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Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Two Volcanoes Coffee Review


Two Volcanoes Coffee Review

http://www.amazon.com/Two-Volcanoes-Whole-Bean-Coffee/dp/B00NX2BYFW/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1418343939&sr=8-25&keywords=whole+bean+coffee

Link to my review on Amazon:

TWO VOLCANOES COFFEE

#twovolcanoes

***My Personal Review***

I am not normally a big coffee drinker unless it's in the form of espresso, latte or cappuccino.  But I must say that this coffee has a very nice flavor and it's so fresh, it comes in original bean form so you grind it yourself and you KNOW it is fresh when you do that :)  You get a whole pound of coffee beans, and I have a Keurig where you brew one cup at a time but I have the regular coffee strainer for it so that is how I make mine but this should last you at least a few weeks.  It is a medium roast and it is wet processed and very well packaged to maintain freshness.  I did not find this too heavy and it did not leave a bad aftertaste in your mouth like some coffees do.  And of course straight from Guatemala.  I can't drink the store-bought coffees because the flavor just is not there, and I was able to drink this and liked it so that tells me it's good :)  Definitely worth a try!  Sold exclusively through Amazon at a great price and comes with a money-back freshness guarantee.


Champagne Label Set Review


Champagne Label Set Review


#icustomlabel

Website


***My Personal Review***

These are really awesome - this is the second label set I have tried from iCustomLabel and I love them!   The fun part about this company is that you can customize and print ANY kind of label - but the champagne labels are awesome because you can use them for weddings, showers, parties, and even for the kids sparkling grape juice :)  Super easy to use, just peel and stick them on top of the bottle label!  Voila you have your custom bottles :)  I saw someone the other day had used something like these on wine bottles with a nice message asking people to be in the wedding - I thought it was an awesome idea!  If you are creative you will love these - check out their website to see all of their great pre-made designs or customize them your way :)  



 

Monday, December 29, 2014

Ginnie West Adventures by Monique Bucheger Book Review Blitz!

About the Books

Book 1: The Secret Sisters Club

The Secret Sisters Club - coverTitle: The Secret Sisters Club (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 1) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: March 18, 2012 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 238 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13

Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs want to be sisters. Tillie’s divorced mom plus Ginnie’s widowed dad could equal a lifetime of round-the-clock girl talk. Too bad Dad vowed to never marry again. Ginnie and Tillie come up with the perfect mission to change his mind: ‘Operation Secret Sisters.’
Before long, Ginnie suspects Tillie has turned ‘Operation Secret Sisters’ into a scam called ‘Operation Steal My Dad.’ Things get more complicated when Ginnie stumbles across her dead mom’s hidden journals. Ginnie can finally get to know the mother she doesn’t remember and Dad doesn’t talk about … until Dad takes the journals away.

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 ***My Personal Review***
 This book kind of reminded me of The Parent Trap in a lot of ways - even though Ginnie and Tillie aren't twins or even biological sisters, they want to bring their parents together so that they can be REAL sisters!  But Ginnie's dad has sworn he will never marry again and that poses a pretty good problem for these two schemers.  But then things get interrupted when Ginnie thinks that Tillie wants a father more than she wants Ginnie as a sister, and when Ginnie finds her mothers journals it is so heartfelt because you can really feel how much she misses and wants to know her mother but her father won't let go.  Ginnie is a lot smarter than the adults give her credit for though and she is such a likable character and such a great role model for young girls because she shows them that you can be strong-willed and independent and I love that the series has a very strong "finding yourself" theme.  I have always loved stories about horses too, so that was a plus for me :)  Horses take a long time and a lot of care and patience to train and that reminds me of Ginnie's character - she can't be held back no matter what happens, she has to keep that streak of independence.  This is definitely a must-read for young adults!
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Book 2: Trouble Blows West

Trouble Blows West - coverTitle: Trouble Blows West (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 2) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: April 13, 2012 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 234 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13

Book Summary: Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. Ginnie is certain that defending her twin brother from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do, but she soon finds out she couldn’t be more wrong.
Bullies don’t like being embarrassed by girls at school—especially when they are being abused at home. When Ginnie figures out Pierce’s awful secret, she switches gears and decides to be his ally, because he won’t let her be his friend.

