12/14/12

Newman's Own Organics Healthy Snacks Giveaway Event

Newman's Own Organics Healthy Snacks Giveaway

Hosted by Life’s Cheap Thrills Sponsored by Newman's Own Organics
Newman’s Own Organics was founded by Paul "Pa" Newman and daughter Nell Newman. It was established as a division of Newman’s Own in 1993, and became a separate company in late 2001. Newman’s Own Organics offers a large variety of healthy products like organic snacks and treats, organic coffee, and even organic pet food! Our good friends at Life's Cheap Thrills have recently tried some of Newman's great tasting organic snacks! 
Good news! Newman's generously agreed to give away some of their delicious snacks to one lucky reader! The winner will receive a Box of Healthy Snacks from Newman's Own Organics valued up to $40! It is filled with:
  • Newman-O’s Orginal Cream Filled Chocolate Cookies
  • Newman’s Own Organics—Pretzel Rods
  • Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
  • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Family Recipe Cookies
  • Newman-O’s Hint-O-Mint Cream Filled Chocolate Cookies
  • Apples (dried fruit)
  • Milk Chocolate Bar
  • some more tasty and healthy snacks!
This giveaway is open to residents of continental US ages 18 and up and will end on December 21st at 11:59pm EST. Please enter on the GiveawayTools widget below. Winning entry will be validated. Get a head start by following Newman’s Own Organics on FacebookGood luck!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Celebration

Welcome to the newest giveaway event!

4 Little Monsters and Me and our fantastic sponsors 
are counting down the 12 days of Christmas with 12 Days of Giveaways! 

From December 14th ~ December 25th our readers will have the opportunity to win prizes from the following sponsors, AJ Designs, Eager Hands Boutique, Preppy Personals, TipTop Kids, Jamie's Plaques and More, Simply Creative Printables, Little One Books, Model Life Magazine, A Squeaky Foot, My Belle Boutique and Dorindas Diva Shop.

Each day 4 Little Monsters and Me will post a feature of the sponsor, the prize for that day and a chance for you to gain bonus entries! Take advantage of those bonus entries by coming back each day!

Enter to win using the rafflecopter below and don’t forget that you can up your chances of winning by completing the daily and bonus entries in the rafflecopter each day! Mandatory entries qualify you for all 12 giveaways. Daily and bonus entries give you more opportunities to win. Open to US residents 18+. Giveaway ends at 7:00 pm MST on the 25th. Winners will be posted on December 25th at 8 pm MST on 4 Little Monsters and Me.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors!!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Planet Weidknecht is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Don't Miss These Giveaways

12/13/12

Win $50 Paypal or Amazon - A Hard Act to Follow Book Blast


A Hard Act to Follow by Henry Bushkin

"A Hard Act to Follow," is a non-fiction literary account of Henry Bushkin's tenure as Johnny Carson's lawyer, business partner, and friend.  The book gives genuine insight into the 'Carson behind Johnny' with candid personal vignettes about the two, during the rollicking years when Johnny was the undisputed king of television.  This is an engaging, eye-opening, anecdote-packed story about a young lawyer and his client, one of the biggest celebrities in the country.  This funny, unfiltered account gives readers a look at the Johnny Carson that none but a select few really knew.

“A Hard Act to Follow” by Henry Bushkin provides a stirring account into Johnny Carson’s world—as told by Carson’s closest confidant.

The New Yorker article by Kenneth Tynan from 1978, included the following question and answer:
Tynan: When you’re at home, whom do you entertain?
Carson: My lawyer, Henry Bushkin, who’s probably my best friend.


Enter Below to Win!

Win a $20 iTunes Gift Card from GreatApps

With The Holiday season quickly approaching, the question lurking in everyone’s mind is “what do I get my loved ones?” We all dread those insanely long lines but now, you can purchase the perfect gift for everyone on your list you with no lines at all. This Holiday Season - give the gift of apps and GreatApps.com can help you decide which ones might be the best.

