Simply Stacie: April 2010

April 30, 2010

Blogmania Giveaway: $50 Amazon Gift Card

WELCOME To BLOGMANIA!

My Blog is 11 of 123.

You’ve arrived at exactly the right time to explore lots of new blogs, all of which, ARE GIVING AWAY A VERY SPECIAL BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY (For One Day Only – April 30th).

We’ve done all the work for you. No hunting or surfing. Each blog will have a number and each new blog link will have a number. These numbers will allow you to keep track of which blogs you’ve visited and how many are left to visit. Why not take a moment to make a list of blog numbers 1-123 and check off the blogs as you go.

I know you’ll want to visit as many blogs today as you can. So, if you see something that interests you on any of our participating blogs, why not bookmark that site. Later, when you have more time, you can discover all its fabulous treasures.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

MY GIVEAWAY and RULES:

I am giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky reader! If the winner is US, it will be from Amazon.com. If the winner is Canadian, it will be from Amazon.ca. If the winner is International, they can specify which Amazon website they want it from, but the value will be $50 USD.

To Enter:

Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Bonus Entries:

1. Subscribe to my blog by email.

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet the giveaway. Leave me the link to your tweet.

3. "Like" Simply Stacie on Facebook.

4. Join the Simply Stacie Blog Frog Community.

5. Grab my button.

6. Grab my Event button.

Open to all.

Giveaway ends on April 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave your email address if it is not on your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!

Be sure to visit these other Blogmania Blogs for more great giveaways!!

(Blog- 1 – HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Between The Pages - http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/
(Blog -2 – CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA) The Black Sheep Dances - http://www.theblacksheepdances.blogspot.com
(Blog-43 - CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Books, Books Everywhere - http://bookywooks.blogspot.com/
(Blog-99) LB and J - http://lbandj.blogspot.com/
(Blog-78) Stiletto Storytime - www.stilettostorytime.wordpress.com
(Blog-37) Babbling Brooke - http://www.caracita.com/
(Blog-19) Star Shadow - www.starshadowblog.com
(Blog-10) Romance With an Attitude - http://debbiewallace.blogspot.com
(Blog-96) Lovin and Livin Life in the 808 - http://lll808.blogspot.com
(Blog-52) Sky Purington Writes - http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
(Blog-49) Tethered Mommy - http://www.tetheredmommy.com

If you do get lost along the way, please visit Between the Pages for the master list of all the blogs participating in Blogmania.

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April 29, 2010

Mother's Day Romance Giveaway

I am so excited to be able to giveaway this HUGE prize pack of romance books just in time for Mother's Day. The folks at Hachette Books are the absolute best!!! Take a peek at this delicious prize pack:

Montana Destiny by R.C Ryan

They're the McCords...three rugged, sexy cowboy cousins who'll inherit the family range--if they seek the treasure hidden on it. But even more precious are the women who can tame their wild hearts...

Emergency medic Marilee Trainor likes her freedom and lives for trouble. But when she stumbles upon a clue to the legendary McCord gold, she 's suddenly in a mysterious killer's sights--and the arms of irresistible playboy Wyatt McCord. This McCord cousin has been everywhere, yet the ranch is the only place he feels at home. Now Marilee's courage and independence make him want to protect her, win her heart, and finally settle down. But trust is the one thing Wyatt and Marilee can't easily give. And their survival and everything they cherish depends on whether they can surrender to each other--to fight for their...

Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

FORBIDDEN LOVE

Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she's been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown's most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal--and a bold rescue--land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.

UNDENIABLE DESIRE

As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he's not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire...and desperate for more. With Davina's secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can't live without.

Still the One by Robin Wells

After Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she has left is a closet full of his clothes, a few pictures, and fond memories. She not only lost her love, but her last chance to have the children she's always wanted. Until Zack Ferguson shows up in town . . . with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago.

Zack Ferguson has never forgotten Katie, or the one magical night they spent together. Seeing her again brings up a tidal wave of emotions: regret over the way he left her, anger at the secret she kept, and desire he hasn't felt in years. But he's in town for Gracie. Their daughter is sixteen, angry at the world, and-worst of all-pregnant. She needs the love of her two parents now more than ever. Can these three forgive the hurts of the past and open their hearts to each other?

