Family, Scrapbooks and Coffee!

Thankful Thursday - May Edition

2012-05-24T13:19:00.002-04:00

This title pretty much sums it up. I'm thankful. Period.

I'm thankful that we're able to take the family to Disney this year for Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that this morning, on my 180 day mark (you Disney peeps know what I'm talking about) I was able to get all of the advance dining reservations on my wish list. I'm thankful that the kids are healthy and happy in our new home. I'm thankful, although it's a lot of work, the construction progress outside of the new home is coming along. Thankful that we've got nice neighbors and loads of little kids. Thankful for the drama free environment (wait - insert my kids here -- we brought the drama? lol) of the neighborhood. Thankful for my varsity swim coach at school who is going to teach the Piper to swim this summer and give refresher courses to the other two. Thankful for our son making the District select baseball team for summer play this year. Thankful for our gymnastics coach who wants to work with Twink through some of her fears of tumbling passes which include back handspring, back tuck combos. Thankful for the summer golf league which keeps hubs happy on Wednesday nights. Thankful that author Heather Muzik wants to give away her chick flick 2 Days books soon! Thankful that people on Etsy make diapers for dogs. Thankful that my mom was able to stay at our house for a long weekend while we escaped to Disney for our anniversary. Thankful that it is almost time to make our annual trek to the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. Thankful that the hubs loves me even though I am overwhelmed and crabby by the time he gets home from work.

Like I said before: Thankful. Just thankful.

Wordless Wednesday: Epcot International Flower & Garden Show

2012-05-16T08:15:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day Give Away

2012-05-13T17:19:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!! I know mine has been fabulous so far. Slept in. Twink brought me coffee upstairs ... I did have show her how to put Splenda and half/half in it. :-) A nice dnner at The Pub - our own Mother's Day tradition and now we're just relaxing at home.

One of my favorite authors, Heather Muzik, is celebrating this Mother's Day too ... I'm sure she is celebrating with her two sons and family but she is also celebrating the re-release of Celia's Journey both in paperback and for Kindle! Celia's is back with a redesigned cover and a price that is easier on your wallet. For the full review of Celia's, head over to my original review from December, 2010.

Speaking of easier on your wallet, how does FREE sound? Heather is graciously offering an autographed copy of Celia's Journey to one lucky reader in honor of Mother's Day! There are many, many ways to gain entries to the contest!!! The contest is open now and will run through next Sunday. The winner will be drawn using random.org. All winners will be verified and have 48 hours to respond.

Ready? Set? GO!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baroness by Susan May Warren

2012-05-05T08:24:00.001-04:00

As you guessed from my last post about the Baroness Roaring Twenties Kindle Fire give away, I received a review copy of Baroness by Susan May Warren to review. Unlike my last two reviews, this one I am happy about. (Really, who loves to give a less than stellar review?) This is the second book in the Daughters of Fortune series but the first one I have had a chance to read and review. I must say it is an excellent stand alone book! I am sure if I have the chance, I will go back to read Heiress as it will give me even more insight to the characters that had a smaller role in this book and how they developed. Baroness is set in Paris, New York City and Montana in the "roaring twenties" (which I don't know much about.) I loved reading about the settings --- about how excited people were about air planes, motor cars, blimps, prohibition, smoking, baseball ... my list could go on and on. Yet, at the heart of the matter are two girls - rich girls, I might add - who are coming of age in this time. Finding themselves, finding love - and bittersweet heartache - trying to get away from their past and finding the true meaning of family. It was an excellent read! I have already highly recommended it to a few of my colleagues (who may find it out of their genre but that is how much I loved it!) You can pick up your own copy of Baroness by Susan May Warren wherever books are sold: Amazon, Barnes and Noble included as this is available for Kindle and Nook as well. Speaking of Kindle - you have until May 7th to enter to win a Kindle Fire from Susan May Warren. Check out the sidebar button at the top of my blog to take you to the entering points. Good luck - everyone needs a Kindle Fire, just ask Piper!! DISCLAIMER: This book was provided to me on behalf of the publisher by Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review.

Roaring 20's Give Away #Baroness by Susan May Warren

2012-05-03T10:08:00.000-04:00

Baroness by Susan May Warren -- come back on Saturday, 5/5/12 to see what I thought of this book!

Lilly and Rose, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want ... except freedom.

Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But, Lily, Esme's daughter longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And Jinx's daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. But following their dreams - from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers will take all their courage.

And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?

Celebrate with Susan May Warren by entering her Roaring 20's Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire
Signed copies of Baroness and Heiress by Susan May Warren

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/7/12. The winner will be announced on 5/9/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles!
Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

See what all the hype is about --- check out what other reviewers have to say HERE.

A Callahan Wedding by Tina Leonard

2012-05-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

From the Publisher:

“Holy Smokes. I’m A Father.”

Sabrina McKinley broke Jonas’s heart when she left him for another man. Then the eldest Callahan brother gets the surprise of his life when he sees her again…holding his son. Even at six months, his bouncing baby boy was wearing the legendary Callahan smile Which means Sabrina has got to marry him, even if Jonas has to drag her to the altar.

