Monday, April 30, 2012

Moving On Up!

Hey guys. I might have mentioned this before, but we are moving! We are signing the lease today, very excited. We are moving from the city to way "Up North" in Minnesota. Jason's family has a business there and he will work for his dad. I am very excited. I love the little town, and I think it will be excellent for Callan! So anyways, I will try to keep on top of things here in the next few weeks, but after the school year is done here for Callan (May 16th), we are moving-moving with the big truck and all the furniture, etc. So that might make things all a bit crazy. And being without internet for a few days, OMG, whatever will I do? Eeeks! But I'll keep ya posted! Wish us luck!
 

Enza Blog Tour *Giveaway* 4 Winners!

Enza by Kristy K. James

About The Book:
As a war raged an ocean away, family and friends on the home-front continued to enjoy peaceful, charmed lives - unaware that an unseen enemy, deadlier than any human foe, was poised to destroy their idyllic existence. It is a time of innocence and prosperity. The Women's Suffrage Movement gains more attention with each passing day. All across the country housewives and young ladies harbor hope that they might finally win the right to vote. Patriotism is at its peak as the war to end all wars rages an ocean away. On the homefront, in a small town in Michigan, life is being lived out like the pages of a Mark Twain novel. Until an unseen enemy, deadlier than any human adversary, threatens Mankind's very existence. Elliot Owens - The only thing in the world that matters to Elliot is his wife and their five children, and he will do everything in his power to protect them. Daniel Pullman - When his plans to join the Army are dashed following an injury, meeting the love of his life makes the disappointment easier to bear. Colby Thornton - A devoted minister whose congregation loves him nearly as much as he loves them, Colby struggles with bitterness toward the wife who doesn't love him at all. Marcus McClelland - One of the local funeral directors, Marcus lives his life avoiding close relationships because if he doesn't care about anyone, it won't hurt when he loses them. Jonathon Owens - At ten years old all Jonathon dreams of is to be a war hero...by proving that his German neighbor is a spy. When all is said and done, will any of them survive.

My Thoughts:
Suspenseful, exciting, and heartwarming! All these characters, and more, really pull the whole story together. They are all connected, and you really get the feel of a tight-knit community. The story flows so well that by the time you take a break, you have already read half the book! I have never read anything by Kristy K. James before, but I already plan to read more. This story was amazing!

About The Author:
Kristy K. James' first goal in life was to work in law enforcement, until the night she called the police to check out a scary noise in her yard. Realizing that she might someday have to check out scary noises in other dark yards if she continued on that path, she turned to her other favorite love.....writing. Since then her days have been filled with being a mom and reluctant zookeeper (7 pets), creating stories and looking for trouble in her kitchen. To learn more visit Kristy K James online.

I highly encourage you to follow the blog tour and comment on each blog post because Kristy is giving out TWO $25 gift cards and FIVE $10 gift cards to amazon.com, so the more blogs you comment on, the better your chance of winning! Follow the tour HERE.

One lucky reader will win a print book, and three readers will win a digital copy! Here's how to enter:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.
5. Tell me if you prefer a print copy or digital.

Giveaway ends May 14th. Good luck!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Lightening Book Promotions. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Lovejoy Creations *Giveaway*

Lovejoy Creations makes personalized, custom, handmade, hand tooled leather wallets for men. They make bifolds, trifolds, pocket wallets and more. They hand tool most of their designs from their own drawings so the wallets are unique. They also make custom, personalized leather purses, handbags, clutches, and wallets for women, hand tooled belts, scrapbook or keepsake albums and more. They have burned or branded some of their drawings to some of these items as well. This process is known as pyrography or fire art.

I wanted a pouch, similar to the wallet above with a Celtic knot on it. It is made of genuine leather and features a center knot with Emerald green and shimmering gold. I love it! And guess what? For giveaway I have a beautiful pouch/coin purse in this Cherry Blossom style:
There is a Cherry Blossom design that meanders across the entire pouch. Here's how to enter to win it:

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

Giveaway ends May 13th. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck!
 
I received a product from Lovejoy Creations in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mike And Ike Have Broken Up! Contest

Just Born, Inc., makers of Mike And Ike, Peeps, Hot Tamales Brand candies, confirms rumors that the legendary candy duo, Mike and Ike, have parted ways. The pair cited irreconcilable creative differences, which has been confirmed by statements from each party, suggesting that Mike and Ike will stop collaborating on their famous fruit chewy candies. The news of split has caused people to be overcome with disbelief. Therefore, the company has launched the Tell Us Your Reaction contest to run from now through June 26th, 2012.

