Hanging Off The Wire

The Star Trilogy Giveaway

2012-01-27T08:00:00.038-06:00

The Star Trilogy by Donald Samson

The Dragon Boy - Book One

Orphaned twice by the time he was nine, he was living on the streets and did not even know his own name. He was not allowed to set foot in the one place he was determined to find work. To complete the disaster of his young life, he was in love. The object of his affections was Star, an immense, emerald-green dragon. But here good fortune finally smiled upon him: Star was a Luck Dragon. Suddenly he was admitted as a barn boy into the elite Dragon Compound. He was given three warm meals a day, work, and even a name. And best of all, Star took him on as his own secret apprentice.

The Dragon Of Two Hearts - Book Two

The curse of the wild dragon, Scorch, lies heavy upon the land of Gladur Nock. Scorch holds the people hostage to his ravenous and bloody demands. Michael, who has wandered for years as a knight errant, hears of the dragon’s bane and realizes that the Luck Dragon Star had trained him for this moment. Full of foreboding he rides to their aid. However, before the knight can reach the kingdom he is ambushed and imprisoned in the dungeons of the very king he wanted to help. He becomes part of a forced training of arms camp. Most of the other men in the dungeons will be absorbed into the king’s army. The best warriors, however, receive further training to prepare them to fight the dragon. Oddly, King Worrah is in no hurry to free the land from the dragon’s curse. The actions of the princess Aina are even more bewildering. She is a fierce warrior-maiden who oversees the men who will inevitably die in single combat with the dreaded dragon. With whom can Michael align himself? The only way out of prison is to step forward as the next victim to go face Scorch.

The Dragon, The Blade, And The Thread - Book Three

Frustrated by his father's expectations to follow in his footsteps, Prince Corin prefers sewing to sword fighting. His Cousin Elinor has the eagerness for skills at arms which he lacks and, by a stroke of luck, uncoverrs a plot to overthrow the crown. Both cousins are befriended by a marketplace magician, whom the queen suspects is a master of the black arts and the cause of their Luck Dragon's baffling illness. When their lives and the desitiny of the kingdom are at stake, Corin must choose either to trust this mysterious old man or heed the warnings of his parents.

My Thoughts On The Trilogy:

This is a very well written trilogy! I flew through the three books, because I enjoyed them so much. These will be great books to read to Callan when he is older, or for him to read as chapter books. The author is very descriptive, and he creates the characters and scenes very well. This was such an enjoyable series to read. Also, as a fantasy book, this is very kid-friendly, and nothing is too wild or "religious". It would appeal to all families and children!

About The Author:

I have been a teacher since 1990 working in the Waldorf school system. In the Waldorf schools, teachers have the opportunity to accompany a group of children through their elementary and middle school years, grades one through eight. Part of my role as teacher is to be a storyteller. Nearly every morning, I tell the children a story that relates to the subject we are studying. In first grade it may be a fairy tale. In eighth grade it may be the biography of Thomas Edison. Every day, a new story to meet the souls of the children and fill them with powerful imaginations.

One extremely lucky reader will win a set of these books! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Hanging Off The Wire on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends February 10th. Good luck!

I recieved complimentary review copies of theses book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Coversation Is Sexy Giveaway

2012-01-27T08:00:00.031-06:00

Coversation Is Sexy by Todd R. Reed

About The Book:

"We don't talk as much as we used to." "He never listens to me." "She expects me to read her mind." "Where did our passion go?" Sound familiar? Falling in love and being in love seemed so easy once upon a time. What happened? What went wrong? How do you fix it? The answer, according to Todd R. Reed, aka "The Communication Coach," lies in getting that communication flowing again - even better than it did in the first blush of your romance. Everyone knows that communication is the super glue that holds a relationship together. It's a no-brainer that when couples lose the ability to share and express their thoughts, feelings and emotions, their relationship suffers. Communication breakdowns happen to the best of us, and while it's tempting to want to point fingers, no one is necessarily to blame. Chalk a lot of it up to the everyday stresses of life - work, finances, raising children - that can wear you down and cause exhausted couples to slowly drift apart. The great juggling act of life can also cause that spark you once had to sputter. Throw differences in the ways men and women communicate into the mix as well, and couples can't help but feel misunderstood.....and disconnected. But what if you could re-ignite the attraction, passion, and communication you once had? Coach Todd says you can, and in Conversation Is Sexy, he offers tips, tools and techniques that will show you how to sharpen your couple communication skills and rediscover the joy and fun of being in a committed relationship. Once you get back on track, there's a big bonus in store for you. Communication can be a powerful aphrodisiac! Yes, Conversation Is Sexy! And Coach Todd will not only show you how communication can remove barriers to intimacy, but how, through the simple act of conversation, you can feel the passion and excitement of falling head-over-heels in love.....all over again!

My Thoughts:

This book is bringing sexy back! Sexy conversation that is! It is true, you don't realize over time that your relationship can go on auto-pilot and you may not even really be aware of it. But with some tips and advice, and the awesome love coupons in this book, you can get back on track, and be falling in love with the love of your life all over again!

About The Author:

An award-winning Commercial Television and Radio broadcaster, Todd Reed (aka "The Communication Coach") has spent nearly 20 years observing and studying human behavior patterns in friendships, dating, marriage and relationships. His passion is to empower men and women to sharpen their communication skills, understand what makes each other tick, and use conversation to recreate passion and a love beyond words. Coach Todd is a two-time MBA Television Sportscaster of the Year and a two-time MBA Radio Broadcaster of the Year. In 1996, he was tapped to carry the Olympic torch in the XXVI Olympic Games, held in the U.S. Coach Todd currently resides in Richmond, Virginia, but travels the world giving keynote speeches, leading seminars and providing consulting/couple coaching services. For more information about Coach Todd, please visit http://www.conversationissexy.com

One lucky winner will win a copy of this book! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Conversation Is Sexy on Facebook.

3. Follow Conversation Is Sexy on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends February 10th. Good luck!

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

Foto Fun Friday - Pink

2012-01-27T07:00:00.002-06:00

The Obamas

2012-01-26T08:00:00.033-06:00

The Obamas by Jodi Kantor

About The Book:

When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible. Then they moved in. In the Obamas, Jodi Kantor takes us deep inside the White House as they try to grapple with their new roles, change the country, raise children, maintain friendships, and figure out what it means to be the first black President and First Lady. Filled with riveting detail and insight into their partnership, emotions and personalities, and written with a keen eye for the ironies of public life, The Obamas is an intimate portrait that will surprise even readers who thought they knew the President and First Lady.

My Thoughts:

I've always been very interested in The Obamas. Not necessarily the political side of them, but more the personal side. This book is great for the curious, the fans, and even the haters! Something for everyone, no matter what side of the political spectrum! There is much debate over this book, and The Obamas don't like it, etc. That just must mean that the book is spot on! Great read.

About The Author:

Jodi Kantor began her journalism career by dropping out of Harvard Law School to join Slate.com in 1998. Four years later, she became the Arts & Leisure editor of the New York Times. She has been covering the Obamas since 2007, and though she is a Washington correspondent for the newspaper, she lives in Brooklyn with her family. She can be followed at twitter.com/jodikantor.

Buy this book at The Obamas on Amazon.

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

“BE A STAR ON BROADWAY”

2012-01-26T08:00:00.008-06:00

America’s Largest Family-Owned Lunchmeat Company Partners with Camp Broadway® in Video Promotion

Land O'Frost, the nation's largest family-owned packaged lunch meat company, wants homes across America to be "alive with the sound of music" by offering young performers a chance be discovered by top Broadway professionals. Beginning January 23, singers and dancers can submit a video to the Land O’Frost “Be a Star on Broadway” campaign for an opportunity to win the trip of a lifetime to New York City to attend Camp Broadway®, Broadway’s leading producer of musical theater programs for theater-loving kids of all ages.

Hosted in partnership with Camp Broadway, Land O’Frost’s “Be a Star on Broadway” enables the entire family to get in the act by showcasing their singing, dancing and acting talents in a short musical-theater-inspired video performing one of five iconic Broadway songs: Give My Regards to Broadway (Little Johnny Jones), Oklahoma (Oklahoma!), Do-Re-Mi (The Sound of Music), All Shook Up (All Shook Up), and Steal Your Rock ‘n’ Roll (Memphis, the 2010 Tony® Award-winning Best Musical). From January 23 through March 4, videos will be published on Land O’Frost’s interactive community website, LandOMoms.com, and will be voted on by the public from March 5 through March 25.

Two winners will be selected from the video entries: one by popular vote and the other by Camp Broadway’s panel of Broadway professionals. Videos will be judged on originality and creativity, quality of vocal performance and entertainment value.

“We are excited to turn the Broadway spotlight on our consumers and their families, giving them a chance to shine,” said Keith Hill, brand manager of Land O’Frost. “We are proud to make high quality lunch meats and to bring a taste of Broadway to our consumers. Camp Broadway is a great partner to get families involved in the arts through a hands-on Broadway experience.”

Camp Broadway®, a New York-based company that works at the intersection of entertainment and education, has hosted more than 20,000 children at its original summer program and has enabled more than 300,000 children to attend a Broadway show through its educational workshops and special events including regular performances in Macy’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade and at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops.

“Camp Broadway is thrilled to partner with Land O’Frost to help their customers pursue their interests,” says Camp Broadway Founder Susan Lee. “’Be A Star on Broadway’ is more than a talent contest—it’s an invitation for families across the country to unplug from technology and make time to sing, dance and play together. This promotion is an opportunity for everyone of any age who has ever loved a show tune to get a taste of Broadway. We are excited to see how families around the country express their creativity and look forward to treating two talented families like stars as they enjoy an authentic Broadway experience in New York that they will remember for a lifetime.”

Grand prize includes round-trip airfare to New York City, accommodations, tickets to see the 2010 Tony® Award-winning Best Musical, Memphis, dinner at Sardi’s, The Sound of Music Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and a Camp Broadway’s VIP Family Experience. The experience includes four hours of private, customized coaching in singing, dancing, acting and presentation taught by Broadway professionals to help (regardless of skill) participants perform like a star in their own classroom, office or community.

For all details and rules visit www.LandOMoms.com.

About Land O’Frost

Land O’Frost manufactures sliced packaged luncheon meats (beef, chicken, turkey, and ham), and is the largest family owned brand of packaged deli meat in the U.S. Some of the leading products marketed by Land O’Frost include: Land O’Frost Premium® One Pound, the top selling deli pouch in the U.S.; Land O’Frost DeliShaved®, and their ultra premium line Land O’Frost® Bistro Favorites™. Information on several additional items can be found on their Web site. The Land O’Frost brand can be found in the supermarkets and mass merchandisers that account for nearly 90 percent of the retail sales in the country, as well as Mexico, Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories. Land O’Frost also manufactures specialty meat products sold to restaurants and major food manufacturers. The company operates three facilities in Lansing, Ill., Madisonville, Ky. and Searcy, Ark. Visit www.landofrost.com for additional information. In 2010, Land O’Frost launched www.LandOMoms.com, www.Twitter.com/LandOFrost and www.Facebook.com/LandOFrost as a part of a broader consumer branding campaign.

About Camp Broadway

Founded in 1995, CAMP BROADWAY® is Broadway’s Original Summer Program for theatre-loving kids of all ages, and the industry leader in theatre arts focused youth programming, special events and educational publishing. The company serves the Broadway industry by being an authorized channel for families, schools and social organizations who believe in the essential value of the arts as a means of life-long learning. Proclaimed “The Camp of Dreams” by Live Magazine, Camp Broadway has hosted nearly 20,000 children from all 50 states and dozens of countries at its annual summer programs leading with its flagship programming New York City, as well as cities such as Atlanta, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Providence, Tempe, and elsewhere in America. Camp Broadway has also been featured regularly on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® telecast and performed with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. The company has also worked collaboratively with dozens of Broadway productions, estates and authors to develop and present interactive workshops attended by over 300,000 school children. It is the publisher of StageNotes®: A Field Guide for Teachers, a National Core Standards of Education compliant study guide series that features approved curriculum for Broadway shows. In 2002, Camp Broadway received the Educational Theatre Association’s Standing Ovation Award for Leadership in Education. Visit www.CampBroadway.com for more information.

Calgon Ageless Bath Collection

2012-01-26T07:00:00.026-06:00

I'm sure we've all heard of Calgon! Calgon is a complete line of bath and beauty products. The brand launched in 1946 and in the 1960s became famous with their tagline “Take Me Away!”

January is National Health Month. Keeping your skin ageless and healthy can be affordable and easy and Calgon's Bath Pearls and a Milk Bath are all under five dollars. Ageless bath provides antioxidant protection, luminosity and dryness relief.

I was able to try the Calgon Ageless Bath Pearls, and am in love! Bath pearls to bring shimmer to your bath water and skin. Add a touch of shimmer to the bath with Calgon’s new bath beads, which also leaves skin luminous. Benefits: *Soft, smooth skin *Rejuvenation *Glowing, renewed skin *Enticingly fragrant *Refreshing *Ideal for scent layering.

You can buy Calgon products in Walmart, Walgreens, pretty much anywhere bath products are sold, and of course you can buy online. Check out Calgon on Facebook, as well as Calgon on Twitter.

I recieved a product from Alliance Agency and Calgon in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tiny Prints Valentine's!

2012-01-25T10:19:00.001-06:00

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and though it makes most people think of their significant other, it makes me remember back to elementary school when the whole classroom would exchange Valentine Cards. I used to love collecting the cards, and seeing if the boy I liked wrote something special for me! *wink* Here are some of my favorite kids Valentine's from Tiny Prints:

So the cards kids exchange at school are cute, and great, and give me warm fuzzy memories. But what about giving Valentines Day Greeting Cards to the loved ones in your life? Of course to your hubby or wife, boyfriend, girlfriend. But also to a grandparent, parent, your children, and to your best friends? Everyone needs to know they are loved on Valentine's Day. Here's some of my fave greeting cards for Valentine's Day!

Check out Tiny Prints on Facebook, as well as Tiny Prints on Twitter, and Tiny Prints at Pinterest.

TaTaToos

2012-01-25T08:00:00.043-06:00

What are ta•ta•toos?

