8/31/09

Not Me Monday: 1, 2, 3 Am I Dead?




It's that time again, when we confess to all the things we did not do this week.

My carefully scheduled week of planned out bedtimes and early set alarm clocks did not turn out to be one roller coaster ride. I did not spend 3 nights in a row waking up out of a sound sleep, nor did I hit the alarm clock each morning and re-set it to an hour later, forgetting that this is back-to-school time. Nope, not me! I always make sure we get on back-to-school time at least two weeks before school starts!

I did not wake up one of those nights to hear my sweet hubby counting in his sleep "1...2...3...". The second of those nights I did not hear my wonderful hubby mumble in his sleep and then chuckle loudly as though he had just heard a funny joke. And of course, I did not hit then push said hubby over and tell him to stop having conversations when I'm trying to get some z's!

Another of those nights we did not get yet another thunderstorm that made the power flicker off. My adorable hubby did not come out of the bathroom and tell me that he was thinking to himself "Am I dead?" when everything shut off at once (lights, t.v., air conditioner) and the room became pitch black and eerily quiet. I did not laugh at my hubby hysterically and tell him that he's a dork. Because I am always a considerate and loving wife and would never tease him and then post this on my blog for everyone to read.

No, not me! What did you not do this week? Head over to MckMama's blog for more Not Me fun!

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8/28/09

Aloha Friday: Cellular Woes



Don't forget to check out my book giveaway of Rose House by Tina Ann Forkner here.

Here is how Aloha Friday works from Kailani's blog An Island Life:

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

My sweet dog chewed up my cell phone about a month ago to the point where it was nearly coming off it's hinge. But it still worked until last night. I was talking on the phone with my hubby, got interrupted by my son for a couple of minutes, and had to hang up. When I went to close the phone, it completely came off the hinge and went black. Dead. As a doornail.

Mind you, this is my SECOND cell phone to die in this manner. My first cell phone had a little antennae and I left it on the table in the living room for a few minutes to cook dinner. When I came back, the antennae was all chewed up. And yet, it still worked for a while....

There is nothing like going to the Verizon Wireless dealer and telling them the dog ate your phone. And then having them ask when you are due for an upgrade and then find out that it isn't for another six months. Every phone in the place had some great deal for a NEW contract...$19.99, $29, $0 FREE after savings....but if you already have a plan, what is your cost to buy a replacement phone?

$199-$299!!!!!

So, needless to say, I am without a cell phone. Luckily, my in-laws have a cell they kept when they upgraded and said we could use it. They can mail it to us, which will probably take a few days. In the meantime, I feel like a girl who has left her purse on the Subway. I can't text, I can't call, and I don't have a home phone. No connection to the outside world except the internet.

My Question For This Week is: What would you do without your cell phone? Would you pay $199-299 to replace it?

If you are participating in Aloha Friday, link up below so we can commiserate.


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8/27/09

Business Cards from U Printing Giveaway at Mission Mommy



Kimberly at Mission Mommy is hosting a giveaway for business cards from U Printing.

Here is what you can win:
(2) PRIZE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE

* 500 Business Cards
* Choose size: 2x3.5”, 2x3”, 2x2";
* Choose paper: 14pt cardstock (matte or gloss coating) & 13 pt cardstock uncoated
* Choose Color: (4/4) Color both sides; (4/1) Color 1 side , B/W backside; (4/0) Color 1 side, black backside

If you are looking for a way to advertise your business or blog, head on over to Kimberly's site and enter.

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Back-To-School Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Rose House by Tina Ann Forkner



Summary (from Publisher):

A vivid story of a private grief, a secret painting, and one woman’s search for hope.
Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anguish among its fragrant blossoms.
She returns to the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley in search of something she can’t quite name. But then Lillian stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery, from the sorrow etched across her face to the sandals on her feet.

What kind of artist would dare to intrude on such a personal scene, and how did he happen to witness Lillian’s pain? As the mystery surrounding the portrait becomes entangled with the accident that claimed the lives of her husband and children, Lillian is forced to rethink her assumptions about what really happened that day.
A captivating novel rich with detail, Rose House explores how the brushstrokes of pain can illuminate the true beauty of life.

