Giveaways & Glitter

The Girl Who Came Back To Life by Craig Staufenberg - Book Review, Tour & Giveaway!

2014-11-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

Disclosure: I received a free copy for the purposes of this Virtual Author Book Tour. All opinions are honest and my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When you die, your spirit wakes in the north, in the City of the Dead. There, you wander the cold until one of your living loved ones finds you, says “Goodbye,” and Sends you to the next world.

After her parents die, 12-year-old Sophie refuses to release their spirits. Instead, she resolves to travel to the City of the Dead to bring her mother and father’s spirits back home with her.

Taking the long pilgrimage north with her gruff & distant grandmother—by train, by foot, by boat; over ruined mountains and plains and oceans—Sophie struggles to return what death stole from her. Yet the journey offers her many hard, unexpected lessons—what to hold on to, when to let go, and who she must truly bring back to life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Craig Staufenberg is a writer and filmmaker living in NYC. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook and Google plus.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository

To follow along with the tour, click here.

MY REVIEW:

The absolute best kind of book, in my opinion, is a book that I can relate to. A book that I can get lost in. A book that allows me to see myself as the main character. The Girl Who Came Back To Life is one of those books and it is a great one. The main character is Sophie, a 12 years old girl who loses both of her parents. When I was the same age, I lost my Granny. My Granny wasn't just my Granny, though. She was my part-time caregiver, babysitter, mother, father and friend. She lived right next door to us for most of my childhood. My sister and I were at her house every day and we stayed with her most weekends and summers. My parents were young and my Granny felt like more of a parent than they did at times. Losing her at such a young age was such a roller coaster of emotions. Much like the emotions that Sophie had to deal with.

Losing someone is a very long journey indeed. I was fascinated reading all about Sophie's journey. It was a fairytale. But not in the traditional sense. This was a fairytale of sadness & numbness but also of love & joy. Of letting go and saying goodbye. But also saying hello to the life left to live. The book was so well-written and interesting. It was unlike anything I have read and I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend it.

****GIVEAWAY****
One of my readers will win their very own copy of this amazing book! All you have to do is leave a comment with why you want to win it, and I will pick a random winner using random.org! This contest is open to entrants worldwide. You can choose from print or ebook in US & Canada. Ebook only for international. This contest will end on November 13th at 11:59pm EST. GOOD LUCK!!

3 Easy Hair Care Tips + Earn Rewards when you use Suave Family Perks! #ad

2014-10-27T12:35:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Global Influence. All opinions are honest and my own.

I use Suave products on a daily basis. My shower is full of Suave products. Shampoos, conditioners, body washes for him, for me, for my daughter. We all have unique hair that can be hard to manage. Suave has so many wonderful products for men, women and children. Some days I can be found in the shampoo aisle at Walmart, sniffing all of the wonderful different Suave shampoos. Yes, it may sound odd. But they smell so good! I am currently in love with Sun-Ripened Strawberry and Ocean Breeze. I have also learned a few hair care tips over the years...

Here are three easy hair care tips that work well for my family.

1. While washing and conditioning my hair, I like to let the conditioner stay in my hair for 3 or 4 minutes instead of rinsing it out right away. It always seems to leave my hair feeling a bit more soft and shiny.

2. If I have a big night planned and are going to have a really fun hairstyle for the night, do not rinse all of the conditioner out when you are washing your hair. I leave just a little bit in my hair and it makes my hair so much easier to style.

3. Use Suave Family Perks. Since I buy so many Suave products already, why would I not sign up for this awesome rewards program?!?! I get rewarded for buying products that I use on a daily basis!

Suave Family Perks is so easy to use. You simply sign up, for free! Then you buy any of the listed featured products at Walmart and snap a photo of your receipt and they do the rest! Once you have earned at least 100 points, you can exchange them for a $5 Walmart egift card or you can redeem them at Walmart stores or at Walmart.com. The Walmart Suave Hub is filled with many wonderful promotions, beauty tips and more.

Do you have any easy Hair Care tips to share?

Looking for an easy way to make some Christmas Cash?

2014-10-24T06:46:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: I have been compensated for this post, which contains an affiliate link. All opinions are my own.

