April 2015 | Miki's Hope

$15.00 Starbucks GC plus Scrigit (it will save your manicure!)-Ends 5/28

Thursday, April 30, 2015


I was asked to review Scrigit--a portable small tool that helps you to remove all manner of labels, stuck on food etc. It says it is also good for opening shrink wrapped materials--you know those CD's you are dying to listen to IF you can get the shrink wrap off. I generally end up using a sharp steak knife for that procedure but I have cut myself on occasion so not such a great idea. I'm pretty lucky with my nails--they are hard and grow very quickly. I find myself using my nails not only for things I want to get off or open--but also for my Mom and clients! They generally have just had their nails done professionally or their nails just aren't strong and they know mine won't break as easily. I really do not mind helping everyone out--but I am not always around. My Mom of course will just bring whatever object it is to the car and I have to sit there and get the label off or open it BEFORE we can leave. Think I'll be handing my Mom one of the Scrigits I received but honestly she will probably still get me to do it!! I will be keeping one in the glove compartment for such occasions!!

What I am really happy about is that it helps get those labels off plastic contains--I recycle and try as I might I can never quite get those labels off and you really should not leave them on--And there is the remains of an old sticker on my rear window of my car--finally--I can get it off there. Strange how little things can make you very happy!!

Here is a video to watch to get an idea of how great this product is--and watch how it can be used. It is sold on Amazon and the prices are very reasonable! $6.99 Pack of 2 and $9.99 Pack of 5 The links below will take you to the Amazon pages (I am not an affiliate)



This is what I received and what one lucky US winner will also receive:


Scrigit Scraper Scratch Free Cleaning Tool (Pack of 2)

Scrigit Scraper Scratch Free Cleaning Tool (Pack of 5)

$15.00 Starbucks Gift card

You can find out more by visiting Scrigits website or their Facebook

Now on to the giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway





This was brought to you by AdvertiseWithBloggers.com and scrigit-scraper.com


I received product or compensation to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review-Rule of Capture-Ona Russell

Wednesday, April 29, 2015


This book, as far as I can tell is a woman's journey first to find solace that the person who convinced her to invest a lot of her money in a Ponzi scheme got what was coming to him. When a woman runs up to her on the street asking her for help and "remember me" then turns up dead Sarah can not let it go. She finally remembers where she met the woman and nothing about the death makes sense. She meets up with a Latin male who literally sweeps her off her feet and off to Tijuana in search of answers. He is not exactly what she believes him to be. Meanwhile her boyfriend from back home decides he is going to travel to see her and convinces his boss that he wants to do a news article. Another woman ends up dead. There are quite a few twists and turns and I didn't guess who the killer was until it was revealed. The one thing that really hit me was all the extreme prejudice from everyone to everyone else. That may have been what it was like back then--but it did bother me to constantly be reminded about it.

About the Book: (from Amazon)

Los Angeles, 1928. Oil, oranges and site of the C. C. Julian Petroleum stock scandal, a Ponzi type scheme to rival any in American history and a foreshadowing of the decade's looming, economic crash. As one of the scheme's victims, Ohio probate officer Sarah Kaufman--still reeling from the KKK murders she helped solve in Tennessee--is in the city to attend the trial of the perpetrators, in particular of the ''friend'' who convinced her to invest. Sarah is eager for justice and committed to seeing the trial through. She's glad she's alone, that her lover Mitchell isn't there, that after court she'll have time to herself. But when a Mexican woman she barely knows winds up dead, Sarah's plans are thrown upside down. Suddenly she finds herself in a nightmarish trial by fire, one that takes her from the glamour of Hollywood to the Tijuana frontier, tests her deepest beliefs and leads her to discover not only a killer, but a part of Los Angeles built on a terrible secret. Includes Readers Guide.

Read a Chapter or Two Here

Purchase the Book Here

About the Author: (from Amazon)

Picture from Goodreads)

ONA RUSSELL is a credentialed mediator and holds a PhD in literature from the University of California, San Diego, where she also taught for many years. She is the author of two previous Sarah Kaufman historical mysteries from Sunstone Press, O'Brien's Desk and The Natural Selection the last of which was a finalist in the prestigious California Commonwealth Club Book Awards. She has been widely published in other venues and is an accomplished public speaker, lecturing particularly on the topic of ''literature and the law.''

Author's Homepage
Facebook
Goodreads




I received a paperback edition of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

The Savvy Tea Giveaway-2 Winners-US-Ends 5/11 (9AM)

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

teagiveaway111




Deliciously Savvy is hosting a giveaway for lovers of tea! There are 2 prizes up for grabs.... details below! Check it out and enter today! Most importantly..... Good Luck!


