Broken Teepee

Blog Tour and Book #Review: The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

A Deep Haven Novel

A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can't quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston's marriage. After twenty-five years, they're contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn't remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What's more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can't remember? Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future?

About the Author:

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she's also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women's events speaker, she's a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer's workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Find out more at www.susanmaywarren.com.

My Opinion:

Noelle and Eli and living separately together. Their marriage suffered a break upon the death of their daughter; she was murdered in a robbery at the convenience store where she worked. Eli, the sheriff at time blames himself for not "knowing" that the perpetrator would do the deed. Noelle has just not dealt with her grief. She can't handle Eli's withdrawal and her lost dreams. On a trip to the city to start pursuing those dreams again she gets caught up in a robbery and is injured. When she wakes up in the hospital she has lost the last 25 years of memories and thinks she is a college student. She does not remember her marriage, she does not remember her children.

The synopsis drew me in but the storytelling didn't carry me through. I couldn't understand some of the reactions and behaviors so I had problems with the tale. When Noelle wakes up and is afraid of her dour, scowling husband instead of his being concerned he gets angry at her. Angry? This is not a reaction I would expect - at the situation perhaps, but not at the person with the amnesia. The two boys' reactions seem out of place as well.

The subplots involving a friend of the dead daughter whose father died in the same incident, her mother and the eldest son of the main family tie together well. It was a light and easy read I was able to get through in two short sittings.

The rest of the Tour Schedule can be found HERE.

Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and
find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep
Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand
alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving
away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat
yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great
books!)

The entire set of Deep Haven Books

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about
Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Disclosure: I received an e-copy of The Shadow of Your Smile from Litfuse Publicity Group. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free e-book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

The Wind Do Blow

2012-01-26T12:33:00.001-07:00

It was windy yesterday.
VERY windy.
I was sitting quietly at the computer and I heard this WHOOOOOOSH sound.
Then I heard a big CRASH.
Then I felt the wind.
FELT the wind?!

Uh-oh!
This was NOT good.
The skylight was gone.
I called the hubby to let him know and I went to look for it. I THOUGHT it would be in the gully.
That was the wind direction.

Uh, no.
I walked all around the yurt.
A bit of a challenge in the two feet of wet snow but I finally found the skylight.

It seems to have gone on a bit of journey like a flying saucer.
The debris field was pretty expansive. It crashed into the trailer and came to rest between it and the hubby's new tractor. Plexiglass EVERYWHERE.

*sigh*

Hubby came home and brought out the big ladder as the skylight is 18 feet up.

Harry had to inspect. (For more on that tale you can read Pricilla's blog)
Harry doesn't miss a chance to climb a ladder.

A friend was driving by and saw we were having a problem and came in to help the hubby which was really nice. We were so lucky that the weather held while he was getting it repaired. It was supposed to be raining.

He got it repaired. A new skylight is ordered but it will be three weeks 'til it gets here.
The rains came in the night.
So did the leaks.
Drip, drip, drip.

My living room looks like some kind of strange modern art installation. It's gotten worse since I took this photo with the addition of three more buckets and two bowls. More books have come down from the shelves. I hope I make it three weeks.

Hold little skylight repair, please hold!

The Amazing Mat - #Review

2012-01-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing the hubby and I have in common it's that we both track in lots of icky stuff from the yard. When you live on a small farm with free ranging goats and chickens you also have free ranging poop.

It's a fact people. Farm animals drop it where they walk. And then the "farmers" walk in it. Disgusting, I know, which is why we take our shoes off before we hit the floor of our living space. But we do have to go down to the basement for items we have stored and then we get ick on our socks. Thanks to The Amazing Mat that ick now stays where it belongs. Here is the erm, poop direct from the site:

The Amazing Mat is not an ordinary rubber, fabric or grass door mat. It is constructed of separate layers of specially designed clear "sticky" sheets that collect dirt and germs when stepped on. When the top one gets dirty, simply peel it off (along with the dirt) and expose a new sheet. The mat is safe and easy to walk on for adults, children and pets.

I was sent the adorable Welcome Paws - what else would I pick? It is very cute. The mat is a good size. When I posted previously about my upcoming review there were a couple of questions:

Does it feel sticky? - Just slightly. Not so much that it impedes your walking on it. The instructions come with a warning that it is slippery when wet so it does not have a super tacky surface. The cats do not mind walking on it at all.

Does whatever is on the mat transfer to the shoe (or foot, if barefoot)in anyway? - I have not found this to happen at all.

When the mat gets dirty I just pull up the disposable layer and toss it away and THIS is my one problem with it. I hate disposable items because of the addition to the landfills. I wanted to try this though because of the untold amount of ick we track in and it has made a difference in what makes it upstairs. One layer lasts quite a long time. I have been using it for about two weeks now and I have only pulled off two layers. Keep in mind that this is NOT dealing with shoes only with socks. And cats.

I am pleased with The Amazing Mat and what it has kept from being tracked upstairs into my house.

If you want to try it yourself I have a special discount that will give you FREE SHIPPING! Just use the code SHIPNOW at checkout. It is good through 3/15/12.

You can shop for the The Amazing Mat
You can find The Amazing Mat on Facebook
You can find The Amazing Mat on Twitter

Disclosure: I received The Amazing Mat gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free product. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Join the DR. NIECA GOLDBERG HEALTHY HEART CHALLENGE

2012-01-26T04:00:00.001-07:00

ONLY 6% OF AMERICAN ADULTS ARE FREE OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS

38% OF ADULTS SCORE IN THE “POOR” RANGE FOR AT LEAST THREE OUT OF SEVEN RISK FACTORS

According to the AHA’s “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Survey 2012”

MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE JOAN H. TISCH CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH AT NYU LANGONEMEDICAL CENTER

& NATIONALLY RENOWNED PIONEER IN WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH LAUNCHES THE

DR. NIECA GOLDBERG HEALTHY HEART CHALLENGE

Dr. Nieca Goldberg cracks down on cardiovascular disease this February through the launch of her first national Healthy Heart Challenge. To participate, Dr. Goldberg asks that American adults take the proper steps to improve their overall cardiovascular wellbeing. Causing about 2,200-deaths a day, cardiovascular disease continues to be a major killer in the United States, and Americans are more obese and spending more money on treatment of the disease than ever before, according to theAHA’s 2012 “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Survey.” This can stop now.

