Tropical Traditions BONUS!

Have you entered our Tropical Traditions Giveaway?




I've got an EXTRA bonus for you!




I'm giving away 25 extra bonus points for anyone who makes a purchase through Tropical Traditions, through Mother's Day!!




ALL you need to do is to click on THE LINK BELOW and you get a bonus FREE copy of the Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil Book with your order of Coconut Oil!!



Virgin

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Some Mother's Day Gift Ideas...

This Mother’s Day, give Mom the gift she really wants—breakfast in bed with help from her favorite New Orleans chefs!

For less than $20 you can give her a taste of the Big Easy with Kit Wohl’s New Orleans Classic Brunches, which serves up recipes and delectable photographs of dishes such as: stuffed waffles , Eggs Benedict, café au lait, and beignets. This beautiful cookbook includes more

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Purex's Let’s Be Honest Campaign Starts TODAY!

Starting TODAY,  Purex is launching their NEW "Let’s Be Honest" promotional campaign, featuring Second City Comedian Molly Erdman. 





Whether it’s paying too much for “premium” detergent or uncovering the truth about skinny jeans, Purex will be shedding some light on everyday absurdities. We were able to preview some of the videos and they are very cute!



This will be a national campaign

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Winners

1. Paris in Love- #4 Linda K 
 2. Drain Claw- #50 Missy L 
 3. the Wedding Dress- #118 Anita Y 

 and a redraw 
 4. The Taker- #19 Vicki W 

 All winners have been notified by email.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

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Recipe Weekend/ Book Review: Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Cafe by Joanne Chang and Christie Matheson

A lot of Moms love to cook, 

so I wanted to share a very special cookbook with you this weekend!











Synopsis: Every day 1,500 Bostonians can't resist buying sweet, simple treats such as Homemade Pop-Tarts, from an alumna of Harvard with a degree in economics. From Brioche au Chocolat and Lemon Raspberry Cake to perfect croissants, Flour Bakery-owner Joanne Chang's repertoire of baked

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I See Me! Personalized Storybooks Special Giveaway!

Last month we reviewed the I See Me Happy Birthday book, and Kiddo adored it.

So I am thrilled to let you all know about a SUPER DUPER giveaway that I SEE ME if hosting.



They will choose TWO (2) GRAND PRIZE Winners!  (open to US residents only)

to receive a girls and boys (1 per winner) wooden bookcase and 10 I See Me! personalized storybooks!

Each grand prize is valued at

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A Special Rafflecopter Giveaway for $500!

Contest Chest has a SUPER Rafflecopter contest for you to enter, where you can win the grand prize of $500 cash!

With summer vacation upon us, I KNOW you would love to win that prize!.





Plus, if the winner enters the contest from this blog, then I get $500 cash as well, plus advertising space on ContestChest.com.Which means some pretty cool giveaways will show up here on this blog- think

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Book Review: Paskagankee by Allan Leverone

Welcome to our spot on the Partners in Crime "Paskagankee" Book Blog Tour! 










Synopsis:

When Mike McMahon moves to the remote village of Paskagankee, Maine, to
take over as chief of police following a tragic shooting, he’s hoping
for nothing more than to get a new start on life. Instead, he encounters
a series of brutal murders, beginning almost immediately upon his
arrival.



An

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It's National Tell a Story Day!

Did you know there was a National Tell a Story Day ?

I didn't!

I saw a great idea on Pinterest (where else?, and HOW did we live without it a mere 8 months ago????), about putting emotions and animals on dice (thanks Sweeter than Sweets!), and using them to help kids act out emotions. I thought hmm, add some actions (verbs) and you've got all the makings of a story line!






Or you can order

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Book Review and Giveaway: Blood on the Bayou by Stacey Jay

Now for the Moms who like Supernatural Fiction- tis is the SECOND book fo the Annabelle Lee series...



Synopsis:

First came a terrorist attack. 



Then the mutations—and Fey who had lived in harmony with humans turned deadly. 



Now most people hide behind iron gates. But those who are immune—and those with enough courage—can venture out into the Louisiana Delta . . . and a nightmare

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Winners Loving the Spring Flowers!

1. the 5 Love Languages of Children- #30 Claudia

2. The Song Remains the Same- #149 Carol M

3. The Taker- #11 Tara T



All winners have been notified via email.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

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Children's Designer Clothing at Ladida

If there is one thing that gets parents, and grandparents, of little girls excited, it's boutique kids clothing! yes, there are adorable clothes for boys out there, but when it comes to girls' clothing, there are just NO limits to the levels of cuteness!