On the face of it, that's a simple question with an easy answer: temporary tattoos for your ta•tas. Yet that explanation fails to capture the essence of ta•ta•toos. Yes, they start out as temporary tattoos. But in the right hands, ta•ta•toos wind up as permanent memories. So whether you're looking for something different for someone special, a laugh, a gag or just some fun, let your ta•ta•toos do the ta-ta-talking. Like a personal greeting card with a flirty twist! ta•ta•toos: when you want to say it all, but leave plenty to the imagination.

TaTaToos are the cutest thing! It's a little surprise for your hubby to say Happy Anniversary, or Happy Birthday. It could be something fun for at the beach. They are adorable, funny, and fun! Check out TaTaToos on Facebook as well as TaTaToos on Twitter!

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

Conscious Box

2012-01-25T08:00:00.021-06:00

Conscious Box brings healthy, organic, sustainable, and purpose-driven businesses right to your door. Each month, you'll receive 5-10 product samples from small, conscious businesses. You'll also receive monthly content about your product, natural and pure living, and creative ways to use your box! Conscious Box is great way to discover new businesses that are committed to the philosophy of sustainability, conservation, and social responsibility. For example, one month your box may contain organic, vegan beauty care products (perhaps a fantastic body balm, shampoo, and lavender soap bar), fair-trade, organic chocolates, healthy, revitalizing teas, and maybe even a coupon for discounted organic, inspirational t-shirts! Every month you'll get a new box with new surprises!

This is so cool, and great! I was pleasantly surprised with my New Year's box!

Contents:

Think Thin crunch bar

Green Tara Spirulina Energy Bites

Raw Rev Food Bar

Jo-Sha peppermint wipe

Ecodent sample

Golden Earth perfume sample

Ancient Treasures Tea

Guayaki Yerba Tea

Clean Well hand sanitizer

Sacre chocolate MYLK sample

Kelapo virgin coconut oil

Ancient Minerals gel

Parma vegan parmesan

World Centric 24ct utensils

It was all packaged so cute - and green! There was also information about the products, and some other info in the box as well. I think this is a great monthly program. Check it all out at Conscious Box on Facebook as well as Conscious Box on Twitter!

I received products from Conscious Box in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Enjoy Professional Hair Care Giveaway

2012-01-25T07:00:00.028-06:00

ENJOY Professional Hair Care proudly offers a full range of sulfate-free and pH balanced and stable hair care and styling products. ENJOY was the first on the market to opt out of using sulfates, which is the informal name for a group of cleansing ingredients called alkyl sulfates. They are typically used as an inexpensive detergent or degreaser in other personal care products and have been found to dry out the skin and hair and even cause irritation. In addition to being sulfate-free, ENJOY knows that pH balanced and stable products are key for optimum hair color retention. Human hair resides in the pH 4.5-5.5 range, but most products on the market are pH 7 or greater. Besides leaving the hair feeling dry and brittle, the higher pH in these other products raises the cuticle and causes hair color to fade shampoo after shampoo. To provide long-lasting color and complement hair’s natural pH balance, ENJOY works hard to make certain that their products stay within the pH 4.5-6.0 range. Extensive bake tests are also conducted on the line to guarantee pH stability, which ensure consistency in quality and product performance. Available only in salons, and with a full color line and rapidly expanding hair care system, ENJOY is sure to have something for everyone.

I was able to try products for ENJOY Curl Composure: Have natural texture you want to harness into soft, shiny coils? ENJOY Shaping Lotion offers soft control to create touchable, defined curls with lots of texture and shine. Mix in a few drops of ENJOY Shine & Smooth to lock out humidity and keep your natural waves or curls frizz-free. Makes hair soft and silky without weighing it down and adds incredible shine to any style or hair type.

The Products:

· ENJOY Shaping Lotion - Soft defined curls, texture and shine. Create voluptuous flexible body and volume. Soft control and styling.

· ENJOY Shine & Smooth - Eliminates frizziness. Makes hair soft and silky without weighing it down. Adds incredible shine and smoothness to any style or hair type. Great for hair and skin. Locks in moisture, blocks out humidity.

One winner will win the same items I received! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Enjoy Hair Care on Facebook.

3. Follow Enjoy Hair Care on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

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

I received products from Purely Visual in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Answering Questions When We Don’t Have The Answers

2012-01-24T08:00:00.069-06:00

I love the fact that my son is so inquisitive and feels comfortable asking me anything. There are certain topics though that can be uncomfortable for many reasons. Perhaps we as parents might not know the answers or maybe we don’t want to face these questions in our own minds. The other day, my 5-year-old asked me when he was going to die. My initial reaction was to tell him to never talk about that ever again and change the subject, but I was able to think quickly and provide him with an answer that I thought made the most sense. I explained that no one knows when they are going to die and therefore we have to live every day being thankful for what we have, loving our families and friends, and being the best person we can possible be. I went on to explain that death is very sad and that I want him to concentrate on happy thoughts, but that I really appreciated him asking me about it since he can always come to me and ask me anything. I wanted to be really careful here because while this subject is not one I really want to think about, I don’t want to discourage my son from speaking his mind, being curious, and asking questions, which is how he learns.

It seems that death is a popular topic in my son’s mind because he also asked me what happens to you when you die, who takes care of you, what you eat, etc. When you think about it, they are all really great questions and to be honest, I’d like to know the answers myself. It’s important to be honest with our children and let them know we don’t always have the answers because there may not be one particular right or wrong one. A really good way to get them thinking is to answer their question with a question and ask what they think the answers are. This way they form their own conclusions. Of course if your religion dictates some of these answers regarding death, it’s a great time to educate them on their faith and beliefs.

However you choose to handle tough questions like death, I believe it’s important to be open-minded, and not shut your children down, simply because you don’t feel comfortable with the topic. Open communication starts very young and if we can promote positive discussions now and let our children know we are here to listen, they will approach us as they grow and ponder more mature issues like drugs, bullying, sex, etc.

What are some topics and questions your children have approached you with and how did you handle it? Remember, TOGETHER WE CAN MASTER MOTHERHOOD and the more we share, the more we learn!

Post provided by Mommy Masters.

Hollywood Stories Author Interview

2012-01-24T08:00:00.059-06:00

Author Stephen Schochet (pronounced Show-het) is a professional tour guide in Hollywood who years ago began collecting little-known, humorous anecdotes to tell to his customers. His new book Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! contains a timeless treasure trove of colorful vignettes featuring an amazing all-star cast of icons including John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Errol Flynn, and many others both past and contemporary. Tim Sika, host of the radio show Celluloid Dreams on KSJS in San Jose has called Stephen, “The best storyteller about Hollywood we have ever heard.”

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your interest in Hollywood.

I’m a tour guide in Hollywood and years ago I started collecting little stories to tell the customers and had the idea that the tales could be told anywhere. I had always been interested in the movies and history so it was kind of a natural fit for me. When I first started, I had a study buddy named Ivan. During our breaks we would research information about old Hollywood and share it with each other. I remember one time we met on Hollywood Boulevard and he said to me in a low, conspiratorial tone, "Steve, man, you know what I found out today? That Thomas Edison owned the rights to the movie camera and the early moguls like Mayer, Warner, and Zukor they had to pay him tributes. That's why they left the East Coast and came west - they were outlaws, baby!" The more information we found out, the more fun it was to give the tour. And I’ve got a good memory for stories so having different material kept it fresh, I think for the customers as well. Anyway, eventually I had the idea that these very short anecdotes could be told anywhere and that’s what led, after a few other projects, to the idea for the book.

2. You have a story about meeting Sammy Davis Jr. when you drove a limo?

To Serve and Protect Sammy. While working for a limousine company, I once had the privilege of driving Sammy Davis Jr. who was totally warm and friendly to me. This was shortly before Davis’ death in 1990 at age sixty-five, due to throat cancer. Just before the great entertainer came out of his Beverly Hills house, Sammy’s security guard had told me that previously he worked as a freelancer and protected several celebrity clients before breaking his leg. After six weeks, the disabled employee got out of the hospital and approached his mailbox, dreading the prospect of unpaid bills. To his surprise, Sammy and only Sammy had never stopped sending him paychecks. He now worked for Davis exclusively, and his boss had never mentioned the very generous act. I noticed there was a plaque by Sammy’s front door that read, “This house welcomes anyone with peace, love and brotherhood in their hearts.” My new friend assured me if anyone came over the singer’s fence without those traits, he would shoot them dead.

3. Tell us the Marlon Brando/Superman story.

The Lazy Super Dad. Marlon Brando wanted to work as little as possible when he played Jor-El, the Kryptonian father, in the 1978 movie Superman. The fifty-three-year-old actor told the film’s producers that he only needed to do a voiceover and some object could stand in his place. After all, he would be part of an alien race; nobody knew what they looked like. Perhaps the extraterrestrial could appear as a green bagel. His bosses were both bemused and alarmed. They pointed out that Marlon’s son would look human and be played by an earthling. A grinning Brando agreed to show up on the set. For his ten minutes of screen time, the star made an estimated nineteen million dollars while not bothering to learn his lines. In his most dramatic scene, Marlon held his baby above his head, speculated on the child’s future, and then placed him on the space ship to escape the doomed planet. Brando hadn’t bothered to learn his lines; his dialogue was penned on the bottom of the super infant’s diaper.

4. Can you tell us the anecdote about Desi Arnaz’s mispronunciations?

Desi Talks. Thirty-four-year-old Desi Arnaz guarded the integrity of his character Ricky Ricardo on the 1951 TV sitcom I Love Lucy. Each week his ditzy spouse, played by his real-life wife Lucille Ball, would come up with a crazy scheme to break into show business. The Cuban-born bandleader recognized that Lucy was the main draw and didn’t mind being her second banana as long as he didn’t look like a fool. He insisted to the writers that Ricky see through her plans; That he was always on equal footing with the audience. Another issue was his accent, which only Lucy was allowed to make fun of. One time Desi stopped rehearsal. Why did the script say splain and thin, instead of explain and thing? When told that it was the way that he spoke, Arnaz angrily denied it and demanded that the scripts be written in proper English.

5. Tell that Billy Wilder story about the race.

Who Won the Race? Writer/director Billy Wilder liked to mess with producer Samuel Goldwyn’s head. The Austrian-born Wilder, who had fled Europe when Hitler rose to power, respected how the former glove salesman from Poland had good taste in stories, even though Sam hardly ever read anything. One time Wilder pitched the mogul a screen idea about Nijinsky, the famous Russian ballet dancer. Goldwyn was dubious, Wilder persisted; the story had great cinematic possibilities. As a young man, Nijinsky danced for the Bolshoi and received international acclaim. Then he met the great love of his life, was rejected, ended up in an insane asylum and thought he was a horse. Goldwyn stared daggers at him. Sam didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. The public would never pay to see something so negative. “Don’t worry, Sam, it has a happy ending.” Goldwyn asked what could possibly be happy about a man who believes he’s a horse. “He wins the Kentucky Derby!”

6) Was there a misunderstanding on the set of The Hunchback of Notre Dame?

We’ll Always Have Paris. Some unruly actors dampened the good mood of English-challenged William Dieterle when he directed The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1939. Up to now, the German filmmaker’s instructions were being carried out flawlessly. In blistering Los Angeles heat, covered in tons of make-up, Charles Laughton was wonderful as the deformed bell ringer. Playing the gypsy Esmeralda, Maureen O’Hara was excellent in her dialogue and dance scenes. And hundreds of costumed extras were performing without a hitch. The mammoth production had gone smoothly until that day; there were a bunch of chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas running around their seventeenth-century Paris set. Dieterle, who always wore white gloves to protect himself from germs, demanded to know what these smelly, noisy creatures were doing there. It turned out that a hard-of-hearing assistant misunderstood the director’s request for some more monks.

7. Was it true De Forest Kelly had some laughs at William Shatner’s expense on Star Trek 2?

Sixty-two-year-old De Forest Kelly saw John Belushi’s TV parody of William Shatner’s Captain Kirk five years after it aired on Saturday Night Live. The thirty-two-year-old comedian, who would sadly die of a drug overdose within a year, visited the set of the 1982 movie Star Trek II and invited Kelly to see the footage. The gentlemanly Atlanta-born actor had by that time played Doctor McCoy, alongside Shatner as Captain Kirk, off and on for sixteen years. Kelly always bristled when someone outside the Star Trek family criticized his co-star. Yet he was curious to see the young man’s skit, he’d heard that it was hilarious. When De Forest watched the video, he was astonished; every one of Kirk’s mannerisms, from his dramatic pauses to his intense delivery of dialogue, had been perfectly mimicked. Later that day, an annoyed William Shatner wondered why the usually professional Kelly kept looking at him and breaking into hysterical laughter.

8. How did James Cameron try to end the working relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger before The Terminator?

Let’s Do Lunch. A lunch with Arnold Schwarzenegger caused James Cameron to change his opinion about casting for the 1984 sci-fi thriller, The Terminator. The thirty-year-old director disagreed with his bosses that Arnold was the right man to play the film’s hero, who goes up against a homicidal robot. Cameron planned to insult the Austrian bodybuilder and end the work relationship before it started. But the thirty-seven-year-old Schwarzenegger was charming, suggested some great ideas for the movie and had muscles rippling beneath his shirt; might as well be nice or the famed weight lifter could break him like a twig. It was bad enough that James had no money on him and Arnold had to pick up the tab. Maybe Schwarzenegger could play the Terminator; it made more sense than the producers’ other suggestion. The filmmaker wondered how anyone in their right mind could see former football star O.J. Simpson as a killer.

9. What was Marlene Dietrich's big war time regret?

Marlene Dietrich found her true calling entertaining the Allied troops in 1943. The forty-two-year-old actress, who never enjoyed making movies, got a crash course in how to talk to audiences. Nothing could be tougher or more fulfilling than performing in front of young men who might die in battle the next day. The Berlin-born American citizen overcame suspicions that she was actually an Axis spy, and was proud of spurning Hitler’s request to return to Germany. After World War II ended, she enjoyed being a lusty cabaret singer for many years and tried never to take herself too seriously. Marlene, whose long list of romances ranged from John Wayne to General Patton, once mentioned to her husband that she should have married Hitler back in the thirties, and then there would have been no war. She laughed when he agreed and stated that the Fuhrer would have killed himself much sooner.