“Through education, community, and action, we can improve our own quality of life and the quality of life for our family, friends, and neighbors. I began my Healthy Heart Challenge to bring support and initiative to a largely preventable issue plaguing our country,” says Dr. Goldberg.

Improving your cardiovascular health can seem like a difficult goal, but by making simple lifestyle changes is the first step toward big change. To follow are the top five things you must do to improve your heart health:

1. Quit Smoking: Smoking triples the risk of heart disease.

2. Reduce your salt intake: Cutting salt intake in half would save more than a million people from hypertension

3. Exercise: Maintain three hours a week of aerobic exercise and aim to take 10,000 steps a day.

4. Heart Check-Up: The only way to know if you’re at risk is to have a good heart to hear you’re your doctor. Discuss your family history, your lifestyle and have your blood pressure taken. Lab tests for cholesterol and glucose are important as well; your doctor will determine if you need additional tests.

5. Aspirin: Discuss with your doctor if Aspirin will benefit you. Research shows that an aspirin a day doesn’t prevent a first heart attack in everyone. Age and other risk factors determines

Heart disease is still the number one killer in the United States, more than all cancers combined. These simple lifestyle changes can decrease your risk of heart disease by up to 80%. You’ll look better, feel better and live longer, who can argue with that!

For more information on how to participate, please click below.

Celtic Woman Believe CD and Believe Live DVD #Rafflecopter #Giveaway

2012-01-25T04:00:00.001-07:00

I am SO excited that I am getting these to review. They are on their way to me and I will post the review once I have watched them once or 12 times. If you have never listened to Celtic Woman you have missed out! HERE is a video clip to give you a sneak peak/listen:
This rendition of Amazing Grace will give you CHILLS:

The giveaway will have two winners, one for the CD, Believe and one for the DVD of the show. You can go HERE for a sample from the CD. Please do, you won't be disappointed.

And here is a bit about the DVD:

Internationally acclaimed vocal phenomenon Celtic Woman announce their sixth new project, BELIEVE, an enchanting studio album and companion live concert DVD available in stores on January 24. Celtic Woman is the all-female
singing sensation featuring vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt performing classic Irish songs ("The Water Is Wide," "Green
Grow the Rushes," "A Woman's Heart," "The Parting Glass"), timeless pop anthems ("Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Sailing"), and inspirational songs ("You'll Never Walk Alone," "Ave Maria") with their signature Celtic Woman twist, under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes. The live concert DVD
was filmed for the first time in America in front of some of their most loyal fans during two sold-out nights at The Fox Theatre (Atlanta, GA) in Sept 2011.

Woo hoo! It will be party time in the Broken Teepee household! We both love this group and we will sit down and enjoy the music and the show.

You can purchase Believe by Celtic Woman on Amazon.com
You can purchase Believe Live with Celtic Woman on Amazon.com
You can find Celtic Woman North American Tour on Facebook
You can find Celtic Woman on Twitter
You can find Celtic Woman on YouTube
You can check out their North American Tour Dates

How do you win? It's easy! Just click on "read more" and jump on the Rafflecopter. If you are here by direct link the 'copter is waiting!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I will be receiving a CD and DVD gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free products. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Sinbad Sweets Nut Tarts #Review

2012-01-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
I know I just went on and on about chocolate but I have something totally different to give to your sweetie for Valentine's or for any occasion. Or if you want a treat.

Nut tarts from Sinbad Sweets.
They are to die for!
I am talking crunchy, chewy, nutty, salty, sweet perfection.

The box arrived.

The hubby and I opened it...
We went ooooooh...aaaaah.

We both dove for the pistachio.
Just look at all those nuts!

The phyllo dough crust was crunchy and flaky.

And the filling was just sweet enough to not be teeth ringing.
As I said, perfection.
The pecan tarts were delicious too.
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit they didn't last the night.
Yup, we ate 'em all.
We are piggies.

You can shop for nut tarts and other delicious treats at Sinbad Sweets. Shipping is free on orders over $50.

You can find Sinbad Sweets on Facebook

Disclosure: I received a box of Sinbad Sweets gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free product. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Mmmm, Chocolate

2012-01-24T12:28:00.001-07:00

Is there anything better?
To eat people, to eat!
I love the stuff and always have. Straight up or mixed in with ice cream. I love it in muffins, in cake and I have been known to love chocolate in my brownies.

In fact the hubby brought me home a bar from Missoula yesterday.
Ask me if there is any left.
Go ahead.
As if!

Now I must admit that I do love me a box of mixed chocolates, you know the kind you get from a shop like See's Candies. Caramels and buttercreams and jellies....I could go on and on. Hmmmm, Valentine's Day is coming and that IS the perfect occasion for a delicious box of chocolates isn't it?

I will have to start dropping hints.
Hmmm, with my husband I will have to start sending links to the exact box I want. After 30 years I have learned that subtlety will not work. The sledgehammer is a better approach.

How about you?
What is your favorite chocolate, dark or milk? Caramel or buttercream?
Yum!

Around the Farm - What If?

2012-01-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

I did some whining about the snow last week. I was allowed. It was the most snow we received in one storm since we moved here. Himself must have had a feeling because he got a toy to help him with snow clearing - a little tractor. He had a snowblower but it was not adequate to the needs of the farm with the driveway being full of rocks; he'd go a foot and the blower would suck up a rock and he'd have to stop, get it out and start again.

So he started looking for something that would do a better job. I think he started looking first for a used compact tractor for sale but either was not having much luck or decided he wanted something shiny and new. Not that he has anything against used items; he has bought them in the past and I am sure he will buy them in the future. I, of course, no nothing about this stuff. As I regularly say, "I am aesthetics." I don't do things like "backhoe for sale" and the like. That is entirely his job. Now if he needed the color picked out....well, call me, you know?

He ended up getting a new little green and yellow tractor if you can picture what I'm talking about. This is what it looked like after he put it away after the first plowing session.

Uh-huh. It snowed THAT much more overnight. He ended up plowing twice more during the storm. I think we ended up with around 18-20" of snow on the ground. It was a LOT of snow. Maybe with all of that snow he should have considered a used bull dozer!

He had to move things around to do all that plowing. Some day the truck is going to be replaced - it will be too old to do its job so with it and the Freightliner that has to go we'll end up being the ones with the used trucks for sale ad! It will be good to see the truck and trailer go - they block my view of the goat pens. You know how much I love to watch their antics.

