August 2015 | Miki's Hope

Wool And the Gang

Monday, August 31, 2015

Wool and the Gang

"Wool and the Gang is a global fashion brand that believes in exceptional design that's Made Unique. Never factory made, each Wool and the Gang item is handcrafted or knitted by the Gang – our team of artisans and makers around the world. Our designs can also be bought as easy-to-follow Knit Kits, which allow you to knit your own customized Wool and the Gang designs at home. Pick up your knitting sticks, join our Wool School and #GetYourKnitOn!"

I can't knit to save my life--not that my Mom didn't try to teach me-I'm just all thumbs! But there is nothing I like better then a home made knit sweater. I am still wearing the one my Mom made for me years ago. Unfortunately her hands can no longer knit very well-she barely got through a baby hat a couple of years ago for her great grand baby! So when I was invited to be an affiliate of this site I jumped on it. (If you make a purchase I will get a small commission). They will knit for me--or if you can knit--they have kits and yarn and anything else you might need.

They do ship internationally which is super nice! But what I really love is that you are getting a hand made by a real person knitted item.

Wool and the Gang

If you click into either of the pictures above it will take you to the site where you can find out lots more about this unusual company. If you make a purchase I will get a small commission.




If you make a purchase I will get a small commission.
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-A Hiss-tory of Magic (A Wonder Cats Mystery Book #1)-Harper Lin


Modern witches have to be very careful and hide their magical abilities--remember the Salem Witch Trials? Better to hide then to start that up again even if you no longer live in Massachusetts! So this family of witches live a normal life-well mostly. Of course Cath can literally talk to cats through thought transference and the three cats have a lot to say-not to mention having to save their humans from themselves and others and literally solve mysteries for them!

This is a cute cozy mystery and I already have Book 2 so that should tell you how much I enjoyed it.


About the Book: (from Amazon)

From USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Harper Lin ***New & Improved Version***Relaunch of the #1 Amazon Bestseller!

Cath Greenstone, her cousin Bea, and her hippie aunt Astrid live in Wonder Falls, a small town near the mystical Niagara Falls. They run the Brew-Ha-Ha café, and naturally, they’re witches hiding in plain sight along with their three magical cats, Treacle, Peanut Butter, and Marshmallow.

When Brew-Ha-Ha's baker is burnt to a crisp, along with their beloved café, Aunt Astrid lets out a big family secret: a powerful spell book, a Greenstone heirloom from the Salem days, has been stolen from its secret hiding spot in the café. If it’s fallen into the wrong hands, black magic could destroy not only Wonder Falls but the world.

A secret society… A new detective with a shady past… A once-bullied local returning to town as a multimillionaire.

Who in town could know Cath’s family secret? Cath, Bea, and Astrid must use their witch powers to uncover the deadly truth. Cath communicates with their cats, also magically inclined, and they help uncover more than one secret lurking in wonderful Wonder Falls.

The first novel in a new cozy mystery series featuring modern-day witches and their magic cats.


Read a Chapter or two here

Purchase the Book here


About the Author: (from Amazon)

Harper Lin is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of The Patisserie Mysteries, The Emma Wild Holiday Mysteries, The Wonder Cats Mysteries, and The Cape Bay Cafe Mysteries. When she's not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga classes, hiking, and hanging out with her family and friends.


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I purchased 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.

Book Review-The Art of Crash Landing-Melissa DeCarlo

Saturday, August 29, 2015



What an interesting novel about one woman's search for her roots. Of course she herself is always choosing wrong but is an optimist at heart and just keeps moving along. She harbors both love, resentment and guilt about her mother especially since she has died. and seems to always be searching-for what she does not know. Her step father is the only one who she can relate to a bit anyway.

No one seems to know anything about her Mom--until her grandmother leaves her the house. Using stealth and subterfuge she slowly uncovers what her mother was really like and discovers things about herself that she never imagined possible.

There is a lot of laughter to be found within the pages of this book as well as tears. It was well worth the read in my opinion!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

From a bright new talent comes this debut novel about a young woman who travels for the first time to her mother’s hometown, and gets sucked into the mystery that changed her family forever

Mattie Wallace has really screwed up this time. Broke and knocked up, she’s got all her worldly possessions crammed into six giant trash bags, and nowhere to go. Try as she might, Mattie can no longer deny that she really is turning into her mother, a broken alcoholic who never met a bad choice she didn’t make.