Can you believe that Christmas is only two months away? Where did the time go? Every year at about this time, I scout the internet looking for a few easy ways to make some quick Christmas cash. They are just so many things to buy at this time of year. Decorations, gifts, food, wrapping paper and all of that fun stuff. Plus, if you are traveling to see family... there are so many other costs! Did you know that you can share your opinions & make money with Opinion Outpost! It is super easy and who doesn't like to voice their opinions?!?!

Make learning to read more fun with the Rhyme to Read app!

2014-10-21T09:10:00.001-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free product for the purposes of this review. All opinions are honest and my own.

My daughter has special needs. Trying to teach her things can be really tough. Especially when it comes to learning to read. That is why I try many different types of learning resources while trying to teach her how to read. One of those learning resources is the Rhyme to Read app. Did you know that thousands of kids have learned to read through the rhyme to read method? This app is a 20 book cumulative program with delightful, humorous stories.

Twinkle by S.J. Parkinson - Book Tour, Review & Giveaway!

2014-10-20T00:44:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free book for the purposes of this review and as part of a Virtual Author Book Tour. All opinions are honest and my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

What does your car say about you?

2014-10-14T09:42:00.002-04:00

There are some people who believe they can tell things about your personality based solely on the type of car your drive, whether it’s a hatchback or a coupe etc. Well, these people decided to make an interactive infographic for you to try. Go on; see what your car says about you … it’s worth a few minutes of your time. Share it around the office, it’s good for a giggle.

Car Personality is an infographic that was produced by Gumtree

Get dishes cleaner with Cascade Platinum! #CascadeShiningReviews Plus a GIVEAWAY!!

2014-10-14T08:13:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Cascade. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

I recently hosted another dinner party to show my guests just how powerful Cascade Platinum Pacs and Cascade Rinse Aid. We had a 'Breakfast for Dinner' theme with a menu of French Toast, Sausage Patties, Eggs and even Mimosas for the grown ups. The kids got Orange Juice. But we all used fancy wine glasses. (The kids got plastic ones). We even had brownies for dessert. I made the brownies and some of the other food the night before and let the pans set out overnight before I washed them. I did not pre-rinse or pre-wash the pans. I wanted to wash the pans in the dishwasher using the Platinum Pacs and Rinse Aid from Cascade while my guests were there, just so they could see the amazing power and see how clean the dishes became. Like my beautiful white plates that got smothered in sticky syrup.

Remake by Ilima Todd - Book Review.

2014-10-14T02:00:00.000-04:00

Disclosure - I received a free copy as part of an iRead Book Tour. All opinions are honest and my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A future without family.

Read more »

Best Buy has the full line of the newest Action Cameras! #GoProatBestBuy

2014-10-13T03:45:00.002-04:00

Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Over the last few months I have seen so many videos on the internet that people have taken with their GoPro cameras. I have seen awesome videos of people riding bicycles in precarious places, people on roller coasters and even people strapping their GoPro cameras to their dogs and so many other cool videos from people using their GoPro cameras.
Read more »

Book 1, 2, and 3 of the Legacy of the Watchers series by Nancy Madora - Book Review.

2014-10-12T02:49:00.001-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free copy for the purposes of this review. All opinions are honest and my own.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

Thousands of years ago, something happened that changed the course of human history. Testimonies abound of these otherworldly visitors they called ‘angels,’ and their hybrid offspring, the ‘Nephilim.’ These mighty ‘gods’ quickly rose to power, and the ancient world came alive with industry and culture. The species that existed for hundreds of thousands of years as hunters and gatherers suddenly began settling in one place, cultivating the land and governing themselves. They created irrigation, the wheel and algebra. Yet amidst all this progress, an undercurrent of terror was spreading like wildfire, carrying whispers of ‘djinn,’ ‘daeva’ and ‘demons’…

Read more »

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick - Book Review - Books Worth Reading #SimonInsiders

2014-10-11T13:55:00.000-04:00

#simoninsiders: I'm required to disclose a relationship between my blog and Simon & Schuster. This could include Simon & Schuster providing me with content, books, access or other forms of payment.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Bogeyman 101: A Guide to Bogeymen from Around the World by Karen Miller - Book Review.

2014-10-10T00:38:00.002-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free copy for the purposes of this review. All opinions are honest and my own.

I love this time of year. The weather starts getting a little colder, the leaves change color and Halloween is just around the corner. One of my most favorite things to do at Halloween is telling spooky stories, watching spooky shows and movies, and reading spooky books. And nothing could be better than an entire book about Bogeymen!!
Read more »

TaoTronics® Elune Dimmable Eye-Care LED Desk Lamp Review.