Blog Tour,Book Review and #Rafflecopter #Giveaway: The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer

2012-01-24T04:00:00.001-07:00

About the Book:

When kids get sick, parents want nothing more than to “make it all better.” We pull out every comfort tool in our arsenal – chicken soup, extra cuddles, and more cartoons.

Just in time for the peak of cold and flu season comes The Sneezy Wheezy Day (Talking Bird Books, January 1, 2012, $14.95), a book every parent will want to keep on hand for when the sniffles come on.

Written by nurse and mom of three, Sharon Cramer, The Sneezy Wheezy Day, is the third installment of the Cougar Cub Tales - an award winning children’s picture book series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub.

In The Sneezy Wheezy Day, brother cub isn’t feeling well. As he and sister cub seek help for his cold, they encounter many well-intentioned forest friends who offer silly home remedies. One friend even tells brother cub, “Tickle your nose with the tail of a goose and do it before the next blue moon rise!” Although the recommendations help, the final remedy is a sibling’s love.

Cramer wrote the first book in the series, Lost and Alone about sibling rivalry, when her youngest son was born 18 years ago. As a mom to two older sons at the time, Cramer says she felt like an expert on “brotherly love” already. The second installment in the series, I’m Just Like You addresses intolerance.

Cramer illustrates the Cougar Cub Tales books in watercolor, with each picture taking her between 18-24 hours to create. She chose cougar cubs because she wanted to create characters that spoke strongly of the Pacific Northwest, where she lives.

About the Author:

SHARON CRAMER is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and avid competitive equestrian. She is also the author of, soon to be released, Marlo and the Monster, and is working on a new young adult series called The Cerulean Star. She lives in Spokane, Wash.

My Opinion:

This is an adorable children's book written in rhyme.
To be sure, the little ones reading it will have a good time.
The illustrations are precious, colorful and deft.
No matter which side you look - the right or the left.
The cougar siblings have friends that appear
when they need them looking both far and near.
But it is the love of a sister for her brother so dear
that proves to be the cure that he needs, never fear.
All who read it will be happy I know.
It made me smile. It made me glow.

Pardon my poor attempt above but do know that the book is an absolute delight. The illustrations are truly delightful and the story shows the love between siblings.

You can find Talking Bird Books on Facebook
You can find Sharon Cramer on Twitter

One lucky reader will get to win a hardback copy of this book but everyone can download it free from Amazon through the 27th. Just click HERE to get your FREE DOWNLOAD.

How do you win? It's easy! Just click on "read more" and jump on the Rafflecopter. If you are here by direct link the 'copter is waiting.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Sneezy Wheezy Day gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Blog Tour and Book #Review: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life when a scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realize they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They survive terrifying dangers in a hostile environment (such as a giant cobra, as well as sinking sand), pursued by enemies in their quest to solve the secret of the sacred scarab. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out. They must also learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. With just their wits, courage, and each other, the boys manage to survive … only to find that the end of one journey is the beginning of another!

Young explorers will enjoy an interactive journey through Egypt, following Justin and Adam’s exciting adventure on www.secretofthesacredscarab.com. Readers can also browse the first chapter of the book. Those who survive the journey and manage to translate the Curse of Thoth will be able to read the first chapter in Adam and Justin’s next adventure—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—as they hunt for the Scroll of the Ancients.

About the Author:

Although Fiona Ingram has been a journalist for the last fifteen years, writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for her 2 nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied her on the Egyptian trip. This short story grew into an award-winning children’s book, the first in the adventure series Chronicles of the Stone. The author has already completed the next book in the series—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans.

Although Fiona Ingram does not have children of her own, she has an adopted teenage foster child, from an underprivileged background who is just discovering the joys of reading for pleasure. Fiona’s experiences in teaching her daughter to read has resulted in her interest in child literacy and in creating ways to get kids more interested in reading, as well as helping parents to instil a love of reading in their children.

Naturally, Fiona is a voracious reader and has been from early childhood. Her interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, and films. She loves travel and has been fortunate to have lived in Europe (while studying) and America (for work). She has travelled widely and fulfilled many of her travel goals.

Fiona’s latest book is the middle grade adventure novel, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab – Book 1 in the Chronicles of the Stone series.

Visit her website at www.fionaingram.com.

My Opinion:

This is a book targeted to tweens but it still held my interest. Two young cousins, Adam and Justin are very excited about their trip to Egypt with their Aunt. While it is supposed to be an educational trip the boys are looking for ADVENTURE! And adventure they find. While the boys are exploring a marketplace a strange peddler gives them several scarabs; three are quite ordinary but one is very unusual. From that point on the boys are a target of a madman who ultimately kidnaps them as part of a plot to steal ancient treasures. I don't want to give too much away but your tweens will be enthralled with this tale.

The story manages to be both educational and compelling. Ms. Ingram teaches about ancient Egypt and about the wrongs committed by smugglers in a smooth fashion that ties into the plot. The characters are well developed and in some cases downright fun. The bad guys are very, very bad! I think the target audience will find themselves racing through the pages to get to the very satisfying conclusion. The book is the first in what I hope is a long series. These boys are smart and fun.

You can purchase The Secret of the Sacred Scarab at Amazon.com
You can view the book trailer HERE
You can find The Secret of the Sacred Scarab on Facebook

Disclosure: I received an e-copy of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab from Pump up Your Book Promotions. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free e-book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

NOVICA #Review and #Rafflecopter #Giveaway

2012-01-22T01:00:00.001-07:00

I have ordered from NOVICA in the past and I have been more than thrilled with the artisan gifts I have received. They are unique, beautiful and in the case of what I chose this time, fun.

I had a hard time shopping. There is just so much available; from Wool Shawls and Alpaca Wool Sweaters like the one below. The color is gorgeous and it would work for three seasons.

I was surfing for quite a while. I also took quite a fancy to several Cardigans but it was those Alpaca Sweaters that kept drawing me back. You know how cold I always feel. I will have to direct the hubby there next year for Christmas.

But this time I was going to find a present for him. Something to make him smile.

I succeeded! Not that I ever doubted that I would.

I ordered a cat sculpture that looks just like Harry the Farm cat meditating!
(Not that Harry the Farm cat ever sits still long enough to either meditate or do yoga. Unless he is sleeping then he is sprawled out taking up 3/4s of the bed!)