Sabrina’s been head over heels for the hunky cowboy doctor since the day she first came to Rancho Diablo; it’s always been Jonas keeping her at arm’s length. She won’t settle for anything less than the real deal—the love and happiness that Jonas’s five brothers have found. But when a revelation about a family secret comes out, Sabrina can see Jonas is ready to look toward the future. He won’t be the last bachelor on the ranch. After all, he’s a Callahan!

What I thought:

Not my favorite read of the year. I was optimistic upon starting the book and still think maybe if I would have read all of the other Callahan brother books, I might have enjoyed this one a little more. I think the author sold herself short in this book ... there were places the book just made no sense to me at all. I found myself thinking I had an easy, fun filled romance to read last week. I found myself putting it down more than I picked it up just because I didn't "feel it" with this book.

If reviews slow down this summer, maybe I will give one of the previous Callahan books a spin. I really wanted to like this book - maybe I will like another by this author.

This book released on 5/1/12. You can get it for Kindle, Nook and in paperback from both Amazon and barnesandnoble.com.

DISCLAIMER: This book was provided to me on behalf of the publisher by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review.

The River Witch by Kimberly Brock

2012-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

From the Publisher:

Can the river heal her?
Roslyn Byrne is twenty-four years old, broken in body, heart and soul. Her career as a professional ballet dancer ended with a car wreck and a miscarriage, leaving her lost and grieving. She needs a new path, but she doesn't have the least idea how or where to start. With some shoving from her very Southern mama, she immures herself for the summer on
Manny's Island, Georgia, one of the Sea Isles, to recover.

There Roslyn finds a ten-year-old girl, Damascus, who brings alligators, pumpkins and hoodoo into her sorry life.

Roslyn rents a house from Damascus's family, the Trezevants, a strange bunch. One of the cousins, Nonnie, who works in the family's market, sees things Roslyn is pretty sure she shouldn't, and knows things regular people don't. Between the Trezevant secrets and Damascus's blatant snooping and meddling, Roslyn finds herself caught in a mysterious stew of the past and present, the music of the river, the dead and the dying who haunt the riverbank, and a passion for living her new life.

What I thought:

I'd give 3 out of 5 stars. The River Witch is another book in which I was drawn into the story by the author. I did find myself rereading certain sections to see if I had skipped over important details of the story because I kind of felt that there was something missing. There were scenes in which I got teary eyed. It was definitely a touching story of growing and moving on, as well as connecting with the past. I was surprised with the ending ~~ as I think most will be!

You can get your copy of the River Witch for your Kindle, Nook or in paperback from Amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.

DISCLAIMER: This book was provided to me on behalf of the publisher by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review.

2 Days til Sundae. 1 Day. Free. Monday 4/30/12

2012-04-30T06:57:00.000-04:00

Because of the great demand, author Heather Muzik has decided to give her readers another day of a freebie. On Monday, April 30, 2012, you can get your copy of her book 2 Days Til Sundae at Amazon.com.

If you missed my review of 2 Days, you can see it by clicking this LINK. 2 Days was a fabulous read - easy and quick; witty and many laugh out loud moments. I really did love it! (If you do see this post after Monday, 4/30/12 - know that 2 Days is still a bargain at just $2.99 for the Kindle edition!)

If you're not a Kindle kind of person, you can still grab 2 Days til Sundae in paperback (not for free) from Amazon.com.

Don't wait - get this wonderful book today - just in time for your summer reading list! It's a fun one!!

WW: What Does Your Spud Say?

2012-04-26T07:59:00.001-04:00

Mine reinforces my love for spuds.

Catch Me (#review) by Lisa Gardner

2012-03-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Last night I finished the book Catch Me by Lisa Gardner. All I can say is "wow." I can see why her last book was on the NY Times "Best Seller List". I had not previously heard of this author, prior to my request to review Catch Me via Netgalley.com. After reading this book, in all of it's intensity for 2 nights, I can definitely say that I will be looking for more of her reads!

From the Publisher:

In New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner's latest D.D. Warren thriller, the relentless Boston investigator must solve a coldly calculated murder--before it happens.

In four days, someone is going to kill me . . . Detective D. D. Warren is hard to surprise. But a lone woman outside D.D.'s latest crime scene shocks her with a remarkable proposition: Charlene Rosalind Carter Grant believes she will be murdered in four days. And she wants Boston's top detective to handle the death investigation.

It will be up close and personal. No evidence of forced entry, no sign of struggle. Charlie tells a chilling story: Each year at 8:00 p.m. on January 21st, a woman has died. The victims have been childhood best friends from a small town in New Hampshire; the motive remains unknown. Now only one friend, Charlie, remains to count down her final hours.

But as D.D. quickly learns, Charlie Grant doesn't plan on going down without a fight. By her own admission, the girl can outshoot, outfight, and outrun anyone in Boston. Which begs the question, is Charlie the next victim, or the perfect perpetrator? As D.D. tracks a vigilante gunman who is killing pedophiles in Boston, she must also delve into the murders of Charlie's friends, racing to find answers before the next gruesome January 21 anniversary. Is Charlie truly in danger, or is she hiding a secret that may turn out to be the biggest threat of all?

