Amateur Book review - The Moon Looked Down - 5 Winners

I received a copy of The Moon Looked Down by Dorothy Garlock from one of my Hachette Book Group friends for review.

The new Americana romance from bestselling author Dorothy Garlock, this time set against the backdrop of WWII.

Sophie Heller's family immigrated from Germany to Victory, a small town in Illinois, before WWII began. Now that the war has affected the town, the townspeople discriminate against Sophie and her family. When a train derails, it is an accident but the Heller family is blamed. Coming to Sophie's rescue is a teacher from the high school, and despite their cultural differences, a romance starts to bloom.

In A Nutshell: Sophie and her family are falsely accused of a train derailment. Three vicious young men decided to take the law in their own hands and head out to the Heller farm to try a scare tactic, beating her father and burning down the farm is not enough to scare Sophie's father away. He rebuilds and Sophie searches the town folks for the eyes of the attackers.

Cole Ambrose comes back to town and gives her a reason to smile.

I really liked Sophie. She is a strong women who will defend the people she loves even if it means risking her own life.

Visit Dorothy's website at http://www.dorothygarlock.com/

You probably have read a Dorothy Garlock book in your life. She has been writing since 1976 and has 20 million books in print.

Great summer read. Sit back, with a cool drink and read about Sophie!

Anna once again has generously offered 5 review books to my readers.

To Enter The Giveaway: You must be a subscriber or a follower! Leave me a comment!
(If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified). (US Only! 18+ Years Only!)

Deadline: August 14, 2009 (midnight)

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1 Extra - Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

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A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

Photo Friday - Cameraphone shots

This week's challenge: 'Cameraphone Shot'.

Here is my man and my mini me.

Friday Flll Ins

1. It's time for a vacation!

2. Home ; it's not a bad place for relaxation

3. I must be insane to keep these people in my life.

4. Being a mother, is the best thing I have ever known.

5. My Life is simply Simple

6. The last time I laughed really loudly was one morning in Clarissa's kitchen when we both laughed so hard we cried. (I love that kind of laughter).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading, tomorrow my plans include making some jewelry and Sunday, I want to sleep past 7:00 a.m.

A Thousand Word Thursday

Someone is happy to be at the park. Looking at the other kids from high on his perch he found the hiding place of everyone before running and tagging them all. Smart!

Giveaways around the web I want to win

has some amazing giveaways going on.

I want to win a supergirl bathing suit. So cute. Head over here to enter.

Preschool Shows You Can Stand Behind - 3 DVDS To Giveaway

If you don't know who Sid The Science kid is you are missing out. This mom having grown up with the cartoons of the 70's is always impressed with the graphics of today's cartoons. Sid is no exception. Besides being colorful, Sid the Science Kid is an awesome show for kids 2 on up to, well this mom is 43 next month. Sid has catchy, repetitive songs and the characters are all interesting.

Sid debuted in September 2008 and was created by the Jim Henson's company. The puppets are digitally created using a special Henson technique.

Sid was created to teach science to preschoolers and I have to tell you there is nothing cuter than my kids learning about science from one of the TV friends. They are curious and when end up heading to the library to research something they learned from Sid about dirt, or how to make the perfect pancake. Seriously this stuff is cute and I especially love the theme song, "I'm looking for my friends"

In 2009, Sid the Science Kid was awarded the Parents' Choice Award and was called "Recommended Television for the spring of 2009" by the organization.

In May 2009 it the nominees for th 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced. Sid the Science Kid is nominated in two categories - "Outstanding Children's Animated Program" and "Outstanding Achievement in Main Title & Graphic Design".

The series was nominated by the Television Critics Association for a TCA Award in "Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming."

It is a great show and you can find it on PBS, check your local listing for the times.

The DVD's I got to review were the first two released for Sid the Science Guy, The Bug Club and Change Happens.
The Bug Club was cute and contains episodes Hello Doggie, Home Tweet Home, The Dirt on Dirt, and Don't Forget the Leaves.

Change Happens includes episodes, My mushy banana, My Shrinking Shoes, My Ice Pops, and The Perfect Pancake.


Seriously cute, thought provoking, entertaining and educational. Adults may just find themselves learning a thing or two, too.

Check out the Sid The Science Kid website for some more information and fun games.