When Mattie gets news of a possible inheritance left by a grandmother she’s never met, she jumps at this one last chance to turn things around. Leaving the Florida Panhandle, she drives eight hundred miles to her mother’s birthplace—the tiny town of Gandy, Oklahoma. There, she soon learns that her mother remains a local mystery—a happy, talented teenager who inexplicably skipped town thirty-five years ago with nothing but the clothes on her back. But the girl they describe bears little resemblance to the damaged woman Mattie knew, and before long it becomes clear that something terrible happened to her mother, and it happened here. The harder Mattie digs for answers, the more obstacles she encounters. Giving up, however, isn’t an option. Uncovering what started her mother’s downward spiral might be the only way to stop her own.

Hilarious, gripping, and unexpectedly wise, The Art of Crash Landing is a poignant novel from an assured new voice.


Purchase the Book Here


About the Author: (from Amazon)


Melissa DeCarlo was born and raised in Oklahoma City, and has worked as an artist, graphic designer, grant writer, and even (back when computers were the size of refrigerators) a computer programmer. THE ART OF CRASH LANDING is her first novel. Melissa now lives in East Texas with her husband and a motley crew of rescue animals. www.melissadecarlo.com

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I received a paperback version of the 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.

Butter Braid Pastry 6 Pack GA-Ends 9/13

Friday, August 28, 2015


Butter Braid was so wonderful and sent Tales from a Southern Mom:
  • Strawberry & Cream Cheese
  • Cinnamon
  • Apple
  • Double Chocolate
  • Raspberry
  • Blueberry & Cream Cheese
This is Tales from a Southern Mom's review

All of them are so good and when school time comes your kids are wide awake and ready to go. I know around here no matter what it is if they smell something baking they are all coming into the kitchen to see what is going on.

I like how you can have the Butter Braid in the freezer, and if you get wind someone is coming from dinner, you can take it out and let it thaw and be ready to bake after your dinner. What a treat!

I was excited to learn that Butter Braid pastries fundraising has helped schools and other no profit groups raise over $165 million! That is huge, you can have your sweets and help a good cause!

The fact that these are hand braided in a small town in Iowa using only quality ingredients gives them a wonderful handmade appearance and taste nobody has to know this was sitting in your freezer, just waiting for you to bake it for them!

This is one of those things that just fills a few purposes all at one time. They are convenient they taste great, they help schools and other raise money, can get people moving in the morning with their great home bakes smell, and they are such a high quality product.

You can check out all of their product at their website here and here are the instructions for handling and baking the Butter Braid Pastries.

Now for the best part Butter Braid is giving away a 6 pack to one lucky reader and they will get to try the wonderfulness of these great products!

This giveaway is Hosted by Tales From A Southern Mom, Co-hosted by Deliciously Savvy and Michigan Saving and More, and sponsored by Butter Braid Pastries!

 

Just enter below and good luck!

 
Julie A Beveridge
Tales From A Southern Mom
http://talesfromasouthernmom.com/






I received an entry for posting this giveaway. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

I Am In A Semi-Slump


I am just not myself lately. I can't seem to get it together, between driving my Mom everywhere, still working at a couple of bookkeeping clients and trying to keep up with my blog. (There is no way I can revitalize my website) It could very well be the heat and I am really hoping the rash I have all over my top torso is either a heat rash or an allergy reaction to something. I have cut back on comment threads and can't even get them done the same day like I normally would--I'm still reading but have at least two books that I have to write up reviews. Then adding any giveaways to others linkys and all the other Twitter, FB and G+ threads. I started putting more of my affiliate links on the left side of my blog and the current specials or promotions for each--and they seem to be doubling and tripling every day!! I am actually contemplating making a separate post which I will update daily and you will be able to access by clicking on a link on the left hand side--I would still be putting some of them the way I have them now. What I am wondering--would anyone actually click into that link to see them all with all those promotions? Yes, if anyone makes a purchase I would receive a small commission--but then I am not an affiliate of Amazon nor will I be-and I really would like to make some money to help me keep this blog going, or maybe even be able to pay someone to help me a bit-right now I just can not afford it. I am not complaining-just telling it like it is.


