Saturday, October 31, 2015

Wedding Planning Made Simple‏


We recommend that you order your thank you cards as soon as you order your wedding invitations. Now that you've let your guests know they are invited, wedding gifts will start trickling in, and it's great to knock some of your thank you cards off of your "to do" list pre-wedding

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Friday, October 30, 2015

Cricut Deals Expiring Soon




Great Deals at Cricut Expiring Soon!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

Now is the time to treat yourself to something special at Cricut! From Cricut's Explore One™ machine in navy, or the Cricut Explore Air™ machine and ultimate set, to any digital item, just about everything is on sale now at Cricut.com


Cricut Explore One™ Navy Bloom Machine + Adapters Set



Cricut Explore Air™ Machine + Ultimate Machine Set






These great deals expire this weekend, so be sure to check them out today!

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Saved By Tennis Book Review

Saved By Tennis: Retirement and Ageing

By Lawrence Greene


Saved By Tennis is a love letter to tennis. It tells about the challenges that the author encountered in trying to learn to play tennis from scratch as a 70-year-old retired university professor. It relates his experiences at his local Lawn Tennis Club, first in a beginner’s class and then in an over-45s group. He then tells about playing singles friendlies, his participation in the Club’s competitive singles ladder, and his travails in trying to improve his net play in doubles. 


These experiences led the author to reflect on the importance of having several hobbies or avocations in hand when one retires, a topic which he discusses at the beginning of the book. 

The book is a personal memoir, not a guide to playing tennis. It is an easy read that attempts to inject an element of humour throughout. It should be of interest to tennis players and anyone thinking about learning to play tennis in their 60s or 70s, or coaches and counsellors advising people in that age range about learning to play tennis or any new sport. 
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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF Saved By Tennis***

This is the author’s account of how he needed a go-to activity after retirement to keep him busy and fulfilled. By not having an existing interest to expand on, he took up playing the game of tennis. At the age of 70, he finds learning a new avocation to be a challenge on his aging body. But definitely fulfilling.
  

I congratulate the author on sharing all of his trials and tribulations of aging. I am nowhere near his age, but feel it happening to me more and more. It was delightful learning the game of tennis from his point of view. Having never played it before, I appreciate him expanding on his knowledge of the game. I felt like I was learning alongside him. I agree with his reasoning that after retirement we all need something steady to keep feeling youthful and fulfilled. 

My review can also be found at:
    AMAZON     GOODREADS
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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.


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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Rustic Winery Wedding Inspiration


Get Inspired: Creative Rustic Winery Wedding Ideas
Shop this look!
Shop Rustic Winery Stationery

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Look Effortlessly Chic with Madison Reed



Look Effortlessly Chic with Madison Reed

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Trying a new hairstyle can be fun and exciting, especially when showing off a new cut or color. But some days we need to just get up and go. So how can we look effortlessly chic fast? Madison Reed has the perfect styles just for us: 

The Effortless Top Knot
A top knot is one popular hairstyle for women who are perpetually on-the-go but still want to look put together. This classic hairstyle only takes about 5 minutes to create, and is perfect for those in-between days where there isn’t enough time for a wash, and not even a dry shampoo can save it. Want a little extra volume? Try using a sock or a scrunchie bun on the inside of the knot for that extra elegant and work-ready look. 

The Sweet Side Braid
This look works especially well in warmer months. A side braid can help keep you cool from the heat—and stylish with a cool vibe. Just start with dry hair that is completely knot-free. Then create a deep side part with your fingers and braid away. This effortless look works every time. 

The Super-Quick Ponytail 
A ponytail can be classic and sleek, or look messy and undone with a little tease. Either way, you'll look timeless and chic, and be ready to walk out the door in seconds. Try the Madison Reed Style and Tame set for lightweight, frizz-free hold and smooth shine all day long.

