Purex Crystals For Baby - Review and Giveaway

The popular line of Purex Crystals now includes a product made specifically for babies.  Purex Crystals for Baby was developed with babies' gentle skin in mind, so you can now add long-lasting freshness to your baby's laundry.  Like other Purex Crystals, the new product is 87% natural.  It goes in at the start of the wash and infuses your baby's laundry with freshness.  Purex Crystals for Baby is hypoallergenic, dye free, and safe for use on all clothes, including children's sleepwear.  Add Purex Crystals for Baby directly with your laundry detergent. 

I don't have any little ones in my home but that didn't keep me from wanting to try the new baby fabric softener.  I've used other varieties of Purex Crystals in the past and was happy for the opportunity to try the newest in the line.  Instead of coating fabrics with oil, Purex Crystals for Baby works by penetrating the fabric and infusing fibers with freshness that lasts.

The lid on top of each bottle has measuring guides for how much Purex Crystals for Baby is to go in each load. Once you've measured the amount needed, the crystals are dumped into the washing machine. They immediately dissolve once water touches them and infuse your clothes with a fresh scent.  The crystals themselves are colorless but the fragrance is noticeable.  It's not overpowering but gives your clothes a pleasant powdery scent that lasts until the next wash.  I'd have no problem purchasing Purex Crystals for Baby in the future to use in my laundry, even if it is tailored for baby clothing.  The only thing that I'd change is the color of the bottle packaging and that's because it's pink which people associate with baby girls.  Although I'd use it regardless of color, I think that parents with babies would prefer something more gender neutral. 

Enter to win some Purex Crystals for Baby in the "Welcome to the World" Sweepstakes.  One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 while 250 additional winners get free Purex Crystals for Baby. Sweepstakes is open to residents of continental USA and ends March 8th, 2013.

Win It!

One person will win two coupons for free 28 oz. bottles of Purex Crystals for Baby.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received products for review from Purex.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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The Soothing Company - Bonsai Tree Review

Life's busy.  If it's not work or errands, it's chores or keeping up with the kids.  We could all use a little comfort and soothing at times.  The Soothing Company offers hundreds of soothing products for your home and office on their website. They offer everything from outdoor wall fountains to bonsai trees to bean bag sofas, turning your home or office into a sanctuary.

When I was a teen, the Karate Kid movies changed me in two ways.  For one, I knew that I was destined to marry Ralph Macchio.  For another, I swore I'd own a bonsai tree someday.  While the dream of marrying Ralph never came true, the one of owning a bonsai tree did.  The Soothing Company sent me a Dwarf Jade Indoor Bonsai Tree for review and I immediately had visions of pruning and growing it until it was ready to be planted on the side of a cliff.  Realistically, I'm sure that will never happen but I've already taken pride in nurturing and caring for the live greenery.

The bonsai tree arrived in a large box, nestled in a liberal amount of packing peanuts.  On the plus side, it ensured the bonsai tree stayed in tact during transit.  On the con side, I had an umpteen amount of packing peanuts to sort through in order to get the bonsai tree out of the box.  The bonsai tree arrived already in place, with a planter and soil.  All I had to do was take it out of the box and place it in an area of my home and start tending to it.   

The bonsai tree came with care instructions on how to take care of it.  The main points are to place it near south or west facing windows and water it often.  It will need to be repotted every four to five years, and will require periodic pruning.  I don't have much of a green thumb but I'm pretty sure I can follow the guidelines and nurture my tree as needed.  I like the zen-like quality of the bonsai tree in my home and it does, in fact, have a soothing quality to it.

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

"Mally Beauty Makeup Bag Makeover" Pinterest Contest

From now until February 3, 2013, Mally is hosting a “Mally Beauty Makeup Bag Makeover” Pinterest contest in which four winners will be announced. Here’s how you can show Mally Beauty how you would refresh your makeup bags and be entered to win products!

Here’s how it works:

· Follow @Mallybeauty on Pinterest

· Create a Pinterest Board titled, “My Mally Beauty Makeup Bag Make Over”

· Repin your favorite Mally Beauty Makeup Bag and five (5) Mally Beauty products from Mally Beauty’s “Makeover” Pinterest board

· Get Creative! Pin additional images that inspire the look you want to achieve!