The GreatApps.com platform showcases apps to people who may have never thought to search for them. GreatApps.com offers a broad selection of apps in all fields including gaming, business, education, music, sports, and over 50 other categories that you can choose from! Avoid the overwhelming crowds and treat yourself to exclusive showcasing in just a few clicks, on GreatApps.com.
Check out the current top 5 Apps: 
Cloud2You
Mobile Mouse 
FlySmacker 
Alphatots 
Trringg

Don’t forget to treat yourself to the season’s most appropriate app, the Santa Sidekick, that will help you do all of the following: keep you on track with Christmas budgets, update lists and letters, log naughty and nice behaviors, and count you down until the big day! We all need a hand during the Holidays, so give yourself a treat, help Santa out a little, and do it all with GreatApps.com!
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. Gift Card provided by GreatApps.

Win a $20 iTunes Gift Card!
Thanks to GreatApps.com I get to give away a $20 iTunes Gift Card. To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. Only the first entry is mandatory; bonus entries increase your chances to win. Giveaway ends at midnight ET on 12/20/2012. Good luck!

Book Review: Yours is the Day, Lord, Yours is the Night

Sometimes the hardest thing about praying is knowing what to say to the God who created me from nothing. I don't like for my prayers to sound like an outlandish wish list of fabulous things I want to happen in my life. Yes, we are supposed to ask God for everything, but who wants to sound like a whiny three year old? Jeanie and David Gushee have compiled a wonderful collection of prayers in "Yours is the Day, Lord, Yours is the Night." They've gone a step further than just compiling the prayers. It's a prayer guide designed to be followed with the days of the calendar, taking into account the Christian holidays, providing both a morning and evening prayer for each day. The prayers come from many sources and credit the prayer's author. The prayers are mostly very brief, making it easy to make prayer a part of your regular routine if that is something that's been challenging you. Beautifully hardbound, this book would be a perfect gift. I will definitely be putting this book to good use!

Win a $50 Famous Footwear Gift Card in the Voices of Victory Campaign

Famous Footwear has launched its Voices of Victory campaign. The campaign allows for people to create a free singing holiday greeting card to share with friends and family. Participants will also add their names to Famous Footwear’s large greeting card to try to break the Guinness World Record for the most contributions to a greeting card! If the record is broken, Famous Footwear will donate $10,000 to the March of Dimes.
Famous Footwear created the Voices of Victory campaign to help bring families and communities together during the season of giving. Sending out greeting cards is a favorite family pastime and this is a quick, easy and free way to do so; and at the same time, the March of Dimes will benefit!
Click HERE to see mine!

Visit Facebook.com/FamousFootwear and click on the Voices of Victory tab to begin creating your card. You can create as many singing cards as you’d like, but your greeting will only be added to the Guinness World Record list once. You can also enter to win their $100 Famous Footwear Gift Card Giveaway. Then make sure you enter my giveaway too!

Win a $50 Famous Footwear Gift Card!
Planet Weidknecht is pleased to be promoting this fabulous campaign and to encourage you to participate, I'm giving away a $50 Famous Footwear Gift Card below! To enter, just fill in the simple Rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. My giveaway ends at midnight ET on 12/20/2012. Good luck and have fun!
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Gift card provided by Famous Footwear.