See that sweet little face--well, to make matters worse, she is sabotaging me. More and more often she will sit in back of my keyboard with part of her body either trying to cover it--or she uses her paws and pushes it so it is almost falling off the desk--then puts her paw on my hand so I can't move the mouse. So I start petting her, which is what she wants, and more goes by the wayside.

Oh well--this too shall pass--sooner rather then later I HOPE!!




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.

Goodshop Sunday Promises To Bring The Holiday Spirit Back To Cyber Week

THE MOST POWERFUL COUPONS ON EARTH


As you may or may not be aware I will sometimes post about a charitable event or one of great importance without any compensation what so ever--this is one of those posts. I will bring this post back nearer to the event date to remind everyone!

JJ Ramberg host of MSNBC’s Your Business one of the co-founders of Goodshop.com wrote the following post. The national event will take place on Sunday, November 29.

By Offering Thousands Of Exclusive Savings and Double Donations, Goodshop Sunday Is The Day To Do Your Online Shopping This Holiday Season.

SAN FRANCISCO, August 26, 2015-- Goodshop.com -- the company known for its innovative “coupons for good” shopping website -- announced its second annual Goodshop Sunday event to be held on November 29, 2015, the Sunday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. For the second year in a row, Goodshop.com will be offering Goodshop Sunday as an antidote to an oft-lamented holiday shopping season that many feel is devoid of holiday spirit.

Last year, the day was marked with a viral twitter campaign #GoodshopSunday, and was featured by many major press outlets (such as Good Morning America, and the Today Show). It also received support from many in the celebrity world, including Orange Is The New Black’s Danielle Brooks and Twilight’s Kellan Lutz.

Participating in Goodshop Sunday has never been easier. Leading up to Goodshop Sunday, thousands of stores will list their best coupons and deals on Goodshop.com. In order to take advantage of both the deals and donations, users simply select their desired cause (ranging from The American Cancer Society to a local SPCA) when they sign up on Goodshop.com’s website. Once a cause has been chosen: the online world of deals and discounts awaits-- with each participating merchant offering donations anywhere from 1% to 15% of the final purchase price.

According to a recent Goodshop Consumer Survey, conducted through Survey Monkey, 76% of American consumers wish that they could be doing more during the holidays to support the causes they care about, and 87% report that it makes a difference to them whether or not the products that they buy support a cause in some way. Across the board, American consumers lament the fact that there isn’t more opportunity for them to give back during the holiday season, which they view as directly due to the amount of time and money they spend on buying gifts for their loved ones. This is made clear when you look at the numbers further: 47% of consumers reported that they would spend more money during the holidays if they knew that their purchases would be giving back.

Goodshop.com provides a remedy to this problem with a simple solution: Goodshop Sunday. A “coupons-for-good” shopping day nestled in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, for consumers to do their holiday shopping without having to sacrifice the holiday spirit that brings them there in the first place. Their motto, “You Shop. You Save. We Give” encapsulates what the day will entail: the chance to shop at the best merchants, save with access to thousands of online coupons, and give back with every dime spent. In addition, on Goodshop Sunday, select retailers will be upping the stakes by offering exciting double donations and Goodshop exclusive deals.

The impact of buying your holiday gifts on Goodshop Sunday is significant.
“According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend over $100 billion online on holiday shopping this year,” said Scott Garell, Goodshop CEO. “With an average of nearly 3% of our sales going to nonprofits and schools, Goodshoppers have the potential to make a huge philanthropic impact with their holiday shopping this season.”

So far, Goodshoppers have helped raise nearly $12 million for the 110,000 nonprofits and schools that Goodshop.com partners with. Additionally, Goodshop coupons have helped save people over $100 million.
Heralded as “The best way to save money and give back” while shopping online and a method of commerce that is “in great need”—Goodshop Sunday promises to make a real impact on how shopper’s approach gift-buying this November.

