My Personal Reviews

PayPal's Wishing Wonderland Sweepstakes

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Enter PayPal's Wishing Wonderland Sweepstakes daily for a chance to win:

Giveaway Link: PayPal's Wishing Wonderland Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes:
• 1 Grand Prize winner will win $50,000 to make the winner’s “Wish” come true. Prize will be deposited in the winner’s PayPal account. Approx. Retail Value (ARV): $50,000.

Instant Win Prizes:
• 5 First Prizes: 46” LED HDTV. ARV: $3,000/ea
• 10 Second Prizes: Asus Eee PC Netbook. ARV: $400/ea
• 50 Third Prizes: iPod Touch 32 GB
• 100 hundred Fourth Prizes: Flip Mino. ARV $200/ea
• 1,500 Fifth Prizes: $10 deposited in the winner’s PayPal account. ARV: $10/ea

Sweepstakes ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 12/25/09.

Read the official rules here.

Sweepstakes sponsored by PayPal Shopping.

Food Network Store Ultimate Cookie Baker Sweepstakes

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Enter the Food Network Store Ultimate Cookie Baker Sweepstakes daily for a chance to win:

Giveaway Link: Ultimate Cookie Baker Sweepstakes

1 Grand Prize winner will win The Ultimate Cookie Baker Collection:
• (1) KitchenAid 90th Anniversary Edition Stand Mixer with Glass Bowl
• (1) RSVP Marble Pastry Board
• (1) RSVP Marble Rolling Pin
• (2) Paula Deen Signature 13x18” Sheet Pan with Red Silicone Pad
• (2) Paula Deen Signature 9x13” Sheet Pan with Green Silicone Pad
• (2) Chicago Metallic Extra Large Cooking Grid
• (1) Salter Aquatronic Kitchen Scale
• (1) Anchor Hocking 10-pc. Nested Glass Mixing Bowl Set
• (1) Ateco Alphabet Cookie Cutter Set
• (1) OXO Flour Sifter
• (1) OXO Large Cookie Scoop
• (1) OXO Medium Cookie Scoop
• (1) OXO Small Cookie Scoop
• (1) OXO Flexible Cookie Spatula
• (1) Kuhn Rikon Cookie Press
• (1) Kuhn Rikon Cookie Decorating Kit
• (1) Chef’s Choice PizellePro Pizelle Baker

Approximate suggested retail value of Grand Prize is $800.

The Food Network Store Ultimate Cookie Baker Sweepstakes online entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on December 31, 2009.

Amazon Black Friday Deals Week

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Amazon Black Friday deals start today! You don't have to stand in line to get a great deal, just visit the Black Friday page to find all of the deals for products that are on sale for a limited time only. Hurry on over, you don't want to miss out!

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange is a different, yet amusing take on Pride & Prejudice.

Product Description: "Mr. Darcy, Vampyre starts where Pride and Prejudice ends and introduces a dark family curse so perfectly that the result is a delightfully thrilling, spine-chilling, breathtaking read. A dark, poignant and visionary continuation of Austen's beloved story, this tale is full of danger, darkness and immortal love. "

My Personal Review: This book was full of suspense, in that we the readers know that Darcy is a vampyre, but it does take some time before Elizabeth figures it out. I read it in 4 days and found it an enjoyable read. If you are too hung up on Jane Austen's version of Elizabeth and Darcy, you may not like this book as much, but for me, I like seeing different sides of the same story!

Genre: Historical Romance Goth

Simple Gifts (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Simple Gifts by Lori Copeland is an inspirational novel set in modern times.

Product Description: "When Marlene Queens has to go home to Missouri to settle her aunt's estate, she only plans to stay for a week. She never intends to run into her childhood sweetheart, get drawn back into the life of the town or risk revealing the secret that she's kept for years. "

My Personal Review: This book was about discoveries of the heart, lessons learned, love, forgiveness and healing. Although there were times I wanted to scream at the main character as she dug herself deeper in misery by perpetuating a lie, in the end, she makes the right choice and it is a pleasant reminder of how healing forgiveness can be.

Genre: Modern Fiction Inspirational Romance

The Courtship of Cade Kolby (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000

The Courtship of Cade Kolby (published in 1997) by Lori Copeland is the secular version of her new book A Kiss for Cade (The Western Sky Series) due to be released in January.