The other DVD was one I had never heard of called Dive Olly Dive and it is about a little sub called Olly obviously, and his friend Beth another sub in training. Stationed at the Special Underwater Research Facility (S.U.R.F.) under the guidance of Diver Doug, the young subs explore their spectacular underwater world. It is really cute and Olly has a very sweet voice. My kids were asking if there was a toy Olly sub they could have for the bath. I don't believe there are any toys out there yet but I wouldn't be surprised.
I am fortunate enough to be able to offer my readers a chance to win the 3 DVD's for themselves.

To Enter The Giveaway: You must be a subscriber or a follower! Tell me what your favorite kid show was when you were growing up and what your child's favorite show is now.

(If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified). (US Only! 18+ Years Only!)

Deadline: August 13, 2009 (midnight)

Do You Want More Entries?

1 Extra - Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

1 Extra - Add me to your blogroll

1 Extra - Follow me on Twitter

1 Extra - Tweet this and leave the URL link.

1 Extra- Post my button on your sidebar

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A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

ABC Wednesday - Round 5 - B

B is for.....

BIRDS

BOUNCING

BLACK & WHITE BEACH

BEACH

Smelly Wash Can Make Your Towels Smell Good Again-Giveaway

Last week I was able to try out Smelly Washer!

This little bottle contains some pretty amazing granules. Simple add a tablespoon of Smelly Washer to your stinky washing machine and get that wonderful right out of the wash again!

Well, like the women on the video I had the same problem. If I used a ball full of softener, that smell goes away, but if I am out of softener then I have that smell. You know, the smell like they sat out wet for a while.

It works! My towels especially my beach towels (we go to the lake 3 days a week) were smelling kind nasty. After one use, no more smelly towels. The bottle should last you a year. I believe this is worth the money. We clean ever other thing in our home so why not clean our washing machine?

Want to try it? You can purchase it here and be sure to take advantage of the 10% discount for my readers by using (reesspace) in the promo code section.

If you would like to try it for yourself, please leave me a comment!

Giveaway Instructions

To Enter The Giveaway: You must be a subscriber or a follower! Leave me a comment.

(If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified). (US Only! 21 + Years Only!)

Deadline: August 12, 2009 (midnight)

Do You Want More Entries?

1 Extra - Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

1 Extra - Add me to your blogroll

1 Extra - Follow me on Twitter

1 Extra - Tweet this and leave the URL link.

1 Extra- Post my button on your sidebar

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A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

Snack On The Go - GoGo SqueeZ

Legend has it, that in the 19th century, a very loving grandfather was determined to craft a special snack for his grandson. Using delicious apples from his backyard orchard in the Val De Loire region of France, near the Chateau Chambord, Monsieur Materne created a delicious and simple applesauce, the Materne Company was born in what would become the most popular applesauce company in France.

Today, Materne still uses apples from the same region to offer kids and adults alike the yummy and nutritious treat of premium, all natural applesauce. But now, it is also available in a resealable, squeezable pouch for a naturally delicious snack on the go. And it's the perfect size for "little" hands.

New 100 Percent Fruit, No Added Sugar Range, and More than 1 Billion Sold in Europe

NEW YORK –– Parents sifting through healthy snacking options for their children need look no further. GoGo squeeZ is the first squeezable, re-sealable, no-mess applesauce for kids. An engaging, convenient pouch design and delicious all natural fruit flavors are enough for kids to bypass the fight and go straight to the healthy snacking.

Packaged in a squeezable pouch and equipped with a re-sealable lid, GoGo squeeZ is perfect for kids on-the-go. Originally designed for NASA astronauts, each all-natural pouch contains a full serving of fruit – just simple, clean ingredients. GoGo squeeZ is the perfect snack for kids of any age.

“Children are interested in flavor and a fun design – but we know parents are looking for a snack of more substance they can be sure their kids will eat when on-the-go,” said David Istier, Materne’s North American VP of Marketing. “GoGo squeeZ comes in a fun package, is simple for kids to use independently, and actually tastes good. Parents can enjoy the benefits of providing their children with a no-mess, no-fight, healthy snack option.

GoGo SqueeZ is awesome. I was sent a box of regular applesauce and one of each of the flavored kind on Saturday. They were awesome.

They come in: Regular, peach, strawberry, banana and Cinnamon and none of them were a let down. There is no sugar added, no spoon needed. Simply unscrew the cap and sip away. It is like sucking delicious applesauce up with a straw. Love it! It is so good you feel like you are eating a treat rather than something that is good for you.

These GoGo SqueeZ are great for snacking on the go, lunch boxes or wherever. We took them to the park over the weekend and today I brought two to the beach with me. I asked the lifeguard if he wanted to try one and he said, "these are applesauce? In here?" I told him yes, "unscrew and squeeze." He loved it! He said he would definitely buy and that it was a perfect snack for his lunch box on the beach. He asked for the website which I was happy to give him and now I will give it to you.