Desire Me (The Legend Hunters) bt Robyn DeHart

The Legend Hunters . . .

The Men of Solomon's meet in secret, their very existence only a rumor among the best of Victorian society. They are treasure hunters, men of wealth and title, seekers of myths and legends. And no legend is as mystifying as the lost city of Atlantis . . .

DESIRE ME

Years ago, Maxwell Barrett found a map to Atlantis and dedicated his life to the search for the mystical lost continent. But when an alluring woman makes a wager for the priceless artifact, he may have discovered an even greater treasure.

A descendant of Atlantis, Sabine Tobias needs the map to decipher an ancient prophecy. What she doesn't need are the sparks flying between her and Max. He's too devilishly charming to be trusted: The fate of her people is at stake as well as her heart. Yet a ruthless killer also covets the map. Now Max and Sabine must race to decode the prophecy's riddle before this criminal fulfills his deadly mission.

Knight of Passion (All the King's Men) by Margaret Mallory

HOW CAN THIS PASSIONATE KNIGHT...
Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie's love for a chance at vengeance.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST?
Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife-only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Then just as Linnet begins to make amends, she's tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie's love - this time forever.

To Surrender To A Rogue (Circle of Sin Trilogy) by Cara Elliott

An expert in antiquities, Lady Alessandra della Giamatti arrives in Bath to excavate newly discovered Roman ruins-only to find herself caught in a web of evil intrigue by a blackmailer threatening to expose her scandalous past. The one man who can help her is Lord James "Black Jack" Pierson, a fellow member of the expedition and a sinfully handsome rogue whose tempting presence ignites a different sort of danger.

Jack has clashed with Alessandra in the past, so when she suddenly surrenders her body he can't help being suspicious. Is she a scheming temptress? Or is she truly a lady in trouble? As desire and deceptions swirl around them, Alessandra and Jack must find a way to win each other's trust. For if they don't work together to uncover a shocking truth, their enemy-and their own simmering passions-may destroy them and everything they cherish.

Giveaway

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Books, I have 3 sets of these fabulous books to giveaway to 3 of my readers.

To Enter:

Blogmania Starts Tonight at Midnight!!!

My Blogmania giveaway will be posted tonight at midnight EST!! Its for a $50 Amazon Gift Card and is ONLY OPEN FOR 24 HOURS!!!!! Stay tuned....

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Aguacate & Co. Review

The skin is the body's largest organ so it makes sense that we should take good care of it. I have a bit of an obsession with mine and can't go to bed unless my face is washed. I can't go to bed with makeup on my face no matter how tired I am. I will trudge to the bathroom and wash my face and make sure it's good and clean before my head hits the pillow. My face breaks out so easily that it is a necessity to remove all the dirt and oil from the day. My skin is also sensitive so I need to be careful with what kinds of cleansers I use. If they contain harsh ingredients, I am guaranteed to have a burning, red complexion. Not a pretty sight let me tell you!

Aguacate & Co. sent me a product to try out that seemed like it would be a good fit for my skin. I was pleased to learn that this is a company whose products are made from organic, natural ingredients that are cruelty free and who fully believes in and supports environment. They are a proud member of One Percent for the Planet, a group of eco conscious businesses who give 1% of their sales to support environmental research. Their line of facial care products look great and I was excited to be able to try out the Facial Cleansing Gel and see what it could do for me.

This product is made with wild oats and honey which work to instantly tighten and tone your skin for a more youthful and refreshed appearance. It is meant for oily to normal skin types. My skin is super oily so I knew this was the product I wanted to try the most. I have used facial gels in the past and I prefer them over creams just because they are completely non-greasy. I like that this cleanser was very mild on my skin and didn't burn or sting. It doesn't really have a scent and its all natural which my skin seems to like over products with chemical ingredients. It did beautifully on my oily skin and took all that excess off my face for a more clear complexion. It lathers nicely and rinses off completely. With some other products, I am left with a residue on my face, but this one my face felt completely clean. It washes all my makeup off easily and completely. Its a great cleanser and a decent price at $23 for a 100mL bottle. I would be interested in trying out the rest of Aguacate & Co.'s products to complete the set.