Author Bio (from Publisher):

Tina Ann Forkner is the author of Ruby Among Us. Originally from Oklahoma , she now lives with her husband and three children in Wyoming , where she serves on the Laramie County Library Foundation’s board of directors.

You can purchase this book at Random House. And you can find out more about this author at her site. Tina Ann Forkner also has a blog where you can find book reviews and giveaways.

My Review/Thoughts:

I was disappointed that this book was not available at my library. When I finally got my hands on a copy of Rose House, I was very excited! This is a beautiful story about dealing with tragedy, learning to forgive, and love. Tina Ann Forkner's descriptions in this book are poetic and lovely. She vividly paints pictures of what is happening down to the last detail so you feel like you are there. I highly recommend this book!

Giveaway:

Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah and Random House, I have been given an extra copy to giveaway to one of my readers. If you would like to enter, leave a comment on this post (along with an email address so I can contact you) telling me why you would like to read this book. This is mandatory for entering.

To Earn Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each; if not done correctly it will not count):

1. Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect
2. Add my blog button (leave a link telling me where it is located)
3. Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog
4. Follow me on Facebook Networked Blogs
5. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (leave a link from your twitter status, this may only be done once)

You may enter until Thursday night September 3rd at 12pm EST. This giveaway is open to US residents only and the winner will be announced Friday September 4th.





8/26/09

Wordless Wednesday: Pictures from DC


Smithsonian Castle


Capitol Building


Washington Monument



For more Wordless Wednesday, visit Five Minutes for Mom.

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Back To School Blog Tour: Knit for Love by Beth Patillo



This week is the Back-to-School Fiction blog tour. The second book on the tour is The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love by Beth Patillo.

Summary (from Publisher):

Once a month, the six women of the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society gather to discuss books and share their knitting projects. Inspired by her recently-wedded bliss, group leader Eugenie chooses “Great Love Stories in Literature” as the theme for the year’s reading list–a risky selection for a group whose members span the spectrum of age and relationship status.

As the Knit Lit ladies read and discus classic romances like Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice, each member is confronted with her own perception about love. Camille’s unexpected reunion with an old crush forces her to confront conflicting desires. Newly widowed Esther finds her role in Sweetgum changing and is surprised by two unlikely friends. Hannah isn’t sure she’s ready for the trials of first love. Newcomer Maria finds her life turned upside-down by increasing family obligations and a handsome, arrogant lawyer, and Eugenie and Merry are both asked to make sacrifices for their husbands that challenge their principles.

Even in a sleepy, southern town like Sweetgum , Tennessee , love isn’t easy. The Knit Lit ladies learn they can find strength and guidance in the novels they read, the love of their family, their community–and especially in each other.

Author Bio (from Publisher):

RITA Award-winning Beth Patillo combines her love of knitting and books in her engaging Sweetgum series. Pattillo served churches in Missouri and Tennessee before founding Faith Leader, a spiritual leadership development program.

You can purchase this book online at Random House. And you can find out more about this author by going to her site. This author is a fan of Jane Austen, so if you are like me and are a Jane Austen addict, you will want to check out her site!

This book is next on my reading list.

Happy Reading!

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8/25/09

Custom Blog Layout Giveaway at April Showers



Looking for a new blog design but aren't technically savvy? Check out April's blog design giveaway!

April is giving away three custom blog layouts with:
Header*
Background
Menu Bar (up to 7)
Sidebar Tiles (up to 7)
Button
Signature

Head on over to April's blog and tell her Shelly sent you (we both will get an extra entry if you do!).

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MckLinky Blog Hop: Time To Laugh

This week's theme from the MckLinky Blog Hop is to post your favorite joke, video, or photo.


MckLinky Blog Hop


I found this funny video on YouTube and thought I'd share it. Tell me what you think.

To join in on the blog hop fun, add your link below.


