Just Another New Blog

Daisy Natural Skin Care #Giveaway

2013-05-19T19:27:00.000-04:00

In recent years, I've started paying more attention to what exactly is in my skincare products. I avoid those with parabens and phthalates, and focus on using products made from natural and / or organic ingredients.

When I came across Daisy Natural Skin Care, I realized their products were exactly the type of skincare I prefer. Founder Jean Marie Pizzariella has created a product line made from high quality ingredients that are good for your skin. She sent me several products for review, and I absolutely loved everything I tried.

The first Daisy Natural Skin Care product I tried was their shea butter soap in lavender. The soap smells heavenly due to the lavender essential oil. It's handmade with real shea butter and feels great on my skin. It's mild and gentle, plus it makes just the right amount of lather. Besides shea butter, the soap contains coconut, palm and safflower oils, plus a high percentage of glycerin which helps with the absorption of moisture into the skin. Lavender is one of my favorite scents but you can also choose among eight other delicious fragrances plus a fragrance-free version.

My daughter tried the Daisy Natural Skin Care lip balm and announced she had to use it every morning before school. Luckily, she let me borrow it a couple of times, so I can tell you it's very creamy and feels quite luxurious on my lips. The lip balm is made from avocado oil, mango butter, beeswax, and cocoa butter, plus flavoring. I picked French Vanilla, another scent I love. The lip balm is also available in almond and just plain.

The Whipped Avocado Butter is wonderful to use after a shower. It looks and smells good enough to eat! I loved the lavender scent and the creamy texture so much that at first I was using a tad too much. It turns out just a little does the job. My skin gets very dry from all the daily hand washing, so my favorite way to use the whipped avocado butter is in lieu of hand cream.

For the extra dry spots on my knees and elbows, the lotion stick from Daisy Natural Skin Care is just the ticket. I can toss it in my purse for dry skin emergencies because it is very portable - the tube is like a big lip balm or small deodorant stick. Just as all Daisy Natural Skin Care products, the lotion stick is made from natural ingredients, free of parabens, phthalates and synthetic colors, and not tested on animals.

The prices of Daisy Natural Skin Care products range from $3 for the lip balm to $10 for the whipped avocado butter. If you can't decide what to get, their beautifully packaged gift sets are a good place to start. The gift sets include a bar of soap, a jar of whipped avocado butter, and a lip balm - all in a biodegradable bag with a pretty ribbon. These make great teacher gifts, too.

Right now, you can get 15% off your Daisy Natural order of $15 or more. Use coupon code JANB15 through June 18, 2013 to take advantage of this special offer.

Connect with Daisy Natural Skin Care on Facebook, Twitter (@daisynatural), Pinterest, or RebelMouse.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a Daisy Natural Skin Care gift set (ARV $20).

The prize pack includes a bar of soap, a jar of whipped avocado butter, and a lip balm - all full-sized, packed in a biodegradable cello bag.

To enter, please visit Daisy Natural Skin Care and comment below with your favorite product(s), then follow the Rafflecopter instructions.

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No compensation was provided for this post. Information, prize, review products and photo provided by company or PR firm. Prize fulfillment by sponsor.
Giveaway Rules: Giveaway ends 12:01 am ET, June 4, 2013. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the U.S., 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited by law. One winner will be chosen randomly, and odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries. One entry per household. The winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 72 hours to respond. Entrants agree with this site's Official Rules.

#Linky for Your #Giveaways Saturday: 5/18

2013-05-18T05:51:00.000-04:00

Got giveaways? Please do share! You can link any family-friendly giveaway here weekly to promote it. And you can enter them, too, of course. My Saturday linky is below. Please include prize and ending date, and link directly to the giveaway page.

Looking for more blogs hosting Saturday giveaway fun? Visit Aleks at Busy Working Mama and Kristi at Mom's Own Words. Good luck to those who enter, and everyone else - enjoy browsing!

* Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal from Reader's Digest - US/CAN, 5/21

* $10 GC to Little Caesars - US, 5/24

* Chick-fil-A Salad Coupons - US, 5/25

* Stories in Uniform - US, 5/27

* $25 Publix Gift Card - US, 5/29

* $50 code to Tiny Prints - US, 5/29

* Children's Book from Sylvan Dell - US, 5/31

Celebrate Children's Book Week with @SylvanDell - Plus a #Giveaway

2013-05-16T19:30:00.000-04:00

My children love Sylvan Dell books. We have probably two dozen of their titles. All of them are fun to read, have beautiful illustrations, and great educational value. You can read my reviews of some of these excellent reads here.

Right now, Sylvan Dell Publishing is celebrating Children's Book Week with special author appearances around the country. Online, they are hosting contests, giveaways, and free fun activities for kids. This month, the Sylvan Dell blog, Facebook page and @sylvandell on Twitter will be dedicated to Children’s Book Week events. Get involved and win! For a complete listing of events, please visit www.sylvandellpublishing.com.

In addition, Sylvan Dell will offer free access to new favorites right there on their site. From May 12th through the 18th, all of Sylvan Dell’s enhanced eBooks will be 99 cents on the Kindle and iBooks stores.

About Sylvan Dell Publishing
Sylvan Dell is on a mission to improve child literacy with science and math through fictional picture books. Using prose and pictures, children are delighted with stories of their favorite animals, planets, or even place. This leads to the exploration of facts and learning activities in each book’s For Creative Minds pages. Sylvan Dell carefully designs each book to portray accurately the chosen subject. Vetted by experts in that field, and aligned to common core and state standards; each book is a unique asset to educational programs. Sylvan Dell has grown to include more than 80 authors and illustrators, and honored to have won more than 70 book awards since its inception in 2005.

The Giveaway
In honor of Children's Book Week, one lucky U.S. reader will win a Sylvan Dell book! The winner may choose among the following:

Nature Recycles
Ferdinand Fox’s First Summer
Waterbeds
Octavia
Turtle Summer
Astro the Steller Sea Lion
The Tree That Bear Climbed
Meet the Planets
Little Skinks Tail

Please enter on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

* This is a non-compensated post. Information, prize and photos courtesy of Sylvan Dell Publishing.

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Baby Shower Stationery and More from @TinyPrints and $50 #Giveaway

2013-05-16T14:22:00.001-04:00

I remember fondly my first baby shower. I was very pregnant with my daughter. My gal pals had been after me for weeks to put together a baby registry. I kept telling them I had all a baby needed. I'd already bought a crib, a carseat, and some tiny clothes. There, I insisted, I had everything ready. Little did I know that my tiny infant would be dwarfed by all the baby stuff I would eventually collect... but I digress.

My baby shower was a complete surprise, and absolutely perfect. My girlfriends had thought of everything: the theme, the snacks, the decorations, the invitations, even the thank-you notes for me to fill out later. One friend even kept a list of who the gifts came from, so my tired pregnancy brain would not have to remember it all. A few years later, I happily returned the favor when I organized her first baby shower.

Most of my close friends have had their bundles of joy already but if I were to host another shower, I know where I would get the stationery. I love the trendy designs of the Tiny Prints Baby Shower Invitations. You can even get matching stationery and gift tags. I know any mom-to-be would appreciate having address labels and thank you cards on the ready, so she can express her gratitude to her baby shower guests in style.

And should I happen to have another baby... I will be browsing for my favorite among the adorable Tiny Prints Birth Announcements.

Join Tiny Prints and @ResourcefulMom for a #TinyPrintsBaby Pinning Party™ on May 20th at 8 PM ET. RSVP at http://resourcefulmommy.com/12097/tiny-prints-baby-pinning-party/.

* I have been compensated with product in exchange for posting this information.

The Giveaway
Do you need some stylish stationery? Enter below for a chance to win a code for $50 off your total Tiny Prints order, plus free standard or USPS shipping! The code excludes calendars, photo books, Erin Condren notebooks & planners, and gift certificates.

To enter, please visit Tiny Prints Birth Announcements or Tiny Prints Baby Shower Invitations and comment below with your favorite stationery item - then follow the Rafflecopter instructions.