Visit Aguacate & Co. to see more of what they have to offer and to buy or find a store near you.

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Blog Spotlight: BD Buzz

I am running a feature spotlighting other Review & Giveaway Blogs. If you have one and would like to be featured, please email me at simplystacieblog@gmail.com

Today I would like to welcome Beth from BD Buzz. I had a chance to learn more about her blog and here's what she had to say...

Please tell me about yourself.

I am a wife, mom and freelance writer who enjoys writing about extraordinary people, places, experiences and things. My, not so secret, passion is television and I have begun a monthly TV Review column in one of my local newspapers. My blog is an extension of that column.

Please tell me about your blog.

BD Buzz is intended to focus primarily on television, music and entertainment in general, but will deviate at times to cover topics that simply make an impression. If it is a story that I might tell my friends, I’ll blog about it. Anything that makes an impression is blogworthy.

How long have you been blogging?

I started my blog about 4 months ago, but just started kicking it into gear this February.

How did you get started?

It seemed a natural extension of the writing I’ve been doing for local publications. Then a friend started blogging and got me into it. It helped to have someone to lead the way and hold my hand.

Who does your blog appeal to?

My blog appeals to really anyone. It encompasses a lot of trends from “Hot Yoga” to the latest guests on Oprah. I like to inject a lot of observational humor as well and everyone can use a good laugh.

What direction do you see your blog going in the future?

I would love nothing more than to gain a big following and share the latest entertainment news, gossip, critiques etc. with bloggers all over. If you watch “The Soup” on E! Television with Joel McHale – I would like to mirror that in the Blogworld.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far with your blog?

Probably designing and setting up my blog. I am not all that techno savvy so each little change or step tends to consume far more time than it should.

What do you love about blogging?

I love that I am connecting with people across the country. I have always been a little “stuck in a bubble,” never straying far from the Boston area so blogging has opened up a lot of new worlds to me.

Do you have a blogging pet peeve?

Not really. If I had to name something I would probably say that it is more time consuming than I had imagined. It is hard to tear myself away once I get into reading the many blogs out there. I had no idea how many blogs existed. Oh! The other thing would be word verification. You would think I would expect it since I’ve done it so many times, but it annoys me all the same.

Tell me some of your favourite blogs that you read.

I like Surviving My Tween Girls, The Single Mother Chronicles and Redhead Ranting. They either share really good information or are really funny or a little of both.

How can people find you?

My blog is at www.bdbuzz10.blogspot.com. Hope you like!

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Book Review & Giveaway: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women

Title: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women: 101 Daily Devotions to Comfort, Encourage and Inspire Women (Chicken Soup for the Soul (Chicken Soup for the Soul))

Author: Susan M. Heim, Karen Talcott

Throughout time, women have shared their joys and sorrows, thoughts and feelings, experiences and life lessons with one another. The tradition continues in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women with 101 stories of friendship, faith, and comfort that affirm God's unconditional love and His wisdom. Women will find encouragement, solace, and strength in these personal stories and prayers that cover everyday trials to tests of faith, to marriage and parenting, to service to others and self-esteem.

I am a HUGE fan of Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I have read many of all different titles and have not been disappointed yet. Susan Heim, one of the co-authors for this particular Chicken Soup book was kind enough to send me yet another great read that she participated in. We all know that devotional books for the most part are meant to be read daily which this one also suggests but the stories are so good that I think I ready the first half in 2 nights. They are very inspirational and heartwarming. I life the little life lessons you pick up on with every story you read. I am a sucker for the parenting ones as nobody really tells you how hard being a parent is and it nice to read about other parents with the same thoughts and feelings.

You can get your copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women at www.chickensoup.com It retails for $14.95 and is currently being sold on Amazon for $10.17. A great Mothers Day Gift for the lady in your life as well.

Giveaway

3 of my readers are going to win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women.

