food Stories is a fun book dedicated to any single man - young, old, unmarried, divorced, or widowed. Every day, millions of men in America and abroad are confronted with a social situation that provides an opportunity for them to prepare a meal. The idea of someone else eating their cooking can be intimidating to some men. By sharing experiences that any man can relate to, Food Stories combines real life and humor to show men how cooking can be fun and provide a sense of accomplishment. Food Stories consists of a series of short stories showing men how to cook a simple and tasty meal. The real-life stories take away the fear and uncertainty for men. Whether a it s a 25-year-old inviting his buddies over for a poker game, a 35-year-old single dad cooking dinner for his daughter and her friends, or a 55-year-old divorced man hosting a Thanksgiving dinner that includes his ex-wife and her new husband, Food Stories has something for everyone.

My Thoughts:
This book is a quick read - which is perfect for a man, huh? *wink* But the stories are funny and real, and the recipes are great. The book has meals for just about any occasion you can think of, and some you didn't! The Morning After meal is my favorite! Heh! This would be a great book for a young man going off to college, your divorced father, or your single brother!

About The Author:
Denny Stanz grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. He started writing in his 60's. Food Stories, his first book, was published in 2010. Currently, he is working on a memoir, a children's book, and a short story series where he has dinner with a historical figure. You can sample some of his writing and poetry at www.DennyStanz.com.

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

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

Giveaway ends November 10th. Good luck!


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

Happy Halloween 2011

A Ballad For Allison Porter *Giveaway*

A Ballad For Allison Porter by Gary Solomon

About The Book:
In twelve hours Allison Porter will be executed for the brutal murders of her next door neighbors. Allison has not said a word to anyone since the day of her arrest. When news reporter, Kevin Pratt, is assigned to interview Allison, astonishingly, she opens up to him. Kevin leaves the interview determined to uncover the life of the real Allison Porter. 

My Thoughts:
Twist and turns galore! Mystery, suspense, and a bit of horror! This book will have you intrigued from the first chapter! You will feel for Allison, and you will gasp at the life she has lived. You feel as if you are watching this all unfold in real time as you are reading it. The author writes a very descriptive and captivating story.

About The Author:
Gary Solomon, MPH, MSW, PhD is a tenured professor of psychology at the college of Southern Nevada. He is the creator and world authority in the field of Cinematherapy and Cinemaparenting. A Ballad for Allison Porter is Solomon's first novel. He has written four other books: The Motion Picture Prescription, Reel Therapy, Cinemaparenting, and A Psychiatric Diagnosis Primer. To learn more please visit the HOA Syndrome website, and Cinema Therapy.

One 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!!!

Giveaway ends November 7th. Good luck!


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

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Extra Dessert Delights Gum Fan Flavorite!


If you're a gum chewer or have a sweet tooth, you're probably already familiar with Extra Dessert Delights. Inspired by real desserts, the indulgent flavors offer an irresistible treat for only 5 calories. The mouth-watering Dessert Delights lineup includes Orange Crème Pop, Apple Pie, Mint Chocolate Chip, Strawberry Shortcake and Key Lime Pie. There's a new sweet flavor on the way and that's where you come in! Let's meet the candidates.

Gum chewers everywhere will be able to choose among Bananas Foster, Root Beer Float and Lemon Square flavors. The Lemon Square flavor was inspired by the winning dessert on Quickfire Challenge in the Bravo series "Top Chef Just Desserts." Until November 12, 2011, fans can vote for their favorite Extra Dessert Delights flavor as often as inspired on www.facebook.com/extragum and on their mobile phones via m.extragumvote.com. The winner of the Fan Flavorite Vote will be announced on November 16, 2011.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win an Extra® Dessert Delights® gum prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place