· When your board is complete, post a comment under the pin with a link to your board

I received no products or compensation for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Sofia the First - Soundtrack CD Giveaway

Sofia the First soundtrack is set for release on Walt Disney Records, February 12, 2013.

Sofia the First soundtrack track list:

1. Sofia the First Main Title Theme – Sofia

2. Anything – Sofia

3. Princess Things – Cast

4. Make Some Noise – The Trolls and Sofia

5. Cedric the Great – Cedric

6.Royal Fun – Sofia

7. Perfect Slumber Party – Amber and Sofia

8. All You Need – Sofia and Vivian

9. Blue Ribbon Bunny – Clover

10. I Belong – Sofia

11. The Goldenwing Circus – Cast

Bonus Tracks:

12. True Sisters – Sofia and Cinderella

13. Rise and Shine – Sofia



Win It!  

One person will win a Sofia the First soundtrack CD.  

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

 I received no compensation or product for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Rally 'Round the Corpse - Book Review and Giveaway

Description of Rally 'Round the Corpse:

Publisher: Seven Realms Publishing, May 29, 2012

Category: Mystery

Available in: Print, Kindle, Nook, Sony ereader, & iTunes, 348 pages

"Abel Adventures" is a brand new mystery series, penned by Hy Conrad, writer and producer of the landmark TV show "Monk."  In the series debut, "Rally 'Round the Corpse," we meet Amy Abel, two years after the death of her fiancee.  Amy needs a fresh start. And what better way for a shy, risk-averse woman to start over than to sink her savings into a travel agency specializing in adventure. Her first project? A mystery road rally through the European countryside.

At the starting line in Monte Carlo, Amy finds herself attracted to Marcus Alvarez, the most mysterious of her two dozen game-loving clients. But the rally gets off to a rocky start when an eccentric writer, the only person who knows the game's solution, is himself murdered back in New York.

Weird accidents begin happening along the route and Amy discovers that this fictional mystery was based on a real, unsolved case, one that Marcus knows too much about. Now she has no choice but to join forces with Fanny, her domineering mother, before the killer strikes again.

My Review:

A book filled with mystery and abundant with hilarity, Rally 'Round the Corpse tells of a gal named Amy who starts a Murder Mystery Tour.  While the tours are scripted and made to make participants guess who the "killer" is, it turns out that a real murder has taken place.  Although there are two different murder mysteries to be solved, the one from the tour and the real one, they're wrote in a way that doesn't make them confusing.  This is not a mystery book with violence and gory details, but rather comedy and who-dun-its. 

About the Author:

Best known for his work in mysteries, Hy was one of the original writers for the groundbreaking series,Monk. He worked on the show for all eight seasons, the final two as Co-Executive Producer, and received three Edgar Nominations from the Mystery Writers of America for "Best TV Episode."

In a related project, Hy was Executive Producer and head writer of Little Monk, a series of short films featuring Adrian Monk as a ten-year-old. His latest TV work was as writer and Consulting Producer for White Collar.

Hy is also the author of hundreds of short stories and ten books of short whodunits, which have been sold around the world in fourteen languages. Hy's first full-length comedy/mystery play, Home Exchange, premiered at the Waterfront Playhouse in Key West in May 2012. And, in a different vein, he recently authored a humor book called Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know.  Hy splits his time among Key West, Vermont and New York City.

Win It!

One person will win a Rally 'Round the Corpse paperback book.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA and Canada.*

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Rescuing Randy - Book Review

Book Synopsis:

The author shares the disturbing and inspirational story of her son's entrapment and manipulation by a religious cult and her family's struggle to reclaim him. Randy became a navy recruit the autumn after his high school graduation. Within a year, he joined the Christian Fellowship Church International. Later, along with other sailors, he was baptized into their ministry team. His family saw a drastic personality change occur. He became a stranger as the cult drew him in deeper and deeper. His family needed answers: What had happened in his life? What could they do about it? As they progressed through his abduction, deprogramming, snapping, exit counseling, and ultimate freedom, their faith grew stronger and their family bond deeper.