To Enter:

Oilo Review & Discount

When comfort leads with style and softness embraces sophistication, an entirely new category is conceived. Introducing Oilo, the chic solution to any diva's search for fashionable home, children and nursery decor.

Have you noticed when you are out and about that the styles for children's rooms and nursery's have changed? We are starting to see classic characters and children themed rooms take on a whole new approach. More to suit the style of the mom and dad to be and more of the style of the home. I know when I was deciding what I wanted to do my nursery in for Sadie I wanted something she would grow into not out of.

As you look at the Oilo collection at www.oilostudio.com you will probably lose your breath and gasp at the beautiful chic designs. Oh to do it all again...some of you might say. From crib bedding, furniture to lighting and pillows they have out done themselves with their style.

For review I received a gorgeous Modern Berries Pillow in Spring Green. ($39.99) The size was perfect for a nursery...and would be a great accent piece on that rocking chair you will be using for many hrs a night. It is made with 100% woven cotton with Dacron fill. It has a hidden zipper and is machine washable. It is a pillow that won't lose its shape supporting your back or arm. Its fabric is thick and it is stuff with just the right amount of fill. I love it and although it does not match Sadie's room...I know somebody who's room it will match...Shh...don't tell Gracie Mae.

Discount

Oilo is offering my readers a free crib sheet with any order ($50) value with the code S2010.

Book Review: Voices Under Berlin by T.H.E. Hill

Title: Voices Under Berlin: The Tale Of A Monterey Mary

Author: T.H.E. Hill

About the Book:

A spy fiction about the Americans who ran the pre-wall Berlin Spy Tunnel that the CIA used to tap Russian telecommunications cables, and about the Russians whom they were intercepting. The novel is ostensibly set against the backdrop of the Berlin Spy Tunnel (Operation GOLD, covername: PBJOINTLY). The yarn is told from both ends of the tunnel. One end is the story of the Americans who worked the tunnel, and how they fought for a sense of purpose against boredom and the enemy both within and without. This side of the story is told with a pace and a black humor reminiscent of that used by Joseph Heller (Catch-22) and Richard Hooker (M*A*S*H*). The other end of the tunnel is the story of the Russians whose telephone calls the Americans are intercepting. Their end of the tale is told in the unnarrated transcripts of their calls. They are the voices under Berlin. Voices Under Berlin is the proud winner of 5 Book Awards: PODBRAM Best Historical Concept, “Puss Reboots” book blog Top 10 Books for 2009, Hollywood Book Festival,Branson Stars & Flags Book Award and Military Writers’ Society Book of the Month.

My Review:

Voices Under Berlin is quite a unique book. It’s a novel of an entirely different sort, a tale that reads almost like a journal, providing an inside look at a 1950s military surveillance project set in Berlin. I was thoroughly caught up in reading Voices, relishing the feeling that I was privy to a top secret mission. I’m no expert -- although I majored in history, but I’d say that author T.H.E. Hill paints a darn accurate picture of American soldiers listening in on Russian conversations during the Cold War.

You’ll have to keep reminding yourself that this is a work of fiction, because its understated approach to its subject matter makes it so believable and intriguing. You’ll get a good laugh out of the irony that the Americans are monitoring the Russians who are conducting surveillance on the Americans. It’s a bit more complex than that, of course, such as a conversation in which they learn that the Russians are planning to kidnap an American as “payback” for the defection of one of their own. You’ll do a double-take when you discover how that situation is handled.

Throughout these conversations is the mysterious “Primrose,” a woman who is working for the Russians, who has infiltrated the group of soldiers. Who is she? Is it Gabbie, the German university student who is dating one of the soldiers? Or is she just a “PX hound,” a German woman trying to romance her way to America?

Voices Under Berlin does an excellent job of capturing the essence of Cold War intelligence operations, and the seeming futility and mundaneness associated with them. The only unfortunate thing about this book is that more people haven’t read it yet.