It's really a Yoga Cat but hey, one can imagine. I figure he can take it to his office as a symbol of relaxation. heh

It came well packaged...

...and beautifully wrapped. EVERYTHING I have purchased from NOVICA has come beautifully wrapped. It's like opening a present.

Just look at the paper doll. A little work of art! I am going to save it to use as a Christmas ornament.

ISN'T IT GREAT?!
I had him hold it so you can get an idea of how big it is.

I love this cat. I might have to keep it for myself.

OK - that would not be nice, now would it? There are a whole series of meditating cats. In fact you can search for a gift by animal.
How cool is THAT? Dogs, cats even elephants! That makes it so easy to find a gift for the pet lover in your life.

NOVICA is now giving you the opportunity to make some money while offering these great products to your friends and family in a home setting with their NOVICA Live program.

The starter kits are $199 and they include $400 in samples and $150 in business materials to start you on your way to a home based business. If you say I referred you I get a bit of a referral bonus. I would really appreciate that if you decide to sell these lovely and unique gifts. So if you are interested check it out.

You can shop at NOVICA
You can make some extra money with NOVICA Live (be sure to say I referred you)
You can find NOVICA on Facebook
You can find NOVICA on Twitter

Guess what? One lucky reader is going to get to discover the fun of NOVICA! I have a $50 GC to give away.
How do you win? It's easy! Just click on "read more" and jump on the Rafflecopter. If you are here by direct link the 'copter is waiting!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a GC to NOVICA gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free GC. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Book #Review: Hetaera - Suspense in Ancient Athens (Agathon's Daughter) by Suzanne Tyrpak

2012-01-21T13:19:00.001-07:00

About the Book:

Hetaera--suspense in ancient Athens, is Book One of the Agathon's Daughter Trilogy.

Born a bastard and a slave, Hestia has a gift: the power to read people's hearts. And yet, the secrets of her own heart remain a mystery. Hestia's keen intellect makes her a match for any man. But even a literate slave has little control over destiny. Sold to a prominent statesman with sadistic tendencies, Hestia becomes his hetaera (consort). As her wealth and fame increase so does her despair. She dreams of freedom, but she faces enemies at every turn. When Hestia is accused of murder, the mystery of her past unravels and fate takes another turn.

About the Author:

Suzanne Tyrpak ran away from New York a long time ago to live in Colorado. When she's not working at Frontier Airlines or writing, she enjoys bike-riding, swimming, skiing, hiking, and dancing.

Working for an airline allows her to travel extensively and do research for her stories. She's been to Egypt, Greece, and Italy doing research for her novels. Suzanne says, "I like to smell the air, taste the food, see the light on the buildings, experience the people, and explore the setting I plan to write about."

Suzanne is interested in the daily lives of ancient people, especially the roles of women. Much has not been documented. In order to create that world, she steeps herself in fragments of writings, jewelry, and household goods--visiting museums and consulting her extensive collection of books. At Marlboro College she majored in Classic Theater (with a focus on ancient Greek plays) and ancient religions. Research for Hetaera included traveling to Athens and Delphi.

My Opinion:

This is the first book in a trilogy and I cannot wait for the next installment! This tale of a strong willed, strong minded slave Hestia will hold you from the very first pages. The women of ancient Athens were not exactly free no matter their status. The only woman that had any freedom at all were the Hetaera - the educated courtesans of prominent men.

Hestia is a slave in the household of Agathon. As he dies she learns a secret that will change the course of her life. Agathon's wife is a most unpleasant woman; unhappy with her lot and looking to change it. The choices she makes send her on a very dangerous path. Agathon's son thinks he will be in control of his life after his father's death but soon learns that is not the case. He has strong feelings for Hestia but his mother's plans for him do not include his loving a slave.

Such a delightful, tangled mass of both good and conniving characters! I was drawn in from the very beginning and I stayed up until 4AM to finish the book. While I don't thank Ms. Tyrpak for my lack of sleep I do thank her for a great story. I can't say it was page turner since I read it on my Nook - it was a page clicker! I couldn't click those pages fast enough. heh. The writing was descriptive of time, place and emotion and the characters very well drawn. I am most convinced that I would not want to be a woman in Ancient Athens! But that does not mean I don't want to keep reading about them....I will wait most anxiously for the next installment of this series. I want to see Hestia discover just who she is and get the love she so deserves. I am sure it is not going to come easy but I am sure she will get what she deserves.

You can purchase Hetaera at Amazon.com
You can read Suzanne Tyrpak's blog
You can find Suzanne Tyrpak on Facebook
You can find Suzanne Tyrpak on Twitter

Disclosure: I received an e-copy of Hetaera gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free e-book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Ruminatin' - On All of the Snow

2012-01-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

It snowed.
A lot.
Best guess is we have somewhere between 18 and 20 inches.
Most snow we have seen in one big dump since we moved here in '06.
But, there is nothing quite so beautiful as snow on top of gorgeous.

Don't you agree?
The photos will look black and white but I did not change them. It was a very black and white world yesterday. The sun is out today and it's almost blinding out there. I have to admit that after 5 days of snow it is very nice to see the sun.

But even I can admire the beauty the snow has brought.

Even if the poor goats can't.

Poor Nora was the only goat to venture out yesterday and the snow made her look like a big sausage floating on its surface. There was another 4" after this photo was taken. She was not a happy goat. I had to practically drag her out today to show her that it had been plowed and she wouldn't drown in the snow.

The temperatures are slowly rising and expected to get to about 38° tomorrow so I don't know what kind of mess I am going to have. But it will be pretty for at least one day.

I love looking at the yurt through the trees. It looks so warm and inviting. And it is warm. The woodstove keeps us nice and toasty.

Even if the wood pile is under almost two feet of snow!
More snow is predicted for next week.....

Blog Tour and Book #Review: The Ruins of Us by Keija Parssinen

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

More than two decades after moving to Saudi Arabia and marrying powerful Abdullah Baylani, American-born Rosalie learns that her husband has taken a second wife. That discovery plunges their family into chaos as Rosalie grapples with leaving Saudi Arabia, her life, and her family behind. Meanwhile, Abdullah and Rosalie’s consuming personal entanglements blind them to the crisis approaching their sixteen-year-old son, Faisal, whose deepening resentment toward their lifestyle has led to his involvement with a controversial sheikh. When Faisal makes a choice that could destroy everything his embattled family holds dear, all must confront difficult truths as they fight to preserve what remains of their world.