Hosted By :


Deliciously Savvy

&

My Silly Little Gang

Co-Hosted By:

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains

Michigan Saving and More

PaulaMS' Giveaways, Reviews, & Freebies

Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews

&

The Women Talk

PLUS A Big Thank You To All Other Blogs Promoting This Giveaway! Thank You!

A Big Thank You To The Sponsors For Providing These Beautiful Prizes!


2 Prizes Up For Grabs


Grand Prize Winner ~ 1 White Angel New Bone China Tea Set with Cup Hanger with a Supply of Urban Remedies Herbal Tea ~ 28-Day Supply Slimming Tea (Cindy Crawford is the Brand Ambassador for Urban Remedy) ($106 ARV)

&

Second Place Winner ~ 1 White Angel New Bone China Tea Set with Cup Hanger ($46 ARV)

Sponsors Are:

EnjoyingTea.com's White Angel New Bone China Tea Set with Cup Hanger ($46 ARV)

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Urban Remedy Herbal Tea 28 Day Supply (Slimming Tea) ($60 ARV)

herbaldiettea-28day


2 Prizes Up For Grabs


Grand Prize Winner ~ 1 White Angel New Bone China Tea Set with Cup Hanger with a Supply of Urban Remedies Herbal Tea ~ 28-Day Supply Slimming Tea (Cindy Crawford is the Brand Ambassador for Urban Remedy) ($106 ARV)

&

Second Place Winner ~ 1 White Angel New Bone China Tea Set with Cup Hanger ($46 ARV)


And Now The Giveaway!!!


Giveaway starts 4/28 9AM EST until 5/11 9AM EST

Entrants must be 18 years old to enter and giveaway is open to US residents only..

Any Questions Email Me At mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com.


This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated or associated with Facebook,
Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This giveaway is valid only
in the United States. Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter.
This giveaway will end at 9:00 AM (EST) on 5/11/15!
Good Luck!
Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Deliciously Savvy did not receive any form of compensation for this giveaway. Once winner is selected via the Rafflecopter process, the product will be shipped. Winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. No other blog associated with this giveaway is responsible for the product shipment. The Various Sponsors Above will be providing the prize to the winners. Thank You for stopping by! Any Questions or Concerns email me at mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com.



If you have any questions or are a brand/company and would like to work with Deliciously Savvy please contact us here






All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$20 Amazon GC-2-US and UK-The Million Dollar Question-Ellie Campbell 5/1 @ECampbellBooks @BPICPromos



Million Dollar Que$tion
by Ellie Campbell
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, ChickLit
Release Date: April 25, 2015






Just as a huge financial scandal ejects Olivia Wheeler from her high-flying Manhattan job and high-society engagement, a silver Mercedes pulls up at lonely single-mother Rosie Dixon’s house with a cheque for one million pounds from the Premium Bonds.  Two very different strokes  of luck.  And yet both women have more in common than they realize.  While Olivia struggles with the humiliations of surviving in London broke and homeless, shy unassuming Rosie discovers that unexpected wealth arrives with its own mega-load of problems.



Can a career-obsessed workaholic find a passion for something earthier and warmer than cold hard cash? And can Rosie sift through envy and greed to discover true friends, true family and even true love?



Two strangers who've never met. Yet neither realises how each is affecting the other’s destiny or the places their paths touch and fates entwine.

But will they surmount the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune?



That is the million dollar question.







CHAPTER 1


Rosie Dixon perched herself on the hard plastic chair, watching the drawing take shape. A line, followed by a squiggle. Snake maybe? Then what looked like a head of a person with ears on top. And was that a saddle on its back or—



‘Do you like it, Miss?’ Emily asked.



‘Oh yes, it’s good.’ Rosie smiled encouragement as the young girl plucked another crayon from the Tupperware box and worked earnestly, tongue curled stiffly against her cheek in concentration. ‘Extremely good. I love the bright colours you've chosen.’



Finished, Emily pointed at the purple object. ‘What do you think that is?’



‘Um. Let’s see.’ Rosie peered closer. It vaguely resembled a bear, although how that fitted in with the ‘My Family at Home’ project, heaven knew. She didn't want to offend but… ‘What’s his name?’



‘Bruno.’



Ah yes. ‘Bruno the bear. Of course.’