About the Author:

T.H.E. Hill, the author of Voices Under Berlin: The Tale of a Monterey Mary, served with the U.S. Army Security Agency at Field Station Berlin in the mid-1970s, after a tour at Herzo Base in the late 1960s. He is a three-time graduate of the Defense Language Institute (DLIWC) in Monterey, California, the alumni of which are called “Monterey Marys”. The Army taught him to speak Russian, Polish, and Czech; three tours in Germany taught him to speak German, and his wife taught him to speak Dutch. He has been a writer his entire adult life, but now retired from Federal Service, he writes what he wants, instead of the things that others tasked him to write while he was still working.

You can learn more about T.H.E. Hill and his books www.VoicesUnderBerlin.com.
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Giveaways Ending Tomorrow

The following giveaways are ending tomorrow (April 30th):

Winners

The following giveaways have ended and here are the winners:

Celia's Puppies: #80 Cheryl B.
Belly Charms: #313 Isi and Jas'mom
Episencial: #181 carolpie
Green Beaver: #136 remarker/fcffollower
The Joy of Soap: #290 matt4melis

The winners have been emailed. Thanks for entering!

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Book Review: Bug Goes Through the Maze by K.M. Groshek

Title: Bug Goes through the Maze (Bug's Adventure Series)

Author: K.M. Groshek

In the Bug Adventure Series books written and illustrated by K.M. Groshek, you'll meet Bug, a brave little car who likes to go on adventures. He makes friends, goes to a trip to the store, and navigates a corn maze in the first three installments of the series, which is due for release in June 2010.

Before I read the books, I expected short stories with a car theme, with maybe some racing involved. I was presently surprised. My expectations with far surpassed. Bug's stories are beautifully written with lots of fun rhymes that I can just imagine my god-daughter will memorize and recite with me as she becomes familiar with the stories. The rhythm of the text is pleasant and fun to follow along with, and a few great vocabulary words are thrown in that could be great teaching points. The books are great for pre-bedtime reading, as they are "just long enough," and the graphics and even the font are eye-catching and lend to the stories a sense of movement. Bug is a car, after all.

Bug learns important life lessons on his journeys. Bug is a resilient little car and he makes positive choices. This series is excellent for teaching kids about the importance of friendships, asking for help, and believing in one's self. The Bug Adventure Series is a great addition to the libraries of kids of all interests. Bug even has a kid-friendly website dedicated to him with games (bugsadventureseries.com).

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Twitter Hop Thursday (April 29th)

Welcome to Twitter Hop Thursday, hosted by Simply Stacie, The King's Court IV, Little Yaya's and Blessed, Review Retreat and Moms Wear Your Tees! Would you like more Twitter followers and be introduced to more neat blogs and businesses out there? Come and join us!!

1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to one and it will appear on all).

2. Click on the Twitter for the five hostesses and follow each of them on Twitter. We will follow you back.

3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they'll know where to follow you!

Spread the word and add this MckLinky to your blog! Write your own post or copy and paste this one. Below the MckLinky box, you'll see "Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code...." Have fun Twitter-Hopping along!

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April 28, 2010

Webkinz Jr. Review & Giveaway

Webkinz Jr. is a website that encourages children aged 3-6 to imagine, explore, and learn. With a host of friendly characters, and a neighbourhood full of familiar places, Webkinz Jr. is the perfect place for a kid to play!

Webkinz Jr. pets are lovable plush animals that each come with a unique Pet Code that can be entered online at www.webkinzjr.com. Sadie has received webkinz as gifts in the past but she is still a bit young to be able to play the games that the regular webkinz site has. Therefore we were really excited to receive the Webkinz Jr. Orange Kitty, which Sadie named Maggie, for review. This was a better website for her as it is tailored to kids her age and a little older. She enjoyed it and it held her attention for awhile. She loves Maggie to pieces. The Orange Kitty is soft and cuddly. There are 12 Webkinz Jr's to choose from so be sure to check them out and start having fun on this virtual playground.

Get ready girls and boys, ladies and gents...Webkinz Day is near! Webkinz Day festivities begin on April 23rd where you and your pet can begin visiting the Clubhouse in Webkinz World to find Goober for the opportunity to build a colossal collection of fireworks. Come April 29th...let fireworks fill the air on Webkinz Day!