In four days, someone is going to kill me. But the son of a bitch has gotta catch me first.

What I thought:
As I said above, "wow". This book had it all: family drama, cops v. robbers, and even a little glimpse of romance (not too much so don't go thinking this is a romance, not a chance.) There were a few scenes where I actually found myself holding my breath, waiting to see what happens next.

If you're a thriller fan, this book is right up your alley. Mysteries? Yes, this book is mysterious too. As I read books, I often think of what my Husband would think of the book (he is a non-reader - he waits for the movie to come out) and how long it would take him to figure out the "who," "what," and "why" of the book. He is usually pretty quick with figuring things out. I have a feeling that this one might give him a run for his money.

Catch Me was released last month and is the sixth installment of the Detective DD Warren series. (This is my first of the series and I didn't feel like I needed to read the previous five in order to enjoy this one!) It can be found at any major bookseller, as well as on Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

I received a galley copy of Catch Me compliments of the Publisher via Netgalley.com. I was not required to provide a positive review of the book, although I am pleased to do so. I received no compensation for this review. All opinions are my own.

Feed Your Kindle -- Apathetic is free TODAY!

2012-03-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

You heard me! Feed your Kindle (or free Kindle reading app) for FREE. The chilling story from Heather Muzik is available for free today, Monday, March 26, 2012!! (Due to popular demand, the promotion has been extended through Tuesday, March 27! Spread the word!)

I know that some of you do not have a Kindle, but as I mentioned above, you can also get a free Kindle reading app from Amazon for your PC, your iPod or your iPad. I even have one on my iPhone for situations when I'm really desperate. :-)

If you're dead set against reading electronically, there is a paperback version of the book available on Amazon.com, but not for freeeeeeee.......

clipix: Organize Your Family Life!

2012-03-04T19:01:00.001-05:00

clipix is a cool new tool that is taking over the online organization challenge! Have you ever seen a recipe or product online and when you're ready to make or purchase, you can't remember the website of where you saw it? Clipix will solve this problem for you and keep things that you find online in one place, by creating "clipboards" of all of your favorite things.

Even cooler? You can maintain privacy settings for all of your different clipboards! If you want to keep "baby" a secret for a little longer while still dreaming of new nursery design, baby names or clothing styles? Keep that clipboard "private" but still clip away, saving all of your ideas to the baby clipboard. If you find great recipes that you want to share with everyone, leave the clipboard open to everyone. You can even have a clipboard set to "friends only" so that only those you wish to share with can see your dreams, memories and favorite things.

It's really easy to work too! You simply drag a bookmark called "clip" to your bookmarks toolbar. Then when you see something that you want to remember, click on the "clip" button and save. You can even tweet your clips out so that people can see what you're looking at - this is totally optional - but very cool to be able to do! I clipped a Rachael Ray recipe to my clipboard yesterday and it even brought the recipe name over for me. I only needed to click "save" and I was set.

There is also a feature called "Syncboards." These let you clip items collaboratively with your friends or family. When anyone adds a clip to the syncboard, everyone else you collaborate with will see it in real-time. Sounds perfect for planning a family reunion, family vacation or even a wedding! Another awesome feature of Clipix is the Multiboards feature. Think grouping all of your recipes onto one Multiboard. Mine would be: 30 Minute Meals, Once a Month Cooking, Diet Recipes, etc. Or all of your clothing "wants" into subcategories - spring, summer, fall, winter, vacation, prom, etc. The possibilities are endless!

See how cool and easy it is:

Clipix is not only available online but they have an awesome iPhone app as well - available right from the App store.

Check Clipix out! I'll be adding a button to my blog and hopefully to my FB account so that you can check out my Clipboards and maybe even follow along! What will you use Clipix to create? Please drop me a comment to let me know what you think about Clipix - good and bad - I'd love to hear your opinion!

Promoted Post

Franklin's Valentines - an Ebook Review

2012-03-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

We're a Franklin kind of family. The character that was first introduced to us on the TV channel Noggin when DinoBoy and Twinkletoes were younger. The kind of boy who you want to be your son - Mom and Pa Turtle ~~were~~ are role models for me as a parent. They never lose their temper. They never yell at their son. They quietly explain and discuss situations the way a "perfect" family would. I strive for their zen when dealing with their son's antics.

I was asked by the Publisher to review this ebook, Franklin's Valentines via Netgalley.com. I am so excited to do so. While it is a few weeks past the big Valentine's Day, there is no reason this book can't be read to your children any day. We've read it quite frequently the past few weeks, me and Sweetart, on the iPad.

Here's a blurb from the Publisher:

In this Franklin Classic Storybook, it’s Valentine's Day and Franklin can’t wait to give his friends the cards he has made. But when he gets to school, he discovers that they’re missing. Franklin is heartbroken and worried that now his friends won’t want to give him any cards. Big hearts prevail and Franklin soon learns that he has very good friends—and that he can be a good friend, too.

