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Books, Reviews

Audrey Bunny: A Great Kid’s Story Book

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Audrey_Bunny_coverI must really be getting soft these days because Audrey Bunny almost made me cry.  LOL.  It’s such a sweet story!  It reminds us all that those little flaws we fear are sometimes just what other people love about us!  Audrey Bunny is a beautiful story about a bunny who had an imperfection which made her feel like she could never be loved.  A very good reminder of how we are so very loved!

Included in the book is a Parent Connection in the back so that you can interact with your child a little more about the story.  It shares some good talking points and I think that any little girl would love to have this book read to them over and over again!  It will keep you all grounded in knowing that you are special, no matter what flaw you think makes you unlovable you are not!  I think that this story is a great confidence builder and is especially great to help with insecurities!

Audrey Bunny

From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She’ll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.

About the Author

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

 Details

Written by: Angie Smith

Publisher: B&H Publishing

Hardcover with jacket:  32 pages
Release Date: October 1, 2013
$14.99

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Originally posted 2013-10-29 00:01:32.

Food, Reviews

Skinny Pop Review

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We’re just a couple of weeks away from Halloween and there’s one thing that’s on everyone’s mind… treats! Welcome to the Treat Yourself Giveaway Hop, hosted by So Easy Being Green and Viva Veltoro! In this Hop, you’ll find lots of special treats to keep your entering giveaways until it’s time to go out and gather your own!

Be sure to hop around to all the giveaways in the Hop Linky below, and don’t forget the ultimate treat… the Treat Yourself Grand Prize!

We recently took Skinny Pop on a road trip.  From the South all the way to the East coast, well almost.  We were about 3 hours away from the edge of the country to the beginning of the ocean!  Would have loved to go all the way, but we were running low on energy and funds!  We did enjoy our Skinny Pop all the way!  And back!

We are fresh popcorn lovers around the Zoo.  So much so that, after much heavy hinting and a little shameless begging, we got our very own popcorn maker that looks like a smaller version of one that goes in a movie theater.  We tried for a big one, but those are super expensive!  Nothing beats a good movie and fresh popcorn.  You could have guessed that we are picky when it comes to our popcorn.

imageSkinny Pop has amazingly enough lived up to our love of movie theater popcorn without the butter yet held on to the flavor!  I don’t know how they did it, but they did!  The flavor is so amazingly close that I think if it were heated up we wouldn’t be able to tell much of a difference in a blind taste test, aside from the lack of greasiness.

As you can see by the Monkey’s faces, we loved the popcorn!  Skinny Pop is all natural, cholesterol free, zero trans fat,  free of dairy, peanut, tree nuts, gluten and GMO.  With all that healthiness, we can’t help but open up another bag!!!image

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Originally posted 2013-10-17 00:01:53.

Book Reviews, Teen

Prodigal

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Prodigal is a wonderful read!  It’s labeled as young adult, but I think everyone can enjoy this one!  Great book to curl up to!  I recently read and enjoyed it very much!  It isn’t your average book of it’s kind, so take a minute and check it out below!

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Rektok ROSS is the author of the debut novel PRODIGAL. Rektok graduated college with a degree in journalism, which has since been forsaken in favor of fiction writing. Rektok likes all animals, a good underdog story, and dessert at every meal. Rektok currently resides in California. For more information please contact rektokROSS@gmail.com.

Synopsis

Girl meets boy. Girl loses boy. Girl meets God. This is the book that just may change the way you look at life.

It was supposed to be Lexy Quinn’s year. The hard-working wallflower has finally landed the coveted spot as Editor of her school’s newspaper. Then the rug is ripped out from under her when she finds out her mom is sick, and the family is moving half-way across the country to Preston Hills, Texas. Lexy can’t think of a worse place to be than at a school full of snobby rich kids where she’ll have to start all over to get people to notice her writing, or–who is she kidding?–notice her at all. When the most swoon-worthy boy in town, who also happens to be the jock celebrity quarterback, gives her an exclusive interview, Lexy’s life takes an unexpected turn. Ash Preston is the perfect guy and, even better, he sees Lexy as she wants to be seen. But can she trust him? PRODIGAL is a different kind of love story, where faith, romance, and God converge . . . and it just might change the way you look at your life.