If you visit Webkinz World (www.webkinz.com) on April 29th, your pet will also receive a gift box filled with superrific surprise items! You and your pets can play fun special activities like the SUPERWHEEL where totally awesome prizes can be won.

Hip-hip hooray for Webkinz Day!!"

There will be prizes to be won as well as a grand prize pack. Hopefully you would like to get involved or help us spread the word! The Twitter party with the #webkinzday tag starts at 8pm ET on April 29th.

Giveaway

One of my readers is going to win a Webkinz Jr. (Bunny, Frog or Giraffe).

To Enter:

Visit Webkinz Jr. and tell me something you learned there or liked about their site.

Bonus Entries:

1. Subscribe to my blog by email.

2. Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

3. Blog about the giveaway and leave me the link.

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet the giveaway. You can tweet once per day. Please leave me the link to your tweet.
***Use this tweet***
RT @mysticconn Win a Webkinz Jr., #giveaway Ends 5/7 http://is.gd/bLzfI

5. "Like" Simply Stacie on Facebook.

6. "Like" Webkinz Jr. on Facebook.

7. Join the Simply Stacie Blog Frog Community.

8. Grab my button.

9. Grab my Event button.

Open to US & Canada.

Giveaway ends on May 7, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Please leave your email address if it is not on your profile so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!
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Scandle Review

Whenever I think of hot candle wax, my mind immediately goes to the scene from the "Living La Vida Loca" video. Cheesy, yes but I can't help it. I have always been afraid of burning myself with candles, so I never considered using a massage oil candle until I learned about the Scandle Candles.

A Scandle is a combination aromatherapy and candle and body massage cream. It burns at a mere 2 degrees above body temperature, so it's safe to use on the skin, or you can even just scoop the wax out and use it! Scandles are based with pure soy wax, so you won't find any nasty parabens. It burns clean, so it's great as just a plain candle as well. They're available in 18 fragrances and come in both original and travel sizes.

Scandle sent me a travel tin of their Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey Scandle. I burned it for the recommended 30 minutes to ensure an even burn, blew out the flame, and nervously applied the hot wax onto my guinea pig/husband. (I have an irrational fear of burning myself!) I needn't have been worried, as the wax was just warm to the touch, a perfect relaxing temperature. The massage oil was very creamy and lotiony, and not waxy at all. It absorbed into the skin well. The scent was pleasant and sweet. Next time, I want to try their Green Tea Aloe fragrance.

Scandle also sent me a sample of their Dead Sea Salt Soak & Scrub. It's a perfect compliment to the Scandle and together they are the perfect at-home pampering system. Scandle also has additional accesories, including a wick trimmer, a skin renewal kit, a special kit for hands & feet, and a lamp to use to warm the candle if you don't want to light it.

The Scandle is a truly unique, multi-functional product. Check them out at their website for a special treat to yourself or a gift for a special someone.

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Giveaways Ending Tomorrow

The following giveaways are ending tomorrow (April 29th):

Winners

The following giveaways have ended and here are the winners:

Royale Renocation: #123 FOKXXY
First Time Books: #68 josiefiorda
The Girl from Ames: #189 fredamans
Red Rock Studio: #67 Carole
Burt's Bees: #115 pamelarm

The winners have been emailed. Thanks for entering!

Book Giveaway: Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

Title: Ravished by a Highlander
Author: Paula Quinn
Category: FICTION, ROMANCE
Format: MASS MARKET
Edition: Forever Special Release
Publish Date: 5/1/2010
Price: $6.99/$8.99
ISBN: 9780446552387
Pages: 352

About the Book:

Giveaway

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Books, I have 5 copies of Ravished by a Highlander to giveaway to 5 readers.

To Enter:

Blog Spotlight: Thrifty and Frugal Living

I am running a feature spotlighting other Review & Giveaway Blogs. If you have one and would like to be featured, please email me at simplystacieblog@gmail.com

Today I would like to welcome Crystal from Thrifty and Frugal Living. I had a chance to learn more about her blog and here's what she had to say...