Here's what Sweetart and I thought (keep in mind she is going to be 4 soon): WE LOVED IT. I heard a lot of "more mamma's" and "again" out of her. She wanted to flip the page. She wanted to tell the story based on the illustrations. She also wanted to tell her friends that it is okay and accidents happen but they're still friends anyway.

A great book with a great lesson behind it! Franklin's Valentines is a winner in our house!

If you would like more information about Paulette Bourgeois, the author of this fabulous story, please visit her website.

Note: I was provided a copy of this ebook, free of charge, from the Publisher via NetGalley.com. I was not compensated for this review, only asked to provide my honest opinion of the book, which I am pleased to do.

I'm Thankful.

2012-03-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

With all of the hubbub during the past few weeks, I haven't found the strength nor the time to prepare a blog post. That isn't to say that I don't have a lot to say - I have plenty - and I have book reviews that need to be written and published. I've been reading a ton to keep my mind elsewhere ---

In the beginning of January, we placed our house on the market. I am happy to report that it sold. We had it under contract in 15 days. We hit a few snags in the road to our new house - which we'll settle on in mid-March - with a seller who is losing his shirt (or at least his undershirt) in that sale because he bought at the top of the market in 2005 and is selling in a recovering but not yet overinflated market. I think we're giving him a fair price for his home. It's been on and off of the market since 2010, so I'm taking a gander that he just wants to be done with it now.

I am going to miss our house. Our "big green house" as Sweetart tends to call it. She is confused when we ride by the new house which is conveniently located less than a mile from our current house. When I tell her we are going home from somewhere she wants to know which home she is going to: the big green house or the new house. I wonder how long we'll think of it that way: "the new house." I wonder how long it will take for it to become home?

We're leaving behind 12 years worth of us in our house. Our fence. Our playground. Our patios. Our flowers and trees. Our neighbors. Our new kitchen! The blood (skinned knees and having babies counts,right?), sweat and tears that went into everything we've transformed our little cape cod into for the next young family. Our family is now older, wiser and bigger ... in need of just a tad more space for the kids to play without wanting to choke one another. (one can dream, can't she?)

On another note, our twin nephews arrived safe and sound on Tuesday, February 7! Both boys, Mason and Dalton, are still in the hospital but are doing better and better each day. As of last week, all IVs have been removed from them, although they are still receiving nourishment from feeding tubes and are still hooked up to all kinds of bells and monitors that watch their breathing and heart rates (and probably much more than I could even begin to imagine.) So my brother and sister in law have had their hands full with their almost four year old and the addition of these two little ones who have yet to come home. I had the honor of meeting them last week when I was off from work on Friday. I even got to hold little Mason for a long time!! (He slept the whole time and is ever so precious!) His brother, Dalton, got to sleep in his isolette while he was having a bottle fed to him through is feeding tube. *UPDATE* Both are now off of the feeding tubes and amping up to come home! I am so excited!!

Basically, this post comes to this: I'm thankful that the boys arrived into the world safe and sound. I'm thankful my sister in law was able to deliver them without any complications and is doing fabulous! I'm thankful that our house sold quickly! and we'll be moving in two weeks. I'm thankful for the support of those who have listened to me moan, groan and cry in the past few weeks. Thankful for my husband who supports me even when he thinks I am totally off of my rocker and for my mom who listens no matter what. Thankful for our beautiful children who are growing used to the idea of moving and I think are even getting excited about it -- they're helping build my excitement too! And, I'm thankful that my Kuerig hasn't taken a crap on me in the last few weeks - I've really needed that morning coffee!

Return to Grace by Karen Harper

2012-02-28T09:17:00.001-05:00

From the Publisher:

In the shadows of a graveyard, a SHOT rings out…
Hannah Esh fled the Home Valley Amish community with a broken heart, throwing herself into her worldly dreams of a singing career instead. But as much as she tries to run from her past, something keeps pulling her back. On a whim, she brings four worldly friends to the Amish graveyard near her family’s home for a midnight party on Halloween. But when shots are fired and one of her friends is killed, Hannah is pulled back into the world of her past.

The investigation into the shooting uncovers deep-buried secrets that shock the peaceful Amish village to its core. Determined to prove her value to the community she left behind, Hannah attempts to bridge two cultures, working closely with both handsome, arrogant FBI agent Linc Armstrong and her former betrothed, Seth Lantz, now widowed with a young daughter.

Caught between Seth and Linc, between old and new, Amish and worldly, Hannah must choose her future. Unless a killer, bent on secrecy, chooses it for her.

About the author:
New York Times bestselling author Karen Harper is a former high school and college English teacher. Winner of the 2005 Mary Higgins Clark Award for her outstanding novel Dark Angel, Karen is the author of seventeen romantic suspense novels and six historical novels, as well as a series of historical mysteries. Karen and her husband, who divide their time between Columbus, Ohio, and Naples, Florida, love to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. For additional information about Karen and her novels, please visit www.KarenHarperAuthor.com.

What I thought:

A great story about how the outside world influences the Amish communities. After the shooting, Hannah returns to her childhood home to recuperate and search her soul for answers. Where does she belong? Why was there a shooting? What is going on in her community? The answers to these questions and more are answered within the pages of Return to Grace.