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Contest for a #ChiefEggOfficer @EgglandsBest

2013-05-16T12:15:00.000-04:00

Do you love Eggland's Best eggs? They are a staple in my house. This egg-cellent company is having an egg-citing contest for a Chief Egg Officer. One very deserving candidate will win the title and $5,000! Here's the scoop:

Call all egg-sperts! Eggland’s Best is searching far and wide to find the first-ever Eggland’s Best Chief Egg Officer! Do you have what it takes? We’re looking for “CEO” candidates who demonstrates:

An egg-streme passion for EB eggs
A sunny-side up disposition
An eagerness to get cracking as an EB ambassador

The grand prize winner will get $5,000 and the honorary title of Eggland’s Best Chief Egg Officer. He or she will also receive a one-year supply of Eggland’s Best eggs, to ensure they are only eating thE Best. Two runners-up will receive a six-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs and $500.

Ready to get whisked away? Visit the Eggland’s Best website and tell them why you would make the best “CEO.” Entries will be accepted from May 13, 2013 through July 31, 2013. Don’t scramble at the last minute – enter today!

Key contest dates:

Entry Period: May 13, 2013 – July 31, 2013
Semi-Finalist Consumer Online Voting: September 9, 2013 - September 30, 2013
Finalist Consumer Online Voting: October 28, 2013 -November 17, 2013
Winner Announcement: December 2013

Connect with Eggland's Best on Facebook and on Twitter @egglandsbest.

* No compensation was provided for this post. The Eggland’s Best Chief Egg Officer information was provided by Eggland’s Best. Opinions are all mine, shared because of my love of good eggs.

I Spy Chuao Instagram #Sweepstakes @ChuaoChocolatier #ad

2013-05-16T11:48:00.001-04:00

The makers of my favorite chocolate bars have announced their fun "I Spy Chuao” sweeps! Look for Chuao at your favorite stores and enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win free chocolate and a $250 gift card.

Entering is simple. Follow Chuao’s Instagram feed @chuaochocolatier and follow the three steps below:

Post a photograph of a Chuao chocolate bar on the shelf at a local retailer with the hashtag #ispy
Tag @chuaochocolatier
Use hashtags for the name of the #retailer, #city and #street

For example: #ispy @chuaochocolatier #Target #Chicago #West33rdSt

The I Spy Chuao sweepstakes begins at 3 p.m. PST on May 10, 2013, and ends on May 24, 2013. A winner will be announced every day and awarded a gourmet Chuao Chocolatier chocolate bar. The grand prize winner will win a $250 gift card to the retailer tagged in their entry. Check out the complete rules on Chuao’s website at www.chuaochocolatier.com/blog.

Not sure where to look for these utterly irresistible chocolates? Visit the retail locator at http://chuaochocolatier.com/locations.

* No compensation was provided for this post. Information and images provided by the company or PR firm. Opinions are all mine, shared for the love of good chocolate.

MOM Necklace Review @AlexasAngels #ad

2013-05-15T19:45:00.000-04:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. On Saturday, while I was out running errands, my husband got two dozen red roses. By the time I came home, he had arranged them beautifully in a vase with a red ribbon. He also had lunch ready. On Sunday, the kids served my breakfast in bed, complete with the Mother's Day cards they made. My special surprise was pictures they drew and framed (with a little help from daddy).

My mom lives out of state so I did not get to spend time with her this year. I do have a great gift for her, thanks to Alexa's Angels. They sent me a free MOM Circle Word Necklace for review - just in time for Mother's Day. The simple elegance of this necklace makes it the ideal piece of jewelry for my mom. Since we rarely see each other except on Skype, the MOM necklace can serve as a daily reminder of my love for her.

The MOM necklace is made of rhodium and has a 16-inch ball chain with lobster claw closure and a 2-inch extender. The MOM circle is about the size of a nickel. This pretty necklace can be easily dressed up or down. Alexa's Angels sends it in a gift box with a nice drawstring jewelry bag inside. Inside the box, there's also a card with care instructions and information about the company. Check out their other fabulous pieces on Alexas-Angels.com. I love the look of those sterling silver earrings, just perfect for summer.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and no other compensation was given or received.

$25 Publix Gift Card #Giveaway and Running Out? Run In. May Event #MyBlogSpark

2013-05-14T17:59:00.001-04:00

I usually plan my grocery shopping trips well. I check the fridge and the pantry, make a list, and stick to it as much as possible. Yet, occasionally I run out of something important and have to rush to the store. It could be milk, yogurt, or the apples and bananas my kids love to snack on anytime.