Lori Copeland is my current author of choice, so when I saw this book at the library, I picked it up. What I did not realize at the time, was this book was not from the Christian Fiction genre like her other books that I have read. Although God and church are discussed, foul language and somewhat graphic intimate scenes are also written into the story.

Product Description: "Cade Kolby is trouble and Zoe Bradshaw knows it. But she still feels the fire they once shared - before Cade left her and their one-horse Kansas town to become the most feared bounty hunter in the territory. Now Zoe needs him to deal with his late sister's orphaned children. So she sends him a message. . .and Cade Kolby comes home. The local townsfolk know what's best for their returning hero and the lady he once left behind - even if Cade and Zoe don't. And any subterfuge their meddling neighbors can devise is fair game-as long as it reunites two reluctant lovers. . .and four adorable imps who desperately need a daddy. "

My Personal Review: I liked this book so much that I will happily pick up a copy of the new book to read when it comes out!

Genre: Secular Historical Western Romance Fiction

Hope (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Hope by Lori Copeland is book 3 of the Brides of the West series.

Product Description: "Federal agent Dan Sullivan shelves his retirement to infiltrate a band of payroll thieves. But he didn't expect to meet stubborn mail-order bride Hope Kallahan, who gets kidnapped by the gang and held for ransom, or that she would be a veritable magnet for danger. As she intimidates hardened criminals into cleaning house and talks Dan into rescuing her, Dan believes God had a reason for throwing her in his path."

My Personal Review: So far this is my favorite book in the Brides of the West series! It had adventure, intrigue and romance making it a very easy and enjoyable read.

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance Fiction

June (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

June by Lori Copeland is book 2 of the Brides of the West series.

Product Description: "Mail-order bride June Kallahan arrives in Seattle from Michigan to discover that her intended, Eli Messenger, the assistant to a famous evangelist named Isaac Inman, is ill. After he dies, June stays on to work at the local orphanage, where she realizes Inman is allowing the orphans to go without in order to build a showy tabernacle. A romance blooms between June and Parker Sentell, a friend of Eli's, as they try to convince Inman of the errors of his thinking."

My Personal Review: Like the first book "Faith" I really enjoyed this one! It had some unexpected twists and turns along the way and I was glad to find myself surprised.

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance Fiction

Caribou Coffee and Tea

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

*** I regret that I was delayed in writing this review - it should have been posted during the month of October, but family issues took precedence. ***

I was asked if I would like to try the Amy’s Blend coffees and Tea from Caribou Coffee and gladly accepted the offer. "Amy’s Blend is developed in honor of Amy Erickson, a beloved Caribou Coffee roastmaster who died from breast cancer in 1995. She helped develop quality standards in the roasting and tasting process that the company still uses today. In her spirit, the company developed this special blend of coffee to aid in the fight against breast cancer." The Amy’s Blend initiative helps raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a very worthy cause.

The Amy's Blend Spiced Roobius Tea is caffeine free and has all natural ingredients like cardamom & cinnamon. My daughter and I both loved the tea and the fact that we could actually taste the spices. I found it reminiscent of Chai tea and highly recommend it.

The Amy's Blend Caffeinated Coffee is a lighter roast blend. My husband & I thought the freshly ground whole bean coffee had a great taste without the bitterness you sometimes get in premium coffees.

If you like premium quality coffee and tea without the high prices paid at a coffee shop, I do honestly recommend you give Caribou Coffee a try!

{Disclosure: Product and product information have been provided by: Caribou Coffee}

Faith (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Faith by Lori Copeland is book 1 of the Brides of the West series.

Product Description: "A historical Western series about mail-order brides set in 1872. When their pastor father dies suddenly, leaving little money, three sisters realize that they need to take drastic action to survive. Each answers a newspaper ad soliciting Christian brides. Faith goes to Texas, where her intended, a well-to-do rancher named Nicholas Shepherd, seems to be having second thoughts. While her wedding is repeatedly postponed, Faith meets a local widower and decides to teach his blind son Braille. In time, Nicholas begins to realize that he may have lost Faith to another man."

My Personal Review: I found the book to be a quick and easy read. I think that the characters were well formed and that the story-line progressed as it should. Add to that a "happily ever after" ending and you end up with a very nice book!

Yoplait Fiber One 50-Calorie Yogurt Giveaway

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Giveaway: The above microsite will provide the first 50 readers who click through, the opportunity to sign-up to receive a coupon for a free 4-pack of Fiber One yogurt! After those first 50 are gone, all additional readers will be able to download a $1.25 off Fiber One yogurt coupon from the microsite. And every reader can access the useful weight management tips from best-selling author and food expert Lisa Lillien, a.k.a. Hungry Girl.