10. You have a pretty big bibliography; why was David Niven a better source for lore than history?

David Niven’s Yarns. British actor and raconteur David Niven never let the facts get in the way of a good yarn. In his wonderful 1975 book about Hollywood, Bring on the Empty Horses, Niven described Christmas in 1947 when he convinced his neighbor Tyrone Power to dress up as Santa Claus at a party for Niven’s children. At the last moment, Power came down with a bad bout of stage fright and tried to back out of his promise; only after downing a great deal of Scotch did he stumble into the backyard as St. Nick. Like most actors, once Tyrone got into character, he began to enjoy himself. At one point, the inebriated matinee idol put Gary Cooper’s daughter Maria on his knee. “Ho, Ho, Ho, little girl. You tell your old man Santa enjoyed watching him in High Noon. And ask him to get that pretty Grace Kelly’s phone number for me while you’re at it. Ho, Ho, Ho.” High Noon was released in 1952, five years after Tyrone supposedly put on the white whiskers.

11) Tell us the chandelier story from Amadeus.

Amadeus Was Here. New York actor F. Murray Abraham didn’t mind spending months in Prague when he starred in the 1984 Mozart fantasy Amadeus. In the Communist controlled city, you could turn the camera 360 degrees and it still looked like the eighteenth century. So what if there were a few inconveniences? One night a friend of Abraham’s, who was staying in the same building, was consumed with searching the actor’s apartment for electronic listening devices. F. Murray, who would win an Oscar for his performance as Mozart’s obsessed rival Salieri, couldn’t care less if the secret police heard them, and just wanted to go to dinner. But when his buddy found a mysterious plate under a decoration rug, he exclaimed to Abraham, “I told you, man!” and attempted to disable the suspected bug by triumphantly wielding a butter knife to undo the screws. When they suddenly heard the loud crash of a chandelier hitting the floor of the room beneath them, the two shocked men then beat a hasty retreat to the nearest restaurant.

12. Are you working on another book, if so tell us about it?

I have some ideas but nothing concrete yet. Before I wrote Hollywood Stories, I wrote and narrated two audiobooks, which are now available on iTunes, Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney. For me, creativity almost seems out of my control, the projects come out when they are ready to.

13. Where can people go to get more information about you and your book?

Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! Available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon or wherever books are sold. http://www.hollywoodstories.com

The Sneezy Wheezy Day Blog Tour

2012-01-24T07:00:00.020-06:00

The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer

About The Book:

Brother Cougar Cub is ill. With the help of sister, they seek the advice of their well intentioned forest friends. The Grizzly Old Bear tells him, The reason you're warm is you have too much hair. Best if you trim it as short as you dare. But, could it be that Sister finally discovers the best remedy? The Sneezy Wheezy Day is a wonderful tale that will delight and challenge your child, but it is the paintings that will capture you and your young readers! Make sure to have your child search for the small, hidden creature on each page!

My Thoughts:

My goodness, the illustrations in the book are amazing! Callan and I read the book, and looked at the pictures for what seemed like hours. It is a great story for the kiddos. It is silly and fun, and just really gorgeous. We will have to check out the other books in the Cougar Cub series!

About The Author:

Sharon Jean Cramer is the author and illustrator of the award winning children's picture book series, Cougar Cub Tales. She is also the author of, soon to be released, Marlow and the Monster, and is working on a new Fantasy project series called The Cerulean Star. She very much enjoys writing and illustrating children's books, and has several projects in the wings at all times, including a period novel due out in late January, 2012 Sharon was born in Jamestown, New York in 1960. She has lived throughout the United States, finally settling in the Pacific Northwest. She went to Idaho State University and then Gonzaga University, is married and has three sons of her own. Currently, she and the Cougar Cubs reside, happily, in Spokane, Washington.

You can buy this book at The Sneezy Wheezy Day on Amazon.

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

Reuseit Reuseable Lunch Bags

2012-01-23T08:00:00.024-06:00

Recognized as a leader and innovator, reuseit.com won Green America’s prestigious Green Business of the Year in 2007 and their Longtime Leadership award in 2009. A trusted source, the company is a BizRate Circle of Excellence Gold Honoree and was recognized by Inc. 500|5000 in 2009 and 2010 as one of the nation’s Fastest Growing Companies. The company has been featured hundreds of times by major media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, ABC News and Vogue.

Reuseit.com sells reusable bags, stainless steel bottles, lunch containers, lunch bags, dryerballs, microfiber cleaning cloths, snack and sandwich bags, produce bags, DIY cleaning products and more.

I got to check out the Fit &Fresh Kids Insulated Lunch Bag. We got Callan this really cool flames one!

Why It Gets The Seal of Approval:

*Fashionable alternative to wasteful paper lunch bags

*Two roomy zipper compartments fit multiple reusable food containers

*Sturdy canvas construction

*Interior is water and stain resistant

*Easy to clean

*BPA-free, also free of phthalates and lead

*Comes with removable ice pack

The Fit & Fresh insulated fashion lunch bag is a stylish alternative to wasteful brown paper lunch bags. Colorful, design is perfect for kids. Dual compartments with roomy, insulated interior. Fits multiple reusable lunch containers and keeps food at a safe temperature through lunch time. Comes with a removable ice pack that fits securely in a netted side pouch. Made of sturdy canvas with easy-to-clean lining.

Check out Reuseit on Facebook, as well as Reuseit on Twitter.

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

Macaroni Monday - Kids Against Bullying

2012-01-23T07:00:00.045-06:00

Pacer Centers Kids Against Bullying site is one the best interactive bullying awareness sites we have come across in a while!

With games, a gallery, personal stories and more, Pacer helps kids not only understand what it feels like to be bullied, but lets those who are bullied, know they are not alone.

With mantras like "Speak Up, Reach Out and Be a Friend" and "Spot It, Stop It" kids have the ability to take the anti bullying pledge, kids can make a difference while learning!

http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/

A few statistics about child bullying:

- A child is bullied every seven minutes;

- 1 out of 3 kids is bullied;

- Over 180,000 students miss school daily for fear of being bullied;

- 85% of all bullying cases have NO intervention;

- Since 1981, the suicide rate for kids under 15 has increased by 70%.

The issue of child bullying has received a lot of attention in the media lately, but one thing that often seems to be missing is exactly what actions parents and students need to take now to stop the bullying. Pacer Center offers kids an interactive way!

Some think bullying is a part of growing up and children need to learn how to stick up for themselves. But bullying can leave children feeling lonely, unhappy, and unsafe and think that there must be something wrong with them. NO child deserves to feel this way!

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Fracture Blog Tour

2012-01-23T07:00:00.031-06:00

Fracture by Megan Miranda

About The Book:

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine - despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it? Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature - or something much more frightening? For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.

My Thoughts:

This is a great book! I like that it is in first person, so you get all the emotions and realness from Delaney's point of view. The story is suspenseful and exciting, and it will keep you on the edge of your chair until the end! Very well written, perfect for young adult readers!

About The Author:

Megan Miranda graduated with a degree in Biology from MIT and spent her post-college years working in biotech and, later, teaching high school Science. She now lives in North Carolina with her family. Fracture is her first novel.

Check out Fracture on Facebook, Bloomsbury Teens on Facebook, and Bloomsbury Kids on Facebook.

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

Konvine Roll-Up Shoes

2012-01-22T08:00:00.049-06:00

Konvine Rollable Shoes is a premiere company that has designed a product that takes care of sore feet from wearing high heels. Their products take the stress and pain from high heels out of your daily routine and provide a comfortable and stylish solution.

I was able to pick out a pair I loved, and I chose the Denim Skull Roll-Ups.

These gorgeous denim ballerina flats sparkle with a stunning rhinestone skull detail, and are the perfect mix of edgy and classic. Made with high quality fabrics and embellishments, these flats fit like a dream and look fantastic with any outfit from jeans to dresses. Ultra soft and flexible, they are designed to roll into a tiny package, fit perfectly in any purse and provide convenient and stylish relief to your aching feet from uncomfortable shoes. Say goodbye to the days of suffering from painful stilettos by packing these pretty ballerinas everywhere you go!

I love roll-up shoes, they are so awesome, and comfy. And so cute! Here are a few of my favorites from Konvine.

Check out Konvine on Facebook, as well as Konvine on Twitter.

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

Surf Sweets Gummy Candy

2012-01-22T08:00:00.022-06:00

Surf Sweets organically-sweetened gummy candies and jelly beans are drenched in fresh fruit flavor. Free of artificial colors and sweeteners, these fun treats are great for kids and adults. Enjoy them any time you’re looking to add a smile to your day!

With Valentine's Day coming up fast, Surf Sweets has a special treat! New Fruity Hearts!

Lightly sugared all natural Fruity Hearts are fruity, sweet, and irresistibly fun, bursting with cherry and watermelon flavors. Made with organic sweeteners and organic fruit juice, Surf Sweets Fruity Hearts include 100% of Vitamin C per serving so you can feel great about your choice! Available at Whole Foods Stores nationwide and other natural retailers. Made with Organic fruit juice and sweeteners. 100% Vitamin C per serving. 95% Organic. No corn syrup or GMOs. Gluten Free and Casein Free. Made in a Nut-Free facility. Vegan and vegetarian.

All the gummy candy I got to try from Surf Sweets was great! Callan even asked for them instead of the other brand he usually eats! That's awesome! Check out Surf Sweets on Facebook, as well as Surf Sweets on Twitter.

I received products from Surf Sweets in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Yum Yum Dishes

2012-01-22T07:00:00.017-06:00

The Yum Yum Dish is perfect for children, teens, and adults who want to enjoy all their favorite foods in moderation. Not concerned with portion control? Use these hand-painted dishes for sauces, dips, entertaining, and more. A Yum Yum dish is a creative gift for the foodie in your life and a smart addition to any weight loss plan.

My favorite is the new Yum Yum Dinner Plates.

Did you know that a typical restaurant dinner plate is 11 to 13 inches? Dinner plates in your own home probably measure about the same, making it a lot easier to over-serve and over-eat your meals. In keeping with the "all indulgences in moderation" theme established by Tracy Adler, Yum Yum Dishes and Tracy have created the 9Plate. This is a 9 inch dinner plate will help you eat correctly sized portions for all meals. The 9Plate is the perfect size plate for anyone who wants to eat correctly sized portions. The plates are also sectioned and labeled for Protein, Carbs and Veggies to help you eat the correct portions.

It might sound silly - labeled plates for portioning food, but it really works. I never overeat, and am always satisfied after I eat. Check it all out on Yum Yum Dishes on Facebook.

I received products from Yum Yum Dishes in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Mile In His Shoes DVD Giveaway

2012-01-21T08:00:00.049-06:00

About A Mile In His Shoes:

From the director of "Angels In the Outfield" comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift (autistic), and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the GMC movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".

Seventeen-year-old Mickey Tussler is recruited to play for a minor league affiliate of the Boston Braves. Arthur Murphy swears Mickey has the greatest arm he has ever seen, that anybody has ever seen. And it might be true. But Mickey's autism is prohibitive. It keeps him sealed off from a world he scarcely understands. Lost both in the memory of his former life with an abusive father and the challenges of a new world filled with heckling teammates, opponents and fans, there's no way Mickey can succeed. But his inimitable talent - one of the most gifted arms in the history of baseball - gives him a chance. Can he survive a real life dream? Or are the harsh realities of life too much for him? This is the powerful underdog story of how a young man with an extraordinary gift comes of age in a harsh and competitive world.

One lucky reader will win a copy of this DVD. Here's how:

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

2. "Like" A Mile In His Shoes on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends February 4th. Good luck!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sandy Feet Love Note Cards Giveaway

2012-01-21T08:00:00.023-06:00

Sandy Feet Cards specializes in note cards and stationery that feature messages written in the sand. Custom messages are available upon request.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Love Collage Cards!

This note card features several messages from our other note cards that have a "Love" theme. This is a perfect card for sending to someone to let them know you are thinking of them and you love them.

These note cards are simple, yet they send a plain clear message! Sandy Feet Cards has cards for all occasions, and they take special requests.

One lucky reader will win a pack of the Love Collage Cards! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Sandy Feet Cards on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends February 4th. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck!

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

Buttoned Up!

2012-01-21T07:00:00.023-06:00

Buttoned Up, Inc. was founded in 2004 by four women: three sisters and a best friend. They realized the necessity for a tool like Life.doc after experiencing significant life changes − from moving across the country to setting up house after 9/11 to getting divorced after 38 years of marriage to having kids and grandkids. Each of them felt the need to get their lives organized but were unable to find products that could help them control their chaos. They wanted to be liberated from the rigid organizational systems that they bought annually and stopped using after just a few weeks. After several years of trial, error, effort and research, they started Buttoned Up, whose mission is to give women the tools they need to live an organized life not a life of organization.

Out of all the products from Buttoned Up, my all time favorite is the Life.doc.

Sometimes bad things happen to organized people. When that happens, having your important information organized and at the ready can make all the difference. This all-in-one binder of forms

makes it easy to keep track of crucial information, so you’re never without it when you really need it.

Check out all the great products, tips and advice at Buttoned Up, Inc. on Facebook, as well as Buttoned Up on Twitter.

I received products from Buttoned Up, Inc. in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hollywood Stories Review & Giveaway

2012-01-20T08:00:00.068-06:00

Hollywood Stories by Stephen Schochet

About The Book:

At high noon on a cold November day in 1974, sixty-seven-year-old John Wayne faced off with the staff of the Harvard Lampoon on the famous campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The students had issued their challenge by calling the beloved American icon a fraud. Wayne, who had his new movie McQ to promote, responded by saying he would be happy to show his film in the pseudo-intellectual swamps of Harvard Square. After the screening, without writers, the former USC footballer delivered a classic performance. When one smart young man asked where he got his phony toupee, Wayne insisted the hair was real. It wasn't his, but it was real. The appreciative underclassmen loved him and after the Q and A session, they all sat down to dinner. Later Wayne, who was suffering greatly from both gout and the after effects of lung cancer (sadly the Duke only had five years to live), said that day at Harvard was the best time he ever had. Just when you thought you've heard everything about Hollywood comes a totally original new book. Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! by Stephen Schochet contains a timeless treasure trove of colorful vignettes featuring an amazing all-star cast of icons including John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Errol Flynn and many others both past and contemporary. A special blend of biography, history and lore, Hollywood Stories is full of humorous tales often with unexpected endings. What makes the book unique is that the reader can go to any page and find a completely engaging and illuminating yarn. Sometimes people won't realize that they are reading about The Three Stooges or Popeye the Sailor until they come to the end of the story. A professional tour guide in Hollywood, Stephen Schochet has researched and told thousands of entertaining anecdotes for over twenty years. He is also the author and narrator of two audiobooks Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney. Tim Sika, host of the radio show Celluloid Dreams on KSJS in San Jose has called Stephen, "The best storyteller about Hollywood we have ever heard."