Entrants must create and submit a video that demonstrates their reaction to the Mike And Ike split. This could show surprise, sadness, disbelief, happiness or whatever emotional reaction the news of the Mike And Ike split evokes. The reaction video should have a maximum running time of 90 seconds.

One first prize winner will received an Apple iPod Touch and a Mike And Ike t-shirt. Four second prize winners will each receive an Apple iPod Shuffle and a Mike And Ike t-shirt. Fifteen third prize winners will each receive a case of Mike And Ike candy and a Mike And Ike t-shirt.

To enter: Entrants will need to fill out an entry form found on the Mike And Ike Facebook page under “The Story”, at www.facebook.com/mikeandike, which will ask them to provide their reaction video.

About Mike and Ike: Mike And Ike candy, with varieties such as Original Fruits, Tropical Typhoon, Berry Blast, RedRageous! and others, will continue to be offered at all retailers. Consumers will see no changes in flavors or distribution. The independent and talented duo have decided to follow their true passions. Mike is a musician at heart, currently producing a CD; Ike is an urban artist and a lover of art. Their split is not unlike that of other famous celebrity duos like Simon and Garfunkel or Lennon and McCartney. Packaging and Store Displays: Consumers will be surprised to see packaging with one of the names scratched out with a note on the back and directions to the brand’s Facebook page. Retailers will feature new Mike And Ike displays. For more information on the split and to follow Mike and Ike’s individual exploits, log onto www.facebook.com/mikeandike.

About Just Born: Just Born, Inc. is a privately owned company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bethlehem, PA, where it manufactures Peeps, Hot Tamales and Mike And Ike Brand Candies. All Just Born candies are made in the U.S.A.
 
I received a product from Mike And Ike, and BHG PR in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

doTERRA Essential Oils

In the spring of 2008, a group of healthcare and business professionals who shared profound personal experiences of the life-enhancing benefits of essential oils came together with a common vision of bringing a new standard of therapeutic-grade essential oils to the world. They wanted something different that would appeal to all people, from those who knew nothing of essential oils to those who were considered the experts in the field. dōTERRA products are sold exclusively through Independent Product Consultants who, working from home, introduce, educate and sell dōTERRA products locally through person-to-person contact and globally through personalized web shopping sites.
I got to try the Wild Orange Essential Oil. Wild Orange Essential Oil; Citrus sinensis: Cold-pressed from the orange peel, Wild Orange is excellent for energizing and revitalizing. It is also commonly used as an effective tool for uplifting mood, as well as for its wonderful citrus-y aroma. For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.

Check it all out at doTERRA on Facebook, as well as doTERRA on Twitter.
  
I received a product from doTERRA and Customer Hook in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Welch's Filled Licorice

Frankford Candy has partnered with Welch’s to develop an innovative new entry into the rapidly growing licorice category. By adding a jelly-filling inside a juicy-flavored licorice, Frankford has created a new licorice experience with the introduction of Welch’s Filled Licorice! Welch’s Filled Licorice combines a soft licorice outside with a flavorful filling inside. The unique jelly filling is made with real fruit juice and fruit pectin to deliver real fruit flavors. This new one-of-a-kind licorice treat is a blend of soft and chewy textures with a bold, real fruit filling. Welch’s Filled Licorice is available in Concord Grape and Strawberry flavors. For more information on Welch’s Filled Licorice, log onto www.frankfordcandy.com.

It is really super yummy. I love licorice, but only in plain traditional flavors, like strawberry and black licorice. I've never like filled licorice before, but after trying this, I have changed my mind! It is really good! Yummy!

About Welch’s Headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts:
Welch’s is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Welch’s is owned by 1,150 family-farmers across America and in Ontario, Canada, who make up this cooperative and who grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grape, used in Welch’s juices and many other grape-based products. Welch’s products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 50 countries around the globe. For more information on Welch’s, visit www.welchs.com.

About Frankford Candy:
Frankford Candy was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1947 as a manufacturer of seasonal chocolate products. In 1994 Frankford Candy began expanding its brand portfolio through licensing partnerships, expanding beyond chocolate into a broad range of everyday and seasonal confections. Today, Frankford Candy a leading supplier of licensed brand confections. Frankford manufactures chocolate products in its modern, 500,000 square foot facility in Philadelphia, PA and partners with other high quality candy suppliers from all over the world.
 
