Policy

If you have a product or service you'd like me to review you can contact me anytime.
freda[dot]mans[at]gmail.com

Girl Land by Caitlin Flanagan

Girl Land - Caitlin Flanagan Giveaway Open to US/CAN Ends Feb 8

Murder, Mayhem and Mama

Murder, Mayhem and Mama - Christie Craig Giveaway Coming Soon

Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google?

Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google? - William Poundstone Giveaway Coming Soon

the snow child

The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey Giveaway Coming Soon

obamas

The Obamas - Jodi Kantor Giveaway Coming Soon

Monday, February 28, 2011

#38: Rock Bottom - Erin Brockovich & C.J Lyons


Synopsis & Book Info:
From New York Times bestselling author and internationally renowned environmental and consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, comes Rock Bottom, a debut thriller and first in a series of novels that introduces one of the most fascinating and memorable characters in suspense fiction.
Ten years ago, Angela Joy Palladino left home as a pregnant seventeen-year-old in trouble. Far from home, AJ succeeded in establishing her career as an environmental activist, dubbed "The People's Champion," only to suffer failure once again in the wake of a crushing media disaster.
So when AJ is offered a job with a lawyer who has taken on large mining corporations hoping to stop their mountaintop removal of her hometown, she is torn. As a single mother of a special needs nine-year-old boy, AJ needs any work she can get. But doing so will mean returning to the West Virginia hometown she left in disgrace so long ago.
AJ finally accepts, hoping to find a sense of purpose in her efforts to save the only place she ever called home. That is until threats begin to surface and bodies begin to pile up, and AJ soon discovers her own secrets aren't the only ones her mountain hometown has kept buried. Hitting rock bottom, AJ must face the betrayal of those once closest to her and confront the harrowing past she thought she had left behind.
In Rock Bottom, Erin Brockovich combines passionate intensity, first-rate story-telling, and her real-life experiences in a novel that will leave you breathless.

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Vanguard Press
ISBN: 9781593156763
Purchase at Amazon


©2011


My Opinion:
If you enjoyed the movie, then you will definitely enjoy this book. The movie based on Erin, is no where near as exciting as this book. But that's how fiction should be.
Mystery, intrigue, murder, and all the best aspects of a thriller are present in this story, with extremely strong characters, that I found to be well-rounded and fresh.
On a personal note, I loved the reference to the Canadian Football League too, but you'd have to read the book to see what I mean.


3.5/5


Recommend? Yes.


~I received a copy from FSB Associates. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Teaser Tuesday


HOST


* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:

Mary Theresa flashed Rosa a glare as if she had been betrayed.
Rosa responded with an innocent "I didn't say anything!" shrug of the shoulders and returned to her sewing machine.

~ Page 168, Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing - Kathy Camo-Murillo

Winner Announcement


#38. Lisa


Congratulations, check your email!

You won the I LOVE MY FOLLOWERS giveaway, for a $35 CSN Stores code.

February Monthly News


Welcome to the Groundhog/Valentines edition of Monthly News!
Around here, according to that blasted groundhog, we WILL NOT look forward to more snow. YAY!
Valentines, my true love gave to me: 12 Long Stem Roses
My love to you was expressed in a giveaway for a $35 CSN code. Yeah I love you guys THAT much!


BOOKS:
1. Rough Cut - Mari Carr (recommend)
2. Free For All Cooking - Jules E. Dowler Shepard
3. The History Book
4. The Illustrated Step By Step Cook (recommend)
5. A New Birth of Freedom - Robert G. Pielke
6. Sima's Undergarments for Women - Ilana Stanger-Ross
7. A Billion Reasons Why - Kristin Billerbeck (recommend)
8. Tattoo's & Tequila - Vince Neil
9. House of Dark Shadows - Robert Liparulo (HIGHLY recommend)
10. The Postcard Killers - James Patterson (recommend)
11. A Tiny Bit Marvellous - Dawn French
12. The Year I Turned Sixteen - Dianne Schwemm
13. The Rough Guide to the Future - Jon Turney
14. Coming Back Stronger - Drew Brees (recommend)
15. Ten Little Zombies: A Love Story - Andy Rash (recommend)
16. Rombies - Tom Taylor