My Thoughts:

This is a great book. I spent practically the whole day looking through it! You can read about actors and actresses and movies from the past to the present. The only thing I wish the book had was some photographs. I laughed out loud, learned a thing or two, and some things piqued my interest to learn more about. An excellent book!

About The Author:

A professional tour guide in Hollywood, Stephen Schochet has researched and told thousands of entertaining anecdotes for over twenty years. He is also the author and narrator of two audiobooks Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney. For more information about Hollywood Stories, or to schedule an interview, please contact Stephen Schochet at www.hollywoodstories.com

One lucky winner will get a copy of this book! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Stephen Schochet on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends February 3rd. Good luck!

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

Not In The Heart

2012-01-20T08:00:00.067-06:00

Not In The Heart by Chris Fabry

About The Book:

Truman Wiley used to report news stories from around the world, but now the most troubling headlines are his own. He’s out of work, out of touch with his family, out of his home. But nothing dogs him more than his son’s failing heart. With mounting hospital bills and Truman’s penchant for gambling his savings, the situation seems hopeless....until his estranged wife throws him a lifeline - the chance to write the story of a death row inmate, a man convicted of murder who wants to donate his heart to Truman’s son. As the execution clock ticks down, Truman uncovers disturbing evidence that points to a different killer. For his son to live, must an innocent man die? Truman’s investigation draws him down a path that will change his life, his family, and the destinies of two men forever.

My Thoughts:

This book affects me because of the organ donation part, which is close to my heart since Mason passed away, and donated his awesome gifts. This book over took me from the beginning, from the first line: "The trouble with my wife began when she needed Jesus and I needed a cat". I don't know why, but this story has stuck with me. I've read the book twice already, and it is getting to be dog-eared. I've never read a book from this author, but he writes magnificently. I highly recommend this book. Grab a tissue, or ten, before you read it!

About The Author:

I was born in West Virginia in 1961 and grew up in a small town much like Dogwood. I was affected by my parents, my older brothers, the hills, and books. I was never a very fast reader, but the things I read really helped change me. Particularly novels. I vowed I would write if I ever got the chance. I met Jerry Jenkins at Moody Bible Institute in the 1980s. He discovered I wanted to write and said, "I can help you do this if you want, but it will be painful." Boy was it painful. Gloriously painful. In 1998, Jerry and Dr. Tim LaHaye hired me to write the Left Behind: The Kids series. I had published five books up to that point. I wrote 35 books in that series over the next six years, finishing in 2004. I later collaborated with Jerry on the Red Rock Mysteries series and The Wormling series, and in 2008 the NASCAR-based RPM series rounded out my work in the area of children's fiction. Dogwood was my first attempt at writing fiction for adults. It took more than six years to get to the page and to find a publisher. It received the 2009 Christy Award for Christian fiction in the Contemporary Standalone category, which surprised the Dogwood out of me! My next novel, June Bug, draws its themes from the classic Victor Hugo tale, Les Miserables. A nine-year-old girl walks into Walmart and sees herself on a missing children poster. Who is she? Who is her father who travels with her in the beat-up RV? Charles Martin wrote this about the story: "Anne Lamott said that 'good writing is about telling the truth.' Chris Fabry has done this. Beautifully. June Bug is masterful. An honest story that dove deep inside me and lingered long after I turned the last page." June Bug was named a 2010 finalist for the Christy Award and the ECPA's Christian Book Award. My latest novel, Almost Heaven, is the third book set in the mythical town of Dogwood, WV. Sometimes you find a great story. Sometimes you hunt for an idea and come up with gold. This time the story found me, in the form of an email from Lost Creek, WV. It was from a listener to a local station there that airs my daily radio program. She said she wouldn't be listening to me that day because the station was off the air. The owner/operator had died. His name was Billy Allman, and what I learned about his life, his dream, and his love for God became the heart of Almost Heaven. The novel stands alone, but readers of Dogwood and June Bug will recognize a few familiar characters woven into the scenes of Billy's life. In addition to my fiction work, I have also collaborated on a couple of best-selling football biographies with Ohio State's Jim Tressel and, most recently, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. I graduated from the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. I have been married to Andrea since 1982. We have nine children and are not Mormon or Catholic. Just prolific Protestants. In October of 2008, our family evacuated our house in Colorado, leaving behind all our belongings because of a toxic mold exposure. Since then we have been living near Tucson, AZ in order to get medical help for the mold exposure. Stop by my website at www.chrisfabry.com to learn more about my writing and radio endeavors.

You can buy this book at Not In The Heart on Amazon.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from The B&B Media Group. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Foto Fun Friday - Orange

2012-01-20T07:00:00.002-06:00

Feisty First Ladies Giveaway

2012-01-19T08:00:00.043-06:00

Feisty First Ladies by Autumn Stephens

About The Book:

Did you know Mary Todd Lincoln was a shopaholic? Have you heard that Mamie Eisenhower was a sleep-til-noon slacker? Which recent First Lady's approval ratings consistently topped her husband's? Part irreverent portrait gallery, part exuberant exposé, Feisty First Ladies and Other Unforgettable White House Women introduces a remarkable array of wild women - from first First Lady Martha Washington to hot hostess Dolley Madison and Harvard-educated Michelle Obama. Author Autumn Stephens also dishes on daughters like Reagan rebel Patti Davis, Tricia Nixon, Susan Ford, and Mary Cheney, who were the tabloid fodder of their day. Laugh out loud funny, and filled with amazing stranger-than-fiction facts from our American history, Feisty First Ladies and Other Unforgettable White House Women is a journey into the realm of the eclectic sisterhood whose outrageous words and deeds have rocked the fusty old foundations of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and the nation!

My Thoughts:

First of all, I love the cover! I found this book highly interesting! I learned so much, while enjoying doing it! I learned Lucy Hayes was the first First Lady to hold a college degree. Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the daughter of Teddy Roosevelt, was into witch craft, and she buried a voodoo doll at the white house to curse incoming presidents! Love that! A very interesting, fun book!

About The Author:

Autumn Stephens is the author of the bestselling and groundbreaking Wild Women series. She runs a very popular writing workshop series in the Bay Area and has been featured in Glamour, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the New York Times.

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

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

2. "Like" Viva Editions on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends February 2nd. Good luck!

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

101 Bible Adventures

2012-01-19T08:00:00.042-06:00

101 Bible Adventures

About The Book:

101 Bible Adventures offers kids a high-energy, adventure-filled approach to reading, interacting with, and learning life lessons from the Scriptures. It takes 101 favorite adventure-filled stories from the New Living Translation and puts them into one amazing book. Each Bible story has a brief overview so kids can get a bird's-eye view of the story, a key verse that sums up its meaning, and a Read and Learn application section that challenges kids to make their faith active. 101 Bible Adventures gives kids a great way to explore the Scriptures while highlighting concepts such as building good character; the importance of having good role models; and themes such as forgiveness, love, and God's wonderful plan for our lives.

My Thoughts:

I think this is an excellent book for kids. Especially because they are mostly too young to understand the "adult" version of the Bible. There are great illustrations in the book and it is laid out in such a way that it is appealing to kids. I highly recommend it!

I recieved a complimentary review copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Annmarie Gianni Skin Care

2012-01-19T07:00:00.029-06:00

"Annmarie Gianni Skin Care - Everyday Nutrition for Your Skin. Our new, unique line of handcrafted herbal skin products fuse organic and wildcrafted ingredients with essential oils. These synergistic blends not only create amazing and glowing skin, but also bring inner peace and beauty. Our extensive research has allowed us to eliminate the use of chemical preservatives and skin-drying alcohols, to create a pH balanced product and experience that is unmatched in the skin care industry."

I got to try samples of a bunch of products, but I have two favorites! The first is the Dead Sea Scrub!

This special blend of dead sea mud, siliceous earth and lavender creates a rich exfoliate to replenish minerals, stimulate circulation and remove dead skin cells which makes it a natural alternative microdermabrasion. Using the Dead Sea Facial Scrub will leave your skin clean, smooth and glowing for hours. Gluten-free and vegan! Benefits: *Softens and polishes rough skin. *Nourishes and feeds your skin cells with potent minerals. *Deeply cleansing. Key Ingredient: Dead Sea Clay - Since ancient times, this clay has been sought after for its restorative properties. Due to the unique location and geography of the Dead Sea, the clay contains many nourishing minerals including calcium which is known to help clear up your skin, bromine which is very soothing, and sulfur which is highly detoxifying.

The second favorite of mine is the Rosemary Peppermint Body Wash!

The scent of this wash is uplifting and eye-opening, a great way to start your day! The blend of medicinal herbs will keep bacteria away without striping your natural oils. It leaves you feeling clean, fresh and hydrated. Gluten-free and vegan! Benefits: *Gently cleanses your skin *Does not strip your natural oils *Antimicrobial *Hydrating Key ingredient: Rosemary Oil: One of natures most gentle and effective cleansing oils, rosemary oil is naturally antimicrobial and can help stimulate the circulatory system. The scent is invigorating and clarifying - an energizing way to start your day!

Great products! You should check them out at Annmarie Gianni Skin Care on Facebook, as well Annmarie Skin Care on Twitter!

I received products from Annmarie Gianni Skincare in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angel Evolution Giveaway

2012-01-18T08:00:00.048-06:00

Angel Evolution by David Estes

About The Book:

Angel Evolution- the first book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy. When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice. Something about him scares her. Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution.

My Thoughts:

I enjoy the young adult sci-fi books that are out there. Some of course are better than others, and this book is of the better variety! Most of the sci-fi YA books out there are about vampires, etc. This one is about angels and demons! It is not a religious book, it is more about good and bad rather than heaven and hell. Gabriel is my favorite character, as he seems the most "real" and modern. The first book has me hooked and I can't wait to continue the series!

About The Author:

I was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when I was very young. I grew up in Pittsburgh and then went to Penn State for college. Eventually I moved to Sydney, Australia where I met my wife. A reader all my life, I began writing novels for the children's and YA markets in 2010. I'm a writer with OCD, a love of dancing and singing (but only when no one is looking or listening), a mad-skilled ping-pong player, and prefer writing at the swimming pool to writing at a table.

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

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

2. "Like" David Estes on Facebook.

3. Follow David Estes on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends February 1st. Good luck!

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

ThinkFun Games - Swish

2012-01-18T08:00:00.018-06:00

Swish by ThinkFun is a spatial card game that challenges you to be the first to make matches, or “Swishes”. Swishes are made by layering as few as two or as many as 12 cards so that every ball swishes into a hoop of the same color. The cards must be placed on top of each other in the same orientation, and no ball or hoop can be left unmatched. The player with the most matches at the end of the game wins. Various levels of play make this card game addictively fun for all.

Features include:

•Thinkfun's first transparent card game

•Includes 60 transparent swish cards

•Game-go bag included

This is a very fun game, once you get the hang of it! We had tons of fun! Check out all the games at ThinkFun on Facebook, as well as ThinkFun on Twitter.

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

Always & Forever Love Giveaway

2012-01-18T07:00:00.030-06:00

Always & Forever Love by Otis G. Sanders

About The Book:

This book is a celebration of the institution of traditional marriage. With approx. 50% of all marriages in America ending in divorce there is a desperate need to bring to light the other 50% of marriages that survive where the couples are happy and in love after 20 years or more of marriage. This book, "Always & Forever, Love" consists of approx. 50 married couples of different Ethnic groups that have been married not less than 20 years. Each couple was interviewed and photographed to produce this book. Each couple has 2 pages in the book, one page will be highlights of what they have done to make their marriage work, and the opposite page will be a full page photograph of the couple. Different Ethnic groups were used to demonstrate that there is no difference between the races when it comes to the institution of marriage. What makes a marriage work for an African American couple is the same for an Anglo, Hispanic, Interracial, or Asian couple.

My Thoughts:

This is a lovely book! The stories are sweet, and these couples are amazing. It is true that marriage does not seem to last long these days. It is good to see a book like this. A nice coffee table book, or a gift for a couple on their anniversary. It's lovely.

About The Author:

Otis G. Sanders has been a professional photographer for more than 20 years. His love for photography started at the age of 12. Reading has always been a favorite past time for Otis. His fascination for the written word coupled with his expertise in photographing people lead to the production his first table top book, "Always & Forever, Love" subtitled: Success Stories of Marriages 20+ Years Strong. This book demonstrates through 50 couples of different ethnic backgrounds how God/Spirituality, Love, Respect, Trust, Communication, Commitment, Togetherness, Forgiveness, Patience & Honesty, are the ingredients that help build strong, lasting marriages.

You can buy this book at Always & Forever Love on Amazon.

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

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

2. "Like" Hanging Off The Wire on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends February 1st. 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.

Life Without Plastic

2012-01-17T08:00:00.059-06:00

Life Without Plastic is an Earth-friendly on-line store specializing in unique, healthy, durable, high quality alternatives to plastic for everyday household items. "We are a friendly small business that is trying to make a difference. We are trying to help people switch to a plastic-less life by offering high quality alternatives to plastic products. We also try to offer as much information on plastics as possible".

I got to review the Children's Cereal Bowls, and my goodness Callan loves them. He uses them for cereal, snacks, soup, anything that goes in a bowl!

These little cereal bowls are for children. The interior is made of high quality, food grade 304 stainless steel and the outside is made of stable and durable polypropylene plastic (#5). The bowls come in an eco-friendly designer box. These bowls are not microwave safe and are not dishwasher safe. BPA free.

The four bowl set includes one of each of the following color designs:

- Pink Rabbit

- Blue Dolphin

- Green Frog

- Yellow Tiger

These are very cute, and durable, and as I said before, Callan loves them! Check out Life Without Plastic on Facebook, as well as Life Without Plastic on Twitter.