I received a product from Welch's and BHG PR in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Scandle Shimmering Lotion Candle

Scandle LLC is committed to providing their customers with high-grade, spa quality, skin care products that are made with the industry's most natural ingredients - no petroleums or mineral oils, 100% Vegan, drug-free, & cruelty-free. At Scandle LLC, they believe that nature provides us with it's own healing and restorative properties and have harnessed the power of nature through their collection of unique, high-quality, eco friendly, green spa and beauty products.
I got to try a Shimmering Lotion Candle! This is not your average candle! The Scandle is a candle that burns at 2 degrees above body temperature to produce a shimmering, fragrant lotion to give your skin a healthy, sexy & flawless glow! Made from 100% natural ingredients, Scandle's Shimmering Body Candle is the first candle to: *Give Skin a Natural Shimmer *Hide Wrinkles & Imperfections by Deflecting Light *Hydrate Skin While Adding Aroma & Ambiance to Any Setting.

I love my candle. It smells and feels good! So cool! Check it all out at Scandle Candle on Facebook, as well as Scandle Candle on Twitter.


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

Keranique Hair Care

Keranique is an advanced hair therapy for regrowth. It is specially formulated to treat thin, dull, and lackluster hair for women of all ages. I myself have thin, lifeless hair, so I was very excited to try the new Keranique Shampoo and Conditioner!
The Keranique Revitalizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair: Thinning, fine hair needs a special shampoo. Hair that is thin and weak has low resistance to harsh cleansers, but unless properly cleansed well, scalp oils weigh thin hair down and make lasting volume a challenge. This sulfate-free Volumizing Shampoo is designed especially for thinning hair to gently deep clean and stimulate the scalp to nourish and rejuvenate the hair follicles. Fortified with Keratin and Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5), hair feels lighter, cleaner, and more buoyant. Leaves hair ultra-clean as it helps clear away impurities at the follicle to improve the effectiveness of scalp treatments. Key Benefits: *Retains shine. *Provides compatibility, detangling & smoothing without weighing the hair down. *Removes build-up. *Protects against cuticle damage. *Healthy way of keeping hair fuller and thicker looking.

The Keranique Volumizing Conditioner for Thinning Hair: Heavy conditioners just leave hair limp. A better bet is to use Keranique Volumizing Conditioner – a special cream-gel formula with a fortifying complex that coats, protects and volumizes fine and thinning hair with a keratin enriched coating. Designed specifically to help thicken and volumize thin, fine hair – without weighing the hair down like traditional heavy conditioners, it conditions as it adds volume, fullness and thickness. Perfectly balanced to moisturize and detangle without looking or feeling heavy, leaving hair soft, silky and protected. Key Benefits: *Conditions and volumizes fine hair. *Improves Manageability, Compatibility, Detangling & Conditioning without weighing the hair down. *No heavy, waxy feeling on the hair nor scalp. *Adds body and volume. *Improves hair strength and provides anti-breakage protection.

I love it! Check it all out at Keranique on Facebook, as well as Keranique on Twitter.
 
I received products from Keranique and Crier PR in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

ila Security

When under threat, women often lose the ability to scream as fear-induced adrenaline courses through their bodies. Named after the Hindu Goddess of Speech, “ila”, the alarms in the collection are designed to scream on their behalf, in order to shock and disorientate any potential attacker or thief, and to attract attention.
I received two of the ila alarms to test out. ila Dusk: This innovative personal security alarm is designed to be kept on display as a fashion accessory – right where you need it to hand. Clip to your handbag, or use as a keyring, but don’t be misled by its shiny good looks. In a threatening situation, just pull the chain. You’ll activate an ear-piercing 130Db female scream that research has shown others are more likely to respond to than a traditional alarm, as well as disorientating an attacker. Small and indisputably powerful, ila Security’s alarms unleash 130 decibels on their unsuspecting target.
ila Pebble: Most women always carry a bunch of keys. Attach yours to our tactile ila Pebble keyring alarm. This smart and tactile keyring features a hidden surprise – an in-built, ear-piercing alarm that is activated in nanoseconds at the push of a button. An amazing 73% of women get out their keys as a coping mechanism for protection when out and about at night – now there is a product to really help give them protection.