Product Information: Yoplait Fiber One 50-calorie yogurt yogurt is available in four flavors – Strawberry, Vanilla, Peach and Key Lime Pie. Each yogurt (4oz) cup has 5 grams of fiber - that's 20% of the recommended Daily Value of fiber. Combine that with zero grams of fat and only 50 calories per serving and you have a healthy, diet-friendly snack. Yoplait Fiber One 50-calorie yogurt is the only leading national nonfat yogurt with 50 calories and 5 grams of fiber.

Taste Test: I found the yogurt to be creamy and tasty - even my tween daughter loved it. You can read my full review here.

Be sure to click the "Try it Free" microsite link above so you do not miss your chance!

{Disclosure: The wonderful folks at Yoplait have provided me with this information, the product for sampling and this giveaway opportunity!}

Three Times BLessed (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Three Times Blessed by Lori Copeland is book two in the Belles of Timber Creek series. I came across this book in the new book section at the library and thought it sounded like something I would enjoy reading.

Product Description: "Typically, Thunder Ridge, Texas, is dry as a bone. But Audrey Pride has arrived under a storm cloud, one that is deluging the shocked community with weeks of relentless, drenching rain. With travel in and out of town rendered impossible, there is much important work for her to do—especially when an epidemic of violent illness, originating from a stranded wagon train, spreads rapidly throughout Thunder Ridge. Caring for the sick is consuming Audrey's every waking hour...yet her thoughts keep returning to the attractive widower Eli Gray. Eli has long been haunted by the fact that he was away at war when his beloved wife died in childbirth. Little by little, however, he is opening his heart again. Now, as their town sags under the crushing weight of water and disease, Audrey and Eli will need to depend on each other in ways they never imagined possible."

The book took me less than a week to read as I found myself saying "just one more chapter" before I would put it down. I really liked it! My only complaint is that, being book two of at least three, the ending left me wanting more as all of the story lines were not yet complete. So now I am looking forward to book three!

Folgers Home for the Holidays Contest

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Folgers is having a Home for the Holidays Contest in which they require an original essay describing “What is the best part of wakin’ up at home during the holidays?”, in 200 words or less.” (The entries will be evaluated based upon their relevance to the theme, creativity/originality, and clarity of expression.)

Giveaway Link: Folgers Home for the Holidays Contest

5 Grand Prize winners will receive:
• A seven-day/six-night round trip to their home in the continental United States, for you and up to three family members or friends this holiday season
• Lodging
• A rental car
• $1,000 spending money
• A digital camera
• A Folgers Gift Basket
• Total ARV of the Grand Prize is $

Entries must be received by 11:59 PM ET, November 7, 2009.

Read the official Giveaways Rules

No Purchase Necessary To Enter Or Win.

{Disclosure: My Personal Reviews is not endorsed for this post, nor affiliated with the website(s) or company(s) mentioned. This post is for information purposes only.}

Snack Pack Winner

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The winner of the Nature Valley Granola Snack Pack is #12, V G Marcel who said "Snacking on some granola clusters while you are having a picnic on the lake, perfect".

Congratulations! I will be contacting you shortly for your information.

Thank you to all who entered and to My Blog Spark for providing this great giveaway!

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters Review & Giveaway

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:00:00 +0000

We love granola in my family, so I was more than happy to accept and review the new Granola Nut Clusters from Nature Valley. I received a "Snack Pack" that included all four of the Granola Nut Cluster Flavors - Nut Lovers, Roasted Almond, Roasted Cashew and Honey Roasted Peanut.

The Taste Test: We found all of the varieties to be lightly sweet and crunchy. The flavors of each nut were discernible in their respective clusters and we thought that they were all very tasty. I believe these would make a good, healthy anytime snack as well as great for taking along on nature trips. The next time we go hiking, I will be taking some of these along and will be using my handy new water bottle and backpack!

If you want to give them a try, save some money and use the $1.00 off of 1 coupon from the 9/13/09 Sunday newspaper insert or print one Here. You can also purchase them from Amazon.com: Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters

To help spread the word about these new products, I am giving away one (1) Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters "Snack Pack" prize pack! This includes: all four (4) varieties of the Granola Nut Clusters along with a sling backpack, stainless steel water bottle, flashlight and binoculars. (as seen in the above photo)

* For your chance to win this "Snack Pack" prize pack, answer this question [this one rule must be followed for entry]:
What is your favorite element of nature?
For me, I can never get enough of viewing waterfalls!