Jackie O: On The Couch

Jackie O: On The Couch by Alma H. Bond

About The Book:
Jackie O: On the Couch is the story of Jackie Kennedy Onassis as she might have written it. This is not just another biography. For the first time, Jackie O: On the Couch highlights Jackie's life from her own perspective, as imagined by author Dr. Alma Bond, a psychoanalyst and long-time student of Jackie lore. The facts are all historically correct, as are the ideas, the Washington intrigue and politics, and the examination of the role of women in society and in the White House. Jackie speaks of her need to record her story truthfully - to replace the hodgepodge of lies published during her lifetime. Speaking as an older woman, she ponders how her points of view have changed from those she held when she was young. The book delves into her childhood and explores how and why Jackie became the person she was. It also explores the Kennedy's, and how John F. Kennedy's background affected his marriage. Jackie's deep love for Jack, his early inattentiveness, their difficulties together, his outrageous womanizing, happy times at the White House, and the tragedy of his assassination - all are viewed through Jackie's eyes. Jackie writes of her need for Aristotle Onassis, debunking the notion that she married him purely for his money, and traces the joyful early years of the marriage through to its dramatic collapse and Ari's difficult death. A different Jackie emerges into the world of publishing. Her new persona allows her to establish her very best relationship with the stout and adoring Maurice Tempelsman, until non-Hodgkin lymphoma takes her life in 1994, at age 64. Jackie O: On the Couch is a unique exploration of the life and loves of a great historical figure. Jackie Kennedy Onassis deeply prized her privacy and, as a result, she was both revered and mysterious. In this book, much of the mystery is shed as Jackie finally emerges as a fully fleshed-out, three-dimensional person - a true human being, with enormous strengths and shortcomings, who all of us can now understand and appreciate, perhaps for the first time.

My Thoughts:
I have read a lot of reviews for this book that are kind of negative, because the "facts" in the book are not correct. Well, I don't know if they are not. What I do know is that this is psycho-biography based on the life of Jackie O, and the imagined things she would say about her life and adventures. Also, the author states her sources in the bibliography at the end of the book. It was an awesome read, and I finished it in one night, because I just could not put it down. Regardless of fact or fiction, I loved this book. It was a great read!

About The Author:
Dr. Alma Halbert Bond was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and received her B.A. from Temple University with Honors in Psychology, and her Ph.D. from Columbia University in Developmental Psychology. She retired from a highly successful Manhattan practice as a psychoanalyst in 1991 to write full time. She belongs to the International Psychoanalytic Association, the American Psychological Association, and is a fellow and former faculty member of the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. She also is a member of the Dramatists Guild, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Florida Freelance Writers Association, and the Writers Guild. Since her “retirement” Dr. Bond has had fifteen books published. Margaret Mahler, a Biography of the Psychoanalyst, was recently published by McFarland Publications and awarded a Finalist in the Biography category of the National Best Books 2008 awards, sponsored by USA Book News. Dr. Bond’s other books include Camille Claudel, a Novel, Old Age is a Terminal Illness, Tales of Psychology: Stories to Make You Wise, The Autobiography of Maria Callas, a Novel, Who Killed Virginia Woolf? A Psycho-biography, On Becoming a Grandparent, Is There Life After Analysis? America’s First Woman Warrior: The Courage of Deborah Sampson (with Lucy Freeman). Her play Maria (about Maria Callas) was presented at Ye Waverly Inn Theater off-off-Broadway a few years ago. It also was a winner of the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater Festival. Maria was be presented again at the Philharmonic, in Naples, Florida, in February, 2009.

Buy this book on Amazon.

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

The Original MBA *Giveaway*

The Original MBA by Sandy Weaver Carman

About The Book:
This book's title says it'll help you succeed in business, but The Original MBA is also a good road map for life success. Sandy Weaver Carman uses time-tested strategies to lead you to a new, modern wisdom, illustrating it all with real-life stories for a breezy read.

My Thoughts:
You know, it says in the description that this book will help you succeed in business, and while that may be true, I think this book is more personal, and sort of a tribute to the author's mother. I loved reading this. It was a quick read, but an enjoyable one. I love the pictures and the letters from the author's mother. This book is chock-full of good information - if you are in business or not.

About The Author:
Sandy Weaver Carman is an author, speaker, radio personality and entrepreneur. Learn more about her at her website: Voicework on Demand.

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

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

Giveaway ends November 9th. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck!

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

Painted Owl Review & *Giveaway*

"Painted Owl is a company inspired by our families. We exist to celebrate the life you share with your children while helping other children across the United States by donating 3% of all profits to children's charities. Featuring our fun tees celebrating all the things that make our kid's world go 'round."

We got Callan the It's All About The Playground tee, and it is so cute, and perfect for him! The shirts is made from 100% certified organic ring spun cotton which is proudly grown, dyed and printed in the USA using planet friendly water based inks. This tee is preshrunk and has an amazingly soft feel for both shirt and graphic. I want a tee made out of this organic cotton! It is sooo soft. Callan is one lucky boy to get to wear something so cute and soft! 

My readers will get 20% off their order using check out code: HANG20. A very nice deal! Also, one lucky winner will receive a Painted Owl Gift Certificate for $27, which covers the cost of one tee, and the shipping! Here's how to enter to win:

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

Giveaway ends November 6th. US only. Good luck!

I received a product from Painted Owl in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Spring Equinox

~Hayley