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 ***My Personal Review***
 Ginnie is your typical young girl ... except she isn't!  She is strong, independent and knows when something is wrong.  And standing up for her brother in school against bullies is what gets her in hot water in this book.  But what she doesn't realize is that there is another side to the story, and as she comes to know Pierce better and finds out his situation it really shows her true colors because she decides that she wants to help him even after what he did to her twin brother.  Problem is Pierce doesn't WANT her help - he is ashamed of what is happening.  Can Ginnie help him get back on track?  

I loved this book as well because even though I don't live the same life as Ginnie I am JUST like her.  I would do anything for my loved ones but I would also be the one helping that person who needs it more than the rest.  She appeals to me on many levels and she is a very complex character and a very good role model for young women.  Because none of us are perfect, we all have our moments, but Ginnie shows young girls that they can make mistakes and it IS okay and to help those who need it when you can.  I haven't read Books 3 and 4 yet but now I really want to read them :)  Amazing storylines and the setting is beautiful. 
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Book 3: Simply West of Heaven

Simply West of Heaven by Monique Bucheger
Title: Simply West of Heaven (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 3) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: January 1, 2013 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 288 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13

Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs are matchmaking geniuses. They schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall in love with Tillie’s divorced mom. Then Ginnie stumbled upon her late mom’s journals, making life totally awesome sauce … until her dad confiscated the journals.
Ginnie is counting on Tillie’s help to make Dad change his mind, but Tillie’s not sure the ghost of Ginnie’s mom will make a good addition to their new family tree. When a blast from the past shows up and makes Tillie go nutburgers, Ginnie is torn between helping her BFF and having her questions answered.

Book 4: Being West is Best

Being West is Best - coverTitle: Being West is Best (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 4) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: April 19, 2014 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 350 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13

Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses. Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-birth-father puts in an appearance after a six year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can.
Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.”

Amazon | Print Books Signed by Author

About the Author: Monique Bucheger

Author picture MoniqueWhen Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, sons-in-law, and adorable grandchildren, cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of the Ginnie West Adventures series, picture book, Popcorn, and plans to write plenty more.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads

About the Illustrator: Mikey Brooks

Mikey BrooksMikey Brooks is an author/illustrator that specializes in children’s art. His picture books include the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures, Trouble with Bernie and Bean’s Dragons. He is the illustrator of several picture books such as Popcorn by Monique Bucheger, Bongo Flo by Carolyn Quist, and Lucius and the Christmas Star by Jim Long. He is the author of The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolis, The Stone of Valhalla the best-selling middle-grade series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. You can find more about him and his books at: www.insidemikeysworld.com

Served Hot by Marie Harte Release Blitz and Giveaway!!!!

Served Hot 
Series: Best Revenge #2
by: Marie Harte
Publisher: Samhain 
Cover Designer: Angelique Anderson
Genre: Contemporary/Erotica

Synopsis

One little lie, one huge grudge, and one picture-perfect plan for revenge… Best Revenge, Book 2

Blackmailed into a prom date by the cute but geeky Dexter Black twelve years ago, Maya Werner shocked herself by having a good time. For a strong-willed, hot-tempered artist who’s used to having the upper hand, that’s never sat well with her.

At weekly wine night with her friends, Maya finds herself pledging to get revenge on the men who’ve done her wrong—starting with Dex. Except the Marine Corps transformed the nerd into a hot, sexy guy with the audacity to blackmail her again. This time into a few dates.

Dex is back in town with one goal in mind: to win the girl of his dreams. But he knows how she operates. His strategy? Keep her off balance by running hot and cold until she melts into the passion between them.

When a misunderstanding stokes old hurts, Maya backs away when she should stand her ground. But Dex has a contingency plan: pour on the charm with both barrels, until he has his own form of revenge—loving Maya, forever.