Although this is the second in a series of books, I did not read the first. I was given the opportunity to read this, pre-release, by the Publisher via NetGalley.com. This book is a wonderful stand-alone book! I am not certain that I even need to read the first book as so many story lines were revisited in Return to Grace - I almost feel like I know the story from Fall from Pride already. Notwithstanding, had I read the first book, I'm sure I'd have been eager to read the second book to catch up with the characters and the community. I will be more than willing to read the next book for the same reason!!

As mentioned within the review, I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com. I was not compensated for this review nor asked to give a positive review, although I am pleased to do so.

2 Months til Mrs! (Heather Muzik)

2012-02-23T12:29:00.000-05:00

From the Publisher: 2 Months 'Til Mrs. is the second book in the 2 'Til series. Cat is at it again--over reacting, over thinking, and over indulging.... The New Year is here and for Catherine Hemmings that means one thing--the year she met Joel "Fynn" Trager is over. Long-distance love with her Minnesota man has had her living out of a suitcase for months, never knowing for sure what time it is on either end. Now thirty-five is breathing down her neck and she is tired of living in limbo.... In just 2 short months she'll be another year older.... Can Cat make it down the aisle under the wire? It's a race against time and the laws of wedding physics, and she is going to need all the help she can get... especially as she begins to realize that love just might be blind to reality. Is Catherine really ready to give up NYC for good? To take on a ready-made family? To say I do? Will she follow her head or her heart?

What I thought: Loved it!! I absolutely loved seeing where Cat and Fynn wind up and what is going on with the family and friends we met in 2 Days Til Sundae. Quite an easy and enjoyable read. I started one morning and finished it the next day ... life with three kids, two dogs and loveable hubs, in between. :-) Cat is a quirky and enjoyable protagonist. I love characters who I think I would get along with in real life! Her way of thinking and her antics are so much fun!!

While this is the second in the 2 'Til series, I found it to be worthy of it's own "stand alone" acclaim too. The characters are well built and story line, while references the prior book, doesn't need to have the history of reading the first book to enjoy the second.

We are left with a few unresolved issues in the mix too --- wonder if there will be another 2 Til book coming out next year?

My recommendation? Pick up your copy of 2 Months til Mrs. at the special pre-release Kindle and Nook price of only $2.99! Seriously, you can't beat it. All the therapy you need after a long day right inside your electronic reader!

Progresso Soup and Biggest Loser Workout DVD!

2012-02-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

This post is going to sound a lot like a post from a few weeks ago, right? Only this time, it's better! I was lucky enough to receive a package from Progresso, via MyBlogSpark, which contained 5 cans of Progresso soup, including light chicken noodle and light clam chowder. Also included in my "treat box" was a video of a Biggest Loser workout. At the rate I'm going (backwards) in our own Biggest Loser Contest at school, these items couldn't have arrived at a better time.

And for you, Progresso is offering a giveaway too! You can win two (2) VIP coupons for Progresso Soup and your own copy of the Biggest Loser DVD Workout! Not only can you win here at my blog, see below where you can enter the Souper You^® Contest!! My giveaway will end on Thursday, 2/16/12 but you have until Wednesday, 2/22/12 to get your entries in to Progresso's Souper You^® Contest. See the bottom of this post for the easy to use Rafflecopter form to enter my contest! No purchase is necessary and you can enter once daily through next Thursday!

February! It’s time to consider how you will stick to your resolution for the New Year and maintain your weight management plan, without sacrificing on variety or the taste of foods you love. Thanks to Progresso^®, you can have your soup and eat it too!

With 40 delicious soups with 100 calories or less per serving, Progresso Soup has a variety of offerings that help you beat diet boredom and satisfy your taste cravings, while helping you stick to your weight management calorie goals. Progresso soups are packed with hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices.

This year, the Souper You^® Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season’s live finale of NBC’s The Biggest Loser
Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd
Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th
In addition, visit http://bit.ly/ProgressoCoup to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup today, and feel free to share with your blog readers so they can take advantage of the savings as well
Also, tune into The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c

Click here to watch this amazing video of the 2011 winner experience.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lucky Harbor - have you been there?

2012-01-21T12:47:00.000-05:00

Blurb from the author/publisher:

Product Description
Love awaits you in Lucky Harbor . . .

Simply Irresistible
After losing her boyfriend and her job, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim her inheritance-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. She sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if she can give the inn the makeover it needs. Enter Jax, a tall, handsome contractor who knows exactly what Maddie needs...

The Sweetest Thing
Helping her sister set up the family inn is just the thing to make Tara forget her ex-husband and focus on her new life. Until she meets a sexy, green-eyed sailor determined to keep her hot, bothered, and in his bed. When her ex reappears, Tara must confront her past and decide what she really wants.

If the sisters are lucky, they might just find that everything their hearts desire is right here in Lucky Harbor.

I just finished books one and two of Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis. They were both wonderful! Filled with just enough romance and sexy scenes to call it a great romance read, it was also filled with fun, witty humor and the look inside another family's emotional baggage.