Prodigal: My Thoughts

As promised, Prodigal is a very different kind of love story.  Written for young adults, I think it probably would reach better for teen readers.  Prodigal is a far cry from today’s unrealistic books.  While reading it, I could see the characters being people at my school (well, had I went to school in a different generation).

In my youth, I was an avid reader.  I needed my books more than anything.  I would read so many books and my head would fill up with ideas of what my life could be like if it didn’t suck.  You know, if I were one of those lucky kids born to rich, loving parents who made sure I was drop dead gorgeous and had everything I wanted?  Yeah, those!  LOL.  Man how I wish I had read this book then!

Having worked professionally with teenagers, as well as having raised one, I can say that this book really does sound like the thoughts and words of teens today.  It’s not your average Christian book where every few pages about God.  It’s a story that allows the character, and us, to learn about what God’s love is supposed to look like.  If you aren’t into Christian books but love a good love story, this book is still something you’d enjoy.  It’s a ‘sneak up and get you’ kind of story.  I highly recommend checking it out!

Get Yours Here!

About The Author

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Rektok ROSS is the author of the debut novel PRODIGAL. Rektok graduated college with a degree in journalism, which has since been forsaken in favor of fiction writing.

Rektok likes all animals, a good underdog story, and dessert at every meal. Rektok currently resides in California. For more information please contact rektokROSS@gmail.com.

 

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Originally posted 2013-09-20 00:20:41.

Book Reviews, Recipes, Reviews

Easy Indian Cooking 2nd Edition

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indian-coverwebIndian dishes are hard to find around these parts, there aren’t many places in Arkansas/Oklahoma you can get good Indian food.  That made me particularly happy that I could check out Easy Indian Cooking (2nd edition).  It’s always nice to have meals that are different!  😀

One of my favorite things about the book is the way the author, Suneeta Vaswani, breaks it down.  All of the intimidation is taken out as the basics are broken down so well even a meat and potato Southern girl like me can understand!  The book is broken down into some easy go to chapters so that you can seek out just what you are looking for.

Another thing I love about the book, aside from the stunningly appetizing photos, is the amount of things I was able to learn about Indian culture.  For example, flipping through the first time I learned about Chaat, which is part of the first chapter of recipes.  Chaato, the verb form, means to lick.  I thought it was pretty cool that there is a whole section of foods designed to go under that category.  Reminded me of growing up and licking the spoon when the adults cooked, you only wanted to do that to the best dishes, so these have to be great!!!

About the Book

From the Website

Indian cooking is an exciting cuisine, and now it’s easier to make than ever.

This new edition of Suneeta’s first release features 8 additional photos, as well as 30 all-new recipes. All of the dishes are richly flavored but are not complicated to create at home.

The recipes are easy for beginners to make, while also appealing to experienced home cooks and those already familiar with Indian cuisine. You’ll be absolutely delighted and amazed by the authentic flavor of these easy-to-prepare recipes.
Suneeta’s repertoire of 150 exciting and inspired recipes includes classic recipes from northern and southern India, as well as her personal favorites, all of which have been adapted for North American kitchens. These savory and tantalizing dishes bring the innovative flavors of India to your home.

Armed with the delicious recipes in this book and some aromatic Indian spices, you can prepare everything from snacks and appetizers to poultry, fish and vegetarian meals. There are also chapters dedicated to accompaniments, such as chutneys, sweets and beverages, so you can create a truly authentic Indian dining experience.

Suneeta shares her wealth of Indian cooking experience and knowledge by providing insightful cooking tips throughout the book. Whether you already love Indian cooking or are thinking about giving it a try, this is the perfect place to start.

About the Author

From the Website

Suneeta Vaswani was born in Mumbai, India, and lived in Houston, Texas, for many years. She has taught Indian cooking in the U.S. and internationally for over 30 years and has recently moved back to Mumbai.

Book Details

ISBN-10:   0778804505
ISBN-EAN:   9780778804505
Price (USD):   $19.95
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages:  264
Published Date:   Apr 2013
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Originally posted 2013-09-19 00:01:37.