If you typically stock up at the beginning of the month, but are already running out of the products your family needs, stop by Publix. Starting tomorrow and through May 22th, look for their Running Out? Run In. event. You can get some great savings on several brands from General Mills and Procter & Gamble, such as Wheaties, Totino’s, Charmin and Crest. In addition, if you buy $30 of participating items from 5/15 to 5/31, you can mail in to receive a $10 Publix gift card to use on your next shopping trip. For more details on this offer and to see the list of participating products, go to www.runningoutrunin.com.

The Giveaway
I am celebrating the Running Out? Run In. Event with a giveaway! One lucky U.S. reader will win a $25 Publix gift card.

* Event information, blogger gift card and giveaway prize were provided by General Mills and Publix® through MyBlogSpark. Opinions are my own.

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Book Spotlight: A Case of Redemption by Adam Mitzner

2013-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Book Description
Acclaimed thriller author Adam Mitzner returns with the gripping tale of a high-profile attorney recovering from a personal tragedy who’s drawn back into the courtroom — and a media firestorm — in the biggest murder trial in a decade.

Dan Sorensen was once a high-powered New York City defense attorney... but that was before a horrifying accident killed the two people in his life who meant the most, plunging him into a downward spiral. As he approaches rock bottom, Dan is unexpectedly offered the opportunity of a lifetime: defend an up-and-coming rapper in a murder trial on the front page of every newspaper. Although his client swears he’s innocent of the brutal slaying of his pop star girlfriend, proving it will not be easy, especially because he’s suspected of bragging about the crime in one of the hottest songs in the country.

Unsure that he’s ready to handle such a high-stakes case, Dan realizes that this chance to save a man he believes has been falsely accused of murder just may be his last and only hope to put his own life back on track and achieve redemption for his past sins. But as Dan delves deeper and deeper into the case, he learns that atonement comes at a very steep price. A powerful and riveting new voice in fiction, Adam Mitzner pulls out all the stops in his follow-up to the highly acclaimed A Conflict of Interest. A Case of Redemption is a gritty, sophisticated thriller that will draw fans of Scott Turow and John Grisham into a world of relentless suspense.

A Case of Redemption is new from Gallery Books. If you've missed Adam Mitzner's first novel, check out my review of A Conflict of Interest.

* This post is not compensated.

Five Fun Fitness Tips for Families

2013-05-13T17:26:00.004-04:00

In celebration of National Fitness Month (and their 30th anniversary), My Gym provided five fun family fitness tips to share with my readers. The advice comes from Monique Vranesh, co-owner of the My Gym location in Encino, CA. Enjoy!

1. Commercial Break
If you’re going to watch TV, make a game out of commercial breaks. Have the kids walk around the room and touch three things that are green. Whoever finds three items first gets to choose the next color.

2. Good Old-Fashioned Follow the Leader
Play outside! What a novel idea. Have the kids put down their cell phones, tablets and video games and start a game of hide and seek or duck, duck, goose! They are oldies, but they’re still goodies!

3. Tiny Bubbles
Summer fun in the backyard with a bubble-blower. Blow some bubbles and have some giggles watching the kids try and pop them all.

4. 80s Flashback
The 80s are remembered for legwarmers and the oh-so stylish mullet hair. But let’s not forget the tunes! Turn up the 80s radio station and dance, dance, dance (like a ‘maniac’) with your kids.

5. Your Furriest Child
The dog shouldn’t be left out of the exercise fun. After all, dogs LIKE to go on walks. Make it a family routine to walk the pup after dinner.

For more fun tips from My Gym, visit their Facebook page to see what other families are doing to stay fit and enter their Fit and Healthy Family Contest!

* Content courtesy of My Gym. This post is not compensated.

Book #Giveaway: Stories in Uniform from Reader's Digest

2013-05-12T10:46:00.001-04:00

Memorial day is right around the corner and Reader's Digest has released a timely new book - Stories in Uniform: A look at the Heroics, Laughs, and Sacrifices of Our Soldiers.

Book Description
From boot camp to combat, a collection of Reader’s Digest’s unique, emotional, and wide-ranging coverage of military life.