I laughed out loud more times than I can remember in a book. The sisters we meet in this series, Tara, Maddie and Chloe are a fun bunch who all have the same mother but different fathers. Although they know one another, they've never dealt with each other for extended periods of time - until their mother dies and leaves them an Inn in Lucky Harbor.

If you are looking for an easy, funny and romantic series, look no further than the Lucky Harbor books. I'm definitely putting book #3 on my "to read" list on GoodReads.

DISCLAIMER: This book was provided to me on behalf of the publisher by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review.

Waiting for Dawn: A Novella by Susan May Warren

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

From the Publisher:

Product Description

In this prequel to Flee the Night—the first book in Susan May Warren’s critically acclaimed Team Hope series—Lacey Galloway leads a rather predictable life as a contractor for the Department of Defense. But news that Sergeant First Class Jim Micah is missing in action leads her on a dangerous trek overseas to rescue the man who secretly captured her heart.

Although her DOD connections quickly cut through the red tape, she also enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend and Micah’s best friend, Lieutenant John Montgomery. As they hatch a covert plan to find and rescue Micah, Lacey’s feelings are once again torn between the two men.

Filled with romance and adventure, this twisty tale will hold you captive to the very last page.

At approximately 50 pages, this Novella (I do have to tell you that I am not a fan of Novellas) was a page turner. I enjoyed being introduced to the characters! It makes one expect a very thrilling series! I am glad that I was given the chance to read it - and now know that I am hooked! I need to know "what comes next" for everyone involved.

The Team Hope series was first published in 2005, with Flee the Night first, Escape to Morning second, and Expect the Sunrise third. I am a Kindle girl. This Novella is available on Kindle for only $1.99. The first and third books of the series are also currently available on Kindle. I cannot locate Escape to Morning as being available for Kindle but I did "click the button" to send the Publisher a note that I'd love to read it on my Kindle.

The first and third books of Team Hope are also currently available for Amazon Prime members to "borrow" for one month for free.

NOTE: I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley.com. I was not compensated for my review, only asked to provide my honest opinion, which I am pleased to do here.

Progresso's 2012 Souper You® Contest

2012-01-17T11:47:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for a new look this New Year? Progresso^® is excited to announce the return of their Souper You^® Contest giving you the change to win an incredible makeover! By telling Progresso why you deserve a makeover and what you love about their soup, you could have the chance to win an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood this Spring!

Now that the ball has dropped and the confetti has settled, it’s time to consider how you will stick to your resolution for the New Year and maintain your weight management plan, without sacrificing on variety or the taste of foods you love. Thanks to Progresso^®, you can have your soup and eat it too!

With 40 delicious soups with 100 calories or less per serving, Progresso Soup has a variety of offerings that help you beat diet boredom and satisfy your taste cravings, while helping you stick to your weight management calorie goals. Progresso soups are packed with hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices.

• This year, the Souper You^® Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season’s live finale of NBC’s The Biggest Loser

• Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd

• Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th

• In addition, visit http://bit.ly/ProgressoCoup to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup today, and feel free to share with your blog readers so they can take advantage of the savings as well

• Also, tune into The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c

Click here to watch this amazing video of the 2011 winner experience.

WILL YOU ENTER? I KNOW I AM - And coupons? Not a bad way to start off 2012! Here's to a healthier you!

NOTE: All of the information provided herein was provided to me by Progresso via My Blog Spark!

The Keeper - by Suzanne Woods Fisher @suzannewfisher

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to enter ---

Enter 1/3 - 1/17. RSVP for Party today!

I was excited to learn that I was chosen as a stop on the blog tour for Suzanne Woods Fisher's newest book, The Keeper. Since I am doing 95% of my reading now on the Kindle or iPad, I anxiously awaited the book to arrive from LitFuse. It came around Christmas time: it was like a present to me! Knowing that the tour would be in the beginning of January but not when my stop would be, I read it immediately!

Here is a little bit about the book from the Publisher!

Book Description

Series: Stoney Ridge Seasons | Publication Date: January 2, 2012

Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.
Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

Full of the plot twists and surprises her fans love, The Keeper is the first in a new series by bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Through touching family relationships and trials of the heart, Fisher's vivid characters grapple with yielding to God's will when it doesn't match their own.

Now, you'll notice that this photo has NOTHING to do with the book The Keeper! This photo is what the Keeper reminds me of. The photo was taken shortly after my father passed in 2005. See the man behind the giant sea turtle? That man is my Dad. Only my sister and her two children were in that specific area of the aquarium that day. Just goes to show that God has a funny way of showing us things - even if we're not listening.

Julia wasn't listening to God. Julia was listening to what she had built in her head over the years. Roman was running away, again, not listening to God but although no one was listening God still showed them His way. Don't think that this is just a love story either; many other story lines of those who aren't listening are out there.

The underlying message that I got out of it? God works in mysterious ways. Whether you're listening or not, His will be done.

The Keeper is full of laughs and surprises. It also pulls at heartstrings, as so many of the other books of Suzanne W. Fisher have done for me.