* If you do not have an active blog or an email address on your blog profile, leave a valid email address, in long form, with your comment.

* Giveaway entries must be received by 9:00 AM EST on Friday, October 9, 2009.

* 1 winner will be selected via Random.org and will be notified both here at My Personal Reviews and via email.

* The winner will have 3 days to claim their prize. If unclaimed, the giveaway will go to the next person on the list.

* Open to US and Canada only.

Product, information and prize pack have been provided by:

Lynsey & Harper Confections

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I was most delighted to find out I had won a contest held on The Sunshine Studio blog for a dozen cookies from Lynsey & Harper Confections.

I was told to pick 4 flavors and ended up choosing Pumpkin Cinnamon, Apple Spice, Lemon Creme and Double Chocolate Espresso. When the cookies arrived, they were in perfect shape and very fresh. I have to say, out of all the ones I selected, my favorite was the Pumpkin Cinnamon - so moist, full of flavor and perfect for this time of year!

Thanks again to Lori at The Sunshine Studio and the owners of Lynsey & Harper Confections - all four of us enjoyed the delicious cookies!

Loving Mr. Darcy (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:30:00 +0000

I was the very fortunate winner of a newly released book titled Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley, by Sharon Lathan. It is the second book in her Darcy Saga Novels and I have waited in anticipation ever since since I finished the first novel.

From Lathan's website: "Darcy and Lizzy venture away from Pemberley to journey through England, finding friends, relatives, fun, love, and an even deeper and more sacred bond along the way. Having embarked on the greatest adventure of all, marriage and the start of a new life together, now the Darcys take the reader on a journey through a time of prosperity, enjoyment, and security. They experience all the adventures of travel, with friends and relatives providing both companionship and complications, and with fun as their focus. The sights and sounds, tastes and flavors of Regency England come alive. Through it all, Darcy and Lizzy continue to build a marriage filled with romance, sensuality, and the beauty of a deep, abiding love."

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first novel, I was set to have the same experience with this one as well - and I did! I have read other reviews where the discording views mentioned a weak plot. This being the second of three books, it does have more minor plots - the major one being the Darcy's undying love and devotion to one another. There are what I consider "racy" moments, but this is a very passionate couple, newly married and expecting their first child. The story could have been trimmed down a little, but beyond that, I happily await the next installment in hopes of seeing all the un-resolved story lines from the book fulfilled.

DIY Blog Cabin Sweepstakes

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Enter the DIY Network 2009 Blog Cabin Sweepstakes daily for a chance to win:

Giveaway Link: DIY Blog Cabin Sweepstakes

1 Grand Prize winner will win:
• A home located in Marshall, North Carolina (includes the real property, landscaping, a selection of Kenmore appliances, and the house only — furnishings not included)
• A selection of Craftsman tools
• Total ARV of the Grand Prize is $503,066.

The "DIY Blog Cabin Sweepstakes " Sweepstakes will end at 5:00 p.m. ET on October 2, 2009.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

Nature's Own Ultimate Family Reunion Sweepstakes

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Enter the Nature's Own Reunion Resort Family Vacation Sweepstakes for a chance to win:

Giveaway Link: Ultimate Family Reunion Sweepstakes

1 Grand Prize winner will receive a 4 day / 3 night "Ultimate Family Reunion" trip to the Reunion Resort located in Orlando, Florida.
The Trip package includes:
• Roundtrip airfare for up to 20 people from the major commercial airport nearest the winner's home to Orlando, Florida
• 3 night housing accommodations (at multiple homes as necessary) for up to 20 people (hotel taxes included)
• 1 family round of golf for 20 people on one of the three signature courses designed by legends Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus
• Unlimited bicycle rental use for the families stay
• A family cookout catered by resort for up to 20 with menu to be discussed with winner based on provided menu options from Reunion Resort's catering team
• The Approximate Retail Value ("ARV") of the Grand Prize is $15,000

10 First Prize winners will each receive a one year supply of Nature's Own bread.
• The prize will be awarded as certificates
• The ARV of each first prize is $250

The "Ultimate Family Reunion" Sweepstakes will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on October 25, 2009.