About the Author:

Geneva Paulson is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has spent her life working with church youth of all ages and caring for patients at Tri-County Hospital. She loves to read, cook, and spend time with her large family. She and her husband live on a small farm near Eagle Bend, Minnesota, population 535. In their semi-retirement, they have beef cattle and enjoy raising a large garden and sharing the produce.

My Review:

A true story written from a mother's point-of-view, Rescuing Randy tells of a serviceman who is bright and educated, yet falls prey to a cult. 

After Randy enlists in the Navy he joins a church known as Christian Fellowship Church International, led by Lloyd Ray Davis.  Randy, along with other members of the congregation, are brainwashed into believing their money, services, and time should pour fully into the church.  Randy's family becomes troubled and soon learns what Randy believes is a church is actually a cult. 

This book is an interesting account of how a family goes to great lengths to unearthing the truth and going through a turbulence of emotions while watching Randy go downhill.  It also shows how faith in God gave the family strength to rescue Randy through a rough intervention and bring his life back to normalcy.

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Choo Choo Soul: Disney Favorites - CD Giveaway

Award-winning Choo Choo Soul is back! Get ready to sing and dance along to your favorite Disney songs performed the only way Genevieve and DC know how to, with an urban twist! Genevieve Goings (the singing conductor) and Constantine “DC” Abramson (the beat boxing and breakdancing engineer) are the urban music sensation singing about ABC’s, 123s and trains for the preschool audience.  Choo Choo Soul: Disney Favorites features all-time classics such as “When You Wish Upon a Star” “Under the Sea” and many more.  The album was released on January 29, 2013.

Choo Choo Soul: Disney Favorites Album Track List:

1. “Hakuna Matata”

2. “Under the Sea”

3. “The Bare Necessities”

4. “Give a Little Whistle”

5. “When Will My Life Begin”

6. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”

7. “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”

8. “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

9. “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo”

10. “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”

11. “Be Our Guest”

12. “When You Wish Upon a Star”

Win It!

One person will win a Choo-Choo Soul: Disney Favorites CD autographed by Genevieve Goings.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no product or compensation for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Wordful Wednesday - Deshedding the Carpet

Notice the tuft of white hair on the green carpet.  If you look really close, you can see a gazillion trillion stray dog hairs as well. 

Don't let the puppy dog eyes fool you.  This fellow here is the dirty culprit.

Cisco sheds hair all throughout the house and it's very noticeable in the carpeted areas. There's dog hair in places I didn't know he could even reach. Because of this, I get the privilege of vacuuming anywhere from one to three times a day. If you ever stop by for a visit, you're either going to see green carpet go grey from dog hair or vacuum lines from where I try to keep up. He's lucky I like him.

Not My Mother's Son - Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Devious. Conniving. Deceitful. Insidious. David Miller thought he knew his mother. He thought kidnapping three children was the most appalling and horrendous thing any human being could do and she couldn't possibly do anything more monstrous. He thought there was nothing else she could do or say that would astound him. How wrong he was. After Beatrice Miller, David's serial-kidnapping mother, is sentenced to thirty years, David moves to Phoenix, Arizona; and with the help of a trust fund and an old friend, he starts the Never Give Up foundation, an organization dedicated to finding and returning exploited and missing children safely to their families. With all the wicked things his mother had done, David feels it is his unspoken duty to do something worthwhile. Hesitant at first, but after reading his mother's journal, David is determined to mend their dysfunctional relationship. Every time David visits Bea in prison, she seems deranged, insisting that people are trying to kill her. She ends each brief encounter with the chilling statement, "Remember David, things aren't always what they seem." As word about the foundation spreads, the services of Never Give Up are requested time-and-time-again to help where other agencies have failed. That is, until the police come knocking on David's door and arrest him, taking him back to Bunting Valley, North Dakota, for the murder of a newborn baby boy. Forced to shut down Never Give Up, David is amazed at how quickly the entire world turns their backs on him. The trial begins and his mother's testimony is the only thing that can save him. Telling the truth is as foreign to Beatrice Miller as giving up drugs is to an addict. As everyone in the courtroom holds their breath, you will, too. Remember, things aren't always what they seem.