PRODUCTS:
1. CrazyDog Tshirts (recommend)
2. Oscar Party Games



YEARLY TOTAL: 37 Books, 4 Products, 1 Tv Show


FREDA'S FAVE FIVE (In No Particular Order):
1. Coming Back Stronger - Drew Brees
2. Ten Little Zombies: A Love Story - Andy Rash
3. A Billion Reasons Why - Kristin Billerbeck
4. House of Dark Shadows - Robert Liparulo
5. The Postcard Killers - James Patterson


BOOK OF THE MONTH:




AUTHOR GUEST POSTS:
With Jennifer Lynne Matthews


MY GUEST POSTS:
1. Love Potion Event at VVB32 Reads Blog
2. Love Potion Event at VVB32 Reads Blog #2


SPONSORED POSTS:
1.Power Rangers Samurai emPOWER
2. Digital Download of the Day


AWARDS:

I received the Worth Your Weight in a Gator Battle award from Velvet! This was the grooviest award I've seen yet. Thank you! You know, she has one of the coolest blogs in all of the blogosphere, so give her a visit!

I received the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award from Jessica! This award is sweeter than me, and so is the lady who gave it to me. Check out her beautiful blog!

I received the 7 Facts Award from Nadea! This is a new award and I'm thankful she chose me to pass it onto. Thank you! Make sure to visit her wonderful blog!
I also received this one from Alice. Thank you so much! I feel really blessed to get this one twice! Make sure you check out her blog! (My favorite post is Saturday's Photohunt. She is very creative and original.)

#37: Rombies - Tom Taylor


Synopsis & Book Info:
As an empire decays.... all roads lead away from Rome.

Comic: 20 pages
Publisher: Gestalt Publishing Pty Ltd.
ASIN: B0044UK1PG
Purchase at Amazon



©2009


My Opinion:
My son really though this was a cool comic book, though he said he wished it was longer. He is 15.
I, on the other hand, only appreciated the ending for the most part. I did enjoy the illustration and attention to details too. But the story was just meh, and I agree with my son, it was short.
So it will flip some and not others.


2.5/5


Recommend? To teen boys, yes.


~I won my copy. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

#36: Ten Little Zombies: A Love Story - Andy Rash


Synopsis & Book Info:
When being chased by ten little zombies (no matter how cute they are), your only option is to systematically destroy them one by one, or else become zombie number eleven. In this love story wrapped in a tale of zombie mayhem, a resourceful couple flees from and picks off their undead pursuers with fast-paced ingenuity and an entertaining range of zombie-thwarting tools. As the zombies shuffle and stumble their way toward a variety of gruesome ends, our heroes must come up with new ways to escape sticky situations and stay together. This darkly funny illustrated tale think Bunny Suicides meets Edward Gorey meets Hallmark celebrates the romantic side of a zombie plague, with plenty of BRAINS and a lot of heart.

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN: 9780811877237
Purchase at Amazon

Author Bio:
Andy Rash is an artist and writer living in Brooklyn, New York.


©2010


My Opinion:
This was one of the cutest things I've ever read! I was so pleased with it, I showed it to a few people. It's a great little laugh, though gruesome in parts. Still very funny.
NOT FOR CHILDREN, DUE TO GRAPHIC NATURE.


5/5


Recommend? Most definitely!


~I won my copy. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

#35: Coming Back Stronger - Drew Brees


Synopsis & Book Info:
When a potentially career-ending shoulder injury left quarterback Drew Brees without a team—and facing the daunting task of having to learn to throw a football all over again—coaches around the NFL wondered, Will he ever come back? After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, leaving more than 80 percent of the city underwater, many wondered, Will the city ever come back? And with their stadium transformed into a makeshift refugee camp, forcing the Saints to play their entire 2005 season on the road, people questioned, Will the Saints ever come back? It takes a special person to turn adversity into success and despair into hope—yet that is exactly what Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees has done—and with the weight of an entire city on his shoulders. Coming Back Stronger is the ultimate comeback story, not only of one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, but also of a city and a team that many had all but given up on. Brees’s inspiring message of hope and encouragement proves that with enough faith, determination, and heart, you can overcome any obstacle life throws your way and not only come back, but come back stronger.