Warning: Blackmailing a stubborn, hot-tempered artist into bed, and an ex-Marine who has a penchant for taking pictures. Yeah, those kinds of pictures.

Purchase Links

Samhain  http://tiny.cc/4yjnrx Amazon  http://tiny.cc/t1jnrx B&N  http://tiny.cc/s3jnrx iTunes  http://tiny.cc/63jnrx Kobo  http://tiny.cc/25jnrx ARe  http://tiny.cc/y6jnrx 

Served Cold (Best Revenge #1) - Amazon http://tiny.cc/pbknrx

About the Author

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. 
Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. 
Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.


Social Media Links

WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign Blog Tour and Personal Review

 

About the Book

Title: WhipEye (WhipEye Chronicles Book #1) | Author: Geoffrey Saign | Year published: June 20, 2014 | Publisher: KiraKu Press | Number of pages: 301 | Recommended age: 9+
Summary:
Can a girl grieving her mother, a boy missing his father, and a thousand-year-old wise-cracking parrot save two worlds?
Samantha and her neighbor, Jake, have no idea that Samantha’s best friend, a parrot named Charlie, is a thousand years old. Charlie is also at the center of a secret battle between magical creatures and an ancient, evil man. When Charlie asks Samantha and Jake to protect him, they are chased by monsters from both sides. To save Charlie, and two worlds, Samantha and Jake have twenty-four hours to figure out how to use the supernatural staff, WhipEye, and find the courage to confront what they fear most.

AmazonBarnes & NobleiTunes  |  Goodreads

Book Preview


The Buzz About the Book

“The story itself is pure genius.” ~ 5-star Review, LitPick
“This was amazing… I couldn’t put it down. ~ Erik, This Kid Reviews Books
“As an avid reader of all kinds of books, I often find many fantasy books sloppily written, as though the genre is the dumping ground of less talented writers. So imagine my delight and surprise when right at the get-go–from the first page onwards–`WhipEye’ demolished my prejudice and reminded me that every once in a while, you find that shiny needle in the proverbial haystack.” ~ 5 Star Review, Meghan, Amazon
“Attention to detail,best of all fleshed out and well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that actually make you feel like you are right there in the story -or at least wish you were – and that’s something I really look for in a good book. “ ~ 5 Star Review, Tali, Amazon
“`Whipeye’ by Geoffrey Saign is a wonderfully written fantasy story that combines elements of fantasy and magic. The author has created a fantastical world that is vividly imagined with magical creatures and strange but colorful characters…What really makes this story engaging are the likeable characters that you can’t help but root for. The story may be about an adventure that involves magic and supernatural elements, but it’s also about friendship and discovering one’s strength when it’s needed the most. ” ~ 5 Star Review, Portia A., Amazon
“Whipeye is a thrilling magical adventure with surprises at every turn, a story that deserves to be read.” ~ Laurisa White Reyes, Editor-in-Chief of Middle Shelf Magazine and author of The Celestine Chronicles series
“Simply put…it’s a creative story that draws you in from the beginning. The twists and turns, the interesting characters and surprises keep you wanting to turn the next page. This walk into a fantasy serves as a nice mini-vacation without having to go anywhere or plan anything. I look forward to the next book. Well done. ” ~ 5 Star Review, Michael S., Amazon

About the Author: Geoffrey Saign

Geoffrey SaignGeoffrey Saign can often be found looking for interesting critters, and magic, while swimming, snorkeling, sailing, or hiking in the woods. His passion for nature and wildlife led to his nationally endorsed book, Green Essentials: What You Need to Know About the Environment, as well as his books African Cats and Great Apes. He has a background in biology, assisted in field research with hummingbirds and humpback whales, and sailed as far away as Australia. With more than twenty years of experience working in special education, he has taught adults and children everything from sailing to novel writing. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Google+ * Pinterest