2014-10-09T15:59:00.002-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free product for the purposes of this review. All opinions are honest and my own.

I have worn glasses or contacts since I was in 3rd grade and I am also diabetic. My eyesight is definitely a concern for me, especially as the years go by. So I do everything in my power to make sure that I take care of my eyes. I also spend a ton of time working on my computer and iPad, as well as reading many books and magazines. I need a desk lamp that will not only allow me to read these things, but that will also not affect my eyes in a bad way. That is where this awesome Elune Dimmable Eye-Care LED Desk Lamp from TaoTronics.

Cleaning and disinfecting with the new SteamMachine Plus from HomeRight!

2014-10-08T09:32:00.001-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free product for the purposes of this review. All opinions are honest and my own.

Like a lot of people, I have some messy people (and cats) in my home. It can hard to keep things clean. Especially the floors in my house. Especially the kitchen floor. I won't lie... I'm kind of a klutz. And I am not exactly known as a master in the kitchen. I make greasy messes, spill things all over the place and just make a huge mess in general. That is why I love this new SteamMachine Plus from HomeRight.

Read more »

K’NEX® BRANDS Launches Fundraising Initiative To Benefit Autism Speaks!

2014-10-04T05:36:00.002-04:00

10% of All Proceeds From 4^th Quarter Online Sales Will Be Donated Directly To The Autism Speaks

As a K'NEX Brand Ambassador, I am so thrilled to tell you about the Fundraising Initiative that K'NEX Brands is launching to benefit Autism Speaks. This is a cause very close to my heart. My niece has Autism and I know first-hand the struggles that a family can face.

K’NEX Brands, the only US construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love^®, announced a fundraising initiative benefiting Autism Speaks. During the months of October, November and December, K’NEX is donating 10% of all net proceeds from knex.com directly to the organization, whose goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.

CRYSTAL LIGHT & Miranda Lambert have partnered together to bring you Platinum Points! #CrystalLightWM #ranfan

2014-10-02T22:20:00.001-04:00

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.

I use CRYSTAL LIGHT products quite often. I love to try all different kinds of recipes with it, as well. One week I will be all about the Fruit Punch flavor. Then the next week I am all about Strawberry Kiwi. Well this week (and most weeks) I am in love with the Raspberry Lemonade flavor. I have always thought that it would be so awesome if I get earn some fabulous rewards for all of the CRYSTAL LIGHT that I buy. AND now I can. CRYSTAL LIGHT has partnered with Miranda Lambert to bring you Platinum Points! And it is super simple to use! All you have to do is create an account with Platinum Points... go ahead and click the link and sign up. I will wait... (AND do not forget to use the promo code Mirandahh for 30 FREE points to start with.!)

Read more »

Check out the winners of the 5-hour ENERGY 'Yummification' contest!

2014-09-28T12:12:00.001-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free product and/or compensation in the form of a gift card for the purposes of this post.

You may recall my post a few weeks ago about 5-hour ENERGY's fun 'Yummification' contest where I made up a drink of my own. Well now the winners have been chosen, you can see them further down in this post. I thought it would be fun to try one of the winning drinks myself... so I did. And I loved it. I might try more of the winning drinks later in the week. Bu for now, here is the drink I made using one of the winner's recipes!

It is simply made by mixing a glass of Decaf Ice Tea and a Pink Lemonade 5-hour ENERGY shot! And is was even more tasty than I thought it would be!. The other winners are below and they can all be found by clicking this link. Enjoy!

· First Place ($50,000 prize): “Pomelimelade” by Tim Merlau, Los Angeles, CA

o This winning submission mixes a Pomegranate 5-hour ENERGY® shot with limeade, and then takes us on a musical journey through all that can be accomplished over several hours (spoiler alert: it’s a lot).

o “Pomelimelade”

§ 1 glass Limeade

§ 1 shot of Pomegranate 5-hour ENERGY®

· Second Place ($30,000 prize): “Ramalamadingdong” by Mark Golembeski, Los Angeles, CA

o The second place video helps us turn that 2:30 feeling frown upside down by mixing a 5-hour ENERGY® shot with lemonade. This video has it all: a clown, a puppy, a guy in a tutu, and much more.

o “Ramalamadingdong”

§ 1 glass Lemonade

§ 1 shot of Berry 5-hour ENERGY®

· Third Place ($10,000 prize): “Arnold Power” by Zac Sheorn, Lugoff, SC

o The third place winner reminds us that you don’t have to be good at sports, but mixing a Pink Lemonade 5-hour ENERGY® shot with decaffeinated iced tea helps keep you refreshed while practicing. And practicing.

o “Arnold Power”

§ 1 glass Decaf Iced Tea

§ 1 shot of Pink Lemonade 5-hour ENERGY®

Add style AND space to your home with a SANUS TV Mount!