I found a great new website to look for new designer childrens clothing for Kiddo: La-Di-Da! 

They have the greatest designs, like Marie

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Guest Post: MILK- DOING A BODY GOOD

This guest post from Lewis Beck



I have been watching television a lot lately since we upgraded our package at www.direct.tv.
There has been a commercial that has been coming on NBC that I
absolutely love. 



First, it features one of my favorite actresses, Salma
Hayek, and also features one of my favorite drinks, milk! It shows Salma
as a little girl drinking milk as she grows. The end

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Book Review: No Dice by Mar Preston

In honor of Mom, who hails from So Cal....






This is the first book in the author's Dave Mason police/mystery series! 

The second novel, Rip-Off, will be out later this Summer!






Synopsis: A gaming goliath is steamrolling local opposition to build a glitzy high-rise casino on Santa Monica's shoreline. Billions of dollars in potential casino profits can turn even the nicest people ugly.

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Book Review: Obsession: Faces of Evil by Debra Webb

Today I have another April Read and Review book, from the WLC selections!





Synopsis: She thought she left the murders and his obsession behind… 

Special Agent Jess Harris has spent more than a decade studying the many faces of evil. But in her determination to stop a heinous serial killer, she messed up, broke the rules, and it cost her everything. Now her career is in need of resuscitation

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Wordless Wednesday: Spring Blooms

Gladiolas from the front yard!









Kiddo took one of our magnolias to her teacher!

Yes, it IS that huge, the tree is 100 years old!

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Book Review: KnockOut! by Emma Calin

Up next we have a  #1 Kindle Best Seller in Romantic Suspense, Romantic 

Adventure and Women Sleuths !





As you know, I;m not a huge fan of ebooks. but the Kindle app on my smart phone is good for when I don't want to burn my data minutes, and have time on my hands (like at the doctor's office), and forgot to bring a book! So every month, I'll be reviewing some new ebooks for WLC, as this

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Product Review and Giveaway: Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

Have you tried Coconut Oil yet?



It's the new 'it' food making the 'healthy eating' rounds! 



So I was quite happy when the opportunity came up to review some from Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions! 




http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm 



Tropical Traditions was the first company to bring Virgin Coconut Oil to the states from the Phillipines,

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Winners

1. Char Rub Seasonings- #30 Krisit S.P.

2. The Lost Years-#46 Karen R

3. Illusion- #50 Jaimie N

All winners have been notified via email.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

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Bless Their Little Giveaways Linky : April 25-May 1, 2012

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Guest Post: Writing the Cards and Letters That Matter Most by Karen Jordan

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month!



National Card and Letter Writing Month is an opportunity for all Americans to rediscover the timeless and very personal art of letter writing. Both in times of peace and conflict, cards and letters are the most effective way to share and permanently record our thoughts, prayers, hopes and dreams. (Postmaster General John E. Potter).

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Book Review: The Scribble Diary by Lisa Currie

Some moms love writing in a journal every day. Others are too tired for writing. Some love to doodle, but don't have time to sit and draw every day. So what do you get if you combine the best of both? This book!






































Synopsis: Subtitled, My Brain Right Now, The Scribble Diary is your own playful, personal doodling space... to vent your thoughts, reflect on

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Recipe Weekend/ CookBook Review: On a Stick: 80 Party-Perfect Recipes by Matt Armendariz

Ah, food on a stick. Just screams Summer and festivals and fairs, doesn't it? 

If your Mom loves that type of food, she's gonna LOVE this book!





Synopsis: Why do the world’s most delicious foods taste even better served on a stick? Author and photographer Matt Armendariz answers the question with dozens of delightful recipes for party food, street-cart food, junk food, and more. From

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Happy Earth Day- Recycled Shirt into Kid's Sack Pack

I can't claim the idea for this= I got it from Martha Stewart this week! BUT I did conveniently have all the primary items to make it, so it was perfect for an Earth Day post!