The Ruins of Us is a timely story about intolerance, family, and the injustices we endure for love that heralds the arrival of an extraordinary new voice in contemporary fiction.

About the Author:

Keija Parssinen was born in Saudi Arabia and lived there for twelve years as a third-generation expatriate. She earned a degree in English literature from Princeton University and received her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she held a Truman Capote Fellowship and a Teaching-Writing Fellowship. For The Ruins of Us, her first novel, she received a Michener-Copernicus Award. She lives with her husband on the edge of a quarry in Missouri.

My Opinion:

In this book you will find a seemingly perfect family; rich, attractive, looking like they have everything they need. Once you look deeper, though, you find that not all is as it seems to be. Rosalie grew up in Saudi Arabia - her father worked in the oil fields. When she meets Abdullah Baylani one night in the bar where she is working while going to college all her childhood memories come flooding back. A longing for what was combined with love has her marrying and returning the desert she so loves.

But she returns not with the freedom of a child but rather as the sheltered wife of an influential Saudi man. Confined by the strictures of society she longs for a freedom she can't express. When she discovers that her supposedly modern husband has taken a second MUCH younger wife she falls apart. She learns it in a most uncomfortable way and then she finds he has been married to this woman for close to two years. In the midst of the marital fallout neither parent realizes what path their son has started to take. He is torn between his two differing heritages and cannot find himself at home in either. This causes him to make a serious error in judgement with ramifications for all members of his family.

The book is not a happy book by any means but the story was so compelling. I read it in one sitting; I really could not put the book down. The writing is magical for lack of any other word. The descriptions had me feeling the heat of the desert and feeling the suffering of the characters. Of course the husband marries a younger woman and then bemoans that she will age....seriously men - WE ALL GET OLDER. Even you. It's fiction that makes you want to scream at the book. It ends yet it continues is all I will offer. The characters are fascinating - not a single one of them is one dimensional. So much nuance and so utterly delightful. It's a book I'm keeping to read again.

You can purchase The Ruins of Us on Amazon.com

Here are links to the author's website/social media:

The rest of the Tour Schedule can be found HERE

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Ruins of Us gratis from TLC Book Tours. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Broken Teepee Joins the Fight Against SOPA/PIPA

2012-01-18T08:52:00.003-07:00

Please watch this video

Even better video

The best video yet

Ruminatin' - On the Weather

2012-01-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

All winter long my husband has been ~~whining~~ talking about the lack of snow this year. We have had a remarkably mild and sunny winter which has had me jumping for joy. The sun tends to go south for the winter in these parts leaving around October and only making token appearances until it comes back from its vacation around July 4th. It makes for a very dreary expanse of time. But not this year - oh no! This year has been a celebration of sunshine.

But he loves the snow! He want to go cross country skiing. He wants to go snowshoeing. You can't do that when the temperature stubbornly stays above freezing and the only thing falling from the sky is warming rays of bright yellow sun. Never fails, right? One person is happy and the other is not. Well - this week is HIS week. It started snowing on Sunday and from the weather reports I've seen it's gonna get ugly. We have maybe an inch on the ground now and it is snowing. The reports indicate it will snow all day today and all day tomorrow. Accumulations should be somewhere around 8 -12" where we are, maybe more.

And then comes the fun. Thursday and Friday IT'S GOING TO RAIN. Yes, RAIN. On top of all that snow. Then Saturday and Sunday - more snow.

I know - you all so want to be me right now I can feel it right through the computer. In all honesty I would rather have all snow than the mess that is going to come of this. Ugh! At least the hubby will be happy for one day. Or maybe the weather gods will smile and keep the temperature from rising at the end of the week. For once I have to agree with my man, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Book #Review: American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar

2012-01-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

Hayat Shah is a young American in love for the first time. His normal life of school, baseball, and video games had previously been distinguished only by his Pakistani heritage and by the frequent chill between his parents, who fight over things he is too young to understand. Then Mina arrives, and everything changes.

Mina is Hayat's mother's oldest friend from Pakistan. She is independent, beautiful and intelligent, and arrives on the Shah's doorstep when her disastrous marriage in Pakistan disintegrates. Even Hayat's skeptical father can't deny the liveliness and happiness that accompanies Mina into their home. Her deep spirituality brings the family's Muslim faith to life in a way that resonates with Hayat as nothing has before. Studying the Quran by Mina's side and basking in the glow of her attention, he feels an entirely new purpose mingled with a growing infatuation for his teacher.

When Mina meets and begins dating a man, Hayat is confused by his feelings of betrayal. His growing passions, both spiritual and romantic, force him to question all that he has come to believe is true. Just as Mina finds happiness, Hayat is compelled to act -- with devastating consequences for all those he loves most.

American Dervish is a brilliantly written, nuanced, and emotionally forceful look inside the interplay of religion and modern life. Ayad Akhtar was raised in the Midwest himself, and through Hayat Shah he shows readers vividly the powerful forces at work on young men and women growing up Muslim in America. This is an intimate, personal first novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.

About the Author:

Ayad Akhtar is an American-born, first generation Pakistani-American from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He holds degrees in Theater from Brown University and in Directing from the Graduate Film Program at Columbia University, where he won multiple awards for his work. He is the author of numerous screenplays and was star and co-writer of The War Within, which premiered at the 2005 Toronto Film Festival and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay and an International Press Academy Satellite Award for Best Picture - Drama. American Dervish is his first novel.

My Opinion:

This was an excellent book. As a coming of age tale of a young Muslim boy (Hayat) it tells the story of a first crush and that boy's learning about love. His parents' marriage is shaky at best and his mother talks to him about the most inappropriate things; he is only 12 and yet she shares with him of her husband's affairs. The household is refreshed when Mina enters - Mina is Hayat's mothers dearest friend from Pakistan. She is escaping an abusive father and an embarrassing divorce. She brings a breath of fresh air into Hayat's life and he promptly falls in love with all of his 12 year old heart.

If one reads deeper though, this is a tale of the harm that untutored religious zeal and child neglect can cause a family. Not child neglect in failing to feed and clothe but child neglect in failing to nurture, teach and keep from children that which they are too young to know. Add in some harsh religious stricture with no balance and a young brain can come to some very dangerous conclusions.