‘Bear?’ The girl shook her two perfect bunches and wrinkled her tiny freckled nose. ‘It’s not a bear, Miss, it’s a chocolate Labrador. Mummy’s boyfriend has one. Durr…’



‘Well it’s lovely.’ Rosie stood up. ‘And I’m Rosie, remember?’



Not that Rosie didn't appreciate being called Miss, she did. Made her feel like a teacher, although the rather less grand title of ‘Teaching Assistant’ suited her fine. She’d been working at Avondale Infants for eighteen months now, supporting primary-aged pupils in classes of thirty-plus without needing to fret about parents’ evenings, lesson plans and the mountains of paperwork expected of a real teacher. She loved the small children and the hours meant she could still collect her own two sons from junior school.



‘Miss?’ Max, angelic curls disguising an impish spirit, frowned at his latest creation. ‘Can you help me?’



‘Shove over then.’ She nudged him playfully, as she squeezed beside him. Who’d have ever thought that she, shy little Rosie, always too timid to raise her hand in class, would be making a difference, however small, in the world of education? Just showed that good could come from the direst of situations. Even if it had taken a broken heart and some other God-awful trials to get her here.



She tucked a lock of shoulder-length hair behind her ear and handed Max a glue stick.



All things considered she really was incredibly lucky.



$$$


Mid-morning, the kettle in the staffroom had boiled and Rosie’s fellow teaching assistant, Gemma, was handing round the custard creams. Also in her early thirties, Gemma was recently divorced and had a secret obsession with The X Factor’s Simon Cowell that Rosie was sworn, on pain of death, never to reveal.



‘Anyone got an astrophysics degree?’ Carol, teacher of Orange Class, leafed through a stack of forms, eyebrows furrowed. ‘Certainly need one to fill in all these bloody risk assessments. Talk about ’elf and safety!’



Rosie joined in the laughter as she dropped a teabag in a smiley face mug. She was about to ask her colleagues, flopped onto chairs for their short break, if they were all right for beverages when Pauline Dawkins, Admin Officer, sidled up, a giant birthday card tucked under one paisley-clad arm.



‘Barry’s fiftieth. Whip-round,’ she hissed, spy-like from the corner of her mouth, as if the sole male teacher might burst in and discover the dastardly plot. ‘Drinks and cake at four.’



Pauline took her charge of The Birthday Book extremely seriously. Rosie had suffered the same ordeal when she’d turned thirty-three in March.



‘Oh, I’d love to be there, but I've my sons to pick up.’ Dutifully she scribbled, ‘Have a great day, Barry!’ unable to conjure anything witty or mildly original.



The envelope under her nose was stuffed with pound coins and larger notes. Rosie opened her ancient leatherette handbag, pushed aside her soggy egg sandwich and peeked inside her purse.



A lonely fiver lay folded next to a single fifty pence piece.



Her heart sank. That cash had to last the next two days until her monthly salary reached her bank. The twins, being eleven, always needed money for this or that and Charlie’s cheque was late again.



But then again poor Barry had recently lost his wife. Fifty pence seemed so stingy and she’d never dare offer the five pound note and ask for change.



There was an uncomfortable beat. Rosie’s fingers froze. Nobody was paying attention but still damp pooled in her armpits and along her hairline, her insecurities running rampant under Pauline’s scrutiny.



Was she assessing the havoc a runaway husband could create? Maybe worse – thinking it no wonder he’d strayed? If Rosie had once felt young, pretty and loved, it had all vanished with the end of her marriage. She cursed herself for not finding something smarter to wear than the skanky black cords pilled from the washing machine and a faded cotton blouse (Selfridges Sale 70% off) which sagged where it used to cling. And she’d totally messed up her hair attempting to add subtle honey-gold streaks from a Superdrug box to her mousy-brown frizz and ended up with tiger stripes instead.



Blow it, she thought, and handed over the fiver with a flourish, smiling to silence the warning pang from her gut.



‘Ta ever so.’ Pauline stuffed the note in the envelope. ‘We want to buy him a special present. Poor devil’s all on his lonesome…’ She broke off, fiddling with the plastic ID badge dangling from her neck. ‘I didn't mean…well, it’s different for you with those darling boys, never a dull minute in your house, I’m sure.’ Her eyes fired with matchmaking zeal. ‘Now there’s a thought. Don’t suppose you and Barry…?’



‘No. Really.’ Rosie tried looking appreciative instead of appalled. Bearded bespectacled Barry was even more tortuously shy than Rosie and any attempts to speak made him extra nervous. They only had to reach the kettle at the same time and Rosie could feel her hands sweat, watching him twitch and stammer. As for fireworks, there’d be more sparks with two squibs in a rainstorm.