I recieved products from Life Without Plastic in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

SuperFood Snacks Giveaway

2012-01-17T08:00:00.035-06:00

"We make Raw Organic Cacao Superfood Energy Snacks that are packaged Sustainably in biodegradable materials! Our focus is to deliver the highest quality organic raw snacks that are both delicious and energizing. Superfood Snacks is a business built around a lifestyle. We want you to feel as good as we feel and get all the benefits and results we have received from adding in superfoods to our lives over the years. We are the first company to ever launch a food product in a printed bag that is made from biodegradable & compostable materials. We use our original pioneered design of biodegradable & compostable packaging that we launched into the market in early 2007."

I got to try two different kinds of SuperFood Snacks!

Brazilian Chocolate Ecstasy: The Raw Chocolate "Instant Energy Snack" Tropical Style...Want to put yourself in the ultimate state of raw chocolate euphoria? Indulge in a decadent taste of the islands with rich dark cacao, luscious brazil nuts and tropical fruits of mango, banana, coconut and Incan berries. Packed with chia seeds, maca root and balanced with cinnamon and truly raw vanilla bean powder, you'll experience real, raw energy you can feel and flavors you'll go wild for!

Chocolate Cherry Qi: "Cherish The Cherry Cacao" Sustain Yourself All Day With The Pure, Organic, Raw Chocolate Energy Fusion Of Cherries, Blue Green Algae, Pumpkin, Chia Seeds, Raw Cacao & More. With The Superfood Powered Chocolate Cherry Qi "Super Energy Snack".

One lucky reader will win some SuperFood Snacks! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" SuperFood Snacks on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 31st. Good luck!

I recieved products from SuperFood Snacks in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Epsom Salt Review & Giveaway

2012-01-17T07:00:00.021-06:00

The Epsom Salt Council was formed to help spread the word about a pure, time-tested mineral compound that has hundreds of benefits, from health and beauty to household cleaning and organic gardening. The benefits of Epsom Salt aren't just folk lore. Numerous studies have demonstrated the profound and wide-ranging benefits of magnesium and sulfate, the two major components of Epsom Salt. Even celebrities, from model Stephanie Seymour to domestic guru Martha Stewart, have extolled its virtues.

I always thought Epsom Salt was...well, for old people! But I've discovered you can use it for so much more! I was pleasantly surprised to find that Epsom Salt soothes sunburns. You can use it to deep-clean your face. Use as a massage for sore muscles and to exfoliate. And you can use it to feed your houseplants! It's amazing, and I love it!

One winner will win some Epsom Salt! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Epsom Salt on Facebook.

3. Follow Epsom Salt on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 31st. Good luck!

I received products from Epsom Salt and Eric Mower Assc. in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Xoçai Healthy Chocolate

2012-01-16T08:00:00.048-06:00

15 Reasons to Try Xoçai

1. Is Antioxidant-Rich.

Xoçai’s premiere-level cocoa, as well as its açai and blueberry content, deliver a wide array of antioxidant compounds that include epicatechins, flavanols, anthocyanins and more.

2. Provides Anti-Aging Benefits.

All of Xoçai’s primary ingredients - high-grade dark chocolate, açai and blueberry - are tremendous sources of antioxidants and other nutrients that stem the effects of aging.

3. Promotes Cardiovascular Health.

Various studies suggest that cocoa can have a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels by supporting healthy cholesterol levels and by controlling inflammation.

4. Supports Healthy Glucose Levels.

Scientists have found that cocoa polyphenols can positively affect glucose levels in the blood. In addition, Xoçai’s products are sweetened only with natural sweeteners such as raw cane and agave.

5. Heightens Mental Function.

Xoçai’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds may help protect the brain and support healthy mental and cognitive function.

6. Encourages Proper Weight and Appetite Control.

Xoçai’s products have been shown to help control cravings and enhance weight loss.

7. Protects the Skin.

Researchers have found that cocoa’s antioxidants can protect the skin from radiation and stimulate blood flow to the skin.

8. Improves Oral Health.

Various studies have demonstrated that cocoa flavanols can protect the teeth in a variety of ways.

9. Modulates Inflammatory Mechanism.

The polyphenols in cocoa and açai have been shown to support healthy inflammation function in the body.

10. Boosts Energy.

Xoçai delivers an array of nutrients the body needs to optimize production of energy - and it does so without the help of unhealthy sugars or harsh stimulants.

11. Optimizes Mood.

Cocoa contains several compounds and helps stimulate the production of others - including serotonin, dopamine, PEA, theobromine and anandamide - to help enhance one’s mood and emotional state.

12. Is Supported by Modern Science.

Literally hundreds of studies demonstrate a large variety of potential benefits associated with dark chocolate, açai berry and blueberries.

13. Is Delicious.

Thousands of Xoçai customers can attest to the rich, alluring taste of Xoçai’s category-leading products.

14. Nutrients Are Easily Absorbed.

Because the cocoa, açai and blueberries in Xoçai’s products are as close to natural form as possible, each product’s nutrients are delivered in a form that makes them highly bioavailable for effective absorption.

15. Is 100% Natural.

Xoçai’s products are considered “clean” - that is, they use no synthetic flavors, fillers or other ingredients.

I was skeptical. Healthy chocolate could not possibly taste good, right? Well, I tried the Xocai Nuggets, and loved them! Ingredient Highlights: *Xoçai’s proprietary cold-processed chocolate *Raw cane juice crystals with only one-third the sugar/calorie load *Natural cocoa butter *No added fats, artificial colors or preservatives.

Benefits and Features: *Superior antioxidant profile/ORAC score *Helps protect the cardiovascular system, brain and other body systems *Diabetic friendly and low-glycemic *Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan friendly *No artificial colors, artificial flavors or preservatives.

Check it all out at Cocoa101.com.

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

Macaroni Monday - Family Fun Jar

2012-01-16T08:00:00.017-06:00

Often our family wakes on a Saturday wondering “What do we do today?” Do we hop in the car with no destination in site? Do we go to a local park? Do we sit at home and do nothing? Our inspiration led us to create a FAMILY FUN JAR that we will implement this New Year. The concept is simple - we took a glass jar and wrote down 12 family friendly activities; each month we will choose one activity to do - no matter what the activity is, that will be what we do that day.

These are 12 super fun activities our FAMILY has to look forward to this year:

Park and Subway lunch

Bowling

Rollerskating

Swimming

Mini Golf

Children's Museum

Picnic at Park

Nature Trail Hike

Movies

Fishing

Game Day - Board Games/ Wii etc.

Be Spontaneous (on the spot, think something up and do it)

Oh sure, we have more than 12 FAMILY fun days a year (and may draw a second choice on a rainy day), but this jar is meant to jump start a new kind of fun - something exciting to look forward to once a month, pulling out a surprise activity and going for it! Yes, that is our FAMILY mantra this year - to go for it; for us as parents to Stimulate, Entertain and Exhaust our kid.....we know she will thank us for it!

Purex UltraPacks

2012-01-16T07:00:00.023-06:00

In February 2012, Purex will be launching Purex UltraPacks detergent – another great innovation from Purex. These unique, convenient packs contain a complete load’s worth of concentrated liquid laundry detergent. Plus, since it is a liquid, it dissolves quickly, even in cold water, to fight stains and clean your laundry.

With double the cleaning power in every drop, you can trust your clothes will come out bright, white, and clean.

What Are Purex Ultrapacks?

convenient pre-dosed liquid detergent packs
contain new Triple Action liquid formula
double the cleaning power in every drop
dissolve quickly - even in cold water
safe for all machines, including High Efficiency (HE) washers

I think these are incredibly cool and easy to use, especially when I have a toddler hanging off me when I am trying to do laundry. Simple, easy, and a time saver! Love them!

Check out Purex on Facebook and Purex on Twitter to stay updated on all their great products!

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

SpiritHoods Review & Giveaway

2012-01-15T08:00:00.039-06:00

"SpiritHoods LLC is the manufacturer of a unique line of animal inspired faux fur accesories for men, women, and children. We are based and manufacture out of Los Angeles with offices in Portland, Oregon as well. We believe in the conservation and protection of both the planet and its animals, and to help give back we’ve partnered with and are actively donating a portion of our online proceeds to several non-profit organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation, we call this Product Blue. You can find all of our products on our online store, or visit boutique stores featured under the store locator page of our website. Our hoods are made with the best quality faux fur. In no way would we harm our furry friends. But don’t be mistaken, this fake fur truly feels and looks real. A great deal of time and energy was spent in the design of each hood, each having its own unique characteristics and charm, from ears to buttons – no two hoods are the same. Our hoods are handmade. You get what you pay for, and what you get with a SpiritHood is a unique handcrafted item made in our local economy that feels plush, luxurious and will last you a lifetime."

I love love love love my SpiritHood. Not only is it totally cute, but it really does keep you warm too! And I should know, living in Minnesota! Brrrr. Callan wants one so bad, so I think we will have to get him one! *wink*

One super lucky reader will win a SpiritHood! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" SpiritHoods on Facebook.

3. Follow SpiritHoods on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 29th. Good luck!

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

Random Acts Of Kindness

2012-01-15T08:00:00.012-06:00

Cinnabon was able to warm the hearts of others this holiday season through its Random `Packs´ of Kindness contest and it´s your turn to do the same!

Throughout the holiday season, Cinnabon asked consumers to share stories of random acts of kindness stories online and now it´s time to vote for your favorite good deed! Between now and January 28th, vote for the most heartwarming act of kindness on the Cinnabon Facebook page and help those who did a good service win a cash prize of $2,500 as well as a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice.

Be sure to vote and encourage friends and family to do the same on the Cinnabon Facebook page and continue to spread the warmth throughout the New Year.

Information was provided by Cinnabon and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Called To Serve Review & Giveaway

2012-01-15T07:00:00.039-06:00

Called To Serve by LTC Tony Monetti & Penny Monetti

About The Book:

A 2010 study found that one in eight combat soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan experiences post-traumatic stress. One in ten are “seriously disabled” by mental problems according to this Walter Reed Army Institute of Research study. In addition to combat stress, constant deployments and long separations cause adjustment difficulties for soldiers, their wives, children and extended families. Many military couples and families lack the support, encouragement and resources to deal with stress and maintain healthy relationships. The resulting divorce rate is four times that of civilian marriages. One military couple is working to strengthen, equip and encourage Armed Forces families and those who love them. Lt. Col. Tony Monetti, a command pilot, and director of operations of the 13th bomb squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and his wife, Penny Monetti, author, speaker and counselor of trauma and crisis victims, recognize the extraordinary challenges faced by military members. Yet, the Monettis say they feel “lucky to live a life of service and meaning.” In Called to Serve (Discovery House Publishers, 2011) they share their lives, personal struggles and practical life lessons, and extensive resources gleaned from more than twenty-three years of experience in the military. The Monettis identified top stressors for military families using input from professional counselors and Armed Forces chaplains from various denominations. Called to Serve addresses issues such as fear, transition, loneliness, grief, destructive behaviors, and poor communication. These stressors are also common to civilians, but magnified for those in the military. Practical solutions are presented from personal experience and a faith-based perspective. Called to Serve provides helpful insights on handling deployments, restoring hope to families living with post-traumatic stress disorder, safeguarding relationships, combating destructive behavior, and dismantling emotional land mines. Each chapter includes questions for individual reflection, a couple’s study or small group discussions. Of particular benefit are the issue-related links, a comprehensive list of resources for military families or those who love them.

My Thoughts:

I love this book, and of course I would, it being related to the military. I wish we had this book after Jason returned from Iraq, because the transition was so hard, and he suffered from PTSD, still does. I like that this book is set up like a monthly devotional of sorts. You can read one chapter a day for a month, reflect on each day, and discuss it with your family. A seriously great resource for military families.

About The Authors:

Lieutenant Colonel Tony Monetti, Director of Operations of the 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, is an Air Force Academy graduate, a veteran combat command pilot of the B-52 and B-1 planes, and presently flies the B-2 stealth bomber. His honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He is an author and speaker and Air Force spokesperson who motivates groups and corporate organizations worldwide. He was honored as Warrensburg , Missouri ’s “2010 Man of the Year” for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Penny Monetti is an author, motivational speaker and member of the Advanced Writer’s and Speakers Association (AWSA). Certified to counsel trauma and crisis victims through the American Academy of Christian Counselors, she works with combat veterans and military families dealing with PTSD. She is the founder of Connected Hearts, assisting needy and homeless children, as well as an educator and a nurse at Kanakuk Christian Sports Kamp and at the University of Central Missouri Health Center. Tony and Penny together founded Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Johnson County, Missouri, where they make their home. They own a popular Italian restaurant, and together have three children.

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

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

2. "Like" Called To Serve on Facebook.

3. Follow Penny Monetti on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 29th. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck!

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

IdentityHawk

2012-01-14T12:07:00.000-06:00

IdentityHawk was created to help consumers safeguard their assets, their properties, and their good names. Through their suite of protective benefits, IdentityHawk members can view the health of their identity protection, identify areas where they're most at risk, and take proactive steps to reduce those risks.

Have you ever thought about your own personal identity theft protection? If not, now is the time to start! Some people think of identity theft as someone living life under their name. You know the extremes you see on TV movies? Well, that is part of it. But did you know it can begin with your wallet or purse? As Jason and I recently discovered, thieves have gadgets now where they can just scan your purse, and then instantly they have all your credit card info. Scary isn't it? Someone just racked up $6,000 on Jason's credit cards, buying stuff online. Yes, I said $6,000!! We of course got it all figured out and now we are more careful with our credit cards, and anything having to do with our identities.

It is so scary out there, you never know who is using your identity! It could be happening, and you might not even know it. Consider using identity theft protection! It helps!

Heat Protection For Hair

2012-01-14T08:00:00.034-06:00

Hey guys, today I am going to talk a bit about hair protection for hair. First of all allow me to start by saying that I am not a fan of heating tools, therefore I don’t use heat protection that much. On the other hand I am aware that you cannot avoid heating tools forever. You may want to straighten your hair from time to time, you may be in a hurry and need to blow dry your hair after washing and so on. So, I thought since heat will eventually meet your hair occasionally let’s see how we can minimize the impact it will have on our hair.

Which are the sources of heat?

Ok, to start with let’s identify the heating tools that we care trying to protect from. These are hair dryers and curling irons, but also straightening irons, other heat appliances or even the sun when it is really hot outside.