You can get personalized recommendations by building your Madison Reed Hair Profile or giving the Color Crew a call. Someone at Madison Reed is always available to hear your personal hair history and will tailor suggestions to suit your hair and style. And be sure to check out Madison Reed's Blog post for even more hair style advice. 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Ultimate Giveaway coming in November

Multiple Winners, Multiple Prizes
Prizes TBA 
 Prize Value TBA
Hosted by:
Make Our Own Network
Sign-ups close 10/30
Bloggers click HERE to sign up and for more html info.
M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.
BRANDS
**If you are would like to see your brand advertised in this M.O.O.N. giveaway event, the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide, or are interested in working with M.O.O.N. in a similar nature please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Dangerous Deception Book Review

Dangerous Deception (Raff Rafferty Mystery Series Book 3)

By Robert Joseph


A pretty, young interviewer at the Center for Research of American Sexual Habits, funded by the founder of HONEYS MAGAZINE, a highly successful mens periodical devoted to the exploitation of the female body, is brutally murdered. 


Fati (Fatima) Rafferty, Raff's attractive, red-haired daughter and a rookie officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, is coerced by her division commander to go undercover as an interviewer at the Center in order to determine how, why and by whom the slain girl was murdered. 

When subsequent murders occur at the Center, the question is raised: Will Fati -- even with Raff's unofficial help -- be able to stop the killer before she herself becomes the next victim?
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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF Dangerous Deception***

When an interviewer for The Center for Research of American Sexual Habits is murdered, along with a security guard, rookie officer Fati Rafferty goes undercover, replacing her as an interviewer. As Fati gets closer to her boss, who just happens to be the main suspect, she begins to wonder if he truly is guilty. But after a third person is killed, Fati follows a new lead and uncovers more danger than she ever suspected.


This was a true murder mystery because it made me suspect so many different characters. Just when I was sure of who the killer was and why, the plot would change and lead me to someone else. I liked the character of Fati, and felt her development throughout the story was spot on for her inexperience. This story kept me entertained throughout. If you like murder mysteries that are hard to predict the killer or the outcome, then this one is for you.

My review can also be found at:
    AMAZON
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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.


Buy the book from...

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More of my Robert Joseph book reviews:



Saturday, October 24, 2015

Wedding Invites by Elizabeth Victoria Designs‏


Designer Spotlight: Elizabeth Victoria Designs
Elizabeth Victoria Designs creates beautifully designed wedding stationery. Beth Schneider, the creative genius behind Elizabeth Victoria Designs, gets inspiration from fashion, patterns, magazines and her architectural roots. 
Enjoy 3 FREE sample with code 3FREE at checkout.
Shop Now
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Find easy, affordable DIY reception ideas including place cards, favors, centerpieces and more. Get tips and more details here.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Friday, October 23, 2015

Stalking Los Angeles Book Review

Stalking Los Angeles: Finding courage and love in the madness

By Tom Berquist

Stalking Los Angeles© Finding courage and love in the madness Reggie is tormented by his domineering father to shed the old Indian ways. Forced to leave his country home, he hates the city and his new school, where he is attacked by Kevin, the racist beast on campus. He falls hard for his first girl who can love him in only one way. Reggie goes on a vision quest to reconnect with his Cochimi tribal ancestors –to discover his supernatural ‘power animal’ that will guide him into manhood. At the same time, a young cougar enters the megalopolis in search of a mate, but is attacked by the dominant male of his species. Reggie’s vision quest spirals out of control –hallucinating he is a half-human, half-animal, capable of killing. He now must face Kevin, confront his father and challenge the stalking cougar, in order to win over a new girl who could love him completely. Praise for Stalking Los Angeles “Nothing seems to be going right in Reggie Youngblood’s life...Reggie soon finds his escape in studying mountain lions and his Indian heritage...