‘Just an idea.’ Pauline shrugged it off. She was basically a kind woman, Rosie thought, whatever catty things people said – just maybe a touch too blunt for the fragile sensitivities of a mostly female environment. And it must be excruciating asking people to hand over cash.



Pauline left to corner someone else and Rosie slumped onto an empty seat, tea forgotten. Two years since Charlie had walked out and no one – except Rosie in the secret corners of her soul – believed he was ever coming back. The beautiful home they’d spent ages lovingly doing up had been sold, Rosie and the boys now installed in a tatty two-bed terrace in a scruffy housing estate, where luckily the neighbours had welcomed her as one of their own.



Better off without him, everyone declared. What self-respecting woman stayed with a cheat after all? Outraged friends wanted him to suffer and occasionally Rosie did too. Not in a nasty, vengeful way, but at least to experience a few twinges of her own devastation.



She had fantasies in which he came crawling back, grief-stricken over what he’d carelessly tossed aside. She’d imagine herself on the arm of Colin Farrell, wearing a fiery-red figure-hugging dress, strikingly elegant, flawlessly made-up, her belly flat and her legs mysteriously three inches longer. She’d be ice-cool, telling him it was too late but usually in these daydreams – and she knew it was wrong – just as Charlie left, dejected, her stony heart would relent, she’d apologise to Colin, kick off her heels and run to Charlie’s joyful arms.



Other times her sleep betrayed her. She’d walk in the kitchen to find Charlie cooking spaghetti bolognese, wearing only a chef’s apron and an endearingly rueful smile. Silly stuff. Like last night – they’d sat in the bath together, him soaping her back. So convincing was this dream that in the morning she’d lazily stretched out her arm to him, forgetting that his side of the bed was empty and cold. He’d been her best friend and lover for so long. Not easy persuading her subconscious to switch from love to hate. Or even indifference. And he’d been such a caring father to Luke and Tim. Were they truly ‘better off without him’?



Determined not to submerge into despondency, she jumped up and tackled the backlog of crockery clogging the staffroom kitchenette.



Damn. She’d thought she’d got past all those predictable emotional stages, familiar to her as commuter stations. Denial. Shock. Anger. Depression. Last stop – Guilt – where she still lingered, scolding herself for not leaping to action the second Charlie’s secretary warned her about the female customer who showed more interest in the showroom’s Sales Manager than the vehicles on sale.



And why hadn't she? Jumped? Leapt? Fought?



Because it had been unthinkable. Laughable even. With the red flag flapping inches from her face, Rosie had brushed it away with a smile, too certain of her husband to fall for that alarmist nonsense. This was Charlie, after all, her soul mate, who’d rescued her in her darkest hours, made her believe in her own worth after years of her mother’s jibes. He loved her even if she had grown two dress sizes finishing the kids’ meals, barely ever wore make-up, slumped around the home in baggy sweatshirts and couldn't stay awake to watch an entire film when the boys were finally in bed.



‘…first out. Hey, what’s so fascinating about that sponge? You've been staring at it ages.’



Rosie hadn't realised Gemma had joined her at the sink, let alone that she’d been speaking.



‘Sorry, Gem.’ She came out of her daze. ‘What was that?’



‘I was saying that as long as it’s not last in, first out, ’cos technically speaking…’ Gemma pushed her glasses up her nose and gave Rosie a meaningful glance before picking up a tea towel.



‘Technically speaking…?’



Gemma sighed as she wiped a saucer. ‘Rosie, you dingbat, did you hear a word I said? That meeting with the union reps yesterday, Carol’s just filled me in. They’re talking staff cuts. Redundancies. Teaching assistants in particular. Some of us – God knows how many – are for the chop!’




Whether you win or lose a lot of money your fate could be the same--people will either try to use you or lose you. No matter what you do--you never seem to get it right. Add to that no self confidence and you have our newest millionaire-recently divorced Rosie Dixon. Olivia Wheeler, our other side of the coin, lost all her money (a considerable amount) due to an unscrupulous employer. She was an up and coming Hedge Fund Manager until her boss caused umpteen people-including herself to literally lose a lot of money--in her case--all of it.