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN: 9781414339436
Purchase at Amazon


Author Bio:
Drew Brees is the 2009 Super Bowl MVP–winning quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. A 2001 graduate of Purdue University, Drew was a two–time Heisman finalist and led the Boilermakers to a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl appearance during the 2000 season.
In Drew's five years with the San Diego Chargers and four years with the New Orleans Saints, he has been elected to four Pro Bowls while being named 2004 Comeback Player of the Year, 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
On February 7, 2010, he led the Saints to their first World Championship against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, completing a record thirty–two passes on his way to being named Super Bowl MVP.
As much pride as Drew takes in his on-field performance, he takes even more pride in his community service endeavors. Drew and his wife, Brittany, established the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003 and since then have raised and/or committed more than $5 million to help advance cancer research; improve care for cancer patients; and help rebuild schools, parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields in New Orleans, San Diego, and the Purdue community.
A native of Austin, Texas, Drew currently lives with his wife, Brittany, and son, Baylen, in New Orleans.


©2010


My Opinion:
This is a book, not only about a Superbowl Champion Quarterback, but a story about perseverance. A story about wanting one thing one day, and realizing you meant for something greater.
I knew of Drew Brees when I got the book, I only knew he was the QB that took New Orleans to the Superbowl and won. Heck, I watched the game and cheered him on. But I had no idea the life he lived to lead him to that point, nor how significant that moment he raised his son above his head when he won, would turn out to be.
The only way I would know was reading this book, and based on that, I urge you to do the same.


3.5/5


Recommend? Yes


~I received a copy from Tyndale. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Oscar Party Games Pack



Product Description:
Looking for an instant fix for your Oscar Night party entertainment?
Our pack of 16 superb printable Oscar party games is perfect! You'll receive your games in minutes and can be playing right away.

What You Get:
Oscar Winners Prediction Game
Best Actor Oscar Trivia match
Best Actress Oscar Trivia match
Best Director Oscar Trivia Match
Oscar Acceptance Speeches Trivia
Oscar Trivia 1
Oscar Trivia 2
Hall of Shame Celebrity Trivia
Hot Actors Trivia
Lord of the Rings Trivia
Matching Disney Trivia
Meet Your Match Celebrity Acting Game
Famous Beach Movies Trivia
James Bond Villains Trivia
Champagne Trivia
Scary Synopsis Horror Movie Trivia



©2011


My Opinion:
What a great way to create a buzz around the awards show event! It was a lot of fun answering these trivia questions, and seeing just how many we could remember.
All you need is a computer and printer, some food and friends, and you will have a fun night.





3/5


Recommend? For large groups, yes.


~I received this opportunity through Tomoson. I was not compensated for my opinion.~


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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Quote It Saturday


Welcome to Quote It!
Please feel free to grab the button and create your own post.
Add as many quotes as you wish, from whom ever you wish. It can even be lyrics to a song.
Just tell us who it is. Anonymous welcome too.
And please leave your link.


* If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten we belong to each other.
~ Mother Teresa, (1910-1997, Catholic nun.)


* A little rude, a little sway,
A sunbeam in a winter's day,
Is all the proud and mighty have,
Between the cradle and the grave.

~ John Dyer, (1699-1757, painter and Welsh poet turned clergyman of the Church of England.)




Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Friday 56


Welcome to Week 17 with me!



Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky.

It's that simple.


Rock Bottom - Erin Brockovich & C.J. Lyons

PAGE 56:

I snagged the crutch, tugged it from beneath the duffle bag, and handed it to Elizabeth before diving back in.




Check out my Poetry at VVB32Reads!


Head over to Velvet's blog and check out all her great events and happenings. There is always something fresh and fun happening there!


Read my guest post, with original poetry written by yours truly.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Theme Thursdays: Touch


HOST


RULES:
* A theme will be posted each week (on Thursday’s)
* Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
* Post it and don’t forget to mention the author and the title of the book
* Since we may take a few days to finish a book, this event is open for one whole week




I was so numb, I barely felt her touch.