2014-09-25T09:12:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free product for the purposes of this review. All opinions are honest and reflect my own experiences with the product.

If your house is anything like mine, it is full to the brim with odds & ends, furniture, toys, files, keepsakes, and a whole lot of junk that you cannot seem to ever throw out. (I cleaned out our entryway closet the other day and found 8 pair of old work boots! EIGHT! I asked my husband why he did not throw them out. He responded with "I thought I might need them." Ummm, WHY?) Anyway, anything that can save me some space in my house? YES! Please give it to me. That is why I have more than one SANUS TV Mount in my home for Flat TVs. They are the best space savers ever. They are great for homes... would would also be great for kids in college. We all know how small those dorm rooms are.

One of the great things about these SANUS TV Mounts is that you can get one for ANY size TV. You can also get a mount that tilts or a mount that offers full-motion. It will tell you how many pounds it can support, too. Another GREAT reason for the awesome TV mounts is SAFETY. Many children are hurt every year just by simply pulling the TV on top of themselves. That was always a worry of mine when my daughter was younger.

These mounts have step by step guides and instructions. My husband has never had a problem mounting them. They are pretty easy to install. Just make sure you have help. You don't want to try to hold the TV by yourself. I am in love with my SANUS mounts. They save me so much space and I think the TV looks good on the wall.

We still need to adjust it more to get it exactly where we want it, and after all of our remodeling is done we will be moving it anyway. But I love the space that it saves me and the style that it adds to any room. SANUS’ sleek mounting solutions are engineered with top industry technologies and tested to UL2442 standards, guaranteeing both style and safety. SANUS mounts are available at Best Buy, Costco, Target and Walmart stores, as well as local audio and video retailers nationwide. I urge you to check them out today. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, youtube, Google + and Pinterest. And they also have furniture, speaker stands, accessories and more.

Managing LBL, Light Bladder Leakage, with Poise. #sponsored

2014-09-24T06:54:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: Thanks to Poise for sponsoring today's discussion.

I know most people might be embarrassed to discuss LBL, Light Bladder Leakage, but it happens to the best of us. It has been happening to me more and more often ever since I had a child. It started out happening when ever I was sick. Every time that I would cough, I would experience LBL. I was extremely embarrassed at first, but then I discovered Poise Microliners. With Poise, I can feel more confident about going out and not having any issues.

Read more »

The Turquoise Tower by Travis Simmons - Book Review, Tour & $10 Amazon GiftCard Giveaway! #bvbtours

2014-09-23T02:00:00.000-04:00

NEWLY RELEASED.....

The Turquoise Tower (The Revenant Wyrd Saga #6)

The captivating sequel to A Guardian of Shadows.

In the mystical lands of the Great Realms, Angelica, Jovian, and Joya search for their kidnapped sister, Amber. Their quest has led them through many dangers and revelations, but nothing has prepared them for what’s about to come.

A dream reveals what Angelica and Jovian are, but what does it mean for their future? There’s little time to dwell on this, for the chaos dwarves, the scourge of the Realm of Earth, are gathering at the gates of the Guardian’s Keep. The dwarves have the stone Wyrders’ Bane, and they’ve shown they know how to unleash its plague upon all those who wield the magical force of wyrd. With casters neutralized, a mighty blow has been dealt to the allied forces. The dwarves and trolls attack the keep, and the struggle to survive the war in the north is upon them.

Angelica, Jovian, and Joya’s journey is far from easy, but the future looks even bleaker when visions of a gathering darkness in the west and a congregation of angels could mark the beginning of the final war on the Ever After.

Buy the book from.....

Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

About the Author

Travis has been writing since he was 14. He began writing a book called "The Calling of the Two" and while writing that on and off he started uncovering another idea.