My Review:

Not My Mother's Son, written by R.K. Avery, tells of a man named David who is subjected to a bad childhood and a psychotic mother who is in prison for kidnapping children and claiming them as her own.  After David's aunt dies she wills him her mansion and belongings.  David moves in to start a new life and starts a foundation to help missing and kidnapped children, along with an ex cop.  David also has to learn how to cope in everyday life and learn things that otherwise normal people would know how to do.  Things go well for a while, but then David is accused of murder.  David learns more about his past and and must rely on his mother to hopefully tell the truth.

A fast-paced book, Not My Mother's Son, is centered around David and how he copes with atrocities of life.  He's subjected to more pain and trials than most people, and his mentality level is somewhat stunted.  Added into the loop are events that throw things even more out of whack, like when David's "brother" is found to be involved in some foul play.  There are some details in the book that seem to be nonessential to the main storyline but, other than that, it's a book I enjoyed reading.

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.   Your opinions and results may differ.

Madly Madagascar - DVD Review and Giveaway

Your favorite Madagascar pals are back in an all-new adventure, Madly Madagascar, coming to DVD January 29.  Alex’s favorite holiday, Valentine’s Day, brings hilarious surprises and excitement for the entire gang. Melman plans a big surprise for Gloria, Marty tries to impress a new friend and everyone wants to get their hands on King Julien’s love potion. You'll fall in LOVE with MADLY MADAGASCAR!

Me and the kids are Madagascar movie enthusiasts, so we were excited to watch this DVD for more hilarity and cheerfulness from the characters in this new short episode.  The show, featuring the all-star cast from the Madagascar movie franchise, is only 22 minutes long but it was delightful and the entire family enjoyed it.  The acting and plot is fun, and the episode is particularly great to watch for Valentine's Day.

Kids would love to get their hands on King Julien’s magical love potion – and now they can! Here are some fun, kid-friendly recipes to make “love potions” this Valentine’s Day.

BUBBLY PINK LOVE POTION

Kids will love this easy to make (and delicious) “love potion!” All you need 1 can of pink lemonade concentrate, 4 cups of raspberry sherbet, and 1 can of lemon/lime soda, and water. All you need to do is mix the lemonade concentrate with the amount of water it lists on the instructions in a large pitcher. Then, in a blender, combine the sherbet with 4 cups of the lemonade mixture, and pour about a cup into individual glasses. Lastly, fill each glass the rest of the way with the soda – the mixture will bubble and really look like a love potion!

LOVE SPELL PERFUME

Making perfumes at home is actually really easy and can be a fun activity for kids this Valentine’s Day! You need distilled water, fragrance oils (and scent you or the kids want!), and Polysorbate 80. All you have to do is mix your distilled water with the Polysorbate 80 in a spray bottle. Then, mix your fragrance oils in a separate container, and add them to your water mixture; shake vigorously. Use fragrances like rose, lavendar, etc. to really amp up the “love spell” part of this perfume!

MAGIC SAND

Using a glass bottle with a cork or lid and different colored sand is a fun way to create a “magic sand” love spell (and it makes for a great decoration)! All you need to do is layer different colors of sand in a glass container (colors like red, pink and white work best for V-Day). Before putting the cork or lid on the bottle, invite your kids to say a few words about something or someone that they love – then tell them that once the bottle is sealed, it will represent that person or thing, and to take care of the bottle and keep it close.

LOVE POTION TEA

Making this tea will require a little help from mom and dad, but it’s ingredients are rumored to spark feelings of love! You will need rosemary, black tea, thyme, nutmeg, fresh mint leaves, fresh rose petals, lemon leaves, and water. Put all of these ingredients in a tea kettle and bring to a boil. Serve with honey or sugar and lemon, to taste.

Win It!

One person will win Madly Madagascar on DVD.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA and Canada.*

I received DVD for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Little Caesars Quality Pizza - Giveaway

Little Caesars has always been serious about quality ingredients.  It's so serious they make fresh dough every day in each store.  It's hard to find pizza that's as affordable and as delicious as Little Caesars pizza.  Just because the pizza is inexpensive doesn't mean the ingredients are low-grade. Between me, my husband and our six kids, Little Caesars is the best choice for us for pizza that is hot and fresh, and will feed us at a price that won't break the bank.   The fun video below explains just how serious Little Caesars is about quality dough. 