~ Rock Bottom - Erin Brockovich & C.J. Lyons

Giveaway: Miss Scarlet's School of Patterless Sewing - Kathy Cano-Murillo


Synopsis:
Sometimes to find your life's true path, you have to stray outside the lines . . .
Scarlet Santana is never happier than when creating fabulous fashions for women of all shapes and sizes. Now, after years of hard work, she finally has the chance to live her dream and study under the hottest designer in New York. To raise money for her move, Scarlet opens an after-hours sewing school in a local record shop, teaching a type-A working mom whose rigid parenting style is causing her family to unravel and an enigmatic seamstress with a mysterious past.
But as stitches give way to secrets and classmates become friends, the women realize an important truth: There is no single pattern for a good life. Happiness is always a custom fit.


Thanks to Brianne and Hachette Book Group, I have 2 copies up for grabs!

Only residents of the U.S. or Canada, No P.O. Boxes, please.
One copy per household rule applies.


Mandatory Entry:
(Answer this question in the comment section, along with your email.)
Do you know how to sew, and what is the best thing you have made?

Additional Entries (Leave a separate comment for each):
+1 tweet, blog or facebook - leave link
+1 Follow on Networked Blogs (sidebar) - leave name you follow as
+1 GFC follow (sidebar)
+1 Email subscriber (sidebar)
+1 Facebook fan (sidebar)





Winners will be posted in my tour post March 10!

#34: The Rough Guide to the Future - Jon Turney


Synopsis & Book Info:
Find the future now with 50 predictions in The Rough Guide to the Future.
Wondering what's really in store for the human race? Nanotechnology and gene enhancements, solar power and carbon capture? Or oil shocks, water wars, food shortages, and mass extinction? The Rough Guide to the Future cuts a clear path through the jungle of scientific research and political debate, steering you around the prophets of doom and the utopian visionaries, to take you on a tour of the likeliest possibilities for the rest of this century - and beyond. It covers 50 predictions from the world's leading futurologists and chronicles predictions from the past along with visions of the future. You'll find out where we go from here with The Rough Guide to the Future.

Paperback: 376 pages
Publisher: Rough Guides
ISBN: 9781858287812
Purchase at Amazon



©2010


My Opinion:
I'm positive some one, some where, will disagree, but I was so bored by this book. It was almost painful how textbook-like it was. Now when you think about that, would you go back and read your history textbook from high school? Probably not. That's exactly what it felt like for me reading this.
The content was another story.
It was decent, relevant and even educational, but like I said, the way it was laid out is hard to get past.


1/5


Recommend? Not really.


~I received a copy from DK Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Free Kindle Reads!


The Middle Passage - Julia Golding
Synopsis:
Summer 1792. Our favourite adventurer, Cat Royal, is sailing home from the Caribbean in the company of Billy Shepherd. They stumble into a mystery in the Azores involving stargazers, thieves and far too many wasps. A novella free to download.– A wonderful short novel by the prize winning author of The Diamond of Drury Lane series – perfect for girls aged 9 and above!




Spy Killer - L. Ron Hubbard
Synopsis:
This classic 1936 Hubbard tale takes listeners to pre-Communist China where a man named Kurt Reid has fled murder charges only to find himself thrust into the exotic world of foreign espionage. This multicast performance brings an air of the old radio theater shows of the '30s and '40s, transporting listeners to another time and place. An exceptional performance by Lori Jablons is a true highlight of this production, as she assumes the role of the mysterious and beautiful Russian rebel, Varinka Savischna. With the perfect blend of background sounds that are often as simple as crowd murmuring or distant animal noises, the result is a genuinely entertaining listening experience.



The Man Who Knew Too Much - G.K. Chesterton
Synopsis:
A classic detective story.




How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire - Kerrelyn Sparks
Synopsis:
Kerrelyn Sparks introduces readers to a demon world that is curiously parallel to the human world. There are vampire cable channels that feature talks shows, soap operas and a celebrity magazine called Live! With the Undead. But as a human female crosses boundaries into this new reality, the results can be dangerous and hilarious.




A Promise To Remember - Kathryn Cushman
Synopsis:
When There's Nothing Left But Memories... Andie Phelps is the envy of Santa Barbara. A devoted mother with a loving son and a successful husband, her greatest joy comes from reaching out to others... Melanie Johnston is the envy of no one. A single mom who works long hours to pay the bills, and her greatest joys relate to her teen daughter and son. Then the accident that changes everything. When opposite worlds collide, the impact reaches far beyond these mothers' personal losses. Two wounded women...Two families seeking hope...A community torn apart... How far will they go to fulfill...A Promise to Remember.