Stories in Uniform is a chronological retrospective of the best military pieces Reader's Digest has run; pieces that will make you weep, make your heart sing, inspire you, enrage you, and make you laugh. Beginning in World War I and continuing though to the war in Iraq, readers will follow soldiers into the trenches, peer in on emergency surgery taking place in the depths of the ocean, watch heroes carry the bodies of fallen brethren, trail Eisenhower for the three days leading up to D-Day, and be inspired as men and women rise above and beyond normal human limits to preserve our rights and save their friends.

Stories include:

A moving memorial to D-Day
A tribute to one of the first African-Americans to serve as a Naval Officer • A pilot rescued after his F-16 is shot down
A soldier returns to the front after losing his foot in action
An American soldier who takes a big risk to save a dying Afghan girl

This book gives a complete perspective on the hell that is war, the love that grows from camaraderie, the pride from accomplishing the impossible, the humor that springs from the military bureaucracy, and more.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a copy of Stories in Uniform.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* This post is not compensated.

Book Spotlight: A Passion for Pleasure by Nina Rowan

2013-05-12T08:31:00.003-04:00

Book Description
Prelude to a Kiss

A brilliant pianist and notorious rake, Sebastian Hall indulges his passion for music and women with equal aplomb. But now that his elder brother has married, his father insists he pursue a more respectable path and find a suitable wife.

Music to her Ears

As a girl, Clara Whitmore quietly loved her piano teacher from afar. Yet her youthful crush cannot compare to the powerful desire she feels when she unexpectedly meets Sebastian again. Perhaps the man who once dominated her dreams could be the husband she has hoped for--and save her from the fate she most fears...

Love Strikes a Chord

Risking scandal, ruin, and their own reputations, Sebastian and Clara enter into a marriage of convenience. But the pair soon discovers that their undeniable attraction is anything but convenient. Swept up in a crescendo of desire, Sebastian and Clara take each other to new heights of ecstasy - until secrets from the past threaten to doom the duet forever. Now Sebastian will have to change his tune - and prove his love is true.

A Passion for Pleasure (A Daring Hearts Novel) is new from Forever. Check out the first book in the series, A Study in Seduction, as well.

* This post is not compensated.

#Linky for Your #Giveaways Saturday: 5/11

2013-05-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

* Warner Bros Classic on Blu-ray - US, 5/12

* $25 Publix Gift Card - US, 5/14

* Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal from Reader's Digest - US/CAN, 5/21

* $10 GC to Little Caesars - US, 5/24

* Chick-fil-A Salad Coupons - US, 5/25

* $25 Amazon GC / PayPal Cash 5/31

Chick-fil-A New Salads and Wrap #Giveaway and #FreshMade Blog App

2013-05-10T10:31:00.000-04:00

My kids love going to Chick-fil-A. We don't eat fast food very often but when we do, I make sure to order a healthy option. At Chick-fil-A, it's usually their chargrilled chicken sandwich, a wrap, or a salad.

Speaking of wraps and salads, Chick-fil-A are introducing three new salads and an improved wrap. They are all under 430 calories and made with premium ingredients. There's the New Asian Salad that I can't wait to try, in addition to the New Market Salad and the New Cobb Salad. Oh, and there are new dressings, too. I love their byline: "Take your taste buds to greener pastures." How's that for motivating?

Check out the fun blog app below, and make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to try the new salads for free!

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win two (2) Chick-fil-A Salad Coupons.

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* This is a non-compensated post. Assets, content and coupons for blogger and winner courtesy of Chick-fil-A. Opinions are all mine.

Little Caesars DEEP!DEEP! Dish Pizza Review and $10 Gift Card #Giveaway

2013-05-09T17:47:00.001-04:00

Have you tried Little Caesars pizza? My family loves their HOT-N-READY pizza and Crazy Bread sticks. Right now, you can get their new DEEP!DEEP! Dish Pizza for just 8 bucks!

We received a Little Caesars gift card to try the DEEP!DEEP! Dish Pizza, and I can tell you it is delicious. Over the weekend, I called to order a large cheese carry out. When I asked how long it would take, to my utter amazement, the answer was 8 minutes. Not 15, 20, or 40 - what I usually hear when I call a pizza place in my neighborhood. My husband went to pick it up and the pizza was ready when he got there. It's about two miles from my house and there was hardly any traffic - I think it took him less than 5 minutes.