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8/24/09

Thank You

<br />http://www.thethriftyhome.com

Thank you to everyone who voted for me in the blog makeover contest! I came in second place to Stephanie. I may not have won a blog makeover, but I had fun entering. I appreciate all of you who voted for me. And congratulations Stephanie for your win!

Here is the link to the results: The Thrifty Home


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Back-to-School Fiction Blog Tour : The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper



This week is the Back-To-School Fiction Blog Tour. The first book on this tour is The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y'Barbo.

Summary (From the Publisher):
The future is clearly mapped out for New York socialite Eugenia “Gennie” Cooper, but she secretly longs to slip into the boots of her favorite dime-novel heroine and experience just one adventure before settling down. When the opportunity arises, Gennie jumps at the chance to experience the Wild West, but her plans go awry when she is drawn into the lives of silver baron Daniel Beck and his daughter and finds herself caring for them more than is prudent–especially as she’s supposed to go back to New York and marry another man.

As Gennie adapts to the rough-and-tumble world of 1880s Colorado , she must decide whether her future lies with the enigmatic Daniel Beck or back home with the life planned for her since birth. The question is whether Daniel’s past–and disgruntled miners bent on revenge–will take that choice away from her.

Author Bio (From the Publisher):
Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty novels, novellas, and young adult books, with more than a half-million in print. A graduate of Texas A&M University , she is currently a publicist with Books & Such literary agency.

You can purchase this book online at Random House. And you can find out more about this author by going to her site.

Happy Reading!


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North! Or Be Eaten Giveaway Winner



Thank you to all who entered this week's giveaway! The winner of North! Or Be Eaten is:

Comment #6: Baba

Congratulations Deborah! I will be emailing you today.

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8/21/09

Aloha Friday: Crank It Up!



Here is how Aloha Friday works from Kailani's blog An Island Life:

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

It's Friday, and I'm thinking about jamming to some great music! There's nothing like some rockin' tunes to end the week!

Here is a video from one of my favorite bands: Thousand Foot Krutch



My Question for This Week: What are some of your favorite bands/songs?

If you are participating in Aloha Friday, link up below so we can visit your blog.


Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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8/20/09

I'm a Finalist for a Blog Makeover! Please Vote!

<br />http://www.thethriftyhome.com









I am so excited! I am 1 out of 4 ladies who were chosen as a finalist in a blog makeover contest from Jen's blog at A Thrifty Home and Thais over at Olivina Design House. I am hoping to win a $70 blog makeover so I can be as fabulous as some of the other blogs on the block!

Please head over to A Thrifty Home and vote for me. You will find the voting poll on the right hand side of Jen's blog underneath her profile description. You can also head over to Thais' blog to see all of her great blog designs! Thank you Jen and Thais for this opportunity and good luck to the other 3 ladies!

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8/19/09

Wordless Wednesday: Patience Grasshopper!

Don't forget to check out my book giveaway this week: North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson; Young Adult Fantasy Fiction. Click here.


My son & I found this big grasshopper on our back deck the other day. He wanted to try to catch it, but I wanted to take photos first. The grasshopper ended up jumping off the deck and running for his little life. But not before I caught these!





For more Wordless Wednesday fun, visit Five Minutes for Mom.


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8/18/09

Random Tuesday Thoughts: Doggies on Treadmills & Sword Swallowers?

randomtuesday

I am sitting here trying to stop myself from coughing all over the screen. Seems that I am having a bad asthma day. Must be poor air quality, bad pollen, or something outside that has gotten to me. Guess I will be taking my Advair twice today or else I'll be walking my dog on someone's treadmill instead of going outdoors. And since I don't know anyone who has a treadmill I can borrow....that doesn't leave me many options.

Summer is almost over. Hooray! I must admit, summer is not my favorite time of the year. I do not like heat & humidity. I am originally from New England and would love to have a blizzard right now! Mind you, I do enjoy the time I get to spend with my son at the pool, taking day trips to the beach by a lake, and going to free summer movies at Regal. But I am ready for some colder weather! Bring it on!

In another week, I am hoping to visit the Renaissance Festival. It's an annual tradition that started when my friend first took my son & I years ago. I've loved it ever since! My son loves the jousting and seeing the human chess game. My favorite performer is Johnny Fox the sword swallower. He is hilarious and a bit crazy too!