"Yes, this is all well and good, but what about before? What happened in the world before these characters came into it?" He always knew there was a "before" and as he started wondering about it he got ideas. At first they were little ideas but as he discovered the names for his characters a whole story about them emerged.

Travis started working on The Revenant Wyrd Saga several years back and he is very happy he did because hearing and documenting Jovian and Angelica's story has been one wild ride for him. He has also written the Infernal Design series.

He lives in a small town at the base of the Adirondack Mountains and hoofing around his neck of the woods gives him a ton of inspiration for his novels. He loves research, and speculating on different ideas and theories.

Follow the Author.....

Website Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and Goodreads

Also available in The Revenant Wyrd Saga

Follow The Tour

MY REVIEW:

I was so sad that this was the last book of the series. But I was also so thrilled to read it. I have loved this series from the beginning and I still do. This book was excellent. It answered so many questions that I had but also left me wanting more. I will so sorely miss reading about Joya, Jovian and Angelica. There wasn't as much about Amber in the books as there were the others, but I will miss reading about her, too.

I was so glad to finally find out the truth about Jovian and Angelica. But there was no time to think about that for long, as the war with the Dwarves and Trolls was at hand. I don't want to spoil it for those that have not yet read it, either.

This book, like the five before it, was extremely well-written. It was riveting from beginning to end. I was never bored, the story flowed smoothly and I was fully invested in all of the characters. The way that Travis Simmons described all of the scenery and the characters and even the monster like the trolls and dwarves... I felt like I was right there, like I was a part of the story myself. I urge you to check this series out, you will not regret it.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!

One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon Giftcard

Open Worldwide

Ending on Sunday 5th October at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eclair goes to Stella's by Michelle Weidenbenner - Book Review, Tour & $25 Giveaway! #Bvbtours

2014-09-22T00:18:00.002-04:00

NEW RELEASE........CHILDREN'S BOOK BY MICHELLE WEIDENBENNER

Hi, I’m Éclair and I’m seven. My sister Meggie is two. When mom got sick we had to go live with Stella, my dad’s mom, the one with maroon colored hair. I begged Dad not to make us stay with her because she beat her horse and was going to eat her rooster, but he didn’t believe me. Even after I pretended I was going to barf, he left us with Stella.

So there we were, Meggie and me, on a strange pink farm with a skinny horse, a mean rooster, and Stinky Stella who had a living room filled with dead deer heads.

What would she do to us? Would we end up on her wall too?

Book Reading Age
First – Third grade GIRLS. 5 – 9 year olds

Read more »

Make labeling your kid's belongings more fun with Kidecals!

2014-09-21T23:50:00.004-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free product for the purposes of this review. All opinions are honest and reflect my own experiences with the product.

Now that school is back in session, it is time to get my house organized for homeschooling this year. While it seems that it should be easy for me to organize, seeing as I only have one child... things are never that simple. We have so many cubbies and drawers that sometimes I don't even remember what is in them. I love to label everything to make it easier. But with kids... they like everything to be labeled 'their' way. It is so easy to do that with Kidecals and their fun kid's labels. With Kidecals, I can label all of my daughter's cubbies, drawers and containers so that she knows which ones are hers and which are mine.

Dear Luke, We Need To Talk, Darth by John Moe - Book Review.

2014-09-19T00:43:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Shake it up with Voli Vodka while Cruising like a Norwegian Contest! #VoliGetaway

2014-09-17T01:28:00.001-04:00

Disclosure: I received a free product for the purposes of this review. All opinions are honest and reflect my own experiences with the product.

As a mother, some days can be extremely tough. Well, as a human, some days can be really tough. And some days, as I sit down to relax for a few minutes before bed, I like to have a little drink occasionally. Voli Vodka has some amazing flavors that are great for making all kinds of delicious drinks.

With flavors like Orange Vanilla, Mango Coconut, Lemon, Espresso Vanilla and Raspberry Cocoa... what's not to like? The also have Voli Orginal Light Vodka... which is what I used to mix with my Ginger Ale a few evenings ago, for a wonderful little night cap.

The taste was smooth and light. And it went wonderfully with my Ginger Ale. I think would go great with just about anything. I cannot wait to come up with some other great drinks this weekend. Maybe some Lemon Flavored Voli in my lemonade.

Voli Vodka is also Having a contest right now. An AWESOME contest.You can win a cruise for two and have an amazing Voli Vodka experience aboard the Norwegian Getaway!!!