The DEEP!DEEP! Dish Pizza is a traditional Detroit-style deep dish. I love that it has 8 caramelized corner slices, so that there's no arguing over who gets which slice. The crust is thick and perfectly baked, topped with just the right amount of cheese and sauce. The large, DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza is HOT-N-READY every day between 4 & 8 p.m. You can order anytime for pick-up in case it isn't during the 4-8 p.m. HOT-N-READY time. It's only $8 - a great value, too.

Little Caesars are having very cool sweepstakes on Facebook. Beginning May 6, 2013, their fans can enter to win DEEP!DEEP! DISH pizza for a year (equivalent to $500 of gift cards). The contest will run through June 25, 2013, with one winner each week. Check out the details on Little Caesars Facebook page.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a $10 Little Caesars gift card to try the DEEP!DEEP! Dish Pizza.

To enter, please follow the Rafflecopter instructions.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.

Many thanks to Little Caesars for providing above information, blogger gift card, prize, and images.

Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal from Reader's Digest: Review and #Giveaway

2013-05-06T11:21:00.001-04:00

Book Description
Boost mood, rev energy, and live longer with every bite

Confused about whether you should go low-carb or low-fat? Wondering whether wine or beer is healthier? Concerned that your diet is making a health condition worse? Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal sets the record straight on what to eat to prevent or treat a wide variety of ailments.

The first edition of this pioneering guide changed the way we view food and its impact on our bodies. Since then, researchers have continued to uncover the effects -- both good or bad -- of food on cancer, stress, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and other common conditions.

In this completely revised, updated, and redesigned edition you'll find:

More than 170 foods, from apples to zucchini plus simple ways to eat, cook, and store each food to maximize its healing potential.
More than 100 health conditions -- from arthritis to varicose veins -- with quick tips on what to eat to prevent or treat each ailment.
An all-new overview of nutrition and food safety, including the role of phytochemicals in health; the potential dangers of pesticides, food additives, and genetically modified crops; and the best healthy cooking methods.
Special features on the benefits of vitamin D, the real deal on high-fructose corn syrup, the dangers of mixing food and medicine, and much more.

Let food be your medicine, and let Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal be your prescription.

My Thoughts
Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal is a detailed, beautifully illustrated and well arranged food guide. It provides tons of information on various foods, including chapters on nutrition, food safety, and eating to heal. The book includes handy tables on common food additives, vitamin and mineral daily recommendations, and more. Foods and ailments are listed in alphabetical order for easy reference. I was familiar with some of the information but found a lot of useful detail I did not know. While some of the advice is common sense - refrigerate after opening, for instance - there are great tips that I may have overlooked in the past. The Ailments chapter will be especially informative for those who suffer from temporary or chronic conditions and wish to learn more about the diet-health relationship. For each ailment, the book includes lists of foods that harm and foods that heal, plus sections on nutrition connection and beyond-the-diet tips.

Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal is a book that I plan to keep on my bookshelf and to refer to it often.

* A complimentary copy of the book was provided to me for review. No compensation was received for this post. The opinions are all mine.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. / Canadian reader will win a copy of Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal, Revised and Updated: The Best and Worst Choices to Treat your Ailments Naturally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Spotlight: Barefoot in the Sun by Roxanne St. Claire

2013-05-06T10:04:00.001-04:00

Book Description
When running is all you've ever known ...

Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they've been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they've reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight-for her aunt's life . . . and for a love she ran from years before.

Sometimes the bravest act of all is to stand still.

Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago-but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he'll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs. But when demands of family and friendship threaten to shatter their rekindled passion, Oliver must heal Zoe's lifelong wounds with more than hot kisses . . . but will that be enough to keep her from flying off with his heart?

Barefoot in the Sun is the latest Barefoot Bay novel, new from Forever. If you've missed the previous two books in the series, check out my review of Barefoot in the Rain.

* This post is not compensated.

Book Spotlight: Wicked As She Wants by Delilah S. Dawson

2013-05-06T09:38:00.002-04:00

Book Description
True love’s kiss isn’t enough for this Blud princess. But blood and music may win her heart forever...