Rickland Orchards Greek Yogurt Bars - Review

Holiday snacking has begun! Our homes are filled with cookies of all kinds, pies of many flavors and melty-chocolatey treats. Sick of it yet? It doesn't take long to realize that all those wonderful goodies are slowing you down and making you gain weight! At least, that's what I discovered. I was excited when a whole box of Rickland Orchards Greek Yogurt Coated Granola Bars arrived at my door because I needed a break from all those delicious holiday treats. Little did I know how delicious these healthy snacks would taste!
Since I had eight flavors to try, I cut the Greek Yogurt Bars into thirds for sampling. The flavors are Blueberry Acai, Cherry Almond, Toasted Coconut, Cranberry Almond, Apple and Honey, Orchard Peach, Peanut Butter, and Strawberry. These all natural granola bars are made with honey roasted granola and fruit, then dipped and drizzled with a Greek yogurt coating. Each is under 200 calories and is a great source of fiber and protein.
Rickland Orchard Greek Yogurt Bars are absolutely delicious. I liked all eight flavors and so did everyone else in my family. I actually ended up cutting all the yogurt bars that I received into thirds and put them in a glass truffle dish on my counter top. They are so pretty and it looks like I spent hours making a special dessert. My family is eating them up like crazy. I'm grinning because I know they are healthy snacks!
I'm very impressed and definitely recommend Rickland Orchards Greek Yogurt Bars. Do you think your family would notice if you replaced your holiday cookies with these stealthy and healthy little "cookie bars" from Rickland Orchards?
Find out more at www.ricklandorchards.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can purchase online or look for them in your local Albertsons, HEB, Kroger, Sam's, Costco, and many other stores!
Disclosure: I received these products at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

12/12/12

Win a Faux Fur Infinity Scarf - Giveaway


Welcome to the 
Hoppin’ For The Holidays Giveaway Hop 
hosted by MamaNYC! 

Christmas is coming and we’re all starting to think about holiday gifts, decorating, and snuggling up under the mistletoe. Many bloggers have gathered together to bring our readers some amazing prizes so after you enter this giveaway, visit all the blogs on the linky list below! This event will run from December 13-29th, which means you will have plenty of time to enter all of our giveaways. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

My prize is...
a Faux Fur Infinity Scarf
from Soft Surroundings!
(ARV $49.95)
Oh my goodness! My new Faux Fur Infinity Scarf from Soft Surroundings is my favorite fashionista accessory in my entire closet. It's soft, snuggly, smooth, warm, comfortable, flirty, elegant, sexy, fashionable, versatile, and absolutely fabulous! Since it's an infinity scarf, it's one big loop of incredibly amazing faux fur that can be twisted or doubled any direction.
The variations of color go from white to cream to tan to gray to brown to black, so it goes with nearly everything in my wardrobe. I can wear it doubled down in front, over a shoulder, or even dangling romantically down my back. It totally dresses up my sparkly little black dress, but even rocks my blue jeans! The quality of this Faux Fur Infinity Scarf is amazing. The fur is fantastically realistic and it's so heavenly soft.
Soft Surroundings offers an entire line of women's clothing, plus jewelry, shoes and boots, beauty and fragrance products, gourmet gifts, furniture and home decor for every room of your house. It's the perfect place to do all your holiday shopping! Visit www.softsurroundings.com to explore and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Then enter below to win a Faux Fur Infinity Scarf for yourself!
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.
Win a Faux Fur Infinity Scarf from Soft Surroundings!
To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. Only the first entry is mandatory; bonus entries increase your chances to win. Giveaway ends at midnight ET on 12/29/2012. Good luck!

Win $50 Amazon or Paypal - Sally Smith O'Rourke Book Blast

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen

Was Mr. Darcy real? Is time travel really possible? For pragmatic Manhattan artist Eliza Knight the answer to both questions is absolutely, Yes! And Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley Farms, Virginia is the reason why! His tale of love and romance in Regency England leaves Eliza in no doubt that Fitz Darcy is the embodiment of Jane Austen’s legendary hero. And she’s falling in love with him. But can the man who loved the inimitable Jane Austen ever love average, ordinary Eliza Knight? Eliza’s doubts grow, perhaps out of proportion, when things start to happen in the quiet hamlet of Chawton, England; events that could change everything. Will the beloved author become the wedge that divides Fitz and Eliza or the tie that binds them?