Will these two totally separate people be able to reconcile their new lives? This book will take you through almost every scenario that could possibly happen. Their lives start to inter twine and then something wonderful happens--but you will have to read the book to find out what that is!! This is a definite feel good book with a couple of lessons we should all remember. Oh, you may need some tissues at parts but I also found myself cheering these two on with hope in my heart and a smile on my face!







eBook:

Paperback:




Ellie Campbell is a pseudonym for sisters, Pam Burks and Lorraine Campbell who collaborate across the mighty Atlantic, finding writing together the perfect excuse for endless phone conversations.  They are equally passionate about travel, animals and the great outdoors. Although Pam lives near London, with husband, three children and a dog, while Lorraine is on a Colorado ranch near wild and wonderful Boulder with husband, five horses, five cats, one dog and four chickens – they both believe in enjoying life to the fullest, be it discovering new remote locations or going on trail rides in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.



















I received the e-book version of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$50 PayPal-WW-Good Little Monkeys-Ends 5/18


You really have to watch this video to see how the little girl reviews the Barbie Color Me Cute Playset--it is adorable.



She describes everything from when it is still in the box and then you can see her making Barbies clothes and the dog change color!! Talk imaginative play!! Let's face it--Barbie has been around for years and years--she has to be at least close to my age. Hum-wonder when they are going to come out with a Barbie has Retired to Florida?

This little girl has reviewed lots of toys and you can view them on her youtube channel.

Good Little Monkeys is going to give 1 lucky winner $50.00 PayPal--but you have to be in it to win it--so fill out the giveaway form below--make sure you do all the entries for the greatest chance at being the winner.



This giveaway is brought to you by AdvertiseWithBloggers.com and Good Little Monkey on YouTube.





All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Puritan's Pride Essential Oil Giveaway (arv $70.)-US-Ends 5/11

Monday, April 27, 2015

Mother's Day Essential Oil Giveaway


Hosted by: Savory Savings


Sponsored by: Puritan's Pride


Puritans Pride Essential Oil Giveaway April 27 - May 11


Mother's Day is approaching fast and what better way to celebrate mom than with a collection of wonderful essential oils from Puritan's Pride that mom can use to relax, gain energy and get more done without chemicals? Right now you can use Puritan's Pride coupon code: AROMAMD  It’s good for $5 off a $25 purchase in Aromatherapy.  It expires 6/30/2015.


You can also take the Puritan's Pride What Oil Are you? Quiz to see how you connect with essential oils!

I have been purchasing from Puritan's Pride for many years now--it is where I get my COQ10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid. I have never had a problem with their products--I trust them completely. Although I have never tried the essential oils from them--mainly because I didn't know they had them--but now that I do--I know where to buy them. Essential Oils have to be very carefully prepared and I trust Puritan's Pride to do it right!

Book Review- PAWtners in Crime (Klepto Cat Mystery Book 10)- Patricia Fry


I can't get enough of this series! I went in and bought it as soon as I found out!! This is actually a sequel to Book#9 (Mansion of Meows my review here) so you might want to read that one first-although it can be read as a stand alone.

Arthur Spence was finally let out of his basement prison with the help of Savannah and crew. Of course if it hadn't been for Rags------Well now Arthur and Ruthie the woman who actually cared for him all those lonely years are living in Ruthies's family home. One big problem and Arthur who although almost 18 has no idea how to cope with life yet--much less the paparazzi who are following him. He and Ruthie go to stay with Savannah and Michael to hopefully be left alone. No such luck. But they are doing their best to help him learn to deal with life. But Arthur has a very troubled past with the scars (literal) to prove it. Will he manage to get his memory of that terrible time back--will the culprits get what's coming to them? Of course you know Rags and now his sidekick KoKO (Arthur's cat who is fast learning all of Rag's tricks) will have to come to the rescue at some point. And what a rescue it is!! Laughter, tears, holding your breath--expect all these emotions as the twists and turns keep coming at you!

About the Book: (from Amazon)

When Michael and Savannah invite young burn victim and heir Arthur Spence into their home, they don’t expect danger to follow. The sensationalism around his family’s dark secrets have the paparazzi in a photo-snapping frenzy and the young man isn’t yet equipped to deal with their shenanigans. Are they issuing the unnerving threats to Arthur’s life, or is it a beloved family member? Rags, the kleptomaniac cat, has a new PAWtner in fighting crime and what a team they make. They delight in sticking their noses and digging their claws into the facts of the frightening matter. Hold onto your seats—there are some harrowing moments in this story, and some startling surprises.


Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the Book Here

About the Author: (from Amazon)


There is a comprehensive biography of Patricia Fry which can be viewed here. This is one interesting woman!



Goodreads
Website







I purchased the ebook version of this book with my own funds. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.
 
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