Music, Reviews

Bear Hunt with @thejamtones Review & Giveaway US Ends 10/3

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4PAN1T

Josh and the Jamtones have brought a super fun CD for the kids.  Themed around the title, they have some funny bits of comedy in between hilariously fun songs to keep us moving.  I reviewed the disc in my car on my way to run errands and Ihae to admit that they had me dancing a bit  LOL.  It’s all good though, Iwas having way too much fun to be worried about the staring passer-bys.  LOL.  Sometimes I worry about myself, given all the fun Ihave jammin’ out to the kids music.  LOL.  I’m having a hard time picking a favorite on this one, so you’ll have to check it out and pick one for yourself.  They do a great job getting us to move and with the happy upbeat voices it’s hard not to have fun with them.  I’m adding this one to the list of music to jam to with the little ones!  In case you are worried, it’s not the kind of bear hunt that harms anyone, it’s a loving bear hunt, but you’ll have to listen to understand why!  Put this one on your list and check it out!

Song List

  1. Swing Low Featuring Father Goose
  2. Bear Hunt
  3. Everybody Dance
  4. Pirate’s Life
  5. I Love U Featuring Father Goose
  6. Death Valley Cornfield of Doom
  7. Sunflower
  8. The Snow is Falling Down
  9. Snow Day
  10. Lightning Lake of 1,000 Sea Monsters
  11. Green and Spakkled Frogs
  12. Water is Wide
  13. The Evil Scary Bear From Bear Mountain
  14. Fill It Up

Josh and the Jamtones perform live in various places and most recently performed at the Boston Children’s Museum’s 100th anniversary event!  Plus, you can hear them on the Kid’s Place Live station!  They are available for booking at events even!  You could have them take you on a Bear Hunt at your own party!  Now that would be awesome!  If only I were a little kid…  LOL.  You can see a video of one of their birthday performances on YouTube!  It’s an adorable video!  The kids are obviously having a blast!

Pre-order Josh and the Jamtones Bear Hunt today!!!  You can also find Josh & The Jamtones at their website, twitter and on facebook!  😀

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Originally posted 2013-09-05 07:39:46.

Wordless Wednesdays

Diva Dog: I Love Lucy!

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It’s an ‘I love Lucy’ kind of day…

Well, our Lucy anyway.  Diva very rarely poses so I thought I’d share these with ya.  99% of the time she looks like we are about to beat her in pictures.  Don’t buy it, she does that on purpose!  LOL.

Not sure why I added the rocks, I just thought they were pretty.

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Originally posted 2013-08-28 07:27:59.

Earn Online

Gamma Gamma Games

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Swagbucks is wrapping up their big Back To School promotion with Gamma Gamma Games – here’s how it works:

Earn any amount of Swag Bucks from Games from now through Labor Day and you’ll be entered to win one of twenty five 250 SB prizes. You can check your ledger for wins from Games to make sure you’ve qualified. It doesn’t matter whether you win from free play or from a tournament, and if you’ve already earned from Games this week (starting on Monday the 26th) you’re already entered!

Games are a fun way to earn, and if you play them elsewhere online, you’re missing out on the opportunity to be rewarded for it! If you haven’t joined Swagbucks yet, you could be rewarded for much, much more – sign up today to start earning. I’ve used Swagbucks to get $450 in gift cards and you can too!

I’m days away from getting another $100 and can’t wait!  Check them out!  Easy way to earn extra $$$$

 

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Originally posted 2013-08-27 17:32:14.

Apparel, For the Zookeepers, Reviews

Corset Chick Review

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corset

Being a plus size gal, I was excited to see that Corset Chick Review went up to a size 5/6 XL.  Let me just take a moment to go on my soap box and say, yes I’m a larger woman and I know I need to be smaller, however I’ve been trying for years and have yet to have enough success to make me a size 2 or whatever the ‘in’ size is.  I have made some great strides this year that have helped my health, but they haven’t made me a toothpick yet.  Plus, honestly, I’m 6 feet tall.  If I were a size 2 I’d look like I had an eating disorder!