This is what her version looks like:



from MarthaStewart.com




Instead of using a button down shirt, as her instructions has, I used a t-shirt that I had bought for $1 on clearance and had been holding onto, thinking

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Book Review and Giveaway:The 365 Most Important Bible Passages for Mothers: Daily Readings and Meditations on Experiencing the Lifelong Blessings of Being a Mom by Sheila Cornea

Synopsis:The 365 MOST IMPORTANT BIBLE PASSAGES FOR MOTHERS is the third in a three-book series, providing insights and applications to help readers understand the context and nuances found in Bible passages and how they relate to reader's lives.
Features include:

A comprehensive overview and accompanying meditation for each passage.
Daily Scriptures that reveal the divine character of God

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Product Review and Giveaway: Pear Tree Greetings Graduation Announcements and Thank You Cards

I am happy to be back helping to spread the word about the great products from Pear Tree Greetings! 

It's April and you know what comes AFTER Mother's Day, which is only THREE weeks away (!!). Yup- Graduation time is on the horizon! And boy, have graduation announcements come a LONG way since my high school graduation!


There are so many choices now, that Seniors can really express themselves,

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Want to Win $1,000 for YOUR Graduation?

You can win $1,000 for your graduate/college graduation, in the Pear Tree Greetings' "If I'd Only Known" grad contest! 


All you have to do is upload a photo from your high school days, and write something you wish you had known when you graduated.


Secondary winners win a $100 or $50 gift certificate, toward Pear Tree graduation invitations and announcements


What are you waiting for?

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Recipe Weekend: Gorton's Fisherman Friday Giveaway

As you know, we LOVE Gorton's Seafood products in our house!

And they run the BEST contests! Like right now, you still have  three more weeks to enter Gorton’s Fisherman’s Friday Sweepstakes for your chance to win weekly surprise prizes, and your chance at the ultimate surprise GRAND PRIZE (hint: FREE food and what you need to cook it with!) ! You can enter weekly on their website for your

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Book Review: 10 Pounds in 10 Days: The Secret Celebrity Program for Losing Weight Fast by Jackie Warner

Plenty of moms are exercise driven, and there are plenty that want to be,

so today's entry is for them!









Synopsis: As America's favorite no-nonsense celebrity fitness trainer, Jackie Warner has years of experience showing her clients how to get red-carpet ready in no time. Now she's sharing the secret formula! She'll show you how to lose 10 pounds fast and then continue losing over 30

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Venice Experiment by Barry Frangipane and Ben Robbins

For the Mom who loves to travel, or dreams of one day picking upand moving 'across the pond', we have today's book review!



Synopsis:




My secret plan to move to Venice was ready. It was time to see if my wife would buy into the idea of leaving our home to live for an entire year in a foreign country.   And thus the journey begins - Barry and Debbie Frangipane, a middle-class couple tired

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Guest Post: Raising Stronger and Happier Kids Today by Maureen Healy

 

We all want children to be happy and grow into productive, fulfilled adults, and according to parenting expert Maureen Healy, the secret to that success is in providing a foundation of inner confidence. Healy, a popular columnist for Psychology Today and the PBS Series, This Emotional Life, literally traveled the world in search of the best practices in raising inwardly strong children,

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Wordless Wednesday: Tulips!

Continuing the TULIP them of the day, LOL, cookies I made for Kiddo's school bazaar this past weekend!

I think it's official- I'm a cookie baker!

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Giveaway: The Taker by Alma Katsu

This is going to be a QUICK giveaway, as I forgot to post it last week! 
Last September I read The Taker and LOVED it! Now it is out in paperback and I'm thrilled to say "YES, I'd love to host a giveaway!", when a copy of the paperback was offered for a lucky BTHM reader!



Synopsis: True love can last an eternity . . . but immortality comes at a price. . . .

On the midnight shift at a hospital

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Product Review: UncommonGoods Glass Memory Locket and MagWear Magnetic Wristband

What do you get the Mom, Grandmom, Great-Grandmom, or Mom-to-be, 

that has everything?







UncommonGoods has the answer!




They always have the most unique, and affordably priced, items that are perfect for that 'hard to find for' person! 






UncommonGoods asked me to peruse their excellent Mothers Day gift ideas section and I was very happy with their choice of items! From a Family

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April Showers Bring....

Yup, that's right!
Mother's Day is JUST around the corner!
Are you ready?
In the next 2 weeks we'll be bringing you some great gift ideas for all the Moms in your life!
Just look for the darling girl above, for a Mother's Day Gift Idea!

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Winners Loving Spring!

1. A perfect Pet for Peyton- #8 Amy W


2. Book of Madness and Cures - #45 Susie Bookworms


3. Orb Factory Tiara Set- #28 McFrame


4. These Girls- #21 Anne B


5. Letter From A Stranger- #53 Anita Y




All winners have been notified by email.