I think both alarm charms are cute, and totally awesome. I wanted to know what the alarms sounded like, so of course I set them off - inside my house. Callan cried, and Jason almost crapped himself. Well, I'd say it works! Awesome!

Check it all out at ila Security on Facebook, as well as ila Security on Twitter.
  
I received products from ila Security in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

SafSlim

The Cutting-Edge Belly Fat Solution! SafSlim is a revolutionary, scientific breakthrough that specifically reduces belly fat. Its main ingredient is high-linoleic safflower oil. A major 16-week university study conducted on post-menopausal women who had high blood sugar and wanted to lose weight showed they had an average reduction of 6.3 percent belly fat and an average of 20.3 percent increase in the important belly fat hormone adiponectin. SafSlim is powered by patent-pending SAFActive 78 emulsification technology. It’s Key Features include: *Clinically studied ingredient *Does not contain gluten, dairly, wheat, soy, yeast, lactose, or milk *Delicious smoothie-like texture *Easy to take *Expeller-pressed, double-bonded high linoleic (78%) emulsified safflower oil.

 I am not one to try a bunch of weight loss things, especially when I don't know a thing about them. I had never heard of SafSlim, though it is celebrity endorsed (Montel Williams). I thought I would give it a go - why not? The Tangerine Cream flavor was not the best, but it was not gross. Mixed in a tropical smoothie, it was good. I loved the Berry Cream though! I also like that the SafSlim brand is not about losing weight, it is about losing inches, and getting healthier.

Check it all out at SafSlim on Facebook, as well as SafSlim on Twitter.
  
I received products from SafSlim and Social Suite Creative in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beauty Spoon

The patent-pending Beauty Spoon is a cosmetic tool used to remove all the remaining liquids located along the sides and bottom of product bottles and containers. The Beauty Spoon is designed with an ergonomic handle and flexible stem making it easy to retrieve every ounce of liquid and cream in your product bottles and containers. The Beauty Spoon also comes equipped with a contoured spoon for retaining and scooping out as much liquid as possible.
This product is really very cool. I love that I can get every last bit from my beauty products. This product could be used for a variety of products! It sure comes in handy! Love it!

Check it all out at Beauty Spoon on Facebook, as well as Beauty Spoon on Twitter!
  
I received a product from Beauty Spoon in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sibu Beauty

Sibu is the Sea Buckthorn Company. They produce and sell juice, oil and oil capsules, tea, lotions and creams, soap, and other products both edible and for topical application. Everything they offer is made of the highest quality Himalayan Sea Buckthorn. Sibu wishes to bring the tremendous nutritive and restorative properties of Sea Buckthorn to the world by producing and distributing products of the highest quality and efficacy.

I tried the All Natural Facial Cream; Sea Buckthorn Repair & Protect. The sea buckthorn facial cream, with omega 7 fatty acids, helps boost collagen production and creates the perfect barrier to moisturize, rejuvenate, repair and protect. This light, non-greasy cream is ideal for daily use and offers a pleasing, light citrus scent. It is paraben-free and cruelty-free, and contains no dairy, yeast, wheat, gluten, sodium or preservatives. Promotes tissue recovery and healing. Rejuvenates sun damaged skin. Protects against environmental stress. Preserves health skin tone and texture. Boosts collagen production. For all skin types. 100% natural. This nutrient-infused facial cream is ideal for daily use.

I love this cream! I use it in the morning, and sometimes at night. It instantly soothes my dry skin, and helps with the redness. It hydrates my skin all day long. It is thick, and a little goes a long way. I swear it has even helped with the occasional pimple! I am in love! Great product!

Check it all out at Sibu on Facebook, as well as Sibu on Twitter.
 
I received a product from Sibu in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Feeling USA Lingerie

Feeling USA has been selling lingerie, sexy clothing, stockings, bridal, exotic dance wear, and high heel shoes online since 1996. Over 4,000 items online to choose from. Corsets, panties, sleepwear, sexy clothing, dresses, stockings, bodystockings, bridal, exotic dance wear, high heels and more.......Shop for lingerie in the privacy of your home.

I was able to review the Polka Dot Chemise you see above! Stretch mesh polka dot knit Chemise for plus sized women. Has a padded underwired bra, adjustable straps and a hook and eye closure on the back. Feeling USA has so many different styles and designs, there is something for everyone!! Here are some other great items I love.
Check it all out at Feeling USA on Facebook, as well as Feeling USA on Twitter.
 