How to enter: Submit a picture showing us how you “Shake it up with Voli Vodka while Cruising like a Norwegian.” Be sure to use #VoliGetaway and tag @VoliSpirits and @NorwegianCruiseline

During the Entry Period, enter the Contest by any of the following entry methods. To enter the Contest on Facebook: you must “Like” or have already “Liked” Sponsor’s promotion page www.facebook.com/volispirits, and then post a “Public” post with (1) original photo to “Show us how you shake it up with Voli Vodka while Cruising like a Norwegian” in a creative, fun and safe way, and tag with the hashtag #voligetaway and @VoliSpirits and @NorwegianCruiseLine. To enter the Contest via Instagram: your “Photos Are Private” option in your Instagram account settings must be set to “OFF”; upload an original photo to “Voli Getaway” in a creative, fun and safe way, and tag with the hashtag #voligetaway and @VoliSpirits and @NorwegianCruiseLine. To enter the Contest via Twitter: log on to your Twitter account, your account must be set to “public”, and then upload one (1) original photo to “Show us how you shake it up with Voli Vodka while Cruising like a Norwegian.” in a creative, fun and safe way, and tag with the hashtag #voligetaway and @VoliSpirits and @CruiseNorwegian. You may enter as many times as you wish, but each Entry must be unique and entirely different regardless of Entry method used. The order of these steps may vary. Failure to follow all steps will void Entry. In the event entrant is non-compliant, all Entries will be disqualified. A short delay may occur between submission of Entry and posting of images in the Website. This contest end September 30th. Must be 21 or older and a citizen of the United States.

Click here for the Official Rules: http://bit.ly/Z08cUI

Allstate Foundation Purple Purse thinks Empowerment is always in style!

2014-09-15T23:20:00.004-04:00

Disclaimer: This post is part of a sponsored campaign with The Allstate Foundation and MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you are a big sports fan, like me, then you may know that Domestic Violence has been in the headlines for quite a few weeks. It is horrible that it takes something so horrific to bring this disturbing problem to the forefront, but I am glad that it has gotten people to talk about this problem. Did you know that Domestic Violence affects 1 in 4 women in their lifetime? That is more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer combined! The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse program aims to break the cycle of violence in our nation - one family at a time.

When most people hear about Domestic Violence, they think of the physical abuse. But most do not even think of how many women are victims of financial abuse. Sounds weird, I know, but it happens more than you would think. A very close friend of mine was a victim of this kind of abuse. Her husband would tell her on a daily basis that she could never leave him because he made all the money. She was a stay-at-home mom and was terrified to leave because she did not know how she could take care of her kids with no money.

Allstate Foundation Purple Purse program wants to get people talking about domestic violence and the financial abuse that traps women in abusive relationships. This program ignites fundraising for more than 140 national, state and local domestic violence organizations. The money that is raised will help domestic violence survivors build safer lives for themselves and their families.

Almost 8 in 10 Americans have not really heard that much about financial abuse as a form of domestic violence. The number one reason domestic violence survivors stay in an abusive relationship is that they don’t have the financial resources to break free. It is also the number reason that they leave and return to an abusive relationship. Two-thirds of Americans also believe that domestic violence is a serious problem, but just over 1 in 3 have ever talked about it. Allstate Foundation Purple Purse aims to make it fashionable to talk about this difficult topic.

But you can help ensure domestic violence survivors – likely someone you know – are not financially trapped in an abusive relationship by joining the Purple Purse Challenge. You must open your heart and wallet to stand up for survivors and the organizations that serve them. The Allstate Foundation is investing more than a half million dollars in the Purple Purse Challenge. The more donations each nonprofit gets, the more it can compete for Allstate Foundation incentive funding. You must go to PurplePurse.com between September 2nd and October 3rd to join the Challenge and help a nonprofit organization near you.

Kerry Washington, an Emmy-nominated actress and domestic violence activist, is serving as a Purple Purse ambassador to help raise awareness for the cause. She has also designed a limited-edition purple purse. The purse was created to represent the center of a woman’s financial domain and to inspire women to reclaim their financial independence.

You can turn any purse into a Purple Purse, because The Allstate Foundation is widely distributing Purple Purse charms so you can show your support and attach them to your favorite bag year round. They are also being distributed with inspiring survivor stories through Purple Purse Challenge participants and Allstate agency owners.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.