Without Reservations: With or Without, Book 1 - J.L. Langley
Synopsis:
Sometimes love just catches you by the tail… Chayton Winston is a veterinarian. He is also a werewolf. Much to his Native American parents chagrin, he has always dreamed of a fair-haired, Caucasian mate. However, he never imagined his mate would be male. As a heterosexual man, he’s not quite sure what to do with a male mate, but more than willing to find out. Keaton Reynolds wakes up, in wolf form, and finds himself with a mate. He’s instantly attracted, but not so thrilled to find out the man is straight. Having been in a relationship once before where his partner professed to be “Not gay” left a bad taste in his mouth. Keaton wants to make a break for it and pretend he never set eyes on Chay—but Chay is not ready to let him go. Together the two work to solidify their shaky relationship and battle the prejudices against homosexuals. Chay must deal with not only his mother’s prejudices against gay men but also her hatred of white people. When a power struggle in Keaton’s pack threatens Keaton’s life, the two men learn to depend on one another and their relationship to get them through it. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, violence and hot man-love.



Listen - Rene Gutteridge
Synopsis:
Clever novelist Gutteridge (the Storm series) has consistently upped the ante of Christian storytelling by offering her readers intelligent and entertaining texts. Her newest work delves into the deepest recesses of the human heart via the spoken word. The small town of Marlo, where nothing newsworthy ever happens, is blindsided when a mysterious Website begins posting the private conversations of its citizens. Intrigue and suspicion mount quickly and everyone is suspect and suspicious. When one of Marlo's police officers dies, newspaperman Damien Underwood commits himself to pursuing the site's creator. Damien's search hits close to home as he attempts to protect his wife Kay and two teens, Jenna and Hunter, from the escalating mistrust, lies, and deceit. Swirling acts of violence and voices of condemnation serve to heighten an already tense and fragile citizenry. Gutteridge's skillful handling of the power of words will have every reader quietly introspective.



Wading Home: A Novel of New Orleans - Rosalyn Story
Synopsis:
With the lyricism she was lauded for in More Than You Know, Story has crafted a post-Katrina New Orleans from a fumy cloud of sad jazz and Creole spices. Though this time out her descriptive lushness meshes uneasily with the patchy, if intense, tone and plot. After the storm, Julian Fortier, a successful trumpeter, returns to look for his missing father and ends up dealing with drama: family land is threatened by developers; a past betrayal is dredged up; he's confronted with a failed romance. Amidst all this he navigates his devastated city, confronting the emotional and professional mess of his life both present and past and the more immediate problems left by the storm. Everyone he encounters is boldly drawn, and Julian's father is fantastically sympathetic, but Julian himself, the sulky center of it all, only drags things down. Readers will feel a palpable sense of frustration as plotlines sag after initial tension and the pathos and beauty of the Big Easy becomes abstract, explained more than evoked. Story has created a fine narrative web, peopled it with some skill, and brought her style and grace to the page, but none of these elements feel complete



The Little Known - Janice Daugharty
Synopsis:
When twelve-year-old Knot Crews, an African American boy growing up in the segregated south Georgia town of Statenville, discovers a bag of bank-robbed cash in an alley, he is nearly overcome with happiness and terror. All that money—a hundred thousand dollars—could be the ticket to everything he’s ever wanted, but he knows he can’t spend it, not only because his conscience won’t let him, but for fear of being caught. He decides to do what he can for his needy neighbors, both black and white, and begins mailing them hundred dollar bills anonymously, but it irks Knot daily to discover that most of them squander it and don’t use the money as he had intended, and that the money doesn’t change their lives for the better. It turns out that the weight of Knot’s world can’t be lifted by cold hard cash alone. Set during the turbulent 1960’s, The Little Known is a coming-of-age story full of hope and forgiveness.



HAPPY READING!

Digital Download Of The Day




AVON VOICES RELEASES FIRST OFFICIAL SONG, “UNTIL YOU LOVE YOU” PENNED BY AWARD-WINNING SONGWRITER DIANE WARREN



NEW YORK – February 23, 2011 Avon Voices, the company’s first-ever global online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for men and women today released “Until You Love You” written by Diane Warren. The song, exclusively available for download now through Avon Voices in the U.S. is performed by Valeriya, Russia’s biggest pop star with 17 number one hits and more than 100 million albums sold, and produced by David Pack. Warren, Valeriya and Pack are all members of a renowned judging panel comprised of music industry leaders from around the world including Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Lea Salonga, Ivete Sangalo, Diego Torres, Delta Goodrem, Sheila E. and Maia who will be selecting contenders from around the world to participate in Avon Voices and the opportunity to record a professionally produced album.