Why is heat so bad?

Well, heat affects the protein called keratin in your hair. It softens it, causing hair breakage. Heat can also reduce the amount of water in your hair, causing little bubbles on steam to form inside your hair resulting in weakened hair. Another thing that heat can do is destroy our natural oils produced by the scalp, causing hair dryness. Put it all together and you got yourself a big problem. Split ends are also a common result of overusing heating tools. Attached you can see some examples of heat damaged hair shaft.

How to protect hair from heat?

As you may know there are a whole bunch of heat protectant products out there, not very expensive, starting at $2-3 up to $10. Basically there are two types of heat protection products: serums and sprays. If you ask you can use either one, depending on your personal preference. I heard people saying that if you have natural straight hair my recommendation would be to use sprays, while for curly hair serum products would work better. I have used both with same results. If I were you I would try both as see what works best.

Most of the heat protection tools contain silicone, which has the downside of sliding off wet hair, instead of coating your hair; therefore you will get better results if you apply the heat protectant to dry or almost dry hair. This does not make much sense if you are trying to protect your hair from a blow dryer, so obviously your hair is wet. Anyhow, you should have your hair at least partially air dried before.

The heat protectant should be applied all over the hair shaft, by separating your hair in several sections and applying the product to each section. The procedure is quite simple. You can start using heating tools after your hair is fully coated. Some conditioners also offer heat protection, so you don’t need to get a separate product for heat protection unless you really need it.

Conclusion

Heat protection is easy, inexpensive and very helpful for your hair’s health if you use a lot of heat styling.

Christine is the owner and editor of Biotin Hair Growth.com and she is offering free hair tips and advices for growing long hair fast.

Every Day Love Giveaway

2012-01-14T08:00:00.023-06:00

Every Day Love by Judy Ford

About The Book:

A Handbook for the Heart. Falling in love is easy; sustaining love is difficult. From the euphoric twinges of a new romance to the comforting reassurances of fingers entwined and connected, our longing for love is universal. Nationally renowned counselor and author Judy Ford says: "I've been studying relationships for over twenty-five years and I can testify to the fact that people still have much to learn about the nitty-gritty of loving." Within these pages, for the first time, Judy Ford presents her field-tested "love lessons" mined from private practice and workshops to help readers build and preserve successful relationships. Life is short. It goes by fast. Love matters every day.

My Thoughts:

I am in a long-sustaining romantic relationship. We've been together years and years. Since we were kids, really. But it is always nice to get a little pick me up, or a refresher. And that is what this book did for me. I really like the Love Lessons. They are not too challenging, and a lot of them are really fun. I think this book is great for new relationships, and for ones that have lasted a long time.

About The Author:

Judy Ford is a nationally recognized family counselor, bestselling author, and inspirational speaker whose expertise is in empowering individuals and families. Her "Parenting with Love and Laughter" workshops have been attended by thousands of parents. She has dedicated her life to family healing and wholeness and is an in-demand couple's counselor.

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

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

2. "Like" Viva Editions on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 28th. Open to US & Canada only, sorry. Good luck!

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

Raising A Child With Autism Giveaway

2012-01-14T07:00:00.037-06:00

What I Wish I'd Known About Raising A Child With Autism by Bobbi Sheahan

About The Book:

Bobbi Sheahan, mother of a child with autism, and psychologist Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D., did not write this book to lecture you on how to parent your child. Instead, they offer themselves as your scouts in the field, who have valuable information to share - from the moment you realize your kid is different ("My, what a quiet baby I have!"), to the self-righteous moms on the playground, to holding your marriage together in the realm of routines. They candidly tackle ASD issues such as:

Picky Eating

Bedtime Battles

Potty Training

Speech Delays

Discipline

Early Intervention

Sibling Rivalry

And much more!

My Thoughts:

I do not have a child with Autism. But this book was eye-opening for me. I do have several friends with children on the spectrum, and with two boys myself, in the early stages, I was wondering about things they did (or didn't do) and if it was Autism. Of course it was not. But this book brings one family's story to light. I like that Bobbi or Ben will write/say something, and Dr. DeOrnellas will comment back on it. A very good book for parents and families with children who are on the spectrum.

About The Author:

I am here to tell you the truth about autism. It isn't always pretty, but sometimes it's beautiful. My name is Bobbi Sheahan. My husband, Ben, and I have four children. From the beginning, Grace, our second-born, was different. Her behavior ranged from quirky to baffling - and sometimes frightening. When Grace was three, we received confirmation of what we had already figured out through trial and error: Grace has autism. It was because of the three years of "trial and error" that I teamed up with Grace's psychologist, Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D., to write "What I Wish I'd Known About Raising a Child With Autism: A Mom and a Psychologist Offer Heartfelt Advice for the First Five Years" (Future Horizons, April 2011). We hope to spare other parents some of the pain, discouragement, and confusion that can accompany the early years of parenting a child who has or may have autism. I am a lawyer who transitioned to full-time motherhood in my thirties. We wanted a big family, and our first two children, Lucy and Grace, are barely a year apart. When Grace was an infant, she was quiet. So quiet that we began to notice that she didn't babble or make many sounds at all. She didn't cry when you'd expect a baby to cry: not when she got her shots, and not even when she was hurt. Not ever. Not even stitches-to-the-face hurt (twice). She didn't nap, and, as time went by, she made no moves towards speaking or potty training. Frightened by Grace's fearlessness, her ability to defeat childproofing, and her propensity to injure herself, more than one babysitter refused to come back. Around the age of three, Grace began to speak in precocious bursts: the entire script of a cartoon, complete with voices; her favorite book; all twelve days of Christmas; the whole 23rd Psalm. She didn't make eye contact, and she patrolled the perimeter of the playground instead of playing with other kids. She loved the swings, and she seemed not to understand when she injured other people. Her senses seemed to be completely miscalibrated; her hearing was acute, yet she took an inordinate amount of time to process the speech of others who spoke to her. The not-feeling-pain thing persisted too; I still cringe at the story of the time that Grace grabbed a hot light bulb and didn't respond to the burn, but did cry and cover her ears at my shriek as I pulled her hand from the lamp. Believe it or not, that wasn't the worst light bulb incident; when she was three, Grace ate a light bulb. Well, part of a light bulb. She began eating other things, too, including my anniversary roses. "Of course it isn't autism," I'd would say. "She's affectionate. Plus, she's a girl - what are the odds?" (More than 80 percent of those diagnosed with autism are male.) A near-tragedy finally moved us to discover Grace's autism. As I read everything that I could get my hands on, I was shocked to realize that a book like "What I Wish I'd Known About Raising a Child With Autism" didn't already exist. I suggested to Dr. DeOrnellas that we write this book to spare other parents some agony, some confusion, and perhaps some lost time and resources. "What I Wish I'd Known About Raising a Child With Autism" is my third book. My first two books, published by Texas Lawyer Press (a division of American Lawyer Media), are reference books for attorneys. When I left my law practice to turn my full attention to my family and my writing, little did I know where that path would lead. For two decades, I used my writing to persuade courts and educate lawyers, but it was in becoming a mother that I truly found my voice, my inspiration, and my life's work. This book is not only the story of my family's journey of discovery, but my love letter to my daughter and my message of hope for parents. Bobbi Sheahan and Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D. are available for interview. Contact Morgan Whatley or Bobbi Sheahan: media@bobbisheahan.com

Buy this book at Raising A Child With Autism on Amazon.

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.

2. "Like" Hanging Off The Wire on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 28th. Good luck!

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

Random Obsessions Review & Giveaway

2012-01-13T08:00:00.070-06:00

Random Obsessions by Nick Belardes

About The Book:

A People's History of the Peculiar. Did you know Thomas Jefferson’s grandson was an ax murderer? Don’t you delight knowing some dinosaurs were teeny tiny as hens? How about an ailment so surreal it’s named after Alice in Wonderland? Historian Nick Belardes explains the unexplained, from the permanently puzzling Mothman conspiracy to secret Star Wars Jedi religious cults, and the charmingly eccentric reason why British aerospace engineers sent teddy bears floating out into space. Truly trivia you can’t live without, Random Obsessions is filled with facts, lists, definitions, and astonishing information guaranteed to provide you with the best cocktail conversation for many years to come. Your guide, Nick Belardes, has devoted his life to poking around the peculiar and perplexing, and the result is a trivia book that is anything but trivial. These real-world facts are outlandish enough to sharpen your brain and occupy your mind for hours of reading. This book is so fascinating and fun, you’ll become obsessed, too!

My Thoughts:

This is a very interesting book. I sat and read it for hours, discovering new things, laughing, running to the computer to Google something. I really enjoyed this book, and the author writes it in such a way where it is not just facts and boring information. It is really unique, and I enjoyed reading it very much.

About The Author:

Nick Belardes is a history professor, journalist, blogger, and videographer. Nick writes several media blogs, including Noveltown's Paperback Writer and ABC23's Nick 2.0. Nick is the founding editor for Face News and runs a writers group, The Irresponsibles. His work has appeared on the homepage of CNN.com and other news sites all over America. He lives in southern California. For further fixes of unexpected trivia and for updates on the latest events and musings from Nick Belardes, check out www.nickbelardes.com.

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

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

2. "Like" Viva Editions on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 27th. Open only to US & Canada only, sorry. Good luck!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Viva Editions. All thoughts and opinion are my own.

If We Were Best Friends

2012-01-13T08:00:00.031-06:00

If We Were Best Friends by Mary M. Sullivan

About The Book:

Friendship is important in a child's life. Girls tend to have significant friendships, throughout their childhood and well into adulthood. This book follows a friendship of two girls in good times and adversity; they manage to remain best friends till adulthood. Girls...this book can be shared with your friends, or simply read together - you can reminisce about fun times you have shared. Moms...think back to your childhood. Who was your best friend? Read this book along with your daughters, nieces, and all young girls in your life. You may open up dialogue about what a best friend is. You may be pleasantly surprised as you discover more about the little girl in your life and about yourself in the process.

My Thoughts:

This is a really great book for young girls. I passed this along to my nieces, who are virtually twins (same age, close birthdays, different parents). They have been each others best buds since birth. So this is a great book to share with them. I like that there is a section in the back of the book to write your own thoughts and memories, and add pictures, and draw, etc. A very nice book for young girls.

About The Author:

Originally from Chicago, Mary M. Sullivan now resides with daughter Autumn in Florida. A passion for writing and a love for children led her to this point. This is the second book in a series of healing books for children - a continuation of a dream come true. She is employed by Patrick W. Chernesky DPM as an office manager.

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

Foto Fun Friday - Friday The 13th

2012-01-13T07:00:00.002-06:00

Reader Loyalty Program

2012-01-12T11:58:00.001-06:00

Do you see over there on the left side bar where it says Rewards By Hanging Off The Wire? Well, that's for YOU! You earn points by doing things on or for my blog, and then you can redeem the points for some great prizes! Woo hoo!

Get points for:

*Visiting my blog every day – for your first visit to my blog every day you will earn 100 points

*Liking my content on Facebook – for your first "Like" about my blog every day you will earn 100 points

*Tweeting my content – for your first Tweet about my blog every day you will earn 100 points

*Google +1 my content – for your first Google +1 on my blog every day you will earn 100 points

*Commenting – for your first comment of the day on my blog you will earn 100 points

Redeem poibnts for:

$15 Groupon Gift Card for 20,000 points

$10 Zynga Game Card For Facebook for 15,000 points

$5 Amazon Gift Card for 8,500 points

Cool, huh?

Word Catcher Review & Giveaway

2012-01-12T08:00:00.060-06:00

Word Catcher by Phil Cousineau

About The Book:

The world's preeminent mythology scholar explores the mystery and meaning of marvelous words. Who knew that the great country of Canada is named for a mistake? How about "bedswerver," the best Elizabethan insult to hurl at a cheating boyfriend? Author Phil Cousineau explores the obscure territory of word origins with great erudition and endearing curiosity. The English poet W. H. Auden was once asked to teach a poetry class for 20 students. Two hundred applied to study with him. When asked how he chose his students, he said he picked the ones who actually loved words. So too, with this book - it takes a special wordcatcher to create a treasure chest of remarkable words and their origins, and any word lover will relish the stories that Cousineau has discovered.

My Thoughts:

This is a fascinating book. Perhaps I find it so great because I am a writer and I love to learn new words, or learn something new about a word. This book has familiar words such as Dinosaur, and then gives you a definition, explanation, and a bit of a history lesson about the word. You will also find words in this book that you may never have heard of, such as Pusillanimous, which means cowardly. How awesome you will sound when you use a word like a that, and your friends will wonder where in the heck you came up with that word, and you can tell them! Very interesting book.

About The Author:

Phil Cousineau is an award-winning writer and filmmaker, teacher and editor, independent scholar and travel leader, storyteller and TV host. His fascination with art, literature, and the history of culture has taken him from Michigan to Marrakesh, Iceland to the Amazon, in a worldwide search for what the ancients called the “soul of the world.”

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

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

2. "Like" Viva Editions on Facebook.

3. Follow Hanging Off The Wire on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 26th. US & Canada only, sorry. Good luck!

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

Destiny Review & Giveaway

2012-01-12T08:00:00.029-06:00

Destiny by Laura DeLuca

About The Book:

Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch - one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds. There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.

My Thoughts:

This is not your typical Young Adult fantasy or sci-fi story. It is much better. It seems so real, like it could really happen. The author describes things so vividly that you can imagine it all in your head like a movie playing out. This book is of the YA genre, but I think anyone, any age, who likes paranormal stories would love this book. I finished it in one day, and can't wait for the sequel!

About The Author:

Laura "Luna" DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and three children. She has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Old high school friends would tell you she was always scratching in her notebook instead of paying attention in class and the children she used to babysit for always loved to hear her scary stories at bedtime. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. "Destiny" is her first young adult novel, but it won't be her last.

One reader will win a signed copy of the book and a box of incense. Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Laura DeLuca on Facebook.