Please tell me about yourself.

I am a 26 year old married Pharmacy Technician who is aspiring to become a Pharmacist. I have my Associate of Arts and I often get involved in side projects/jobs (mystery shopping, this blog, volunteering, etc). I love my husband, my chihuahua, music and life in general.

Please tell me about your blog.

My blog is full of freebies, deals and anything that has to do with saving money. I occasionally post tips and resources for bloggers and I also do a lot of product reviews and giveaways.

How long have you been blogging?

a few months

How did you get started?

I told my husband I was spending so much time entering giveaways on blogs and applying for freebies that I should just start my own blog. He said to go for it & I did! I obtained my own domain and started typing.

What kinds of products do you feature on your blog?

All types. I have been doing a lot of beauty products, books and food/drinks recently

What was your favourite giveaway?

I love them all! Orglamix Eyeshadow was my most popular and definitely a favorite!

Who does your blog appeal to?

Anyone that wants to get free things or save money, but it does lean more towards females.

What direction do you see your blog going in the future?

More, More, More. More reviews, giveaways, freebies and followers.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far with your blog?

I had to figure out how to publish using blogger on my own domain. It can be a little difficult when you first start out.

What do you love about blogging?

All of the comments and interactions with readers and other bloggers.

Do you have a blogging pet peeve?

Captcha's! I hate them and don't use them.

Do you have any advice for the readers entering your giveaway? newbie review bloggers?

Yes! Enter as much as possible and tweet like crazy! I did a post on this here: http://www.thriftyandfrugalliving.com/2010/01/giveaways-what-i-have-won-and-how-you.html

Tell me some of your favourite blogs that you read.

There are so many! Here are 5 of my favorites:
Toddler Momma: http://www.littleesmama.com/
She Scribes: http://shescribes.blogspot.com/
Midday Escapades: http://www.middayescapades.com/
Product Reviews : http://bzzagentreviews.blogspot.com/
Nicole's Nickels: http://www.nicolesnickels.com/

How can people find you?

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Book Review: Black Smoke by Robin Leigh Miller

Title: Black Smoke
Author: Robin Leigh Miller

About the Book:

Samantha Wells has lived through more hell in her short life than most. At the age of eight her serene life was turned upside down. Her parents were brutally murdered and Sam barely escaped with her life. But she didn’t do it alone — a soft calm voice led her to safety, the voice of her spirit guide. Disguised by a black mask and the handle Black Smoke, with the help of her spirit guide Sam rescues those unfortunate people who find themselves in the hands of humanity’s worst. Life is good until Sam is called on to assist a small covert military team in recovering a kidnapped scientist in Afghanistan. Lt. Mark Lowe (Kong) is less than thrilled to be placing his team’s lives in the hands of a woman, much less one as beautiful and sexy as Sam. He quickly learns there is more to this woman than meets the eye. She not only infiltrates enemy bases — she’s infiltrated his heart. Kong retreats to safer ground, leaving Sam heartbroken. Distant and unwilling to listen to anyone, Sam delves headfirst into a hell that only Kong can pull her from.

My Review:

This book was right up my alley since my favorite genre is paranormal romance novels. Black Smoke is brilliantly written; you are immediately sucked into the plot and characters. I was immediately drawn into Sam and wanted to know her complete story. I wasn't so sure about Kong at first but grew to love him also and it was hard not to love Boomer and Ricochet from the moment you first met them. I finished this book in a day because I just could not stop reading it. The plot was thick with things going on; you learn a little about all the characters throughout the book, and it always left you wanting more. I couldn't have asked for a better ending. As I was reading Black Smoke there was one part I was wishing happened differently until I got to the very end of the novel and then I understood; it wouldn't have been a perfect love story if it was not for that extra tension. It made for a brilliant end to a beautiful book.

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own. No monetary compensation was involved.