***My Personal Review***

I love anything to do with fantasy, and this book really fit that bill perfectly :)  Samantha is such a wonderfully complex character, and I love Charlie the Parrot!  WhipEye is an ancient magical staff which is so unexpected - but the alternate universe where animals amd specifically Charlie the Parrot - are in danger really gives this book a whole new dimension.  Samantha is an animal-lover like her father but we see her having a terrible time dealing with the mess between her and her absent father.  But she meets Jake, who has a similar experience and they each help protect the other against the monsters they meet in the alternate world.  And what is even more difficult for Samantha is that the monsters are really just animals but they have been turned by their circumstances, which in a way is kind of what is happening with Samantha and Jake because of the troubles with their parents.  I saw it as Samantha and Jake as the regular animals in the alternate universe and the parents are the magical animals that have turned on everyone.  I really liked the book, I thought it was very fantastical and hard to put down - but I would definitely suggest it for Young Adults only, not for younger kids because of the scary components.  I think most adults would love this as well.  I couldn't wait to find out whether they could change the alternate universe to make things better or not :) 

University Park Series by CM Doporto Book Blast and Giveaway :)

Will she succumb to the temptations enticing her?
Publication Date: May 16, 2014
Genre: New Adult Sports Romance (18+)
Series: University Park Series, #1
College senior, Lexi Thompson, finds herself in a relationship to be wed to the university’s star baseball pitcher, Collin Norris. Collin’s damn hot, but his lack of spark has Lexi thinking twice before she says ‘I Do’. When she’s forced to tutor bad boy football quarterback, Raven Davenport, she soon discovers all the things she’s missing in her relationship with Collin. Will she succumb to the temptations enticing her, or will Collin be able to convince his sweet, innocent fiancée that his love for her is genuine despite his lack of affection? (This story will be told in three installments.)
Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks


Publication Date: September 5, 2014
Series: University Park Series, #2
The engagement's off and with Collin behind her, Lexi has decided that the temptations of Raven Davenport are too strong to be ignored. It doesn’t take long for Lexi and Raven to find themselves wrapped in each other’s affection, but not without the challenges that life poses. But can she withstand the world he’s created or will the forces that are against them rip them apart? Love, faith, betrayal, and heartache ripple through their lives as they fight to be on the same side.


Publication Date: December 21, 2014
Series: University Park Series, #3
Lexi’s determined to keep her word and stand by Raven’s side because her love for him is too strong to deny.  As Raven learns to deal with the issues that are destined to destroy him and their relationship, their love is taken to a new level. As doors are closed and new ones are opened, Lexi and Raven find themselves in a heavenly bliss, but not without the challenges from Raven’s past. With a true test of love, Lexi and Raven have to decide if they are willing to do whatever it takes to be on the winning side.

CM Doporto lives in the great state of Texas with her husband and son enjoying life with their extensive family along with their Chihuahua, Mexican Redhead Parrot, and several fish. She writes Young Adult and New Adult stories about ordinary women who do extraordinary things, become a heroine, and find love along the way.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest | Instagram

Nutritional Yeast Superfood Review


Nutritional Yeast Superfood Review

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PJ3IPMI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Link to my review on Amazon:

NUTRITIONAL YEAST SUPERFOOD

#nutritionalyeast


***My Personal Review***

I never thought of yeast as something you used on food - baking breads with it?  Sure.  But I had no clue that it could be such a wonderful supplement and add-on to so many foods.  I received a huge bag of the yeast powder and an ebook with a ton of recipes in it.  I was also unaware that yeast is actually a GREAT ingredient for weight loss and good for your energy levels.  That was a shocker, but I figured that was a great thing to try!  I know I need it for both of those reasons.  So one night I was having a salad and realized I was out of cheese - I can't eat a salad without cheese LOL but then I remembered from the description of the yeast that it can replace cheese so I gave it a try.  It worked!  It really did taste like cheese and I didn't notice the difference.  Plus it's packed with great nutritional values that you need each day.  So go check out this product because it can be a great addition to your diet and you can get 8 oz for just $12.95 and it will last you a while :)