Praise for Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen
O’Rourke’s sequel to The Man Who Loved Jane Austen brings the reader a skillfully choreographed romance and smartly old-fashioned love story that is poignant and completely enthralling, while being laden with well-researched details to satisfy any Austen fan.
~Regina Jeffers
Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen is a sweet Austen related romance with a time travel twist.
I felt the author captured Jane Austen's voice very well and I enjoyed reading her thoughts and reactions as the story flowed.
~Naida the Bookworm
Imaginative, fresh and endearing. Well done!
~Ann Channon (Jane Austen House Museum)

Purchase - Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Smashwords

Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage

With its rough gray shingles and weathered slate roof, Sea Pines cottage seems, at first glance, past its prime. But inside this remote fisherman's house, a driftwood fire crackles in the fireplace, brightly colored rugs cover the floor, and cozy cushions dot the worn, welcoming furniture. A young man named Robert has retreated after the war, planning to spend his days writing, tending to the local lighthouse, and nursing his injuries. For company, he adopts a young Golden Retriever puppy named Meteor. Robert and Meteor spend months in quiet companionship, until the day Robert rescues a young woman from a storm at sea. Strong-willed and intelligent, Laura sees past Robert's injuries to the proud, passionate man beneath, and--with some matchmaking help from Meteor--they begin a new life together at the cottage. But even Meteor's tireless devotion can't protect his cherished family from all of life's unexpected challenges--hurdles that will teach each of them lessons of courage, faith, friendship, and the enduring love that can sustain us through life's coldest seasons. 

Praise for Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage
This story is unashamedly a sweet love story, perfect for a Christmas read, and will bring a tear to the eye of even the most cynical of us!
~Anne
I just knew from the moment I read the forward that this was going to be a very sweet and touching story. And I was right!
~Sophia Rose

Purchase - Amazon * Barnes and Noble

ENTER BELOW TO WIN!

Wedne$day Wealth Giveaway Link Up

Happy 12-12-12!
Link up your giveaways
and enter to win some great stuff!

12/11/12

Win $100 Amazon or Paypal - The Jelly Bean Crisis Book Blast

The Jelly Bean Crisis by Jolene Stockman

A total meltdown. The whole school watching. Now Poppy’s an ex-straight-A with no Plan B. When Poppy Johnson throws away a full scholarship to Columbia, she can only blame the jelly beans. The yucky green ones? Midnight cram sessions and Saturday’s spent studying. The delicious red? The family legacy: Columbia, and a future in finance. Except now it’s starting to look like Poppy’s jelly bean theory is wrong. School has been her life until, but maybe it’s time to start living now. Poppy has thirty days to try a new life. No school, no studying. Just jumping into every possible world. Thirty days to find her passion, her path, and maybe even love. The Jelly Bean Crisis is officially on.

Praise for The Jelly Bean Crisis

"The Jelly Bean Crisis is a heart warming and thought provoking story, especially if you're in the process of figuring out your life!"  - Ajoop On Books!

"This book had me riveted. Completely riveted the entire time. The Jelly Bean Crisis was instant love for me."  - Book Briefs.

"It's a beautifully told story that you'll be thinking about long after you finish reading."  - A Pocket Full of Books.

If you're looking for a smart contemporary YA read, then The Jelly Bean Crisis is for you!

Purchase:  Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Amazon Kindle

***Book Blast Special***
Get your Kindle copy of The Jelly Bean Crisis for 99 cents!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Jelly-Bean-Crisis-ebook/dp/B008PODAAK

ENTER BELOW TO WIN!

Get Featured - Valentine's Day Gift Guide


I'm creating a Valentine's Day Gift Guide
focusing on Gifts for Him and Gifts for Her.
Think love and romance.
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Ology Healthy Home Products from Walgreens - Review