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MY HONEST REVIEW OF Stalking Los Angeles

Reggie recently moved to a new town and is having trouble fitting in. After getting beat up by the school bully, Reggie’s mother signs him up for a mentoring program. He is assigned to Joe, a local wildlife biologist, whom Reggie had previously met during a school presentation. Reggie becomes interested in the mountain lion study that Joe is involved in. When Reggie decides to do a quest to seek his animal spirit, he is sure that it will be a mountain lion, but he doesn’t realize how deeply connected he will become to the animal.


I think I enjoyed this story so well because of how well-informed the author was of the subject. It was interesting learning all about this species, as well as the conservation efforts being used today. I believe Reggie’s character wasn’t the only one that had matured considerably by the end. This was an excellent example of a family overcoming whatever obstacles they encounter.  

My review can also be found at:
    AMAZON     GOODREADS
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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.


Buy the book from...

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Oscar Book Review

Oscar

By D.L. Smith


Oscar is a heartwarming story of a dog that even humans can relate to. 


Even when he was still a pup, Oscar has already experienced a lot of difficulties in his life. When he was still a newborn, he and his other siblings were thrown out in the snow. It was a blessing and a miracle when a little girl named Debbie found him and took him home. He was welcomed with open arms in Debbie’s family, and he grew up and spent his life with them. However, though he was loved and accepted by Debbie’s family, Oscar still felt incomplete and wanted to find his mother. Amidst all the challenges he experienced, including two life-threatening ones, Oscar remained virtuous and strong against all storms that life may bring. 

A story narrated by a dog, experienced by a dog, but filled with valuable lessons a human can uphold and treasure, Oscar is definitely a must read.
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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF Oscar***

Since Oscar and his litter mates were not purebred, they were thrown into a creek to drown. Oscar unintentionally was dropped along the way. When Little Debbie finds him, he discovers that all humans are not the same.


The author uses a style of writing for the younger reader. It is in simple form, but still enjoyable. I liked the narration by the dog. It gave a different point of view than just a human one. This was such a poignant and heartrending read. I like that as the characters grew older, the dog matured also. I could see in his character more emotions. Even though I know a good bit about it, it was eye-opening on some of the training that was discussed and used.  While reading this, I was reminded of the looks and reactions that I have gotten from my interaction with dogs. It makes me feel like I am more in tuned with them than before.

My review can also be found at:
    AMAZON     GOODREADS
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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.


Buy the book from...

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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Not With My Brain, You Don’t Review

Not with My Brain, You Don't

By Richard D. Tenny

Griff Wooden is an intelligent, handsome doctor with a commanding presence who practices cardiology in the oldest hospital in Chicago. Formerly a mental institution, the old building that houses Chicago General Mercy Hospital seems out of place in the middle of a new, glitzy medical plaza. But despite taking pride in providing a warm environment for its patients, the hospital hides a dark secret. Behind its sterilized walls, a psychopath is hard at work.
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***MY HONEST REVIEW OF Not with my Brain***

Griff Wooden is a brilliant and upcoming doctor. He can’t understand why everyone is out to get him. No one else comes anywhere near his stature. Well, as far as he is concerned they don’t. Everyone around Griff knows that he is a psychopath. He has proven it time after time. But according to Griff, they are all just jealous. As he squashes them one by one on his way to the top, it never occurs to him that it could all blow up in his face. As he gains more and more power, he discovers how fast the tide can turn.


I liked how this storyline kept me wondering if the main character truly was a psychopath or not. As the story proceeded though, I thought he developed into a whole different level of disturbing. This author knows how to balance the medical jargon needed to keep me interested. It’s disconcerting to think about practicing doctors with hidden agendas for personal gain. I enjoyed the bit of humor that was interspersed throughout the story. 

My review can also be found at:
    AMAZON     GOODREADS
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**The above opinions are 100% my own, whether I purchased the book or it was given to me to review.


Buy the book from...

Follow the Author

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Tote Bags for Bridesmaids


We recommend that you order your thank you cards as soon as you order your wedding invitations. Now that you've let your guests know they are invited, wedding gifts will start trickling in, and it's great to knock some of your thank you cards off of your "to do" list pre-wedding
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.