*jumping off my soapbox*

All that being said, a 5/6 XL wasn’t what anyone I know would think of when they thought of it.  Normally, I wear a 2XL or maybe a 3XL if a brand runs small.  With Corset Chick, the 5/6 XL wouldn’t even fit!  That’s insane!  I was so thankful that I’m currently not having issues with self esteem, as I probably would have had a meltdown!  The 5/6 XL is supposed to fit an 18/20, even though they say they will fit up to a 22.  Well, let me tell ya, they don’t.  22 centimeters, sure, inches….  well, that is another story!   I will say though, that the g string that accompanies the corset is more true to size, I couldn’t wear them as they were actually a 5/6 XL…

It is frustrating to get to a site that boasts about ‘now carrying plus sizes’ only to find that their idea of a plus size is calling a size 14 fat.  Just because you slap on an ‘XL’ doesn’t mean it’s plus size.  Also, as the mom of a not large 17 year old, I can say for a fact that those kinds of things really hurt them when they buy a brand that runs *incredibly* smaller than they are supposed to then label something an XL to have ‘plus sizes’.

The only positive things I can say is that they have a good selection of styles and that the quality of the corset was nice.  Of course, I could only visually evaluate it was not going to fit around a woman that actually wore an 18/20!!!  It isn’t very often that I can’t find much to love about something, but here is one of those rarities.

Corset Chick

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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.

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Originally posted 2013-08-17 08:44:10.

Monkey Stuff, Music, Reviews

Get Jammin with #Hallabaloo

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Shy Kid Blues Giveaway US Ends 6/30There is something about that boogie little ones get when they hear music that they enjoy. It always makes me smile and of course ensures that I boogie on with them. The laughter and joy that babies find in music is such a pure happiness. I’m not convinced any normal human being could resist that! Recently I had the pleasure of enjoying my cousin’s little one and decided she would be the best reviewer of anyone! So, I put in the Shy Kid Blues by Hullabaloo and cranked it up. Wasn’t long past the intro that those little knees started bending to their own rhythm and those adorable arms followed! At almost a year and a half, this girl loves her a good beat. Dancing and singing and moving to her own drum with that beautiful smile and big blue eyes. I didn’t get a shot of her dancing, I was busy dancing with her, but if you’ve ever seen a toddler dance then you know what I mean!

Hullabaloo has received some great shout outs, including a raving compliment from Parents Magazine hailing them “As good as it gets when it comes to children’s music.”  One can’t resist that one, curiosity requires ya to check it out!  LOL.  Though I couldn’t find any songs from this album on YouTube, you can listen to them at their site.

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Book Reviews, Reviews, Teen, Young Adult

Kitty Hawk

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Kitty Hawk &

The Curse of the Yukon Gold

kittyKitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is the thrilling first installment in a new young adult series of adventure mystery stories by Iain Reading. This first book of the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series introduces Kitty Hawk, an intrepid teenage pilot with her own De Havilland Beaver seaplane and a nose for mystery and intrigue. A cross between Amelia Earhart, Nancy Drew and Pippi Longstocking, Kitty is a quirky young heroine with boundless curiosity and a knack for getting herself into all kinds of precarious situations. 

After leaving her home in the western Canadian fishing village of Tofino to spend the summer in Alaska studying humpback whales, Kitty finds herself caught up in an unforgettable adventure involving stolen gold, devious criminals, ghostly shipwrecks, and bone-chilling curses. Kitty’s adventure begins with the lingering mystery of a sunken ship called the Clara Nevada. As the plot continues to unfold, this spirited story will have readers anxiously following every twist and turn as they are swept along through the history of the Klondike Gold Rush to a suspenseful final climatic chase across the rugged terrain of Canada’s Yukon.

 

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is a perfect book to fire the imagination of readers of all ages. Filled with fascinating and highly Google-able locations and history this book will inspire anyone to learn and experience more for themselves. There are currently three books in the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series, and a fourth to be released in 2014.

My Thoughts

I have very much enjoyed going on this first adventure with Kitty!  I really love that I can learn about the places she is at and be a more active participant in my book!  There are tons of detail and I’ve learned quite a bit about whales, Alaska and so much more!  More than once I’ve caught myself warning Kitty as I read.  LOL.  Something about her makes me want to climb in and make her follow that instinct we ignore when we are a little too curious for our own good!

If you know someone who loves adventure, this may be just the book for them!  It will inspire them to follow their heart and dreams!  I can’t wait to pass this book on to my niece, I think she will enjoy the adventure!

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