Win It!

One person will win a $10 Little Caesars gift card and a Little Caesars Bean Doll.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

This post contained an embedded video.  I will receive a gift card for post.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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SmartSticks and SmartChips - Dog Chew Treats Review and Giveaway

Cisco is a full grown dog but we only acquired him a year and a half ago.  He's made his way into our hearts and we consider him family.  He's taught us a lot about love and I like to return that affection with toys and treats. 

I recently heard of a company, SmartBones, that sells rawhide-free dog chew treats.  It wasn't until until I received the treats and did further research on them that I learned rawhide isn't necessarily good for your dog.  It apparently causes problems with digestibility and potential choking hazards.  Eek!

I was given the opportunity to review and let Cisco try SmartSticks and SmartChips, two new rawhide-free dog chew treat products from PetMatrix, the makers of SmartBones.  The chew treats are fortified with vitamins and minerals and are 99.2% digestible.  Both SmartSticks and SmartChips are available in two flavors, chicken and peanut butter.  The SmartSticks are shaped like long sticks and the SmartChips look like empty burrito wraps.  The packaging they come in is resealable.

Although I'm up for adventure, I wasn't about to taste the dog treats myself.  Therefore, I can't vouch for taste.  What I can vouch for is that my dog loves them.  I've been giving him one of the chew treats daily and he's like a kid in a candy store when he gets it.  I feel good knowing that I'm giving my dog treats that are nutritionally sound and he certainly seems to like them.  I'd say he gives them two thumbs paws up!  

Win It!

One person will win a bag of SmartSticks and a bag of SmartChips.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Cash and Purex Crystals Prizes in the "Welcome to the World" Sweepstakes

How do you keep your baby's clothes fresh without concerns about their sensitive skin or damage to their clothes? The answer is Purex Crystals for Baby.  Enter to win some in the "Welcome to the World" Sweepstakes.  One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 while 250 additional winners get free Purex Crystals for Baby.  Enter to win at the Purex "Welcome to the World" Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes is open to residents of continental USA and ends March 8th, 2013.

This post contains a referral link.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ. 

Random Tuesday Thoughts - iPad Win

It's another weekly edition of Random Tuesday Thoughts.  If you'd like to play along, link up at Stacy Uncorked.
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I received the Apple iPad Mini that I won from a Twitter contest a couple months ago.  I've never owned gadgets this advanced so it's taking me some time to get used to all its functions.  I'm already totally addicted to one game, Gardens.  As you can tell from the picture, my smudgy fingerprints are all over it.  Any fun free apps you recommend? 

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Since we've started fitness classes, Jason has lost nine pounds.  Me, I'm still at a total of zero pounds lost.  I did get giddy one time when the scale said I lost a pound and a half, but Aunt Flo's monthly visit put a quick end to that. 

I purchased a manual stair stepper from someone on a Facebook group.  It's supposed to work your legs like you're going up and down the stairs.  I can definitely feel the burn when I use it.

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Logan's last home basketball game was Thursday night.  He only has a couple more "away" games before season is over.  I went to his game Thursday for Parent Recognition Night.  All the eighth grade players' names were announced and their parents were recognized.  Afterwards we had cake and punch at a local church. 

I think I've said it before, but I'm not a sports kind of gal.  Watching sports on TV is as fascinating to me as watching paint dry.  However, there's something about watching your own kid play that gets you into the game.  Logan has a God-given talent when it comes to sports.  And by God-given, I mean it.  He didn't inherit any athletic traits from his momma or his daddy.

Logan is the kid on the far right, in white.

At the cake and punch reception

I swear it's got to be in the rule book that all players keep their faces set stoically.  None of them ever smile in pictures.

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Saturday afternoon I took Adam to watch MAMA in theaters.  It's supposed to be a horror movie.  After watching, the only thing I was horrified about was that it actually made it to the big screen.  I've seen worse but I definitely wouldn't have watched it in theaters if I would've known how sub par it was.

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Happy RTT!

Say Hello to the New Face of HSN - Giveaway

HSN is a leading interactive multichannel retailer, offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers. HSN incorporates entertainment, inspiration, personalities and industry experts to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. At HSN, customers find exceptional selections in Health & Beauty, Jewelry, Home/Lifestyle, Fashion/Accessories, and Electronics. 