About the Author:

Robin Leigh Miller knows a little about finding romance in odd places. A retired dirt track racecar driver, she found love and adventure on the track. After three months of dating a fellow driver, he proposed and seven months later, they married. Now she gets her adrenaline rush from creating spunky, determined kick ass women that don’t let anything get in their way. Mix in her passion for the paranormal, action and adventure and you have some unique thrilling stories. Enter a world where anything can happen and hold on tight. It’s a bumpy ride but worth the trip as you watch her characters plow through what life throws at them and come out the other side more powerful and of course in love. Visit Robin Leigh Miller at www.robinleighmiller.com

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Book Review: The Power of Your Child's Imagination by Charlotte Reznick, PhD

Title: The Power of Your Child's Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success

Author: Charlotte Reznick, PhD

About the Book:

Imagine a frustrated kindergartner calming her anger with a special “Balloon Breath” or a fourth grader visualizing an ice-blue pillow to cool his hot headache. Picture a fretful 11-year-old getting homework help from a Personal Wizard. Psychologist and author Charlotte Reznick, PhD has written a book titled The Power of Your Child’s Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success in which she shares imagination techniques like these which she has been using in her own therapeutic practice for over 20 years. She has also developed several CDs which guide children through specially designed relaxation and imagination/meditation exercises.

The Power of Your Child’s Imagination will show you how to empower your child with easy, effective, and creative skills for surviving—and thriving—in a stressful world. This indispensable guide provides nine simple tools to help children cope with stress and anxiety by tapping into their imagination to access their own natural strength and confidence.

In this book you will discover how to help a child:

Love, accept, and appreciate himself
Reduce pain and heal other physical ailments
Overcome fears, such as fear of the unknown, abandonment, doctors, disasters, and dying
Deal with bedtime issues such as insomnia and bedwetting
Cope with death, divorce, and other losses
Handle anger, hurt, and frustration
Achieve success at school and in sports
Live peacefully with siblings and parents

My Review:

This book is wonderful... {in my humble opinion}. I work with special needs children and have already started trying some of the principles in this book. Many kids these days have stress... adults do not always understand that I think. Kids are busy, they have high expectations placed on them, they are over scheduled and have peer pressure beyond what we can imagine.

In this book, the author teaches ways in which you can help your child with stress and anxiety without medical intervention. {No prescription needed.} I am not a yoga person {I can't move that way...} but I got the feeling of a yoga class mentality from this book. Reaching into the deepest parts of you and finding peace and relaxation and learning to cope with life in very practical ways.

If you have a child who is frustrated, has outbursts or anxieties of any kind, I believe this book can give you tools to cope, that will be used all throughout the child's life into adulthood. Here's a simple example~ tool # 1 is called "balloon breath" and it teaches you to breathe deeply. Sounds almost too simple really, but not everything in life has to be complicated! :) It is about deep breathing from your diaphragm which is something we rarely do, but has so many benefits.

"Imagine blowing up a balloon. Then picture letting the air out slowly, until the balloon goes flat. Can you see it? In a minute we are going to pretend your stomach is a balloon..."

And the instruction goes on from there. There is much dialog given in this book so you will know exactly how to instruct and guide your child.

So, if you are needing some calming techniques for you and/or your child, try this book. I think it could be very helpful and maybe even a great way to bond together.

About the Author:

Dr. Charlotte Reznick has dedicated her life to helping children, adolescents, parents, and professionals. She is a nationally recognized child and educational Psychologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at UCLA. Upon earning her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California, she was honored with “Dissertation of the Year” for her work on the effects of parental divorce on adolescents.

For over 20 years, Dr. Reznick has pioneered therapeutic interventions with a wide spectrum of children. Responding with unerring intuition to children’s diverse needs, Dr. Reznick is best known for creating Imagery For Kids: Breakthrough for Learning, Creativity, and Empowerment. This highly insightful program of guided and interactive imagery – enhanced by music, relaxation techniques, drawing, and journal writing – can help all children achieve their highest learning potential, develop self-esteem, heal internal conflicts, and reduce overall stress.

To download a free e-book with more information on The Power of Your Child's Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success and Dr. Reznick, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/reznick/. For a limited time Dr. Reznick is offering a very special gift to each person who purchases a copy of her book, including over 80 free gifts, please visit http://www.imageryforkids.com/book/ for all details.

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