NOTE: Although I received a review copy of The Keeper via LitFuse Publicity House on behalf of the publisher, I was not compensated for this review. I was simply asked to give my honest opinion which I am pleased to do here.

“Honey of a Giveaway” from Suzanne Woods Fisher! @Suzannewfisher!

2012-01-13T09:05:00.000-05:00

It’s a “Honey of a Giveaway” from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Suzanne is hosting a "honey of a giveaway"during the blog tour for The Keeper! During 1/3-1/17 you can enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!

During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:

A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
A copy of The Keeper

But wait there's more! Just click one of the icons below to enter, then on 1/17 join Suzanne for The Keeper Facebook Party! During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!

RSVP early and tell your friends!

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club (due to loss of Express Scripts)

2012-01-12T16:02:00.001-05:00

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

On December 31, 2011, after a year of negotiations, Walgreens and Express Scripts have parted ways. Walgreens is no longer a part of the Express Scripts pharmacy provider network. This includes all Walgreens pharmacy locations nationwide as well as Duane Reade pharmacies in the NYC area. See this press release: Walgreens and Express Script

I can’t imagine the havoc this has created for people who are used to just going into their “regular” pharmacy with their “regular” pharmacist! Now they will have to go elsewhere, to a stranger, perhaps go farther away than their local Walgreens. It doesn’t seem like these customers will see their costs go down while moving to their new pharmacy.

From what I understand, Walgreens offered to keep their rates constant for the new contract with Express Scripts- they did not seek an increase in their rates. The sticking point seems to be that Express Scripts wanted to be able to say what does and does not constitute a brand name vs. a generic drug. They also proposed to cut the reimbursement rates Walgreens received to rates below the industry average cost to provide each prescription to their customers.

Seems that Walgreens can provide a 90 day supply of a drug to a customer which conflicts with Express Scripts own mail order drug program which provides 90 day supplies to its customers. A little conflicting considering Express Scripts stands to make more money from dispensing medications from their own , in-house, mail distribution program.

Now Express Scripts has also chosen to give America’s military a hard time as well as all of the “other” customers they’ve put out by not resigning Walgreens as a preferred pharmacy. Tricare is one of Express Scripts clients. Tricare is the health and prescription program for our service men and women. In order to not put them out, Walgreens offered to contract Tricare separately from the other Express Scripts clients. The answer was no.

This is an issue because no one really sees what Walgreens gets paid by Express Scripts. No one knows what the impact of this change will be but it could stretch far and wide. In order to eliminate some of the burden on its clients, Walgreens has introduced a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club. During this special January promotion, an individual can join for $5. A family can join for $10. This Prescription Savings Club allows participants to receive savings on more than 8,000 brand name and generic medications. More than 400 generics are available with a three month supply for less than $1 per week. Also included are: discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and more. There is even a discount for buying Walgreens brand products in their stores. If you join after the January promotion, the regular annual membership cost is $20 per individual and $35 per family. Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

Even though employers want to keep Walgreens in their pharmacy network, Express Scripts doesn’t see it that way. To stay up to date on all of the happenings between Walgreens and Express Scripts, be sure to follow Walgreens on Twitter and “like” Walgreens on Facebook. Maybe some type of compromise might be had between the two companies in the future.

Almost Two Weeks into 2012

2012-01-12T08:30:00.001-05:00

We're over a week into 2012 and I have yet to post a single blog entry. Sad? Kind of. All types of things are in the works. For instance, we're knee deep into Twink's gymnastics competition season which will run through the end of February and began in December.

Here are a few photos of her from her last competition. In the first, she gets AIR on the balance beam. She landed that jump but unfortunately fell off the beam twice during her scored competition. In the second, she is proudly presenting in third place for her vault performance. She did so well!!

Although there were no State qualifying scores this weekend or in any of her previous meets, she still has two left in which to score in order to qualify for the State competition at the end of February. Last week she was short by .9 and the week before by .6. So close! If she doesn't get the scores, no worries; there is always next year!

I am thankful for her learning the sport of gymnastics - safely and becoming more and more confident in her skills with each practice and competition. I am thankful for her coaches who take the time to teach the girls proper techniques so they learn at their own pace and progress well without pushing them past the breaking point. They teach so the girls love it, not so they'll be burnt out in 3 years of competition. Although, she could use a little push on her bars skills!

Wrapping Up 2011 Red Hot Trends from Betty Crocker

2012-01-10T11:45:00.000-05:00

	Trend: Double Desserts Taking two desserts and mixing and mashing them together is one of our favorite trends. Things like pie shakes, cookie stuffed cookies, and pie-filled cupcakes deliver a whole new kind of delicious. It’s a 1+1=3 kind of thing. Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies Pie, meet cookie. Cookie, say hello to pie. When two all-time favorites come together, you get Pumpkin Pie Cookies, the star at your next holiday cookie exchange.

	Trend: Boozy Baking From booze cakes to cocktail pies, bakers everywhere are bringing the bar into the kitchen. A titch of tequila or a skosh of scotch whiskey adds a serious shot of fun and flavor for the over 21 crowd. We’re loving these boozy baked goods! Recipe: Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes Taste for yourself what the buzz is all about! A bit of bourbon, a hit of coffee liqueur and some vanilla vodka-spiked frosting make these sophisticated chocolate cupcakes the ultimate “holiday helpers.”