About Goodshop.com:
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Goodshop.com is the go-to place to save money online. Through its innovative online platform, Goodshop.com has forged a connection between retail savings and non-profit and school fundraising—by creating coupons that give back. Not only does it provide the best coupons and deals at thousands of stores including Target, Kohl’s, Old Navy, and Macy’s, but if you select a nonprofit or school to support, it donates a percentage of the purchase from many of these stores back to that organization. Launched in 2006, the Goodshop.com family of sites has raised nearly $12 million for its participating causes.




I RECEIVED NOTHING FOR POSTING THIS. 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-Rogue Nation-BethAnn Buehher and Denisea Kampe

Thursday, August 27, 2015


If you like non stop action with international intrigue and a very large mystery involved you will love this book. The beginning is a bit hard to take but it quickly takes on steam and I was hard pressed to stop reading it. Who was the person or person's responsible for all the mishaps in the special ops Marines missions. Would Allison get over her trauma sustained in the middle east and would Brogan ever learn to really trust another human being? Read it and find out!

About the Book: (from Amazon)

Well overdue for rest and relaxation, Gunnery Sergeant Brogan Baker’s four man MARSOC team sets out on a command ordered vacation in hopes of escaping the string of bad luck that’s been plaguing them over the course of the past few months. Bad intel, faulty reports, and missing operatives have followed them through three missions and quite honestly, Brogan’s not sure if he’s coming or going. Add in the one phone call he’s been dreading for years and he’s beginning to fully understand why some guys choose the easy road out of the Corps: UA. He’d like nothing more than to fade to gray and blend in somewhere far away. Fat chance. As it turns out, the teams’ vacationing skills aren’t currently much better than their operational skills and before they’ve even had time to think bikinis and beers, they have a sick woman on their hands, the two youngest members of the team are knee deep in trouble with the oldest, and a report and muster message flashes across Brogan’s beeper.

Being a female marine isn’t easy for Staff Sergeant Allison Blaise. Choosing a life all about proving herself worthy of the title one of the few and the proud alongside her male counterparts, Alli volunteers for every special assignment that comes down the pipeline. Quite frankly, she’s in the top three in her field and that has someone scared and on the defensive. Alli reads intelligence like no-one’s business, speaks several languages, and is certified to take out the enemy utilizing no less than a dozen methods if necessary. But none of that is of much help when her insertion team deserts her and her extraction team is a no show. Pinned down in enemy territory and enslaved to a band of Somali pirates, her go-to attitude has landed her a stay as a prisoner, and her captors have her on the brink of cracking. Then along comes Brogan Baker, her superior, her savior, and a man who could destroy so much more of her than a few terrorists managed.

Courage, honor, and commitment are the rules Alli and Brogan have lived by since signing on the dotted line, but as evidence surrounding the botched missions they’ve had to clean up continues to build around them, they learn not all their fellow marines follow the same code. While they’d like to hate each other to preserve their hearts, avoiding each other is impossible as it will take all their skills combined to isolate the enemy and contain a nation gone rogue.


Read a chapter or two here


Purchase the book here

About the Authors: (from Amazon)

Denisea Kampe

From the Author's Blog

Born and raised in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Denisea Kampe was spinning tales before she could even spell and once her sixth grade creative writing teacher encouraged her by leaving a most prophetic comment on one of her assignments, the wheels of destiny were set in motion. But those wheels would need greased again and again as her writing would take a back seat to life and her jobs of mom and wife many times over before she'd finally see her dream of becoming a published writer come to fruition in 2010. Denisea is a military wife who's traveled the world over. She's lived in four states and Okinawa Japan and held more drivers' licenses than she can count. Her nest is empty save one furry and quite mischievous Siberian Husky and one spoiled rotten Rat Terrier mix. Denisea takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she's lived around since marrying her very own fairy tale prince in dusty cammies. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance and when she's not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum, taking field research trips, crafting, and sewing. Her works include One Tear, The Executive Officer's Wife, Private Pirouette, and the Slower Lower series. Denisea loves to hear from her readers and can be found at deniseakampe.blogspot.com


BethAnn Buehler



BethAnn Buehler's world revolves around her family, her friends, her faith and her love of writing. When she's not writing, in her studio creating the latest craft project sensation, driving carpool or checking email, she can most often be found having breakfast at a local restaurant with her parents, enjoying a caramel latte with her girlfriends or neglecting her responsibilities as a wife and mother because she's thinking about her next story.