Walgreens has just launched a brand new line of healthy home products called Ology. Available exclusively in Walgreens nationwide, Ology products are free of harmful chemicals. They are also very affordable. I got the Ology Glass Cleaner, Ology All Purpose Cleaner, Ology Paper Towels and Ology Facial Tissue at my local Walgreens store for less than $15 total.
Ology environmentally-friendly products line also includes baby lotion, baby wash, liquid laundry detergent, liquid fabric softener, shampoo and conditioner, light bulbs, toilet paper and even copy paper. Ology paper products are 100% tree-free and made from readily-renewable resources.
I put my four Ology products to the test and I like them very much! The cleaners smell really good, work very well, and don't leave a chemical smell in the air. The box of facial tissue is a really cute design and the tissues work just as well as any other I've ever used. I used the paper towels with the cleaners and although they aren't as soft as some other paper towels I've used, they are just as absorbent.
I love it when companies strive to meet the needs of consumers and I think it's great that Walgreens has created Ology. Every little step we take towards caring for our families and our environment is important. And I can really appreciate the affordability of Ology products! You can find out more about Ology at www.walgreens.com and follow Ology on Facebook and Twitter.
Disclosure: I received a Walgreens gift card to purchase Ology in exchange for my honest review.

Hands-On Discovery Lab - Review


Kids love science! Grown-ups hate messes! With the Hands-On Discovery Lab from Learning Resources, kids can love messy science and grown-ups can breathe easier. This see-through plastic box has a removable lid for easy filling or emptying, plus rubber gloves that attach to the front side so the entire mess stays in the box. It's a fabulous idea and I love this product!
My preschoolers spied the Hands-On Discovery Lab sitting on the shelf and practically came unglued waiting until all their friends arrived so they could try it out. I have so many ideas for this box and thought we'd start with something not too messy so the children could learn the rules (for example, only the teacher gets to open the lid!). I filled it with popcorn kernels and let them take turns playing with it.
Then I added water to it so we could see whether popcorn kernels sink or float (the answer is: some sink, some float) and they each waited patiently for more turns to explore the water and popcorn kernels together. I love the way the gloves are attached to the box and I love that the lid actually sits inside the lip of the top of the box. The kids and I are currently working on a list of gooey combinations we want to try in the Discovery Lab. This would be an awesome holiday gift idea!
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Win the Hands-On Discovery Lab!
To enter, fill in the rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. Only the first entry is mandatory; bonus entries increase your chance to win. Giveaway ends at midnight ET on 12/16/2012. Good luck!

Fix-A-Flat's Ultimate 1-Step Kit - Review and Giveaway

When I was a teenager, I remember standing in our garage with arms folded, rolling my eyes as my dad attempted to show me how to change my tire if it should ever go flat. I admit now that I absolutely only looked like I was listening and figured if I ever got a flat tire, I'd just stand next to my car and look sweet until some guy stopped and changed it for me. Unfortunately, I'm no longer as cute as I was when I was a teenager. Fortunately, I have the Fix-A-Flat's Ultimate 1-Step Kit now! In seven minutes, I can just connect, inflate, and go.
This kit is very similar to the kits that manufacturers are using to replace spare tires and jacks in new vehicles. Sealant and air are injected through the same hose to repair and inflate a flat tire in seven minutes. The Inflator may also be used independently of the sealant to air up low tires. The 1-Step Kit includes an integrated dial gauge to ensure proper inflation and sealant refill is available. All parents should have this in their vehicles in case of a flat tire, especially during the holidays when auto clubs can take hours to arrive. Total peace of mind! The Fix-A-Flat Ultimate 1-Step is available at Wal-Mart for only $29.97. Find out more at www.fixaflat.com, follow them on Facebook and Twitter, then enter below to win Fix-A-Flat's Ultimate 1-Step Kit!
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.
Win Fix-A-Flat's Ultimate 1-Step Kit!
To enter, just fill in the form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. Only the first entry is mandatory; bonus entries increase your chances to win. Giveaway ends at midnight ET on 12/16/2012. Good luck!

Jesus Rx - Review

Looking for holiday gifts that will provide comfort and inspiration to someone every day? Jesus Rx is a wonderfully creative way to enjoy daily doses of Jesus. Created by Eva Popek, a Christian pharmacist who wanted to share more than worldly physical medicine, these brown glass "prescription bottles" are filled with pill-shaped laminated cards that share positive uplifting words of encouragement from God. Since Jesus is our Great Physician, his prescriptions can help heal the many hurts in our lives.
I received a jar of Jesus prescription for Speech, filled with verses that help me to focus on the way that I speak. For example, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18. It's a wonderful way to start each morning. Other available prescriptions include Fear, Peace, Love, Finances, Wisdom, Anger, Marriage, Forgiveness, Children, Doubt, and Joy. Shop at www.jesusrx.com, follow on Facebook and Twitter, then enter below to win your choice of one Jesus Rx!
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.
Win your choice of one Jesus Rx!
To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. Only the first entry is mandatory; bonus entries increase your chances to win. Giveaway ends at midnight ET on 12/16/2012. Good luck!