“’Until You Love You’ is about loving and believing in one’s own self. That’s something you find from within, not from others”, said Diane Warren. The lyrics ‘Take a look in the mirror, you’re beautiful, take a moment to love, the one you are’ is all about believing in yourself enough to make your own dreams come true, which is exactly what Avon Voices is about. It is the perfect opportunity for women, and men, to make their dreams come true by joining the singing or songwriting portion of the competition.



Avon Voices is about more than providing a showcase for undiscovered talent. In celebration of its 125th Anniversary, Avon Voices invites people from more than 60 countries to ignite a global movement through music. Avon Voices will bring nearly 200 global contenders the opportunity to travel to exciting international destinations such as Hong Kong, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Hollywood and Nashville as well as receive professional coaching, participate in Avon makeovers and record their own performance videos.



“Until You Love You,” as well as other recordings by our Avon Voices Judges and additional artists, are available for purchase in certain countries, and a percentage of the purchase will help advance the Avon Foundation for Women’s global campaign to end violence against women and girls. Find out more about music purchases at Avon Voices. To date, Avon global philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $30 million directed to domestic and gender violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.



About Avon Products, Inc.

Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.5 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com



About Avon Foundation for Women

The Avon Foundation for Women, the world’s largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Avon also responds generously to provide support for relief and recovery efforts in times of major natural disasters and emergencies.



To learn more about Avon Voices, go to http://www.avonvoices.com or http://www.multivu.com/players/English/45814-avon-voices or follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/avonvoices) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/avonvoices).


~This is a sponsored post from Avon Voices. I was not compensated for this post.~

Whatcha Reading Wednesdays


Rules:
1. Grab your current read, go to the page you are on and post the next full sentence you are about to read.
2. Link back to Busy Moms Who Love To Read



As if by not answering, not imagining that impossible possibility, I could erase it. Delete it. Live my life without ever acknowledging its existence.

~ Page 140, Rock Bottom - Erin Brockovich & C.J. Lyons

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Winner Announcement... Better Late Than Never


Who won?

#18. Carol N Wong



Whaddya win?

India Black - Carol K. Carr




Check your email!

Seven Facts Award


I received this cool award from Nadea at Candy Chapstick Blog! Thanks to her for passing it to me, I love it!


Rules:
1. Post 7 Random facts about yourself.
2. Award other bloggers.


MY 7 FACTS:

- I am 5'10 and 3/4.... yes that last part matters at this height.
- I have had 2 children, now both teenagers.
- I am born in December.
- I have never flown out of the country, though I really long to.
- Prince Edward Island is my favorite province to visit. It's beautiful.
- I lived in 2 provinces in my 34 years.
- I hate liver. The only food on the planet I will not eat.


AWARD TO:

Situations Where You May Need It
Maria's Space
Book Loving Mommy
Book Purring

Monday, February 21, 2011

Teaser Tuesday


HOST


* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:

He looked offended. his hand combing through her thick coat. "She's more than a person, she's my partner. She'd take a bullet for me, and I'd take one for her. That the way it works."

~ Page 153, Rock Bottom - Erin Brockovich

#33: The Year I Turned Sixteen - Dianne Schwemm


Synopsis & Book Info:
Rose dreams of becoming a singer, but when her obligations as the oldest sister start to hold her back, she faces an impossible decision.
Sick of being the "good" sister, Daisy is drawn to a boy with a more dangerous edge and pulls away from the people who care about her most.
Laurel must deal with the loss of someone close, but a new love in the wake of tragedy might be just what she needs.
With her sisters all figuring out their futures, Lily feels lost, and for the first time she must figure out who she is all on her own.
With more than cupcakes and candles on their minds, each of the Walker sisters is in for a sweet sixteen that will change everything.

Paperback: 700 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 9781416985976
Purchase at Amazon


Author Bio:
Diane Schwemm is the author of The Year I Turned Sixteen, as well as the Silver Beach series.