August 2008

You can find out more about the Renaissance Festival here.

So what are your random thoughts today?

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8/17/09

North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson Review & Book Giveaway



Summary From The Publisher:

Readers thrilled to the phantasmagorical adventures in On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, Book One of the Wingfeather Saga. Now in Book Two, Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby, mom Nia, ex-pirate grandfather Podo, Peet the Sock Man, and trusty dog Nugget flee north to rebel headquarters.

Their escape brings readers to the very brink of Fingap Falls , over the Stony Mountains , and across the Ice Prairies, while villains galore try to stop the Igibys permanently. Fearsome toothy cows and horned hounds return, along with new dangers: a mad man running a fork factory, a den of rockroaches, and majestic talking sea dragons.

Andrew Peterson’s lovable characters create what FantasyBookCritic.com says made Book One “one of the best fantasy novels in a very long time,” and Book Two contains even more thrills, exploring “themes universal in nature, ranging from the classic good versus evil, to the importance of family, and burdens of responsibility.”

Author Bio From The Publisher:

Andrew Peterson is the author of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and The Ballad of Matthew’s Begats. He’s also the critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter and recording artist of ten albums, including Resurrection Letters II. He and his wife, Jamie, live with their two sons and one daughter in The Warren near Nashville , Tennessee . Visit Andrew’s websites: www.andrew-peterson.com and www.rabbitroom.com.

You can purchase this book online at Random House.

My Review/Thoughts:

I gave this to my 10 yr old son to read, and he absolutely loved it! He said it had lots of adventure and cool characters. There were all the ingredients of a fun story: medieval weapons like bows and arrows, sword fighting, and mythical creatures. Although this was the second book in the series, he did not have any problem getting into the story and figuring out the characters. This book was kid tested and mother approved! If you have a tween or a teen who loves fantasy fiction with a Christian perspective, they will love this book!

Giveaway:

Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah and Random House, I have been given an extra copy to giveaway to one of my readers. If you would like to enter, leave a comment on this post (along with an email address so I can contact you) telling me why you would like to read this book. This is mandatory for entering.

To Earn Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each; if not done correctly it will not count):

1. Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect
2. Add my blog button (leave a link telling me where it is located)
3. Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog
4. Follow me on Facebook Networked Blogs
5. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (leave a link from your twitter status, this may only be done once)

You may enter until Sunday night August 23rd at 12pm EST. This giveaway is open to US residents only and the winner will be announced Monday August 24th.


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8/16/09

Back To School With Famous Footwear Giveaway



Five Minutes For Mom is hosting a great back to school giveaway event August 14-28th! Famous Footwear is hosting this particular giveaway:

two $25.00 gift cards to give away to ONE lucky reader

So head on over to Five Minutes for Mom by clicking on the button above and check out their great giveaways!


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8/14/09

Aloha Friday: Yummo!



Here is how Aloha Friday works from Kailani's blog An Island Life:

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

In the summer, my favorite summer foods are any kind of salad: pasta salad, potato salad, garden salad, club salad, egg salad, tuna salad, or chicken salad. They are so yummy!

My Question This Week: What is your favorite summer food?

If you are participating in Aloha Friday, link up below so we can visit your blog.



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8/13/09

Candid, Clever & Cost Effective: My Grandparents Rock Giveaway



Looking for cute gifts for your grandparents or child's grandparents? Kimberly at Candid, Clever & Cost Effective is giving away a $50 gift certificate to this great site called My Grandparents Rock! Find t-shirts, hoodies, onesies and all kinds of cute items! You can enter until August 26th. So head on over and check it out!

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8/12/09

Wordless Wednesday: Cows & Chocolate Equal Hershey's

Here are some photos from when my hubby & I drove up to Hershey, PA and went to Chocolate World. The cows were all along the ride and kept singing "Hershey's chocolate...." so by the end it was stuck in your head!














For More Wordless Wednesday fun, visit Five Minutes for Mom.

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