Thanks to everyone who entered!

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Have you found out about Sneakpeeq?

If you aren't a member of Sneakpeeq yet, NOW is the time to join!


All you have to do is click on THIS LINK, and you can get one of the gorgeous FREE Mikimoto pearl rings (shown above) just for signing up!


The pearl ring is a $59 value and as a BONUS, you get FREE SHIPPING! All that JUST for joining Sneakpeeq! 


Alreasy a member? It's ok, the rings are $25 for existing members !

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Case of the Deadly Desperados: Western Mysteries, Book One by Caroline Lawrence

Synopsis: Introducing P.K. Pinkerton, Master of DisguiseWhen twelve-year-old P.K. (Pinky) Pinkerton's foster parents are murdered by Whittlin' Walt and his gang of ruthless desperados, Pinky goes on the run. He's forced into hiding with Ma's priceless last possession: the deed to a large amount of land and silver mines in the Nevada Mountains. But relying on disguises will only keep Pinky

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U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Food Dialogues

Each week many Americans head to the grocery store and fill their carts without knowing where their food came from, how it was grown, or who grew it.
Recently, whether it's because of news items on television (pink slime anyone?) and the Internet or a growing personal curiosity, more and more people are beginning to ask and wonder about food production practices in America. Questions such as "Is

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Bless Their Little Giveaways Linky : April 17-24, 2012

*

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Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper

On Thursday, I reviewed the latest release in this new vampire series. I was also sent the 3 previous books. BAD PR rep- she got me ADDICTED to the series! I know, you're like enough already, we want to win the books! But I'm keeping these babies! SO sorry! But I want to get you out there getting the series for yourself! 


Here's book 3 in the set!


Synopsis: 


Nothing sucks the romance out

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Book Review and Giveaway: Lightning Fast French for Kids and Families by Carolyn Woods

Learn French, Speak French, Teach Kids French- Quick as a Flash, Even if You Don't Speak a Word Now! 

Synopsis: No time to learn French? 


Want to teach your children but don't speak French yourself? Lightning-Fast French helps you incorporate French into your every day activities, so you learn while doing the things you already do. 

You'll teach your children French the same way you taught

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Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper

On Thursday, I reviewed the latest release in this new vampire series. I was also sent the 3 previous books. BAD PR rep- she got me ADDICTED to the series! Here's book 2 in the set!



Synopsis: With her best friend Zeb’s Titanic-themed wedding looming ahead, new vampire Jane Jameson struggles to develop her budding relationship with her enigmatic sire, Gabriel. 


It seems unfair that she’s

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Book Review and Giveaway: Paris in Love by Eloisa James

Ah Springtime- Easter has gone, the weather is still great and thoughts frequently turn to travel...and Spring in Paris....

Synopsis: In 2009, New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James took a leap that many people dream about: she sold her house, took a sabbatical from her job as a Shakespeare professor, and moved her family to Paris. Paris in Love: A Memoir chronicles her joyful year in

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Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

Yesterday, I reviewed the latest release in this new vampire series. I was also sent the 3 previous books. BAD PR rep- she got me ADDICTED to the series! Here's book 1 in the set!


Synopsis: 


Maybe it was the Shenanigans gift certificate that put her over the edge. 


When children's librarian and self-professed nice girl Jane Jameson is fired by her beastly boss and handed twenty-five

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You Just Gotta Be PROUD.....

Ok, maybe it's a Southern thing, but when you're kid picks up her birthday present...






and gets this type of groupings on her FIRST TIME shooting a BB gun, you just gotta be a proud Mama




Yup, that's my girl! A chip off the ol' block! 

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Book Review Home in the Cave by Janet Halfmann, Illustrated by Shennen Bersani

Well, since we talked about vampires earlier today, I figured it would be a good time for review of Janet's latest kids; book, since it's about bats! LOL 




Synopsis: Baby Bat loves his cave home and never wants to leave it. While practicing flapping his wings one night, he falls, and Pluribus Packrat rescues him. They then explore the deepest, darkest corners of the cave where they meet

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History Corner- Book Review: The Parsifal Pursuit by Michael and Patrick McMenamin

Synopsis: By the spring of 1931 a conspiracy is underway in Germany to assassinate President Hindenburg and restore the Kaiser's son to the throne, threatening the peace of Europe. At the behest of her godfather Winston Churchill, the adventurous journalist Mattie McGary, a rising star in William Randolph Hearst's press empire, and her lover, Bourke Cockran Jr., a New York law school professor

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Product Review and Giveaway: The Drain Claw

With Earth Day coming up, we will all be bombarded by alot of products that are environmentally friendly and safe. Unfortunately, not all products live up to their 'green' hype. So I agreed to review The Drain Claw, with a skeptical eye.