Delilah S. Dawson’s delightfully dark series takes readers into a clever new world of endless discoveries and sensuous encounters that will leave them breathless.

After four years crammed in a suitcase, drained and unconscious, Ahnastasia Feodor, Crown Princess of Freesia, is not sure which calls to her more: the sound of music or the scent of blood. The source of both is the handsome and mysterious Casper Sterling, once the most celebrated and self-centered musician in Sangland. Fortunately, bleeding one’s subjects dry is expected of Blud royalty. Much to Ahna’s frustration, however, the debauched and reckless enigma—he is definitely not a Bludman, though not exactly human either — is her only ticket back to her snow-rimmed and magical homeland. Ahna needs Casper’s help to defeat an evil sorceress and claim her throne — if she doesn’t drain him first. But as they team up for a harrowing journey filled with pirates and painted ladies, daimons and dashing Bludmen, her craving for blood becomes an unrelenting hunger of the heart...

Wicked as She Wants is new from Pocket Books.

* This post is not compensated.

Cover Reveal for Working It Out and $25 Amazon / PayPal #Giveaway

2013-05-05T10:40:00.001-04:00

Author Rachael Renee Anderson

Rachael Anderson is the author of four books: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She's the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Working It Out

A chance encounter . . .

Grace Warren's life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.

A chance for love . . .

Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace's rehab clinic post surgery, she immediately recognizes him. Unfortunately, he's every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet there's something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully placed boundaries even though he's everything she's sure she doesn't want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all along—assuming she's willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance at love.

Giveaway Details
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/31/13

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* This post is not compensated. I am entered into a giveaway for sharing this information.

#Linky for Your #Giveaways Saturday: 5/4

2013-05-03T19:15:00.000-04:00

* $15 Dollar General GC + P&G Products - US, 5/5

* NCIS: Los Angeles Soundtrack CD - US, 5/8

* Mymo's Adventures Kids DVD - US/CAN, 5/9

* Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Priza Pack - US, 5/11

* Warner Bros Classic on Blu-ray - US, 5/12

* $25 Publix Gift Card - US, 5/14

NBC’s Share and Tell Exclusive Blog App #ShareandTell #spon

2013-04-29T17:00:00.000-04:00

Earth Day 2013 came and went a week ago but I believe in being eco-conscious every day. With that in mind, I am proud to share NBC’s Share and Tell Blog App!

What, you may ask, is NBC’s Share and Tell? Read on.

Did you know that for every pound of new goods produced, 71 pounds of waste are generated during manufacturing? This Earth Week, NBC Universal is partnering with the sharing site yerdle to help you minimize your impact on the planet by sharing your stuff. One person’s stuff is another person’s story!

Here’s how it works:

1) Join or host a Share & Tell Party (click the “Join the Party” button in the app below).
2) Post your stuff to share with friends. Discover other items that are up for grabs.
3) Tell the story of your sharing experiences on your favorite social media site. #ShareandTell.

How green are you? Take the blog app quiz to find out. Then check out the seven ways to share, and read real life stories of how sharing on yerdle has helped others get the stuff they need - without buying a thing!

If you are not familiar with Yerdle, they are a new mission-driven California Benefit corporation, helping people share with their friends rather than buying new stuff. On yerdle, friends post items they're willing to give away or loan, search for items they need, and get the things they want.

By hosting a Share and Tell, you protect the planet, save money, give gifts to your friends and find things you want. Hosting means inviting your Facebook friends to share things you want. Parties can either be hosted in-person or online, it’s up to you!

Now that's helping make every day a tad greener.

Disclosure: I am working with NBC Share and Tell and will receive a promotional item for sharing this information. Materials, content and images provided by NBC. This post is not monetarily compensated and the opinions are all mine.

Fresh Savings Event and $25 Publix Gift Card #Giveaway #MyBlogSpark

2013-04-29T11:46:00.002-04:00

I love shopping at Publix - especially for their produce, meat and dairy. Right now, I am in luck - and so are you! - because Publix is offering special savings on fresh foods during their Fresh Savings Event.