HSN has completely relaunched the company's digital channels - elevating the customer experiencing by making the retailers' platforms faster, more efficient and more social than they were before.  The new look and feel has been designed to enhance the user experience and deliver greater shopping ease.  With HSN’s social communities directly integrated into HSN.com and HSN’s mobile and tablet applications, customers will be able to share their product finds, thoughts and reviews with their friends via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.  HSN.com can power a real-time social integration that includes photo walls, streams, polls, Q&A and more.

The new site will also include “The 20,” a list of 20 curated products on the site, from which customers and fans can vote for their favorite item. At midnight, HSN will tally the votes and those who voted for the winning product will be entitled to a discount on their purchase of that product.

To celebrate the new look, HSN is running the Super (Re)Model Sweepstakes! There will be Weekly Grand Prize Winners and Daily Winners.  The sweepstakes started January 11 and will end January 31st.  

Win It!

Three people will each win a $10 HSN gift card.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no product or compensation for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.   Your opinions and results may differ.

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Table Talk: Memoirs of a Bikini Waxer - Book Review and Giveaway

Book Synopsis:

Brutally honest & ridiculously funny...Table Talk: Memoirs of a Bikini Waxer is a hilarious collection of stories, opinions, rantings and ravings that will leave you laughing your hairless arse off!  The book was published by Outskirts Press, Inc. on September 18th, 2012.

It's much more than just waxing talk. Each chapter represents a different hat worn by Caren on any given day as a hair removal specialist. The Bikini Waxer -- The Love Doctor -- The Bearded Lady -- The Belle of the Balls, no subject is off limits. From topics that start on the table, Caren gives a personal touch of humor and humility from her own life experiences. She is blunt and no nonsense and she's not afraid to express herself. A trait which keeps her clients coming back time and time again.
Not only funny but sincere and uplifting, this book will leave any female reader with a sense of womanly pride and dynamism.

"As a woman who knows women, I have found that no issue is too big or too small to discuss. We are passionate conversationalists regardless of the subject matter. Whatever the issue may be from finding a new wrinkle or a gray hair to buying a new outfit, dating a jerk, getting a divorce or not knowing what color to paint the damn powder room, it's all important to us - at least for the time it's on the table. Some women look to me for answers. I can only tell them what I would do in certain situations but it's important to tread lightly with some subjects. After all, despite what some may think, I don't have all the answers. Who on this planet does?" ~ Caren A. Stein

My Review:

Last Saturday while I was hanging out with a group of friends, one gal whose name I'll keep anonymous, announced we had to wait to go bowling until she went poop.  Later that evening, she and I stepped outside with another friend and noticed that it had sleeted and snowed heavily while we were inside.  Rather than comment on the weather, she starts belting out the words to "Tonight I celebrate my love for you...".  It's the kind of girl she is and she's a riot to be around.  Wouldn't want her any other way.  That's how I imagine the author of Table Talk: Memoirs of a Bikini Waxer to be.

Caren A. Stein is a certified electrologist and a licensed esthetician.  She's been in the business for years and has heard and seen a lot.  In her memoir, she speaks of her line of work and the things she's come across.  However, the book is more than that.  Caren tells gems of her own personal life and advice on topics from dating to body hair.  My favorite chapter was Sister Superior, where Caren discusses arm hair, male genitalia, and personal hygiene and cleanliness.  There are some curse words and vulgarities in the book, which I was okay with, and some uses of God's name in vain, which I wasn't okay with.  Each chapter is funnier than the next and by the end of the book, I was chuckling out loud several times. 

Win It!

One person will win a signed paperback book copy of Table Talk: Memoirs of a Bikini Waxer.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA and Canada.*

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Enter to Win Cash or Borax at the "Fresh Year, Fresher Laundry" Sweepstakes

Borax is the All Natural Laundry Booster and Multi-Purpose Household Cleaner.  The Borax - Fresh Year, Fresher Laundry Facebook Sweepstakes is live.  You can enter to win the $1,500 grand prize, or one of 171 coupons for free Borax.  Why 171 coupons you ask? The TOTAL prize value is $2013!, which is very appropriate for the new year.  You can sign up once a day until February 22nd, 2013 on their Facebook page.