I received a product from Feeling USA in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Leading Lady Bras

Leading Lady is a leading intimate apparel manufacturer, specializing in quality lingerie and sleep/leisure bras. A family owned and operated company, Leading Lady has been expertly tailoring quality lingerie for mothers-to-be, new moms and full figure women for top brands and retailers across North America for more than 70 years. For the first time, Leading Lady’s comprehensive line of quality nursing and full figure intimates can be purchased directly on LeadingLady.com, making it easier than ever for women to find their fit for an exceptional value.
I was fortunate enough to try one of their Full Figure bras. The Molded Padded Seamless Wirefree Bra! *Molded, padded seamless style looks great under clothing *Lightly padded cups *Adjustable straps for comfort *Latex free. I love it! It fits great, and is comfortable. And I can where it under anything, and there is no lines, no lumps. It's great! Here are a few other great bra designs I love from Leading Lady!
Check it all out at Leading Lady on Facebook, as well as Leading Lady on Twitter.
 
I received a product from Leading Lady in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Yummy & Tastey Smelling!

Sex toys - EdenFantasys adult toys store 
It's getting warmer, and, well, people are wearing less clothes. And since we are showing more of our body part (legs, arms, etc.), don't you want to smell good.....and maybe even taste good? At least smell like you taste good? Well now you can, with Eden Fantasys line of Cake products! Yum!
It's A Slice Brown Sugar Scrub: "Everything about this is indulgent, from the luscious orange aroma to the restorative properties. It works perfectly to exfoliate and hydrate skin. It's gentle enough for the whole body. Give it a try." I love this product. Imagine walking around smelling like oranges, so fresh and Summer-y! Mmmm. It might make your significant other just want to lick you! *wink*
Milk Made Body Butter: "This highly nourishing formula is packed with the best ingredients and whipped to perfection to soothe, smooth and hydrate your skin." Milk made body butter! So thick and creamy. It will hydrate your skin for a long time, and make you feel great. They say milk is healthy for you, right? Well, then this is healthy for you skin.
 It's A Slice Bath & Shower Gel Duo: "This bath duo from Cake is a delicious blend of Virgin Oil de Coco Creme and delectable scents of creamy vanilla. It leaves you feeling soft, smooth and silky for hours." Wanna smell like a cream-sicle? People will notice the wonderful smell, especially when you are cuddling with your mate! All these products by Cake are like yummy treats for your body! You will smell, and feel, delicious.

Check out these, and other great products at Eden Fantasys.
 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Chicken Soup For The Soul: Family Caregivers

Chicken Soup For The Soul: Family Caregivers by Joan Lunden and Amy Newmark

About The Book:
Do you have a family member who requires constant care? You are not alone. This collection offers support and encouragement in its 101 stories for family caregivers of all ages, including the “sandwich” generation caring for a family member while raising their children. With stories by those on the receiving end of the care too. These stories of love, sacrifice, and lessons will inspire and uplift family members making sacrifices to make sure their loved ones are well cared for, whether in their own homes or elsewhere.

My Thoughts:
I am not a caregiver - well except to my child, but I can relate to so many of these stories, because they are about love, and family, and the special connection that one human being can have with the other. I've always loved Chicken Soup For The Soul books, and this one is no exception. I love the quotes with every story, and love that each story is different, and personal, and real! This is a good read for anyone giving care to another, or anyone receiving care.

About The Authors:
Joan Lunden is a well-known TV personality and author, and hosted a four-part series on Retirement Living TV focused on family caregiving. Amy Newmark is Chicken Soup for the Soul's publisher and editor-in-chief, after a 30-year career as a writer, speaker, financial analyst, and business executive in the worlds of finance and telecommunications. Amy is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College, where she majored in Portuguese, minored in French, and traveled extensively. She and her husband have four grown children. After a long career writing books on telecommunications, voluminous financial reports, business plans, and corporate press releases, Chicken Soup for the Soul is a breath of fresh air for Amy. She has fallen in love with Chicken Soup for the Soul and its life-changing books, and really enjoys putting these books together for Chicken Soup's wonderful readers. She has co-authored more than four dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul books and has edited another three dozen. You can reach Amy with any questions or comments through webmaster@chickensoupforthesoul.com and you can follow her on Twitter @amynewmark.

Buy this book at Family Caregivers on Amazon.


I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Shelton Interactive. 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...