You can get them on Accueil-Materne GoGo Squeeze or

Predatoress The Vampire Gift Box Giveaway

Get Ready to behold the coolest, gift box set ever!

I was so excited to open the heavy black box containing, Predatoress and Blood Wine. Like a kid in a candy store as they say!

I am not sure that I have been this excited about a giveaway. It is thrilling, and an honor to be able to bring, one of my readers this, amazing gift box set from author Emma Gabor.

The book Predatoress is about Emma, a girl who is visited one night by one of Dracula's undead. Turned in a predatoress or vampire, she takes victims, although reluctantly, to quench her thirst and struggles with her immortality. When she gets lonely she "turns" her best friends and together they lure, charm and attack their victims.

When she falls in love with Zoltan a genetic researcher she hopes that he can free her from this life of vampirism. Will she be able to hold off from changing him or will he be the key to her salvation?

Blood-soaked horror! Vampire lore! Dark desires! Sex and love! Yearning to be human again!

Are you ready to find out how Emma defeated Dracula and became a force for good.

Interested yet?

You can get your very own copy in ebook form here.

It is also available in book form at Amazon.

Thanks to Emma and the powers that be, I have a gift box to give away.

Giveaway Instructions

To Enter The Giveaway: You must be a subscriber or a follower! Tell me who is your favorite movie, TV or book vampire.

(If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified). (US Only! 21 + Years Only!)

Deadline: August 11, 2009 (midnight)

Do You Want More Entries?

1 Extra - Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

1 Extra - Follow Emma Gabor on Twitter

1 Extra - Become a friend Emma on Facebook.



1 Extra - Add me to your blogroll

1 Extra - Follow me on Twitter

1 Extra - Tweet this and leave the URL link.

1 Extra- Post my button on your sidebar

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A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

The Queen's Meme No. 3 is called the Culinary Meme

1. If you could put thyme in a bottle, what is the first thing that you'd like to do? I would spend every day till eternity passes aways, just to spend them with you.

2. Do eggs really crack or do they merely have a nervous breakdown? I have seen some have a nervous breakdown until they crack! So sad.

3. Why are you whipping the butter? What did it ever do to you? I actually have never whipped butter, I do however give the cream a wallop or two now and then.

4. Do your spoons spoon in the drawer? Have you ever noticed? And more importantly, if wooden spoons spoon do they get splinters? My spoons actually hate each other. They never even sit next to their own kind. They usually fraternize with the forks and knives. No matter how many times I have tried to keep them together. As for the wooden spoon, I have no idea because I have the Mack Daddy of the woodens and he usually hangs with Ms. Plastic Spatula.

5. You hear: "Dumpling, my Dumpling, come hither." The candles are lit, the fondue is dipping, the Godiva is pouring, the scallions are steaming and the music is playing.....but wait, the windows are open. Why did you close them? Who left them damn windows open anyway? My central air would just be wasted. Money doesn't grow on trees ya know!

6. Do you need a recipe to cook or are you a bohemian chef? Show us your reckless and wild side in the kitchen. Don't have one? Here's a recipe I made just for you: You will need a spatula, a whisk, a gallon of Chardonnay, a banana and a rump roast. What is the name of your dish? I am a total Bohemian Chef. The recipe, by the way, would be called, Wasted ass and a banana on top! Yo!

7. After dinner, the dishes are so dirty that the dishwasher refuses to wash them.
What did they say to get in hot water? Yo, start scrubbing B'Otch!

8. Is your pot black? No but my kettle is!

9. What is the sexiest spice or condiment in your cabinet? What makes it so? The cayenne pepper because she is so spicy.

10. How much crock is really in your crock pot?My crock is full of crock! She is so full of crock that put her out of my mind until this very question. Oh yeah, I have a stinkin crock pot. I am craving some chili.

Ruby Tuesday - The Bench

It's a holy bench! Get it? Holy....bwahahahahah

One of My Favorite Commentors Gave Me An Award!

I am thrilled and surprised to receive this award from Lorie



Thanks so much Lorie! BTW...how bad am I. I didn't even know you were a blogger. I don't think you ever left a URL on the Google Doc Comment sheet. I just signed up for your email feed.

Eco Store Winner

This giveaway ended on the 24th at midnight but, I had my nieces over this weekend. They left last night and I am so bummed.