Starting April 24th, you can shop the perimeter of the store and stock up on produce and meats. Then, head into the aisles to complete your meal planning with condiments and sides. When you purchase participating products, you can save on store brand items such as bagged salad, chicken breasts, eggs and fresh fruit.

Make sure to download and print the exclusive Publix coupons at http://www.freshsavingsevent.com before you head to the store. Hurry - the Fresh Savings Event lasts only for another ten days or so, through May 8th. Check out the Publix weekly ad for participating products and offer details.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a $25 Publix Gift Card.

* Information, prize and complimentary blogger gift pack were provided by Publix® through MyBlogSpark. Opinions are all mine.

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Giveaway Rules: Giveaway ends 12:01 am ET, May 14, 2013. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the U.S., 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited by law. One winner will be chosen randomly, and odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries. One entry per household. The winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. Entrants agree with this site's Official Rules.

#Linky for Your #Giveaways Saturday: 4/27

2013-04-26T19:49:00.000-04:00

* A Spoonful of Sugar - US/CAN, 4/26

* Shutterfly 16 oz Stainless Steel Travel Mug - US, 4/28

* $25 Publix GC + Cascadian Farm Granola Bars - US, 4/29

* The Sunshine When She's Gone - US/CAN, 4/30

* $15 Dollar General GC + P&G Products Prize Pack - US, 5/5

* NCIS: Los Angeles Soundtrack CD - US, 5/8

* Mymo's Adventures Kids DVD - US/CAN, 5/9

* Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Priza Pack - US, 5/11

* Warner Bros Classic on Blu-ray - US, 5/12

Warner Bros Mother's Day Movie Night Blu-ray #Giveaway and Blog App

2013-04-26T09:50:00.005-04:00

How are you celebrating Mother's Day this year? Here's an idea: spend some quality time with your family and treat mom to a movie night (or morning, or afternoon) in. How about watching one of Warner Bros classics together? And don't forget to serve her favorite snacks to go with her favorite movie.

Here is a fun way to warm up for movie night. Warner Bros. Mother’s Day Movie Night Blog App lets you play a Guess-the-Scene game to see how well you know some of those timeless film classics. There are other entertaining activities to share with the family, too. Check it out below, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Guess-the-Scene Game! - How well do you know the silver screen’s most famous love stories and sing-a-longs? Play the Guess-the-Scene game to test your knowledge on the world’s greatest films! The quicker you pick, the more points you score. Ready? Action!
Words in Film! - Select your mood and let quotes and images from film express how you’re feeling!
Movie Night Conversation Starters! - Watching a classic flick together is the perfect opportunity to catch up and share stories... this Mother’s Day make it a point to connect with your family and give them a chance to learn something about mom they never knew! Here are some conversation starters to get you started.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a Warner Bros classic on Blu-ray! The prize will be A Star is Born (1976) or Cabaret (1972), chosen randomly.

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* This is a non-compensated post. Assets, prize and content courtesy of Warner Bros. Opinions are all mine.

Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Prize Pack #Giveaway #MyBlogSpark

2013-04-25T10:22:00.000-04:00

I love pizza night. Takeout or delivery is fine in a pinch but what I like even better is baking my own. The sauce, toppings, and cheese are always on hand - and now I can have the crust in the fridge, ready to go.

Pillsbury makes homemade pizza a snap. The Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain lets you create whatever pizza you like, and get 16 grams of whole grains per serving. I topped mine with tons of fresh veggies but you can use sausage, ham, pineapple, spinach, whatever rocks your boat!

In addition to a free coupon to try the new Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust, Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark sent me a gift pack with all the tools I needed to get pizza night rolling. A Farberware Pizza Pan to bake the crust to perfection. A Food Chopper with Storage Containers to chop those veggies, fast. And a Silicon-grip Oven Mitt to get the hot goodness out of the oven. Now that's making home-baked pizza really easy.

You can find the yummy Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust in your grocer's freezer. Before you run there, make sure to get the online coupon for $1.50 off Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Prize Pack (ARV $64). The prize pack includes:

A VIP coupon for one FREE Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain
15.5" Farberware Pizza Pan
Food Chopper with Storage Containers
Silicon-grip Oven Mitt

* Information, giveaway, images and complimentary blogger gift pack were provided by General Mills and Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark. Opinions are all mine.

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