3. Follow Laura DeLuca on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 26th. Good luck!

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

Reasons For Hope

2012-01-12T07:00:00.028-06:00

Reasons For Hope by Carl Kerby

About The Book:

Life is often not picture-perfect, and difficult times can make it hard to see a plan or purpose for our lives. In this inspiring story of one man’s journey - from a rocky start as the son of a professional wrestler, to handling the fates of thousands as an air-traffic controller at one of the nation’s busiest airports, to becoming a popular speaker - you will learn to see life from a different perspective. No matter what your circumstances, God can gather up the broken pieces and random elements of your life and form them into a beautiful mosaic - making you a useful vessel for His glory. Carl Kerby’s story will not only give you reasons for hope in your own life, but will encourage you to share that hope with others. With humor and passion, Carl offers answers to questions about suffering, evolution, relativism, pluralism, and more, so you will be well-equipped to give reasons for hope to a broken world that desperately needs to hear it.

My Thoughts:

This book is a nice honest story of one man's journey in life from young boy to a grown man who has found God. For me, the book did not get interesting until Chapter 3, but if you hang on and read it through, you will find it a decent read and honestly eye-opening and thought provoking.

About The Author:

Carl Kerby is the president and founder of Reasons For Hope, where his passion is to proclaim the authority and authenticity of the Bible to both believers and unbelievers. Carl equips people worldwide to defend Scripture and share the only true hope, Jesus. A founding board member of Answers In Genesis, he served AiG for over 15 years and was one of their most dynamic, in-demand speakers. Author of two books and presenter on several DVD's, Carl resides with his wife in Hebron, KY.

Buy this book at Reasons For Hope on Amazon.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from The B&B Media Group. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mothers Of Reinvention

2012-01-11T08:00:00.048-06:00

Mothers Of Reinvention by Jennifer Pate and Barbara Machen

About The Book:

Since we launched our show "Jen and Barb, Mom Life" more than four years ago, the number one question moms have asked us is, "How did you guys do that?" The subtext was not about producing and hosting an award-winning web series, but did we reinvent ourselves, especially given our roles as mothers, wives, and career women? Over and over, moms confided in us, sharing their frustrations, fears, and dreams. How could it be that so many of us who had always dreamed of having a family were feeling like something was missing? What was a mom to do? Reinvent! Through the journey of our own reinventions, we discovered the Mom Secret: The more satisfied you are with yourself, the better you can deal with the chaos that surrounds you, the better role model you will be, and the better off your entire family will be! This is not a luxury. This is a necessity. In The Mothers of Reinvention, Jen and Barb share their steps to help you realize your full potential as a woman while still maintaining your joy as a mom and/or wife. Whether you're a new mother, a mother of school-age children, or an empty nester, Jen's and Barb's personal stories, in addition to accounts from other women who have also reinvented, will engage, inspire, and motivate. Every mother deserves passion outside her family, and The Mothers of Reinvention will help you discover what that means for you!

My Thoughts:

This is a great book. I especially like all the examples and stories from others who have been through their reinvention and can tell us about it. This book has a lot of information in it and it would be a long read if you read it in one sitting, but you don't have to. You can read a little here and there or just browse through it. A nice book.

About The Authors:

Jennifer Pate, co-author of The Mothers of Reinvention: Reclaim Your Identity, Unleash Your Potential, Love Your Life, was raised in Highland Park, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago while performing in theater and dance in Chicago. After years of traveling the world and performing, she moved to Los Angeles and became a casting director for film and television, cofounding Colloff, Fishman and Britt (CFB) Casting. Jen switched gears again after having her first child, to become a stay-at-home-mom for the first five years of both her kids' lives. She now is the cocreator and cohost of Jen and Barb: Mom Life. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Jonas, and their two children, Cooper and Lilah.

Barbara Machen, co-author of The Mothers of Reinvention: Reclaim Your Identity, Unleash Your Potential, Love Your Life, was raised by a single mother on government assistance in a suburb called Daly City (population 100,000), outside of San Francisco. One of a dozen kids in a graduating class of five hundred to receive a full scholarship, she attended USC. The cocreator and cohost of Jen and Barb: Mom Life, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Shahrad, and twin daughters, India and Soraya.

For more information please visit http://www.jenandbarbmomlife.com, and follow the authors on Facebook and Twitter.

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

The Protein Bakery Giveaway

2012-01-11T08:00:00.024-06:00

"The Protein Bakery: Providing the best tasting, cookies, brownies, and blondies ... on the planet! Our trans-fat/wheat-free recipes balance delectable taste with heart-healthy rolled oats and high-grade whey protein isolate. Higher in dietary fiber and delivering five times more protein than the average baked good, our products keep our customers smiling longer. Protein's endurance power prevents spikes in blood sugar levels, which in turn keeps the heart beating steady and the body in balance."

Oh wow! These are really really good! I mean, really! Jason gobbled most of them up before I could get any, so I had to hide them! Hee hee.

One extremely lucky winner will win an assortment of 2 brownies/blondies, 2 colossal cookies and 3 cookie 2-packs. Here's how:

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

2. "Like" The Protein Bakery on Facebook.

3. Follow The Protein Bakery on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 25th. Open to continental US only, sorry. Good luck!

I received products from The Protein Bakery in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Accidental Bride

2012-01-11T07:00:00.028-06:00

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

About The Book:

When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she's an accidental bride. Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can't seem to keep her head above water - and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but. Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart - the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit. Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she'll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart. Shay isn't sure if the recent events are God's will or just a preacher's blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

My Thoughts:

This book would make an excellent movie. I could not put the book down until it was finished! I love Shay's relationship with her daughter, and the on-going road to romance with Travis. These characters are real and relate-able! I have read books from this author before (Sweetwater Gap), but this is by far my favorite yet!

About The Author:

Denise Hunter is the nationally published author of bestsellers Sweetwater Gap and Surrender Bay. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! When Denise isn't writing she's busy raising three heroes-in-the making with her husband. You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by joining her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124248046980

Buy this book at The Accidental Bride on Amazon.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from The B&B Media Group. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

That Advertising!

2012-01-10T13:35:00.001-06:00

When I grow up, I want to be in advertising, marketing, and Public Relations, and work for a really cool Advertising Agency. I have always been interested in it, and should have really followed that path. Maybe that is why I love to do my blogging so much.

Did you know that these days with software, you can track the success of your advertising campaigns minute to minute and day to day to ensure that you are getting the best return on your investment? How cool is that?

You would be surprised at how much advertising you are seeing on a daily basis, and not even know it. A lot of it so clever that you will store it in your subconscious, and then later hear about that product from someone and then go “Oh, yeah! I’ve heard about that…..somewhere.”

Just imagine what you could do with your product, or even your blog, if you utilized advertising in new ways, and in ways you never thought of.

Dolphin Organics

2012-01-10T08:00:00.018-06:00

"Dolphin Organics is a line of quality personal care products for babies and young children made only with ingredients that are only natural and organic. Our products are so gentle they are even great for sensitive grown-up skin.

Many products whose labels claim to be natural and organic also contain artificial and potentially harmful ingredients. Knowing that the skin of a baby absorbs those ingredients at an alarming rate we ensured that our line uses ONLY natural ingredients. Nothing man-made. Nothing artificial – not even the preservatives. Even better, our label is clear and honest and shows you exactly what we put in there.

We loved the bubble bath. We were able to use it to wash and play! Callan came out of the tub smooth and clean, and smelling good! I even used it! It's great!

Check out Dolphin Organics on Facebook, as well as Dolphin Organics on Twitter.

I recieved a product from Dolphin Organics in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Grab-A-Scab Giveaway

2012-01-10T07:00:00.041-06:00

"We make Scabs! Grab A Scab makes fun fabric sticker patches, called Scabs. Scabs are easy to use - they require no ironing or sewing! Scabs are durable, machine washable and dishwasher safe. Scabs do not fade or easily peel off. Kids can use Scabs to personalize and accessorize all of their belongings. Scabs will stick on their jeans and backpacks; water bottles and bikes! Parents can use Scabs to mend their children's clothing. Thus Scabs provide a cost effective solution to the age old problem of children outwearing their clothing before they outgrow it."

These are so cool. Scabs are perfect for mending clothes. Callan had worn a hole in his favorite pair of jeans, and we slapped on a race car scab, and he was good to go. They don't fall off in the wash, they are tough and durable. Pretty awesome!

One lucky reader will win their choice of 5 Scabs! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Grab A Scab on Facebook.

3. Follow Grab A Scab on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 25th. Good luck!

I recieved products from Grab A Scab Inc. in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Out Of Time

2012-01-10T07:00:00.017-06:00

Out Of Time by Nancy Greyson Beckerman

About The Book:

"Nan, look at this!" So begins this account of one couple's battle with a rare and deadly form of cancer. One moment Barry was a healthy, active man in the prime of his life; the next, he was a terrified, helpless patient. Anyone who has had cancer, who has been a caregiver, or who has had a friend or loved one receive this diagnosis will be drawn to this story. During the four years of Barry's treatment, there was much that changed for this couple. They met health care professionals they call "angels." They discovered just how much love and support their family, friends, and community offer. And they found themselves on a completely unexpected spiritual path. This book explores in a loving, real, and powerful way how their lives changed and how they confronted each challenge they encountered with dignity, perseverance, and courage.

My Thoughts:

It is very gracious of the author to let us into her world, into her private life, her thoughts, and emotions. This book is based off of journals and memories the author wrote down. This is not a book that will tell you what to do or give you advice if you have an ill loved one. This is simply one couples story, and it is touching, and a very good read.

About The Author:

Nancy Greyson Beckerman is a mother, teacher, artist, swimmer, student of karate, museum docent, caregiver, and medical office manager. When her husband of 33 years was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare and deadly form of cancer, the couple fought the disease together. Beckerman kept a journal during the four years of treatment, including breaks such as vacations and family celebrations, and continuing after her husband's passing. This book is the result of that effort.

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

Purex Crystals + Jockey Giveaway

2012-01-09T12:00:00.037-06:00

I love Purex Crystals! They are an easy simple way to add fabric softener to your laundry!

Purex Crystals are 92% natural crystals that go in at the start of the wash, so they spend more time with your laundry infusing them with long-lasting freshness.

Purex Crystal Tropical Splash is my all-time new scent! I love the way my clothes smell after I wash and dry them! Mmmm! Like a burst of sunshine, which is much needed during these dreary winter months! And in the winter when I have to do my workouts inside instead of out in the sun, then it helps when my workout gear - like my Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra - smells fresh and clean, like Topical Splash!

Liquid fabric softeners contain softening oils, which prevent moisture wicking fabrics from working. Purex Crystals is an innovative freshening product that doesn't use oil for softening, so it can be used on all types of laundry - including your Jockey sports bra!

One lucky winner will win a Jockey Sports Bra and a bottle of Purex Crystals Tropical Splash! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Purex on Facebook.

3. Follow Purex on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 23rd. Good luck!

I recieved a products from Purex and Jockey. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I Want You To Know Me......

2012-01-09T08:00:00.038-06:00

I Want You To Know Me...Love, Your American Hero by Vickie Mullins

About The Book:

When you signed on with our country's armed services, you made a conscious decision to defend our way of life. You knew you had to make some difficult sacrifices.....but your mission is honorable. Even though you're away you don't have to sacrifice your connection to your loved ones. This book makes it possible to create a lasting connection. The I Want You To Know Me series of books are the ultimate family show and tell books that make memories, create connections and leave a lasting legacy. They ask and answer curious questions that each of us probably don't know about our loved ones and ourselves. Unlike other video and life story journal opportunities that can be overwhelming, this book is filled with the little things that endear us to those we love. It will make you laugh as you discover your place on the family tree.

My Thoughts:

I love love this particular version of the book for The American Hero. It is a wonderful way for a soldier to let his family know all about him, especially in war time. I am having Jason fill it out for Callan. The questions are sometimes silly (Can you wiggle your ears?), and other times insightful (Is your glass half empty, or half full?). None of the questions are the hard ones, or deep thinking ones. Just simple, real, and honest.

About The Author:

Vickie began speaking professionally in 2005 on the heels of authoring the first of eight volumes in her 'I Want You to Know Me' heirloom book series. Designed to make memories, create connections and leave a lasting legacy, these interactive, "fill in the blanks" books ask and answer curious questions most of us probably don't know about family members. Vickie was inspired to write these books by the tragic early death of a close friend, who left behind four young children, kids who would never get to know their mom, or what made her the unique person she was. An energetic, entertaining communicator, Vickie's friendly demeanor and caring style touch the hearts of audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Her unique program, based on her book series, is a combination of stories, both contemporary and historical, that are peppered with humor and salted with tears, as she shares the legacy of curious questions and answers - the OOHs! AAHs! and AHAs! - that tie generations together. Vickie's audiences always leave with a new-found understanding of the importance of the "real stuff" that matters to those who love us. For more info please visit I Want You To Know Me, and check out Vickie Mullins on Twitter.

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

Macaroni Monday - Couch Potato Cure

2012-01-09T08:00:00.009-06:00

We've reached the mid-point, finally! The days of darkness at 4pm are on the wane, and the sunlight will begin brightening our moods earlier and earlier as the season wears on. But unless you are living in warmer climes, it's still Winter for a few more months, and now that we've packed on those few extra holiday pounds, the temptation to hole up on the sofa with the remote control and a bag of chips or cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows can do more than undermine your summer wardrobe--it can be downright dangerous for your family.

Keep your family fit over the next few months by following this advice:

Don't eat in front of the television, when habitual snacking can undermine your diet and add unhealthy weight and cholesterol to your body. Instead, make the sofa a "no-eating" zone, and require all snacks and meals to take place at the kitchen or dining room table. This will promote healthier eating habits and may contribute greatly to your family's social skills, as they re-learn the art of conversation over dinner.

Don't buy sugary snacks or empty calories when grocery shopping. Buy most of your foods from the produce aisle, then purchase your fish, meats (if you eat meat), nuts and dairy items. Desserts and processed foods should be added to your cart last, if at all. You're less likely to impulse purchase these unhealthy items when your cart is already full of good foods.

Cook as often as possible. Not only will you save money by eating at home, you'll save on calories, as well. Most restaurant meals contain more salt, fat and sugar than recipes for home-cooking.

Limit "fast foods" to once a month or less. While these foods may seem convenient and inexpensive, the benefits of eating less processed foods will pay off in the long run--financially, and physically.

Be sure you and your family are drinking at least 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day. Don't allow your children to drink sugary sodas, juice drinks (unless they are labeled 100 % fruit juice) or artificially sweetened teas, which may trigger their bodies to seek out the glucose it craves after tasting sweet things.