BethAnn switched to the inspirational side of the romance pond after taking serious stock of her writing career and rebalancing her personal priorities. She gets most of her ideas from talking with her friends about what everyone really wants for Christmas---a little bit of hope for a brighter tomorrow and someone to hold hands with on the journey.

BethAnn accepted her first publishing contract in March of 2010. BethAnn is a member of the Indianapolis Writer's Group as well as Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her awesome husband, handsome teenage son and four rotten Silky Terriers.

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I received the mobi edition of this book as a gift from the authors. I was under no obligation to write a 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.

Chronicle Books

Wednesday, August 26, 2015


Chronicle Books have been around for quite a while you can see their mission statement here which is done in a way that you WILL Enjoy reading. It is done in the form of an infomercial!! According to their website their stated mission is

"Inspired by the enduring magic and importance of books, our objective is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that's instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value. This objective also informs our business relationships and endeavors, be they with customers, authors, vendors, or colleagues."



You are not going to find the kind of books I normally review-you will find books on or for or about:

Art & Design
Food & Drink
Kids & Teens
Life & Style
Literature

and also on the following!

Moleskine
Paper Goods
Pop Culture

They have some really interesting and good books in here! If you click on the button on my left hand sidebar and make a purchase I will receive a small commission.




If you click on the button on my left hand sidebar and make a purchase I will receive a small commission 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.

Glasstic Review/GA-2 Winners-US-Ends 9/11 @GlassticBottle #GlassticBottle

Tuesday, August 25, 2015


Did you ever meet two people who are such opposites that it is hard to believe they are related? Now, I was adopted but at a really young age (5 months) so you would think I would have picked up something from my Mom--but no--nothing. She is a picky eater--I am not. She is a real girly girl--I most definitely am not. She LOVES to shop--you have to drag me in to stores!! I think you get the picture!! I have no problem drinking lots of fluids (especially since I dehydrated a while back)-SHE thinks drinking a lot of water and keeping hydrated entails drinking sips out of an 8 ounce glass anytime she happens to pass it by. Not the best thing for a woman about to turn 93 in November!! AND one that has become dehydrated and ended up in the hospital because of it a couple of times. Since I like my water with a bit of flavor and of course she doesn't-even if I have water or iced tea (I use a sweetener in mine-she doesn't) in the car while I am driving all over the place on her errands--she looks at it--but won't take even a sip. Then I saw the Glasstic bottles!!


PERFECT--these would be great to take on car rides--one for me and one for my Mom! They have a shatterproof outer shell which means that if they get dropped either in the car or at home--no worries about picking up pieces of glass. My Mom is on Cumidan (a blood thinner) which causes her to bleed a lot more then others) and I have a cat at home who loves to bat things in her way onto the floor! "Not only was Glasstic® designed with a BPA Free Protective Outer Casing but the glass bottle itself was designed in such a way as to maximize the trade-off between weight and durability." They really are light weight and do not tip over very easily. What I really like is that each holds 16 ounces of liquid!!!!


So--YES--I brought both water bottles with me when I went to pick her up. I handed my Mom her bottle (I think you can guess which of the two above I gave her) and brought one for me. After she laughed at the saying on the bottle she began to drink--she finished 16 ounces of water before the day was done-major accomplishment!! She took it home with her and then called me saying how much she loved the bottle brush that comes with it. It really does make it easier to clean and the fact that it can be taken apart and put back together very easily. (it is also dishwasher safe!) I actually agree with her--hey we can finally agree on something!!! They have a lot of different sayings and designs to choose from.


Glasstic is going to give 2 winners 1 bottle each. If you are 18 years or older and live in the US then fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to be one of the lucky winners AND STAY HYDRATED.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



This giveaway was brought to you by Advertise with Bloggers and Glasstic



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.

E-Book-Sisters in Bloom (5 winners)-WW-Rev of Seaside Nights-Melissa Foster-Ends 9/20

Monday, August 24, 2015


Do you believe in love at first glance? Well you very well might if you read Sky and Sawyers story. This one gets very hot and steamy but there is an underlying story line which will grip you. Sawyers father has Parkinson's and he (Sawyer) is a boxer who is about to fight one last fight to make sure there is enough money to hire full time help to care for his father. Sky is a tattoo artist and a free spirit who has finally after helping her father overcome his drinking addiction opened her own tattoo parlor. She also happens to love poetry by CJ Moon. People in Provincetown keep bringing her bits and pieces of poetry or songs for her to tattoo on their bodies. Who is the author and why does he keep leaving these snippets around town?