So without further ado, the winner of the Eco Store Giveaway is.....

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

72 - Cindy 

Timestamp: 2009-07-28 16:22:15 UTC

Cindy said, I'm a new follower! The product I would choose is the Coconut & Vanilla Body Wash. It sounds yummy!

If you are looking for some vintage clothing or housewares check out Cindy's shop on Etsy called Hellcat Vintage

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The "Leave It to Meme" Meme

1. Who was your FIRST date? His name was Peter I think.

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love? Ummmm...no

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink? Beer at the age of 10 months.

4. What was your FIRST job? I worked in my uncle's office doing office work. I hated it!

5. What was your FIRST car? A 1986 black Camero

6. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane? Florida

7. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk? Peggy Beattie and yes we still talk about once a year.

8. Whose wedding did you attend the FIRST time? My cousin Herbie's

9. Tell us about your FIRST roommate. Her name was Karen and she was a coke head who eventually needed to go. She was dating my boyfriend's brother and when he and I broke up and I started dating another things got ugly.

10. If you had one wish, what would it be (other than more wishes)? To be around to see my grandchildren.

11. What is something you would learn if you had the chance? I would love to play an instrument.

12. Did you marry the FIRST person you were in love with? Hell no!

13. What were the first lessons you ever took and why? I took ballet lessons when I was 3 years old because my mother wanted to see me in a tutu.

14. What is the first thing you do when you get home? Open the door!

Spartacus Coming To Starz, January 2010

I, for one, can't wait for this series to start. The new series for Starz starting in January 2010 looks bad ass. It looks like Gladiator meets 300. My husband and I saw the trailer, and are very excited to finally find something on TV that we want to watch. Check out the high resolution trailer here. Hot!

Spartacus: Blood and Sand

Betrayed by his country. Beaten into slavery. Reborn as a warrior. "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" is a graphic and visceral account of Rome’s most famous gladiator. When he’s separated from the love of his life, Spartacus is forced into the gruesome and bloodthirsty arena, where a grisly death is primetime entertainment. Spartacus must fight for survival, befriend his enemies and play politics in this new world of corruption, violence, sex and fame. He’ll be seduced by power and tormented by vengeance. But his passion will give him the strength to prevail over every obstacle, in this modern and uninhibited tale of death, honor and endurance.

Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield (McLeod's Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" an epic television event.

Annabelle's Secret: A Story about Sexual Abuse By Amy Barth

Recently I was offered an opportunity through Parent Reviewers to read a book by Amy Barth called Annabelle's Secret. This is a book I wish was around to read when I was a child. As a child of sexual abuse there were no books that confirmed what I needed to know; that the abuse was not my fault!!

The book narrated by 14 year old Annabelle discusses the abuse she suffered when she was 7 years old, the age I was when my abuse started. When a neighborhood boy Joel approaches Annabelle about a secret club, she is very interested until she realizes that this club makes her feel bad about herself and the things she is expected to do. When she turns 11 those bad feelings resurface. Annabelle finds the courage to finally tell her mother who supports her and tells her that the abuse was not her fault.

Amy Barth, takes a very sensitive subject, and in the voice of a child, lets children reclaim their power.

This book should be in every therapists office and given to all children of abuse. Also, a great way for parents to be able to discuss with their children, the dangers of predators and let them know in a very safe, sensitive way about inappropriateness. Someone asking them to take off their clothes or touching them is wrong. They should know to say "no!"

Highly recommended!

Cool Clothes For Your Kids

Like Wear is a really cool company that creates clothes your kid will want to wear. School starts soon and everyone is thinking about back to school shopping. How about a way to get your kids clothes and support your sisters (the entire sales force is made up of moms).

The powers that be sent me out some clothes for my kids to try out.

My daughter received a tank top with Lucky Charms on the front (center picture, bottom row).
She wore it for two days straight and refused to even take it off at night. Thankfully she isn't a dirty kind of kid because I actually had to sneak it into the wash while she was bathing or it wouldn't have gotten washed. This is the first piece of clothing she had that reaction to. She loves her pretty dresses and tutus but always takes them off.

The tank she received is of really good quality and the image nicely done. Not your typical iron on quality.

Ken & Lisa Gold, a husband and wife team created the company together. Beside a great company to purchase clothing your children will love, they also have career opportunities for mom's. If you would like to find out more about this opportunity go here.

Their entire sales force is made up of moms. When you head over to their site, you would search for a representative and check out their site.

Head over and find fun clothes for your kids to start school with.

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