24 Grazia® Baking Cups Review


24 Grazia® Baking Cups Review

http://www.amazon.com/Grazia%C2%AE-Reusable-Silicone-Baking-Cupcake/dp/B00DOFXEV0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419901821&sr=8-1&keywords=grazia+baking+cups

Link to my review on Amazon:

GRAZIA BAKING CUPS

#graziabaking

***My Personal Review***

Totally awesome silicone baking cups!  They work SO much better than the paper cupcake wrappers and they also are much better for the environment because they are reusable.  They hold up great, you don't need the muffin tin, you can just set them on a baking sheet and fill them - and you know how when you bake the muffin tins they get nasty stuff on them that you can't get off?  Well you won't have this problem with these!  They come out of the oven, and you can just turn them over and the cupcake or muffin falls right out and then you can just replace them on the pan and refill them :)  I love using these, and I wasn't a believer in silicone before but I sure am now!  I can't believe how you can use them 10 times and they still look brand new.


These are very sturdy - my daughter who is 8 and has Williams syndrome likes to chew rubbery things due to sensory issues, and she grabbed a couple when I wasn't looking and of course chewed on them.  She didn't leave a mark on them which was amazing!  You get 24 in a pack for just $11.99 and you won't ever have to buy the paper or foil ones again!  No more peeling off the paper wrappers and getting paper in your mouth because you missed a spot.  Save time and money and reuse :)  Plus they don't burn and you get perfect cupcakes or muffins every time!  Pick some up today and try them, you won't go back to the old disposable ones :) 


Monday, December 22, 2014

Swing Dance, Volume 2 (2 of 2) - Beginning Swing Dance by DanceCrazy Review + Giveaway


Swing Dance, Volume 2 (2 of 2) - Beginning Swing Dance by DanceCrazy Review + Giveaway

http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Swing-Dance-Beginners-Dancing/dp/B000NA2P9Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419312223&sr=8-1&keywords=swing+dance+volume+2

Link to my review on Amazon:

SWING DANCE VOLUME 2

#swingdance

***My Personal Review***

The second installment of the Swing Dance collection - over 2 more hours of great instruction and education on Swing, which is one of the hardest dances to learn.  In the first DVD you learned the basics of the dance like the Basic Step or City Swing, the East Coast Step, Release Break, Right and Left Underarm Turn, and the Right & Left Turn as well as the Cuddle.  In this DVD you will learn moves like the Hammerlock, Women's Tuck & Spin, The Arm Slide, The Dip, and you will also see the entire dance all put together so you can practice along with the instructors. SalsaCrazy has a lot of different dance DVDs that you can purchase, and if they are all like this one then you can be a complete novice at dance and still become a master in no time!  Plus it's not like paying for a one-time class where you don't get instruction if you fall behind - this allows you to practice and watch anytime you want and go back to master different steps if you need to.  Awesome set, make sure you pick up both DVDs to really master the entire dance!  Then you will be right on par with all those stars on tv you watch!  Fun and easy :)


Win your very own copy of Swing Dance Volume 2!  Simply enter below :)

Softy Sanitizing Wipes for Hands and Surfaces Review


Softy Sanitizing Wipes for Hands and Surfaces Review


Link to my review on Amazon:

SOFTY SANITIZING WIPES

#softy

***My Personal Review***

I am kind of a germophobe - I admit it.  I have an 8 year old daughter with Williams syndrome so I try to do everything I can to keep her healthy.  Plus she is developmentally delayed so when she washes her hands or anything else it's not completely sanitary.  I LOVE this bottle of wipes because it is so large and they work great - just as well as any store bought brand.  They are nice and soft and they clean perfectly.  I have been using them in the kitchen, bathroom and I use these to wipe off the television and my daughters iPad and I know they are safe.  They don't smell as bad as the store-bought wipes either - these have a nice fresh scent which is great!    They are alcohol-free and contain aloe and Vitamin E and you can use them on your hands :)  They are also larger than other wipes so you can clean more area with fewer wipes.  Absolutely love this brand and will be picking up more!  But with 180 wipes this one will last me a while :)