	Trend: Color. Flavor. Fun. Traditional baked goods are being transformed with bright colors and playful flavors. With a little creativity and imagination, no one can resist this happy, fun food! Recipe: Cake Batter Cookie Stackers Take sugar cookies to a whole new level of delicious! Kids and adults will love these cake batter flavored cookies with colorful frosting, and lots of sprinkles! Stack ‘em up and watch ‘em go.

	Trend: From Cave to Kitchen Forget the man cave. Today guys are in the kitchen making (or at least appreciating) really good food. Big food. Really good, big food that’s stacked and stuffed with the flavors they can’t resist. Recipe: Mantastic Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Sandwich Here’s a new take on chicken ‘n’ waffles - made better with beer, bacon, and bourbon. It’s the ultimate manly man meal.

	Trend: Skinny Cocktails Here’s the skinny! Drinking high-calorie cocktails is so last year. The modern mixologist is shaking things up with light & flavorful cocktails. Recipe: Skinny Clementine Martini Add some clever sparkle to your next party. Enjoy these natural, light martinis made with fresh juice, high-quality liquor, and a splash of club soda. Lower calorie cocktails never tasted, or looked, so sweet. Cheers!

	Trend: Better Than Bought From canning to candy making, there’s a renewed interest in handcrafted foods. This season, homemade food gifts are just the right thing to show your care and creativity. Recipe: Cajeta Caramel Fudge Create the perfect combination of flavor and crunch with this homemade candy. Rich chocolate fudge layered with cajeta caramel, cashews and a sprinkle of sea salt—a recipe to impress.

	Trend: Veggie Love Once just tolerated, vegetables are now celebrated. Omnivores and herbivores alike have discovered that veggies offer variety and great taste, and are feeling the love. Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus Hummus with fresh sweet potato packs even more plant power. Add a delicious blend of smoked paprika, coriander, and cumin to make this flavorful dip.

	Trend: Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly Allergen-friendly foods may be free from things like nuts, dairy and eggs, but shouldn’t be free from flavor. Thankfully, we’re seeing new foods and recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone – whether you’re allergy-sensitive or not. Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Gather everyone around the table to enjoy this moist and delicious pumpkin bread. Made with no nuts, no dairy, no eggs, and no gluten - no kidding!

	Trend: D-I-Y for D-O-G Man’s best friend deserves man’s best effort. That’s why making your own dog food is one of the latest canine crazes! This year, homemade dog treats are at the top of fido’s list. Recipe: Dog Bark This treat will make your dog sit up and beg for more. Make the bark by melting carob chips and peanut butter then top with your dog’s favorite ingredients – bacon and cheese. Bow WOW!

	Trend: Food Craft The kitchen is the new craft room. With food as their medium, clever cooks are making amazing edible food crafts that are as good to look at as they are to eat. Recipe: Chocolate Coal Lumps Naughty or nice, everyone will love these easy cho-coal-late treats. Cocoa Puffs® cereal dipped in melted chocolate and marshmallows create these tasty stocking stuffers. Did you notice any of these trends over your Holiday get togethers in 2011? Is there anything here that you'd like to try to next year?? I think I may try some before the next holiday season. Seems too far away! You know, the SUPER BOWL is coming up!! *NOTE: All of the recipes and trends on this post were provided by Betty Crocker by way of MyBlogSpark!*

Family, Scrapbooks and Coffee!

Thankful Thursday - May Edition

Wordless Wednesday: Epcot International Flower & Garden Show

Mother's Day Give Away

Baroness by Susan May Warren

Roaring 20's Give Away #Baroness by Susan May Warren

A Callahan Wedding by Tina Leonard

The River Witch by Kimberly Brock

2 Days til Sundae. 1 Day. Free. Monday 4/30/12

WW: What Does Your Spud Say?

Catch Me (#review) by Lisa Gardner

Feed Your Kindle -- Apathetic is free TODAY!

clipix: Organize Your Family Life!

Franklin's Valentines - an Ebook Review

I'm Thankful.

Return to Grace by Karen Harper

2 Months til Mrs! (Heather Muzik)

Progresso Soup and Biggest Loser Workout DVD!

Lucky Harbor - have you been there?

Product Description

Waiting for Dawn: A Novella by Susan May Warren

Progresso's 2012 Souper You® Contest

The Keeper - by Suzanne Woods Fisher @suzannewfisher

Book Description

“Honey of a Giveaway” from Suzanne Woods Fisher! @Suzannewfisher!

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club (due to loss of Express Scripts)

Almost Two Weeks into 2012

Wrapping Up 2011 Red Hot Trends from Betty Crocker

Trend: Double Desserts

Trend: Boozy Baking

Trend: Color. Flavor. Fun.

Trend: From Cave to Kitchen

Trend: Skinny Cocktails

Trend: Better Than Bought

Trend: Veggie Love

Trend: Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly

Trend: D-I-Y for D-O-G

Trend: Food Craft