Did you know that the #1 culprit for slow bath drains is hair?


And that the average person looses about 120 hairs A DAY? 


Now figure that number times the

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Book Review: NICE GIRLS DON'T BITE THEIR NEIGHBORS by Molly Harper

If you recall, Molly is the wonderful author of a series of Werewolf books that politely straddle the line between supernatural and chick lit!


I had not read any of her vampire series, until asked to review the latest book (this one). Boy was I missing out! I have found my vampire fix! Jane is the smart girl who gets the hunk, okay there's a few catches to that statement, but still... the woman

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Winners Tired of Seeing EGGS!

1.  My Very Happy Birthday Book- #77 Shannon F


2.  Gossip- #18 Beth Book Review


3.  The Summer Garden-#29 Jenna M


All winners have been notified by email- thanks to everyone who entered!

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Book Review and Giveaway: Turning Guilt Trips Into Joy Rides by Shirley Brosius, Kim Messinger, and Janine Boyer.

Synopsis:Women today are busy, stressed, and guilt-ridden, yet they long to develop their spiritual sides.Turning Guilt Trips into Joy Rides offers inspirational thoughts based on scripture--brief enough to be read during a television commercial, yet insightful enough to open your eyes to the grace of God on days you change diapers and/or lead corporate meetings. Each reading suggests a "

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UPDATE on Giveaway for Illusion by Frank Peretti- read if you want to win the book!

Apparently sometimes when you update a post via the Android Blogger app, you sometimes LOOSE things in your post!


Who knew?


I just realized that when I updated the Frank Peretti Illusion post, I apparently lost the review AND the Rafflecopter entry form! EEK!


I have redone both, and changed the ending date to the 23rd, so if you'd love to win your own copy of this book, PLEASE head on over

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

Synopsis: One dress. Four women. An amazing destiny.

Charlotte Malone is getting married. Yet all is not settled in the heart of Birmingham's chic bridal boutique owner. Charlotte can dress any bride to perfection-except herself. When she discovers a vintage mint-condition wedding gown in a battered old trunk, Charlotte embarks on a passionate journey to discover the women who wore the gown

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Weekend Plans: Easy Peasy Coca Cola BBQ Beef and My Coke Rewards Coke with Meals Program

This spring, Coca-Cola wants to help gather your family around the dinner table with Coke with Meals through My Coke Rewards. Take a cue from the warmer weather and let MCR.com spice-up your mealtimes with featured recipes and how-to videos from Chefs G. Garvin and Ingrid Hoffmann or submit your own recipes to inspire others!



With your family’s busy schedule, mealtime is the perfect

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Wordless Wednesday: Easter Memories

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Product Review: Makeup Primers, aka Blemish and Foundation Creams

I was able to review 2 different creams this past month and I wanted to share about them, as one of them might fit needs that YOU might be having, or will with the upcoming Summer months!


First up is: Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream


About it: Save time with just one multi-benefit product that offers advanced skincare and immediate skin perfecting coverage. This hybrid

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch

Mom grabbed this one when it came in- she had just finished a crossword puzzle with Beatles songs, so she thought it was appropro!



Synopsis: One of only two survivors of a plane crash, Nell Slattery wakes in the hospital with no memory ofthe crash – or who she is, or was. Now she must piece together both body and mind -- with thehelp of family and friends who have their own agendas.  She

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Bless Their Little Giveaways Linky : April 10-17, 2012,

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Guest Post: Start Planning Now to Protect Your Kids from the Dual ‘Summer Slide’ by Carrie Scheiner

Start Planning Now to Protect Your Kids
from the Dual ‘Summer Slide’


Educator Offers Tips to Prevent Learning Loss, Weight Gain



Working parents are already lining up child care plans for the summer. While they’re at it, educators say all parents of school-age children should also plan for preventing the dreaded summer slide.