©2010


My Opinion:
This is a chunkster, at 700 pages. Yet it wasn't overwhelming at all.
This story was very charming, and what my hubby would label as chick lit. Definitely for girls and boys wouldn't really relate to it.
It's about four sisters, and each one of them is someone you can relate to. Either you were her, or know her, or want to be her. They each have attributes that you love and hate which makes them feel alive when you read it.
I related most to Laurel, one of the middle children. But that isn't to say I didn't feel some connection to all the other girls.
A really great and family oriented read! I think young girls will eat it right up!


3.5/5


Recommend? To girls 13-18


~I received a copy from Simon & Schuster. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Quote It Saturday


Welcome to Quote It!
Please feel free to grab the button and create your own post.
Add as many quotes as you wish, from whom ever you wish. It can even be lyrics to a song.
Just tell us who it is. Anonymous welcome too.
And please leave your link.


* If you don't want to change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
~ Lao Tsu, (lived in 6th Century BC, philosopher of ancient China.)


* By going out of your mind, you come to your senses.
~ Alan Watts, (1915-1973, British philosopher, writer, and speaker.)




Friday, February 18, 2011

SwagBucks Birthday Bash


Swagbucks (the best place on the web for free stuff) is turning 3, and the celebration they have planned for the 28th is going to be HUGE! It'll feature a bunch of Swag Codes, a new look and feel for the Swagbucks Blog and the launch of two new features, one of which will redefine the way you use their search function. You definitely won't want to miss it, so be sure that you're on the site bright and early the morning of the 28th for your chance to earn big and be a part of the biggest birthday celebration on the web! Swagbucks.com is a site where you can earn 1,000s of free products for doing the things you do every day. Whether it's searching the web, watching videos, playing games, shopping or more, we've got a way for you to be rewarded with free stuff. No strings. No gimmicks.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Friday 56


Welcome to Week 16 with me!



Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky.

It's that simple.


The Year I Turned Sixteen - Dianne Schwemm

PAGE 56:

Daisy stood in the doorway for a few seconds, biting her lip, her eyebrows furrowed. When I didn't look at her, she finally turned away and disappeared down the hall.




Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Theme Thursdays: Love


HOST


RULES:
* A theme will be posted each week (on Thursday’s)
* Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
* Post it and don’t forget to mention the author and the title of the book
* Since we may take a few days to finish a book, this event is open for one whole week




"That would be great," I replied warmly. "I'd love to take you with me, Lily. It's so much fun, but I missed you guys last year." We grinned at each other a moment, then I looked at Daisy. "Okay, Daisy, your turn."

~ The Year I Turned Sixteen by Dianne Schwemm

CrazyDog Tshirt Review & Giveaway


They have a variety of Funny T Shirts for everyone! Check out their selection of St Patricks Day T Shirts!

Mens Tshirt

Ladies Tshirt

Boys Tshirt

Girls Tshirt



CrazyDog Tshirts Sister Site: NachoMama Tees



©2011


My Opinion:
Now this is a tshirt store that even Pauly D from Jersey Shores would go nuts for! Come to think of it, I'm going to twitter him and let him know of it.
"IT"S TSHIRT TIME!!"
Yup, this place is that cool!
When I first went on the website, to pick a shirt for review, I had no idea how hard the search would be. There were just so many to choose from. In the end I chose the Canadian eh team t-shirt, which you can find in the Canadian Funny TShirt section of the website!
Plus I rock red dontcha think?!
Anyways, this cool site is one I definitely think everyone should check out. It's got great pricing, and shows up fairly fast to your door.
Look, why keep reading this when you can click and go get one of your own. I'll stop holding you up now.

:-)

My Tweet to Pauly D


Wearing my "On The Eh Team" tshirt.


5/5


Recommend? Most definitely!!!


~I received a tshirt from CrazyDog Tshirts. I was not compensated for my opinion.~


Thank you to Pete and CrazyDog Tshirts, I have 2 lucky shirts ($16.99 value) to giveaway!

OPEN TO US AND CANADA


Mandatory Entry:
Visit CrazyDog Tshirts and tell me a short you like. Leave your email for the entry to count.

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Contest Ends March 3, 8pm est.