Sting the Scorpion #Texas #elfontheshelf

Sting the Scorpion Scrapbook






12/10/12

Win $50 Amazon or Paypal - Eve Hallows Book Blast

EVE HALLOWS AND THE BOOK OF SHRIEKS (BOOK 1)
For fourteen-year-old Eve Hallows, life can be summed up in one word—horrible.  She has the most horrible friends.  She lives in a horrible old castle.  Even her family is a bunch of horrible monsters. However, in the monster-inhabited world of Gravesville—a world where messages are sent through Ouija boards, jack-o’-lanterns get facials to suit their moods, and the worst thing Eve has to deal with are those annoying zombie tourists who overrun her favorite graveyard during the Halloween season—horrible means wonderful.  And everything for Eve is perfectly horrible. But her life is about to go head over heels when a mysterious group known as The Source starts terrorizing Gravesville.  Now she must move to the human world—where everything is opposite ... and for Eve, that's absolutely adorable!

ENTER BELOW TO WIN!

For the Hands-On Creatives

Anyone with a line of credit or some cash can buy a few cards and some gifts for loved ones, but store-bought gifts often lack creativity. If you possess artistic talent, the holidays provide an opportunity to highlight that talent and create memorable, unique gifts for your loved ones. Whether your skill is painting, graphic design, photography or even cinematography you can treat your loved ones to gifts they will cherish. Here are several ideas just for you.

Creating Cards

Holiday photo cards are more meaningful and personal than store-bought holiday cards. In some cases, they may even be less expensive. To create these, choose a photo you have taken, or take a new one, and upload it to your computer. Add enhancements and designs using your photo editing software. If you are using a customizing site, upload the photo to the site and choose your card template. Add text and check out the proof to make sure it looks as you wish it. In lieu of a photo, you can hand-paint your cards, or scan some of your paintings into your computer and use those paintings for printing all of your cards.

Creating Short Films

You can create short films as individual gifts for people or for showing at family holiday gatherings. Make it as you would any short film, and add sentimental or comedic aspects to the script that are relevant for your family. You could even “hire” a couple of family members to act in the film and make it into a “This is Your Life” type of film. Alternatively, you can use old family photographs in the video and create a video collage of memorable moments, set to music.

Creating Customized Creative Gifts

Thanks to many sites that offer customization, it is easy to put your designs and artwork on many different kinds of items. Put your own designs or photos on t-shirts, mobile phone cases, mouse pads, coffee mugs, puzzles and more. Choose the design you want to use, the item you want to customize and place your order in time to receive the gifts by the Holidays.

Framed Artwork

If you are a photographer or artist, choose a photo or painting you believe the recipient will appreciate. Have it professionally framed or frame the piece yourself. Add a small note card with a poem, or prose that explains the photo or painting and why you chose it or created it as a gift for that special person.

#spon

Four New Winners on Planet Weidknecht

Congratulations to four new winners!

Active Accessories On The Go Pouch - 
Rochelle Johnson

$50 American Express Gift Card - 
Jennifer Rote

$50 American Express Gift Card - 
Hannah Avery

CorsetChick Corset Top - 
Krista Grandstaff


Thanks for entering my giveaways!
Enter more HERE!

12/9/12

Win $50 Amazon or Paypal - Christmas Ever After Book Blast

Christmas Ever After by Elyse Douglas

Can 26-year-old JENNIFER TAYLOR overcome her past—the death of her fiancé that has left her bitter and angry? Will she accept the gift of an adventure from a mysterious woman before it’s too late: a trip to New York City on Christmas Eve, where she’ll meet three men who will change her life forever?