"The ‘summer slide’ is the information and skills children forget

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Book Review and Giveaway: The 5 Love Language for Children by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr.Ross Campbell

Late last month we reviewed Dr. Chapman's new kids's book, A Perfect Pet for Peyton, which introduces the 5 love languages to kids, and here is the original book!
Synopsis:  To be their best, children need to feel loved. But if you and your child speak different love languages, your affection might get lost in translation, affecting the child’s attitude, behavior, and development. Dr. Gary

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

i've been reading MHC books for just about as long as I can remember- Mom was a huge fan, and I got to read them after she finished them! So I was quite happy to review this newest book by the master of romantic suspense!



Synopsis: Biblical scholar Jonathan Lyons believes he has found the rarest of parchments—a letter that may have been written by Jesus Christ. Stolen from the Vatican Library

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The CAKE..aka Our Ladybug Cake!

Making the cake, cupcakes and cookies for Kiddo's party was sorta like Cake and Cookie Decorating 101 for me this year.
I bought an excellent reference book, The Complete Photo Guide to Cake Decorating, which was an excellent resource for the how- to's behind Royal Icing, Fondant, Cake Decor and Cake frosting! If you don't have the time for the Wilton courses, this is an EXCELLENT book to teach

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Happy Easter!

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In the Realm of 'Oh No They Didn't'...

Dial soap...
Bubblegum smell....with a Hello Kitty imprint.....


And yeah, I caved. Thanks Walmart. LOL...
But Kiddo used the last of her spending money.  so technically it was a gift...

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Winners Hopping Down the Bunny Trail!

1. A Grand Murder- #25 Nancy D


2. Chick-Fil-A
    1. #39 Jessica T
    2. #1- Tabathia B
    3. #99 Julie G


3. Spot It!-#19 Jaimie N




All winners have been notified by email.


Thanks to everyone who entered! Have a very happy holiday!

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Recipe Weekend - Product Review and Giveaway: Char-Crust Dry Rub Seasonings

We love to grill and smoke meat, so when we were offered the chance to try some dry rubs that are new to the market, we eagerly said YES!


Char Crust dry rub seasonings were first created in 1957 at Al Farber's legendary Chicago family Chicago steakhouse. Their two original dry rubs were Original Hickory Grilled (originally called just Char Crust) and Roto Roast. Al closed the restaurant in 1977

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Ladybug Party Shortbread Cookies

if there is one thing from Kiddo's party that I was SUPER excited about, was the Ladybug Shortbread Cookies I made as a take-away for all the kids. This was my first time making not only homemade Royal icing, but homemade shortbread cookies!


I got my shortbread recipe from Sweetopia, and let me tell you it totally rivals Walker's Shortbread! It is my new go-to recipe. I am just about

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Top Shelf Giveaway: April

Welcome to this month's YOU CHOOSE THE BOOK Giveaway!





The choices this month are:
Promise Me by Harlan Coben
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
A Little Ray of Sunshine by Lani Rich  (ARC Copy)
The Seven Year *itch by Jennifer Belle
His Other Wife by Deborah BedfordThe Marrying Game by Kate Saunders
Cinch by Cynthia Sass
A Cup of Jo by  Sandra Balzo
The Glass Castle by Jeanette

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Book Review: The Voynich Cypher by Russell Blake

Synopsis: When a sacred relic is stolen from its subterranean guarded vault, Dr. Steven Cross, amateur cryptologist, becomes embroiled in a deadly quest to decipher one of history’s most enigmatic documents – a 15th century parchment written entirely in unbreakable code; The Voynich Manuscript. Stalked by secret societies, and aided by the daughter of a murdered colleague, a trail of riddles

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Guest Post: Reading with, Not to, Your Child By Thomas Weck

Summer is coming, and you KNOW what that means- brain drain and boredom!
What about the pre-readers, who aren't quite there?
Here's a great Guest Post about how to get your pre-reader excited about reading!



Reading a book to your child is a great way to help your child learn. Sometimes, though, simply reading the words on the page may not be stimulating enough. Some of the time your child

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Today's Project...Easter Eggs!

Rainbow decorating kit that we found at Kmart for under $1.50.Love how you dye the eggs in baggies. Less mess, less fuss. Works for me.

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God Thinks Your Special, Veggie Tales LIVE!

Thanks to VeggieTales and their Ambassador Program, we were given passes to see the latest VeggieTales LIVE show, God Thinks Your Special, this past week!