It was a book I found hard to put down and I read it over the course of two days. The writing is compelling, the characters fascinating and the story universal. Love and regret are found no matter the race or religion. Not to mention the sacrifices a woman will make for the sake of a child. A truly fascinating look into a lifestyle so very different in some ways and yet so very similar in others to our own.

You can find American Dervish on Amazon.com
You can find American Dervish on Facebook
You can find Ayad Akhtar on Facebook

Disclosure: I received a copy of American Dervish gratis from Little Brown and Company. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Book #Review: Wayward Son by Tom Pollack with Jim Alves and John Loftus

2012-01-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

Buried near Italy's Mount Vesuvius is a remarkable observatory containing artifacts dating to the earliest record of human events. Only one person-the Getty Museum's Amanda James-can unlock the mysterious doors that guard the chamber.

But once inside, Amanda is shocked to discover evidence left behind by a notorious biblical killer-who long ago wandered off the pages of history.

The first novel of a series, Wayward Son takes the reader on an amazing voyage, where epic adventures in Egypt, Greece, China and Rome collide with modern-day intrigue and suspense.

About the Authors:

Tom Pollack (center) has a passion for sailing, which led him to a friendship with Roy Disney, and ultimately to the release of Walt Disney Pictures' critically acclaimed motion picture, Morning Light. The film is based on Tom's original idea of documenting the exploits of a group of college-aged sailors recruited to compete against seasoned pros in the Trans-Pacific race from Southern California to Hawaii.

Tom graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He resides in Dana Point with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children. Tom serves as President of the Mission Basilica School Foundation in San Juan Capistrano and the Chairman of ExplorOcean, Newport Beach's popular nautical museum.

Jim Alves (left) recently completed a 25-year career in bond sales and trading. He graduated from The University of Massachusetts with a bachelor's degree in finance and economics. He currently is Chief Executive Officer of Prometheus Holdings, a financial consulting firm. Jim resides in San Clemente, California with his wife Jackie and their two young boys, having successfully launched two older sons from the nest.

John Loftus (right) spent 23 years at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), where as a Managing Director he focused on new product development and marketing. A graduate of Stanford University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, his writings have been published in various financial journals and textbooks. Now President of Cascada Productions, John is also active in philanthropy and the non-profit sector. An Ohio native, John resides in Newport Beach, California, with his wife, Lori. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

My Opinion:

I get really frustrated with a book when the synopsis strays far from the contents. I go in expecting one thing and I get another. Sometimes that frustration can be alleviated with excellent story telling. Sometimes I get a tale so far removed from what was promised I almost give up and stop reading. This story about a "legendary Biblical killer" proved to be the latter.

It was not ALL bad, though; the passages surrounding Amanda James, the archaeologist called on to investigate a pair of mysterious bronze doors found underground near Mt. Vesuvius were exciting, interesting and drew me into the story. She is a strong woman and very clever. When she enters the secret chamber behind the doors she experiences the "Biblical killer's" life. I don't want to give it all away in a review. My problem with the book was that 80% of it focused on the immortal wanderings of the killer. I started to feel immortal, OY! I feel it could have been condensed without harming the story. I was about to give up several times but held on. (I mean at one point the killer was jailed for 150 years. REALLY?! Did we have to relive them?)

Once the story was brought back into the present it was again very enjoyable. The book is a first in a series and while I would love to know what is going to happen I fear another long winded book. The book is targeted towards a young adult audience and perhaps the history told through the eyes of the "killer" would be an excellent tutorial in the high (and low) points of civilization. Being a student of history (my degree is history) perhaps it was just too much of a repeat for me.

Hopefully the subsequent volumes will tighten up and the focus will be on the war between good and evil; always a good fight to be sure.

You can purchase Wayward Son on Amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a copy of Wayward Son gratis from Glass Road PR. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Blog Tour, Book Review and #Rafflecopter #Giveaway: The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

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?

About the Author:

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania, as well as to Ohio, a couple of times each year for research.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.

When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

My Opinion:

This is a sweet tale of learning that what you think you want is not always what is best for you. Julia has been in love with Paul for as long as she can remember. She thought they were going to be married but Paul kept coming up with reasons to delay. She thought it was everyone's fault but his. When the Bee Man came back and Paul delayed the ceremony yet again she was, well madder than a bee.

What she came to learn was that she and Roman, that same Bee Man that drove her to distraction had more in common than she wanted to believe. As their friendship deepened she learns that perhaps the path she was on had a fork in it for a very good reason.

Ms. Woods Fisher writes a lovely story about learning to accept what is given to you and perhaps stretch your thinking to expand beliefs you might have had from birth. The strength of family is very very important in dealing with whatever is thrown your way and if you keep the faith things will work out...my mother always said that things will work out for the best and as I looked back she was right. This book proves her axiom. It's well written with well developed characters and the peak into the Amish way of life is always a delight.

You can purchase The Keeper on Amazon.com

You can see the rest of the Tour Schedule HERE

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!

One lucky reader will win a copy of The Keeper!

How do you win? It's easy!

Just click on "read more" and jump on the Rafflecopter. If you are here by direct link the 'copter is waiting. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Keeper gratis from Litfuse Publicity Group. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Diamond Candle #Review and #Rafflecopter #Giveaway

2012-01-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

I love candles. Especially after I have cooked a garlicky dinner. heh

I will only burn soy candles now because they don't put any nasty stuff into my air. It's a change I made many years ago when they first came on the market and I haven't looked back. Diamond Candles are makers of soy candles but they have a cute marketing strategy - they include a ring in every candle. The ring can be worth anywhere from $10 - $5,000. You just don't know. You can go to the Diamond Candles on Facebook to see some of the rings that people have found. Here is mine:

Needless to say it is not one of the $5,000 rings but it does sparkle pretty. With my best jewelry knowledge I would say it's gold plated base metal with crystals. Doesn't mean it isn't pretty, right? You didn't need to see the whole of my old, wrinkly hand.

As for the candle - I was sent one called First Snow. I was expecting a scent similar to the one I use when I make soap called First Snow. What I got was one that smelled more like buttercream. Not that I am complaining - I adore the buttercream but if one is expecting one thing and gets another it can lead to frustration. Had I paid for one scent and gotten another I would be annoyed. It does burn beautifully; nice and even in the jar. The scent carries throughout the yurt and lingers. It smells like I have been baking even the day after I have had the candle burning. The buttercream is true and full of a rich vanilla scent. I would order buttercream again but would have serious doubts about First Snow....