This post contains a referral link.  Please do your own research before purchaing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Consider Ivy Bridge College When Going Back To School - $1000 Tuition Discount Giveaway

With a New Year upon us, we often reflect on what matters to us most and take the time to reassess our goals and make resolutions, such as going back to school, furthering our career, taking a class, or learning a new skill.  I'm content with my job as a 911 dispatcher so I don't foresee changing my career path anytime soon.  However, I'd like to learn new skills and enhance upon classes on subjects that I'm interested in.  I don't think you can ever learn too much and I'm a firm believer that knowledge is power. 

When I was in school back in the day, I always knew I wanted to attend college after graduation.  Due to becoming a mother at such a young age, those plans were put to a halt and I attended a nine-month administrative assistant course.  I enjoyed the courses that were in conjunction with the degree I was obtaining.  I've often thought about going back to school to further advance and enhance my skills in that area of specialty but being a full-time mother and having a full-time job have prevented me from really pursuing that dream. 

I recently learned of Ivy Bridge College, a university that is a good option for moms seeking a college degree to complete courses online.  Ivy Bridge College focuses on helping moms succeed by offering great support services, flexible scheduling, the ability to earn an associates degree in as little as seventeen months, and the ability to seamlessly transfer to "name brand" 4-year schools to earn a bachelor's degree. 

Support and motivation, especially from peers, is a big consideration for me with meeting goals.  IBC offers support services including a free private online community dedicated to students who are moms where they connect with and support other student moms.  With a hectic schedule, I'm enthused that I can work with a flexible schedule that will allow me to get a degree while still attending to my other life duties.  Best of all, Ivy Bridge College costs less than 1/3 of what it costs to attend other private schools.  I've filled out the online questionnaire and requested more info on taking online courses at IBC.  I'm keenly interested in learning more about the Associate in Business Administration program they have to offer, and I'm excited in possibly furthering my education.

Win It!

One person will win a $1000 tuition discount from Ivy Bridge College.

*To be eligible for the $1000 discount off tuition at Ivy Bridge College (IBC), the qualifying individuals will need to be degree seeking, enrolled in IBC a minimum of part-time, and new to IBC (specifically, not someone who has already applied to, enrolled in, or requested information from IBC).  Classes at Ivy Bridge College Extension are not eligible for the discount.  Limit one per person.  The tuition discount is valid through September 1, 2013.

For the opportunity to win the tuition discount, please leave a comment on why you'd like to go back to school.  This giveaway ends January 24th at 5 pm CST, at which time I'll randomly select a winner from those who leave a comment.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Ivy Bridge College.  I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating and a discount on classes at Ivy Bridge College.  The opinions within this post are of my own.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

National Soup Month - #HormelFamily

January marks National Soup Month, and with temperatures still dropping, it’s no wonder that people turn to a hot bowl of soup to warm them up! To celebrate, try one of these recipes from Hormel Foods.  Combine a bowl of the below with your favorite biscuits, crackers or sandwich and you will have a satisfying meal.

 Chicken Taco Tortilla Soup: Ready to spice things up? This recipe features a variety of CHI-CHI'S® ingredients for a flavorful, Mexican inspired soup that will warm you right up.

 Bacon and Cheddar Soup: Filled with favorites like Hormel® fully cooked bacon, the Bacon and Cheddar Soup is a perfect complement to a salad for lunch or dinner.

 Chicken Noodle and Vegetable Soup: An all-time favorite of many, this recipe gives a gourmet spin on the classic chicken noodle soup and is full of flavor with Herb-Ox® chicken instant powder and Hormel® chunk breast of chicken.

For more soup ideas, check out the Hormel Foods recipe page featuring plenty more to choose from!

What soup does your family request the most during the winter? I like a variety, but my favorite is broccoli and cheese soup.  Do you prefer homemade soups or canned soups? My preference is homemade but I'll eat canned when I'm in a time crunch.  Does your family enjoy any other soup recipes featuring Hormel Foods products?

I wrote this blog post as a member of the Hormel Foods Extended Family blogger program.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.