Meanwhile her friends in Cape Cod are in rare shape-2 of them very pregnant and still are very much in love with their husbands--but are still up to a couple of shenanigans which will have you smiling! And of course budding in where only very close friends dare to tread.


NEW RELEASE!  SEASIDE SUMMERS BOOK #5

Voted Beck Valley Books Reviewers Favorite Mini Series from the Love in Bloom Series 



SEASIDE SUMMERS joins the LOVE IN BLOOM series, featuring a group of fun, sexy, and emotional friends who gather each summer at their Cape Cod cottages. They're funny, flawed, and will have you begging to enter their circle of friends. You met them in READ, WRITE, LOVE, (The Remingtons, Book 5), follow these friends on their search for forever love in the Seaside Summers series.

SEASIDE NIGHTS 

Fall in love with Sky Lacroux and Sawyer Bass in Seaside Nights, the fifth book in the Seaside Summers series!

Sky Lacroux has finally realized her dream and opened her own tattoo shop in Provincetown, Massachusetts. She’s happy as can be, preparing the shop for its grand opening and renting a cottage in the Seaside community while renovations to her new apartment are being completed. The only thing missing is the one thing she longs for, and has no control over—love.

Sawyer Bass, a professional boxer, plays his guitar at a local bar to escape the painful reality of his father’s deteriorating health and a recent health warning of his own. But when he spots a stunning brunette across the room, escaping reality goes out the window, and the beautiful woman becomes the focus of his next song—and maybe even the rest of his life.

When Sawyer walks into Sky’s tattoo shop and sees the woman from the bar—Sky—the chemistry between them is instant. Sawyer is everything Sky could ever hope for in a man. He’s honest, loving, sensitive, and potently virile—but boxing goes against everything Sky believes in. The closer they become, the more she realizes that her alpha boxer is waging his own emotional battle—only the battle she thinks he’s waging isn’t the one that threatens to tear them apart.


SEASIDE SUMMERS are the newest addition to the LOVE IN BLOOM series

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**



Available to buy from...... 


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About Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 


Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa at The World Literary Cafe
or her
personal website.  Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE LOVE IN BLOOM SERIES... 
NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!


Five lucky winners will each receive the Sisters in Bloom ebook

Ending on Sunday 20th September at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!










I received an e-book copy 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.

Doctor Medica-Botox 50U-Is It Right for You?



There are certain products that became synonym for all other similar types of products. One of the best examples is Botox. At first, this was a drug which was used to eliminate facial wrinkles. Given its effectiveness and the fact that it was first of its kind, it quickly took off. After a while, entire procedure got the name after this medicine. So, when you nowadays ask for a Botox treatment, most of the doctors will be confused, not knowing whether you are asking for a drug or intervention.



Botox 50U was created as a new solution for wrinkles and folds. Before it appeared for the first time, cosmetic surgeries were the best solution for facial imperfection. Like any other type of surgery, this was a very risky intervention that can potentially harm patient and create long term issues. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry tried to find better solution as most of the companies offered creams and lotions which were meant to reduce effect of aging. Up to this day, use of cosmetic creams and their effect on wrinkles is still not backed up by any significant medical research.

Picture from aaopm.com

Unlike anything else that was present on the market, Botox used a completely new substance in order to tackle this issue. Wrinkles are created due to work of muscles. Each time when we frown, wonder or make any other type of facial expressions, these crevasses appear on our face. As the time goes by, they become more and more noticeable. Botox works as an inhibitor. Medicine is based on Clostridium botulinum toxin type A. This is one of the most vicious substances naturally produced and in larger quantities, it can even cause botulism. As the experts from Doctor Medica explain, drug needed to pass through various test phases until it was confirmed that it is harmless in smaller quantities. Of course, given its volatile nature, it was important for medical experts to check all the possible aspects and determine that Botox 50U can be safely used.