The jar is a nice size and I know I am going to find a good use for it after the candle is burned down. Over all I really like the candle. I suspect more as a gift than for myself. The novelty of the ring inside makes for a fun present.

Diamond Candles is running a giveaway over all of the blogs chosen to review their candles. There will be 30 candles given away on the Rafflecopter widget below. (Broken Teepee is not giving one away.) So be sure to check them out - they have a wide variety of scents to choose from and the allure of a sparkly treat is certainly fun. I know I was impatient for mine to burn to where I could get to the foil packet and find my ring.

Good luck to all who enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a Diamond Candle gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free product. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Book Review: Rebirth by Dave Longeuay

2012-01-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

How did a remnant of scattered Jews rise to build a mighty superpower in the Middle East? Fleeing his father’s anti-Semitic organization, Charles Devonshire journeys into the most volatile landgrab in history—Post WWII Palestine. Charles pursues a beautiful but mysterious librarian, Gladia, who introduces him to the elaborate Jewish underground. While joining their plight to reestablish a homeland, he falls in love with her and faces painful challenges in developing a relationship within their culture gap. And in the midst of battling the hostile inhabitants who also laid claim to Palestine, he searches for clues of his own troubled past. Can Charles pursue love, uncover his family secrets and avoid being trapped in the middle of the world’s longest feud? Rebirth draws you into 1948, into a world of intrigue, espionage and anti-Semitism. Witness how ancient prophecies were fulfilled against impossible odds as Israel built a nation and defied skeptics. Journey through the precarious events that led to Israel’s miraculous rebirth on May 14, 1948. Experience the unrelenting pursuits of the most persecuted race, and how their renewed strength reestablished their original language, customs and land cultivations after 2,000 years of desolation—an accomplishment no other nation can claim.

About the Author:

Dave Longeuay has been writing since 1978. His works have ranged from stories and poems to songs and video documentaries. Longeuay owns a professional multimedia studio in Southern California, and has more than three decades of production and marketing experience. He’s a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers association, and has been a student of biblical Israeli history for more than two decades.

My Opinion:

I find myself fascinated with religious history - doesn't matter the religion. I was also woefully ignorant of the founding of Israel. What I though I knew and what I learned after reading this book about made me cry. I for one have never understood why the Jewish race has been so persecuted throughout time. I am not going to approve any "Jews killed Jesus" comments so don't bother. Jesus was Jewish and people tend to forget that....but back to the book.

The story was interesting; a young man(Charles) finds a photo of his parents in front of the Technion - the technical school in Palestine - and he doesn't understand. His father is a full on Nazi and wanted him to join his hate group so Charles runs away to Palestine to try and find out more about his history. A bit of a stretch to say the least given the time period in history and Charles' age (16) but we have to start somewhere. Charles is a bit of a savant for lack of a better word. His father and mother kept him a virtual prisoner and all he had were books so he read and read and read. His particular interest was engineering. When he gets to the Technion he meets and falls in love with a young lady, Gladia and that meeting will direct the rest of his life.

At times I found the book to be more history lesson than novel but in this case that was OK with me as I knew so little about this time period but it did get a bit dry. I was inspired to google my little heart out at the end to find out what was real and what was not and an author's note would have been helpful on that end. I am conflicted - I enjoyed the story but parts of it were a bit forced and that includes the romance. I learned a lot about how badly the Jews were treated after WWII as they tried to find a place to live after being forced from their homes in Europe. Was the displacement of the Arab peoples living where they settled any less horrible? No. But the Jews had to go somewhere and no country wanted them. It is, as we a know a question still being fought and the answers are not going to be found in my little blog. But I was glad to have read the book to have at least learned a bit more about how it all started. I somehow doubt I will be alive when it ends.

You can purchase Rebirth on Amazon.com

You can find Dave Longeuay on Facebook
You can read Dave Longeuay's blog

Disclosure: I received an ecopy of Rebirth gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free ebook. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

King Arthur is on the Move

2012-01-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Well, King Arthur Flour is...they are having a series of traveling baking demos. I am a bit bummed that none of them are near me but that doesn't mean that those of you lucky enough to in the areas can't take advantage so read on:

King Arthur Flour Brings FREE Traveling Baking Demos to Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee & New England

Norwich, Vermont – America’s oldest flour company will share tips and tricks this winter for easy home baking, from savory scones to perfect pies and yummy yeast breads, at FREE local baking demonstrations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont.

With more than 220 years of experience behind them, the expert bakers at King Arthur Flour have plenty of advice – the one ingredient home bakers can’t pull out of their pantries – to offer in their free demos, Perfect Pies & Savory Scones, and Baking with Yeast & Whole Grains.

In Perfect Pies & Savory Scones, attendees learn how to achieve the perfectly flaky pie crust, prepare delicious fillings, and savory scones. Baking with Yeast & Whole Grains covers a basic yeast dough recipe, tips for adding healthy whole wheat, and simple shaping techniques. Each two-hour demo includes free recipes, coupons, and time to “talk baking” with the talented King Arthur Flour staff – plus a chance to win some great baking-related door prizes!

Demos will be held as follows:

January 26-28, 2012 – Louisiana / Mississippi	February 24-27, 2012 – Tennessee	March 18-25, 2012 – New England
Thursday, January 26 Radisson Hotel Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, LA	Friday, February 24 Scarritt-Bennett Center Nashville, TN	Sunday, March 18 Crowne Plaza Nashua Nashua, NH
Friday, January 27 Courtyard Marriott Gulfport Beachfront Gulfport, MS	Saturday, February 25 Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Murfreesboro, TN	Friday, March 23 Doubletree Hotel Norwalk Norwalk, CT
Saturday, January 28 Doubletree New Orleans Airport Kenner, LA	Monday, February 27 Embassy Suites Memphis Memphis, TN	Saturday, March 24 Holiday Inn Springfield - Enfield Enfield, CT
		Sunday, March 25 Champlain College Conference and Event Center Burlington, VT

The King Arthur Flour demos are a unique blend of baking science, tried and true tips, and culinary theater; traveling baking instructors explain and entertain, inform and inspire. Attendees walk away with just enough baking science to understand how ingredients function in a recipe and why certain techniques are important to successful baking, while sharing the joy and tradition of baking at home.