Limit one entry per person/household and per person/email address regardless of method of entry.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

Women's Day Fall Giveaways

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Just follow these links to some great giveaways from Woman's Day Magazine:

LG Steam Dishwasher Giveaway
Enter to win a stainless steel LG Steam Dishwasher.
• Number of prizes: 1
• Expires: Monday September 14, 2009
• ARV: $1,499.00

Bionaire Steam Mop Giveaway
Enter to win a Stylish, lightweight and ergonomically designed, Bionaire Steam Mop
• Number of prizes: 10
• Expires: Monday October 05, 2009
• ARV: $59.99

Bake Me a Wish Cake Giveaway
Enter to win a 7" round cake (serves 6 to 8 people) from Bake Me a Wish
• Number of prizes: 15
• Expires: Monday October 12, 2009
• ARV: $39.95

Tupperware Giveaway
Enter to win a colorful array of Tupperware products
• Number of prizes: 10
• Expires: Monday October 19, 2009
• ARV: $150.00

Good Luck!

A Walk with Jane Austen (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:04:00 +0000

I just finished reading "A Walk with Jane Austen: A Journey into Adventure, Love, and Faith" by Lori Smith. In this book the author set off on a journey through England, traveling to places that Jane Austen lived or visited. She gives us the history behind them as well as what Jane was doing during those times in her life.

The sub-title clearly stated that it is a journey into adventure, love and faith. Upon reading reviews by those who did not care for this book, they obviously missed that, for they complained about the author's references to faith and her trials as a single woman at age 33.

For my part, I found the book to be an informative read in regards to Jane Austen's life. However, I did find it dull in a few places and found myself waiting for big moments. Of those, one dealt with her health and finding the actual diagnosis to an ongoing illness. The other, not nearly as big, was the "love" part of her journey. Her first week in England she meets and seemingly connects with a guy named Jack. In the end, nothing ever came from their relationship.

If one reads this book with the understanding that it is just one woman's memoirs, who happens to be a Jane Austen Fan and who also happens chronicle her adventures while visiting England, then you may enjoy it.

Mr. Clean Unbeatable Home Sweepstakes

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Enter the Mr. Clean® Unbeatable Home Sweepstakes for a chance to win:

Giveaway Link: Mr. Clean® Unbeatable Home Sweepstakes

Grand Prize: $1,500 cash plus the Ultimate Family Fun Room:
• 60 inch flat screen television
• Surround sound home entertainment system
• Nintendo Wii® fun bundle including Wii FitTM and Guitar Hero® Video Game
• Convertible Gaming Table
• New family room sofa and recliner

First Prize: $1,000 in cash that may be used toward unbeatable home improvements.

Daily Prizes: Three winners a day will receive a 2-count Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) and Canada, 18 years and older. Ends 1/3/10.

Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Fitting in with the current books I have been reading, I just finished Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride by Helen Halstead. This Jane Austen Fan Fiction sequel to Pride & Prejudice, begins after their engagement and continues on for the first few years of marriage.

The trials of a well suited but much looked down upon marriage cause some distress for the couple. Love, anger and jealousy come to the surface as they make their way through life together. From the deaths of loved ones, to the births of their own children, the love they have for each remains constant.

Although this book is somewhat more realistic in it's approach, I still loved it! There were times it had me on the edge of my seat and other times it nearly had me in tears. A splendid book for every Jane Austen fan!

Top This Winner

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:18:00 +0000

The winner of the "Top This" Prize pack giveaway is: #3 - Michelle B. of All in a Days Work who said her favorite thing about the first days of school was "Just a little momentary PEACE..lol I go to classes in the evening & my little one's go in the morning so after summer break I look forward to the first day, it's like a Christmas for me =) "

Congratulations Michelle! I will be contacting you shortly for your information!

Mr. Darcy's Diary (book)

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:30:00 +0000

I am in the midst of a Pride & Prejudice obsession and have just recently finished reading Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange.

This novel begins in July with the telling of Georgiana's stay in Ramsgate and her relationship with Mr. Wickham. It proceeds through to the next year with his marriage to Elizabeth in October, then ends in the following March.

The book, written in journal and narrative form, gives a fresh new look to a much beloved story. Darcy's thoughts, feelings and pride spill forth and we, the readers, witness his love for Elizabeth grow over time.

I found this to be a fun, easy and interesting read. I love the diary idea so much, that I am looking into the author's other novels and what they may reveal for some of Jane Austen's more memorable male characters!

Read an excerpt here!