After a while, some additional benefits were discovered. Given that this drug numbs the muscles, doctors have realized that it can be used for other medical problems such as strabismus, blepharospasm achalasia, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease and some other issues caused by uncontrollable muscle movements and spasms. Something that started as an esthetic undertaking, found much wider medical purpose.

Botox treatment is a quick fix. People may perform it while going back from their work or while returning from friend’s home. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes and it is quite painless. Results are visible after a few days and they can last for a couple of months. In some cases, Botox 50U can remain up to six months within the skin.

It is important for patient to be realistic when using this drug. Even with all its benefits, it still can cause certain side effects. Given that needles are used for administering the drug, certain skin irritations may appear. Some patients have also experienced headache, problems speaking and swallowing, fatigue and several other unwanted reactions.

Are You Single--What do you Make for Dinner?

Sunday, August 23, 2015



Being single sometimes has its downsides--like eating for instance. It is very difficult to find anything made or that can be made for one person only! I am still very tired from yesterdays fiasco and didn't even feel like making a pot of pasta-but I knew I had to eat something-I barely ate anything all day. Then I remembered--I still had one of the Barber Foods raw stuffed chicken breasts in my freezer. I had bought the one that comes 2 to a box -each individually wrapped--and had one left. I stuck it in a bread loaf aluminum pan I had hanging around-turned on the oven and let it cook. This is raw chicken so you do have to make sure it is cooked thoroughly. I then pulled out one of the individual Green Giant String Bean (they come 6 individual to a container)-opened it and put on plate. For dessert==an individual cup of Mandarin Oranges.

If you have never tried the Barber Foods Chicken products--I suggest you do. They are really tasty and good and perfect for a single or perhaps for a lunch for a SAHM!

This is not a sponsored post. Barber Foods and/or Green Giant have no idea I am writing this but somehow I don't think they will mind an unsolicited recommendation!



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.

Does Anybody Know What Caused the Back-Up on NYS Thruway on 8/21?

Saturday, August 22, 2015


My niece and her daughter were up visiting her parents in Albany and my Mom wanted to see her Great Grandchild --so I agreed to drive her up there. It takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours each way depending on whether we stop at one of the rest stops on the way-which we did going up. I wasn't sure if we were even going to go yesterday because my Mom kept seeing that it was supposed to rain. But at 7:30 I was woken up by the telephone--"can you get here by 8:30"--I made it! Half asleep but I made it!! Clear sailing all the way--no problems. We had a wonderful time then left around 3:30 because I have to be home before dark. I am almost totally night blind now from the condition that affects my eyes. Again--clear weather-clear sailing--BUT--we kept seeing signs that stated that all lanes were closed after exit 15. Now we could have gotten off and taken a lesser known bridge then the Tappan Zee but there was really no traffic-so I kept driving. No rest stops on the way home-I just wanted to get there! THEN----just after Exit 15--barricades--we were forced off onto another road that took us into New Jersey--I could not get to the place I should have been so I ended up on Route 17. There was traffic but nothing like on the other side of the road!! Meanwhile my Mom found a map-------she hates not knowing where she is or where she is headed. I was finally able to spot a gas station and the guy told her to keep going in the direction we were going then get on 4 East-it would take us to the George Washington Bridge. Remember we are now also in the middle of people driving home from work. Once we hit the bridge and managed to get over it I knew exactly how to get her home from there!! She finally recognized where she was and put away that map!! I dropped her off and got home at 8:00 PM -I just made it before it got dark - to a very angry and upset Cat!! Meanwhile I had to at least attempt to do some of the Facebook threads that I had joined in on before I realized we were actually going--I still have to finish up the comment groups. I may put this in a couple of them tomorrow although I am letting it post today.


Meanwhile I searched the internet and can not find out what caused that calamity. Does anybody know anything about it? Please tell me in the comments!!






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- Dark Shadows of the Past (The Greek Isles Series Book 4)-Angel Sefer

Friday, August 21, 2015


Each book in this series really can be read as a stand alone--and each of them are fantastic reads!! This one has lots of twists and turns right up until the end and of course there is a love story that takes quite a while to materialize because of all the drama that is gong on.