It was a super surprise for Kiddo, and she couldn't wait to share the experience with her friend, Suzanne's Step-grandson to be! I had never heard of the VeggieTales until I babysat for Suzanne's boys and that was ALL they would talk about!

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Book Review: Shatter by Michael Robotham

Dad reviewed Michael's book, Bleed for Me, last week.
This book is the precursor to it! He's hooked on the series now!

Synopsis: Joe O'Loughlin is in familiar territory-standing on a bridge high above a flooded gorge, trying to stop a distraught woman from jumping. "You don't understand," she whispers, and lets go. Joe is haunted by his failure to save the woman, until her teenage daughter finds

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Examples of EASY (and cheap) Birthday Party Decor

Here's some simple ideas we gathered off the web and adjusted to our theme. Really rather inexpensive, if you know where to look for the items!

Simple ribbon bouquet. I got the idea off Pinterest (of course, LOL), via Etsy,and found a GREAT deal on Ebay for the matching ribbon. It DID take me about 8 out of the 12 yard of ribbon I bought!


Take one Valentine's Day centerpiece at local craft

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Wordless Wednesday: The Evolution of the Ladybug Shoes

The Inspiration:

From Monkey Toes Shoes/ Jenny Ford


The OLD shoes:yup- yellowed and YUCKY...


AN IDEA IS FORMED!!!
A plan has begun:

TADA!
THANKS JENNY FOR THE INSPIRATION!!!!!!!!!
Party day:Ladybug shoes meet Ladybug Girl!

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Book Review and Giveaway: These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen

nWe've reviewed one of Sarah's previous books, Skipping a Beat, last year, so I was quite happy to review her latest book, her third novel!



Synopsis: Family secrets may shape us all, but it’s the rich, complicated layers of friendship that can save us.



Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through

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Product Review and Giveaway: Orb Factory Twinkle Tiaras Kit (Kingly Crowns)

We were blessed to be able to receive a wonderful package from The Orb Factory, with tiaras and crowns kits, before Kiddo's party! I knew they would be great for the party, as what young child doesn't love a crown and bling? Yup, they all do!


We received a Twinkle Tiara Kit (which is the one we'll also be giving away today!), which includes 6 foam tiaras, complete with velcro closures, and

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I'm Baaaccckkkkk!

Here's a hint-- when you take a week off from blogging and pretty much answering anything but the imperative emails, and NOT actually looking at all the blogs you subscribe too, it is VERY hard to get back into the swing of things! I wanted to get back on track yesterday, but seriously, I had over 1200 emails to slough through, winners to pick and notify, reps to send links to, and additional

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Bless Their Little Giveaways Linky: April 3- April 10, 2012

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Save 15% on Little Tykes Wet and Dry Bouncers!

Summer is calling, can you hear it?
I bet your kids can!
 I've applied to be a Little Tykes Ambassador or Review Team program member, and while I'm waiting to hear a yes or no, they sent me a great code for all my lovely readers:. 
Save an extra 15% on bounce houses, inflatable water slides and more, during a special sale right now at the Little Tykes website! Just use the code “BOUNCE” at

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Book Review and Giveaway: Letters From a Stranger by Barbara Taylor Bradford

I have been reading Barbara Taylor Bradford's (BTB) books for what seems most of my life!  You know when you pick up one of her books you will be getting a good read, and one that will keep you busy for a few days!
Mom grabbed this one as soon as it came in!

Synopsis: Justine Nolan is an award-winning documentary film maker who lost her beloved grandmother, Gabriele, a decade ago.  Her

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Book Review and Giveaway: Illusion by Frank Peretti

4/2Mom grabbed this one when it came in too!
Yup, she was on a read-athon last week!


Synopsis: Dane and Mandy, a popular magic act for forty years, are tragically separated by a car wreck that claims Mandy’s life—or so everyone thinks. Even as Dane mourns and tries to rebuild his life without her, Mandy, supposedly dead, awakes in the present as the nineteen-year-old she was in 1970. Distraught

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Winners this Past Week!

Thanks to all the giveaway entrants, who have been extra patient, while I took a week off, to celebrate Kiddo's birthday! 
There will be lots of birthday party related posts this week, so stay tuned for some great pictures!



1. More Beauty, Less Beast- # 14 Amy G


2. Trop 50 Red Orange
    1. # 175 Claudia
    2. # 83 Ronda


3. UPrinting Canvas- #46 Lauren G


4. How to Con Your Kid- #20

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