Encourage movement in any way possible. If your family has access to a gaming system, rent or purchase exercise or dance videos or game cartridges that everyone in the family can enjoy together. If it's warm enough where you live, ride bikes with your kids, go jogging or hiking, or play tennis or swim at a membership health club.

For more ways to keep your kids fit this winter, visit: GirlsHealth.gov.

CafeWell Social Netwrok

2012-01-08T18:00:00.003-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cafe Well for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Cafe Well
was created to provide a safe, secure and anonymous health care destination that connects you with other people who share your health care interests and needs. Caféwell is the only destination that exists for one reason "health." The Caféwell Community is there to address your needs, from chronic condition support, to healthy lifestyle tips and challenges. CaféWell understands how complex and difficult the health care system is to navigate. We make it easy to get the health information you need, when and where you want it."

Join CaféWell for free and enjoy all of it’s features, including fun challenges, discussion groups, and experts to provide advice and answer questions – all to encourage you to Get Well and Stay Well. There are Communities/Groups with all sorts of health topics where you can connect with others. There is the Challenges section where you can create challenges, or join one, such as decreasing stress, buddy up for health, and much more. You can also read other people's personal blogs and connect with them that way, too.

I like the Challenges. If I were to create a challenge it would be a challenge to get on the elliptical machine once a day for 20 minutes for a month! In my mind I think, sure I could do. But when you make it a challenge, it will motivate you more.

If you're a member of HealthAmerica then you are eligible to join the Race To The Moon program. It is like an incentive program - if you reach certain goals, you can win this or that. There are great prizes like trips for two to Hawaii!

Check it all out now at CafeWell.

Rosetta Translation

2012-01-08T11:53:00.000-06:00

Rosetta Translation Agency provides a full range of translation services to companies worldwide. We specialize in high-quality document translation for business and commercial texts. Our translation agency is a multi-sector language services specialist and has particular expertise in the following fields:

Legal translation

Financial translation

Technical translation

Medical translation

Some services offered are translation of business documents in these fields: Legal Translations, Contract Translations, Financial Translations, Technical Translations, Engineering Translations, Patent Translations, IT Translations, Website Translations, Medical Translations, and Pharmaceutical Translations.

Rosetta Translation also offers interpreting services: Simultaneous Interpreting, Whispered Simultaneous Interpreting, Consecutive Interpreting, Telephone Interpreting, Liaison Interpreting. They also offer transcription services.

Rosetta Translation offers a comprehensive range of translation services. The majority of their translations involve the following languages: Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, English, Farsi (Persian), French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian and Welsh. They also provide language translation services between English and a large number of additional languages. These include Albanian, Basque, Belarusian, Bosnian, Breton, Catalan, Corsican, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Flemish, Gaelic (Irish), Gaelic (Scottish), Galician, Hungarian, Icelandic, Latvian, Lithuanian, Luxembourgish, Maltese, Moldovan, Norwegian, Occitan, Sardinian, Serbian and Scots. All Arabic Dialects, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bashkir, Burmese, Georgian, Hebrew, Hindi, Kurdish, Mongolian, Nepali, Ossetic, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tagalog, Tajik, Tamil, Turkmen, Urdu, Uzbek and Yiddish. Afrikaans, Bantu family (including Zulu), Hausa, Igbo, Kinyarwanda, Malagasy, Sudanese and Yoruba.

Check it all out online at Rosetta Translation.

Adore Me Review Coming Soon!!

2012-01-08T10:05:00.000-06:00

Adore Me is a new trendy lingerie club that offers a unique personalized shopping experience.

Everything begins with a short quiz that allows professional stylists, to hand-picked each month for you a new selection of lingerie. You get access to your personalized showroom for Free! If you decide to buy, price is a steal! $39.95 per matching set with free delivery and free exchange! Here are some Featured Products of the current collection :)

Additionally to this monthly selection, you will also be able to slip into the showroom of your friends, and shop from there. If you don’t feel like buying anything this month, no worry, you can just skip this month and the following ones. Adore Me wants to be a club without obligations.

Malls and department stores can be so stressful, embarrassing and not very helpful when it is question of intimate apparel. At Adore Me.com, they have knowledgeable Stylists that can help you with any questions you may have about fitting, and you will not even have to stand in line, feel guilty or be elbowed by angry customers. Adore Me wants your shopping experience to be equally as wonderful as their lingerie.

See your personalized selection for free and start the Quiz. You can also like their Facebook page.

Be Adorable :)

MommyJuice Wines

2012-01-08T08:00:00.077-06:00

"Being a Mom is a constant juggling act. Whether it's playdates and homework, diapers and burp cloths, or finding that perfect balance between work and home, Moms everywhere deserve a break. So tuck your kids into bed, sit down and have a glass of MommyJuice - because you deserve it!"

Red Wine: Aromas of bright berry fruits. Plums, tobacco and a subtle floral note. Full and rich flavors of blueberries, blackberries and dried cherries. Dried plums and a little anise spice round off the wonderfully smooth finish. Moderate tannins make this a wonderful wine to drink while the kids are sleeping.

White Wine: Aromas of tropical fruit salad - pineapples, guava and bananas. Hints of lemon grass and citrus rind as well. Kiwi, lime and a hit of grassiness round out this very fruit forward Chardonnay. Drop the kids at a sitter and drink on a picnic with your significant other or at GNO (Girl’s Night Out).

Both of these wines were great. Truly the perfect night cap after a harrowing day! Check on MommyJuice on Facebook as well as MommyJuice on Twitter!

I received products from MommyJuice Wines in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

New Chapter Vitamins Giveaway

2012-01-08T08:00:00.051-06:00

"The name New Chapter was chosen for the company because they believe every one of their products delivers a ‘new chapter’ in nourishment, protection or health. That’s why you can count on every New Chapter product to be a genuine contribution, an innovation and a breakthrough."

I got to try Perfect Calm and Perfect Energy!

Perfect Calm is the ideal organic whole-food multivitamin herbal and nutrient formula for those seeking to address daily stress, enhance calm and overall well-being. It is the first and only multi to feature the long revered anti-stress herb Supercritical Holy Basil, which has been shown in scientific studies to modulate cortisol and ease a worried mind. Chamomile and Lemon Balm offer additional soothing effects by promoting healthy levels of calming neurotransmitters. A complete multi, Perfect Calm provides a combination of 25 whole-food vitamins and minerals formulated to promote optimal health while targeting the nutrients your body needs most during times of stress, like whole-food complexed Vitamins B and C. Perfect Calm also contains cultured, organic herbal blends to provide immune and digestive support - two important functions that can be affected by high levels of stress.

Perfect Energy is the ideal organic whole-food multi-vitamin herbal and nutrient formula for those seeking enhanced energy, performance and endurance. Energizing herbs, such as Organic Maca, Ginseng, and Rhodiola, boost energy without the crash of traditional stimulants by enhancing the body’s ability to produce energy on a cellular level. A clinically studied proprietary grapeseed extract provides powerful antioxidants that help optimize mitochondrial energy production by decreasing muscle soreness and promoting recovery following physical exertion or other stressful events. A complete multi-vitamin, Perfect Energy contains a combination of 23 whole-food vitamins and minerals formulated to promote optimal health while targeting the nutrients your body needs to sustain energy production, like whole-food complexed Vitamins B, C, E, and Selenium. Yet another unique feature of Perfect Energy is the Vital Rhythms blend of flower essences which encourages mental focus, fortitude, and perseverance during times of stress.

Both of these supplements worked for me perfectly! Something I definitely needed!

One winner can choose one regular sized bottle from the New Chapter Vitamins & Supplements. Let me know which you would prefer to win. Here's how to enter:

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

2. "Like" Best Price Nutrition on Facebook.

3. Follow Best Price Nutrition on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 22nd. Good luck!

I recieved products from Best Price Nutrition in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Flavrz Drink Mix Giveaway

2012-01-08T07:00:00.026-06:00

"Flavrz was developed by a Mom concerned with her family's health and the health of the planet. An alternative to sugar & chemical-filled beverages, Flavrz is a good way to say “no” to plastic bottles. Flavrz is a concentrated drink mix to add to water. It is organic, made from fruit and sweetened mainly with agave nectar. It is low sugar and has less than half the calories of juice or soda. Buying it as a concentrate saves on packaging and helps keep our planet healthy. You can add Flavrz to a water in a reusable container. Make a commitment to healthy and planet-friendly hydration. Join us in reducing packaging waste at home, at school and at work. Flavrz is revolutionizing the way America drinks. Most beverages are 95% or more water and the rest is sugar, artificial coloring, flavoring, chemicals, and plastic packaging. Flavrz is changing all that. There are 3 great Fruit Flavrz - Cherry Berry, Lemon-Lime and Tropical; 3 great Soda Flavrz - Cola, Ginger Ale and Root Beer and three new Functional Flavrz - Superfruit Sports, Fruit Punch Energy and Citrus Hibiscus Immunity."

Sinmple, easy, on the go - I love them! And Callan enjoys the flavors (Flavrz!) as well!

On reader will win the Lemon Lime & Citrus Hibiscus Flavrz! Here's how:

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

2. "Like" Flavrz on Facebook.

3. Follow Flavrz on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 22nd. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck!

I recieved products from Flavrz Beverage Corp. in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Zone Diet Review & Giveaway

2012-01-07T08:00:00.046-06:00

"Weight loss has never been easier. Eat the foods you love and not feel hungry. That's our Zone “no-hunger” promise! Each ZoneFast Weight-Loss Package contains a variety of popular breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, our Zone Meal Planner and great-tasting Zone Recipes to help assure your weight loss success. Benefits of the Zone 1-2-3 Program:

*Your clothes will fit better as much of your weight loss is excess body fat, not loss of water or muscle

*You will enjoy improved mental focus and acuity as your blood sugar levels become more stable

*You will observe a surge in physical energy as you increase the release of stored body fat to be converted into chemical energy

*You will have an improved ability to handle stress

*Finally, as you continue to reduce excess body fat, you will have decreased blood sugar, blood lipid, and blood pressure levels

Each Zone Diet package come with a wide selection of our newest and in-demand Zone Foods for two weeks of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Zone Daily Essentials are a combination of high-purity OmegaRx and Zone Polyphenols in a convenient daily package you can take with you wherever you go. All new customers of Zone Labs will automatically be contacted by a Zone Coach, who has been personally trained by Dr. Sears, to answer any questions they might have."

I waited until after the holidays to start my Zone Diet and I just finished the 2 weeks. I do notice my clothes are a bit looser, and I feel more active, but there is not much difference in the numbers on the scale. But I think that is okay, because now that I feel better and healthier, the Zone Diet has kick-started me to continue a weight-loss journey!

One lucky reader will win 2-weeks of The Zone Diet! Here's how to enter:

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

2. "Like" Zone Diet on Facebook.

3. Follow Zone Diet on Twitter.

4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends January 21st. Good luck!

I received products from Zone Labs, Inc. in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hanging Off The Wire

The Star Trilogy *Giveaway*

Coversation Is Sexy *Giveaway*

Foto Fun Friday - Pink

The Obamas

“BE A STAR ON BROADWAY”

Calgon Ageless Bath Collection

Tiny Prints Valentine's!

Ta*Ta*Toos

Conscious Box

Enjoy Professional Hair Care *Giveaway*

Answering Questions When We Don’t Have The Answers

Hollywood Stories Author Interview

The Sneezy Wheezy Day Blog Tour

Reuseit Reuseable Lunch Bags

Macaroni Monday - Kids Against Bullying

Fracture Blog Tour

Konvine Roll-Up Shoes

Surf Sweets Gummy Candy

Yum Yum Dishes

A Mile In His Shoes DVD *Giveaway*

Sandy Feet Love Note Cards *Giveaway*

Buttoned Up!

Hollywood Stories Review & *Giveaway*

Not In The Heart

Foto Fun Friday - Orange

Feisty First Ladies *Giveaway*

101 Bible Adventures

Annmarie Gianni Skin Care

Angel Evolution *Giveaway*

ThinkFun Games - Swish

Always & Forever Love *Giveaway*

Life Without Plastic

SuperFood Snacks *Giveaway*

Epsom Salt Review & *Giveaway*

Xoçai Healthy Chocolate

Macaroni Monday - Family Fun Jar

Purex UltraPacks

SpiritHoods Review & *Giveaway*

Random Acts Of Kindness

Called To Serve Review & *Giveaway*

IdentityHawk

Heat Protection For Hair

Every Day Love *Giveaway*

Raising A Child With Autism *Giveaway*

Random Obsessions Review & *Giveaway*

If We Were Best Friends

Foto Fun Friday - Friday The 13th

Reader Loyalty Program

Word Catcher Review & *Giveaway*

Destiny Review & *Giveaway*

Reasons For Hope

Mothers Of Reinvention

The Protein Bakery *Giveaway*

The Accidental Bride

That Advertising!

Dolphin Organics

Grab-A-Scab *Giveaway*

Out Of Time

Purex Crystals + Jockey *Giveaway*

I Want You To Know Me......

Macaroni Monday - Couch Potato Cure

CafeWell Social Netwrok

Rosetta Translation

Adore Me Review Coming Soon!!

MommyJuice Wines

New Chapter Vitamins *Giveaway*

Flavrz Drink Mix *Giveaway*

Zone Diet Review & *Giveaway*

The Star Trilogy Giveaway

Coversation Is Sexy Giveaway

TaTaToos

Enjoy Professional Hair Care Giveaway

A Mile In His Shoes DVD Giveaway

Sandy Feet Love Note Cards Giveaway

Hollywood Stories Review & Giveaway

Feisty First Ladies Giveaway

Angel Evolution Giveaway

Always & Forever Love Giveaway

SuperFood Snacks Giveaway

Epsom Salt Review & Giveaway

SpiritHoods Review & Giveaway

Called To Serve Review & Giveaway

Every Day Love Giveaway

Raising A Child With Autism Giveaway

Random Obsessions Review & Giveaway

Word Catcher Review & Giveaway

Destiny Review & Giveaway

The Protein Bakery Giveaway

Grab-A-Scab Giveaway

Purex Crystals + Jockey Giveaway

New Chapter Vitamins Giveaway

Flavrz Drink Mix Giveaway

Zone Diet Review & Giveaway