About the Book: (from Amazon)

Christina Connors and police detective Dan Mallory find themselves caught in a deadly game of conspiracy, murder, and vengeance. While the detective fights to save Christina and protect his career, she must discover how to play the game without revealing her true identity. But her secret won't stay buried for long, and the truth could mean death for them both.

Read a chapter or two here

Purchase the Book here

About the Author: (from Amazon)


Award-winning, bestselling author Angel Sefer was born in Athens, Greece, and has studied and worked on both sides of the Atlantic. She holds a degree in Economics and divides her time between the corporate world and her true passion: reading and writing mystery romance novels, full of heart-racing action, suspense, twists and turns, and breathtaking romance.

Angel lives in Athens, Greece, with the two loves of her life--her son and her husband--and is a member of several writers groups.

The Greek islands--alluring destinations that cast a spell on the visitor from the very first moment--are among her favorite settings. She has written a whole series of standalone mystery romance novels--The Greek Isles Series--each taking place on a different island.

In this series, dark mysteries mingle with sizzling romances, while the reader enjoys the virtual experience of visiting some of the most enchanting Greek islands. The impeccable beauty of those islands--where nature exists lavishly in hundred shades of green and blue, and centuries of Greek tradition coexist harmoniously with cosmopolitan activity--will steal the reader's heart away.

Award-winning bestseller Spellbound in His Arms is the first novel published in The Greek Isles Series. In this suspenseful tale of murder, deceit, and political cover-up, sexy investigative reporter Jackie ignites the fury and stirs the passion of mysterious police detective Michael. The action unfolds on majestic Corfu in the dazzling aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea.

Bestseller Deadly Secrets is the second novel published in The Greek Isles Series. Stunning Helena and seductive Captain Dimitris confront each other--and make sparks--in this suspenseful tale of murder, deceit, embezzlement, and treachery. The action unfolds on picturesque Mykonos--one of the most beautiful islands in the sparkling sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea--and is supported by a steamy story of forbidden love.

The Heiress of Santorini is the third novel published in The Greek Isles Series. The startling truth about her billionaire client drives breathtaking insurance manager Alexandra over the edge but cannot quell her desire for sinfully handsome and off-limits Mark. This tale of non-stop action, suspense, deceit, and murder unfolds in Atlanta, New York, and on the awe-inspiring island of Santorini--a precious gem in the Aegean Sea that is still an active volcano with spectacular rock formations, impressive lunar landscapes, and breathtaking red and black sand beaches.

Dark Shadows of The Past is the fourth novel in The Greek Isles Series. Dazzling Christina is caught in a deadly game of conspiracy, murder, treachery, and vengeance while desperately trying to conceal her real identity. Seductively handsome police detective Dan puts his job and life on the line to protect this feisty enchantress from the threat hovering over her. The non-stop action and steamy romance unfolds in Atlanta, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Georgia, and the island of Cephalonia--the fascinating setting of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" in the amazing aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea. Dark Shadows of The Past will be available Winter 2015. (HUM--she is ahead of schedule!!)

Authors Website
Author's Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads




I purchased 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.

$25 Amazon/PP-1-WW-Hanging On To Summer GA Hop-Ends 8/31

Thursday, August 20, 2015


Here we go again--didn't I just close one of these? Well LeahSay's Views and Planet Weidknecht have once again brought together bloggers to give away a giveaway worth a minimum of $25.00. The clickable list is underneath the Rafflecopter form and you really should go and try for all their prizes as well!!


Not too many people know I have a website-which I don't really keep up with anymore. I'm not even sure if I am an affiliate of all the places still on there!! I might be so if you end up purchasing I MIGHT get a small commission. One of these days I will get in there and clean it up--when--who knows. I started it long before I had a blog. If you would like to see it click here. At any rate most of those buttons on the left side of my blog are affiliate links which first appeared on my website. Recently I have been putting up blog posts about several of them and will continue as time goes on. They always seem to be having specials and sales!

Enough about me and my lonely website--lets get to the giveaway--short and sweet as usual-open to all 18 years of age and older who can accept either a $25.00 Amazon gift card or $25.00 PayPal (did I mention that is what Miki's Hope is giving away? Well now I did!

a Rafflecopter giveaway







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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