“We know from customers that many otherwise confident people suffer from ‘baking anxiety,’” says National Outreach Program Manager Julie Christopher, “especially when it comes to pie crusts and baking with yeast. With a little baking knowledge, you can overcome your fear and experience the joy of baking and eating your own breads, pies, and more.” King Arthur Flour has helped thousands of bakers around the country to do just that through its traveling baking demos and other educational programs.

How cool! So if you are in those areas I hope you can go. It sounds like they will be a blast!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. I just love King Arthur Flour.

King Arthur Flour is proud to work with partners Red Star Yeast, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, and Dansko in presenting these demos around the nation and keeping them free for participants. For more information about these King Arthur Flour partners, visitredstaryeast.com, cabotcheese.coop, and dansko.com.

With more than one million bakers having participated in its workshops, seminars and classes, King Arthur Flour is the largest educator of home bakers in the world. The company, employee-owned since 1996, conducts fall and winter traveling baking demo tours reaching thousands of bakers each year; brings demonstrations to fourth- through seventh-grade students nationwide through its Life Skills Bread Baking Program®; offers a variety of classes at its Baking Education Center in Norwich, Vt.; and publishes The Baking Sheet, an award-winning bi-monthly newsletter of recipes and baking information. For more information about America’s oldest flour company, visit kingarthurflour.com.

LIVE Q & A with Angelina Jolie - starting 8PM EST/6PM MST/5PM PST

2012-01-12T17:30:00.001-07:00

The Farm Cats LOVE Mr. Chewy!

2012-01-12T14:06:00.001-07:00

I never thought the Farm cats would love a dog but it seems they do. They haven't met this dog in person and perhaps that helps...
This dog is Mr. Chewy - he's the mascot for a new online retailer of great pet food, treats and other needs and the Farm cats got to try out his site.

As per usual Sherpa was first on to the box. He just seems to know when something is for him.
Ordering was very easy with Mr. Chewy and I found just what I wanted. They carry over 70 brands of cat and dog food! The Farm cats eat a LOT of food to say the least and I go through 4 cans of wet food minimum a day so I went that route but Mr. Chewy offers some fantastic chows like Taste of the Wild (and I considered this long and hard but my beasts LOVE their Friskies....),Orijen and Blue Buffalo for the doggies. We have no doggies....

Mr. Chewy packs his boxes well and he appears on his mailing labels. A very smart dog and he reminds me of a certain goat I know....

Of course mayhem ensued once I opened the box. At first the cats could not care less about the contents and wanted only the packing paper. If I didn't know any differently I would swear that Mr. Chewy slipped some 'nip in there with the way they were acting.

Harry assured me that the packing box was sturdy enough to carry three cases of cat food. He takes his reviewing work very seriously even if I can't take a clear photo of a cat in motion.

Stinky just quietly observed and waited for the food to be served. She is no dummy that Stinky. She knows her younger brothers can be a bit excitable.

Pumpkin even woke from his usual 22 hour a day nap to inspect the contents. Then he REALLY got excited.

What's this?!

FANCY FEAST!!!!!!
Mr. Chewy sent us Fancy Feast!
That is when all of the Farm cats fell in love with Mr. Chewy!

Although Harry was staking a claim to the two cases of Friskies.....hmmmmm.

I must say that ordering from Mr. Chewy was very easy. I found all of the Farm cats' favorite foods including that Fancy Feast. It arrived quickly and the whole experience was a happy one. Shipping is free when you spend $49.00

They have a program that for every new customer I refer that customer will get 10% off of their order and $10 will be donated to one of three animal charities. You can read more about it HERE.
If you would like to try Mr. Chewy please use this code KAIM6892 to take advantage of the discount and donation.

Mr. Chewy also offers a subscription service where you can sign up to have your choices delivered on a regular schedule. Living in a rural area delivery programs can save lots of driving into the city for pet supplies.

So you can see that Mr. Chewy has lots to offer for a dog so why not head on over and check him out?!

You can shop at Mr. Chewy
You can find Mr. Chewy on Facebook
You can find Mr. Chewy on Twitter

Disclosure: I received a gift certificate to Mr. Chewy. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free product. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Pricilla's New Soap

2012-01-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Pricilla has a new soap for the new year!
It's in the shape of her very favorite treat...an APPLE!

I have made it in several different scents and there will be more to come as the year progresses.
So far you can get it in Apple Orchard, Autumn Wreath, Lavender and Wake Up Rosemary.

Pricilla is so excited about her new soap that she is offering a coupon code good for the month of January. Just enter APPLE at checkout and you will get 20% on your entire order. Even if you don't buy an apple soap.

Isn't she a nice goat?

So head on over to her shop and check out her soaps.
Everyone needs to get clean!

Broken Teepee

Blog Tour and Book #Review: The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

The Wind Do Blow

The Amazing Mat - #Review

Join the DR. NIECA GOLDBERG HEALTHY HEART CHALLENGE

Celtic Woman Believe CD and Believe Live DVD #Rafflecopter #Giveaway

Sinbad Sweets Nut Tarts #Review

Mmmm, Chocolate

Around the Farm - What If?

Blog Tour,Book Review and #Rafflecopter #Giveaway: The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer

Blog Tour and Book #Review: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram

NOVICA #Review and #Rafflecopter #Giveaway

Book #Review: Hetaera - Suspense in Ancient Athens (Agathon's Daughter) by Suzanne Tyrpak

Ruminatin' - On All of the Snow

Blog Tour and Book #Review: The Ruins of Us by Keija Parssinen

Broken Teepee Joins the Fight Against SOPA/PIPA

Ruminatin' - On the Weather

Book #Review: American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar

Book #Review: Wayward Son by Tom Pollack with Jim Alves and John Loftus

Blog Tour, Book Review and #Rafflecopter #Giveaway: The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Diamond Candle #Review and #Rafflecopter #Giveaway

Book Review: Rebirth by Dave Longeuay

King Arthur is on the Move

February 24-27, 2012 – Tennessee

March 18-25, 2012 – New England

LIVE Q & A with Angelina Jolie - starting 8PM EST/6PM MST/5PM PST

The Farm Cats LOVE Mr. Chewy!

Pricilla's New Soap

February 24-27, 2012
– Tennessee

March 18-25, 2012
– New England