Excerpt:

Suddenly, everything seemed to happen at once, and in slow motion. Mrs. Stanton stepped in front of the shop, stabbing away at the snow with her cane. Jennifer’s back tires slid away into chaos. It was as if the world was spinning away from her. She frantically fought for control of the car, but the steering wheel became useless. She was slipping away toward the east wall of Cards N’ Stuff.  Jennifer held her breath. Just then, Mrs. Stanton’s left foot found an unfortunate old patch of ice beneath the newly fallen snow. She felt it give way, and her cane, which should have been a support, slipped from her hand and sailed away into a snowdrift. Jennifer watched in horror as Mrs. Stanton’s body lifted from the earth and rose like a great bird above the spread of undulating snow. She seemed suspended in time. For a brief hopeful moment, Jennifer had the irrational belief that she could somehow scramble from her car and rescue Mrs. Stanton, as one would rescue a priceless fragile vase falling from a great height. But there was no rescue. There was no one to catch Mrs. Stanton and there was no one to stop Jennifer’s car from its collision course with the garbage cans in the alleyway, and the inevitable impact into the side of the building. Mrs. Stanton’s body finally hit the snow, like a massive meteorite striking the earth. The impact threw up a plume of whiteness. The crater was deep and impressive. Mrs. Stanton let out an almighty howl that scattered chirping sparrows into the trees. Her yell was eclipsed by Jennifer’s car slamming into the garbage cans, and colliding into the side wall of Cards N’ Stuff. Then there was silence. But only a brief one.
Purchase - Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Smashwords

ENTER BELOW TO WIN!

Strike a Match Glass Match Holder - Review


Need a great gift for someone who has everything? Check out Strike a Match and see all their glass match holders. On the front of each glass holder is a match striker in a variety of different shapes - star, heart, moon, snowflake, ribbon bow, and more.
You can choose from a burgundy or green match striker shape and replacement strikers are included. It also comes with kitchen-size wooden matches. Strike a Match makes a great gift for those who like to use matches to light candles, incense, cigars, or the fireplace.
This is a wonderful holiday gift idea. It looks fabulous on my fireplace hearth. Shop at www.strikeamatch.us, follow them on Facebook, and then enter below to win your choice of any Strike a Match Glass Match Holder!
Win a Strike a Match Glass Match Holder!
To enter, just fill in the contest form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. Only the first entry is mandatory; bonus entries increase your chances to win! Giveaway ends at midnight ET on 12/15/2012. Good luck!

Mrs. Smith's Pies for the Holidays - Review

This post brought to you by Mrs. Smith's . All opinions are 100% mine.
A homemade pie is not something I'm good at making. I've made one or two in my life, but they were disasters. That's one reason I can really appreciate Mrs. Smith’s pies. They always look beautiful and taste delicious. Since they are pre-baked and can simply be defrosted for serving, it's perfect for families who are busy too.
Dutch Apple Pie is a favorite in my house, but Mrs. Smith's pies come in lots of varieties including blueberry, cherry, pumpkin, coconut, peach and sweet potato pie. Pretty enough to give as a holiday gift, Mrs. Smith's pies are made from high quality ingredients right here in the USA.
Another reason I appreciate Mrs. Smith's pies is their commitment to supporting Operation Homefront by donating one dollar from every pie sold this November and December. They even provided them with lots of pies for Thanksgiving!

Mrs. Smith's also set up a Holiday Microsite where you can keep in touch with friends and family by creating and sending an e-card. Each ecard includes a free coupon for the sender and receiver! I sent out several e-cards and their site is so easy to use. Go check out the holiday e-card creator.
My family thoroughly enjoyed the Dutch Apple Pie from Mrs. Smith's. The pie crust is definitely one of the most delicious I've ever tasted and I don't usually even like the crust on pies. We will definitely be getting future pies from Mrs. Smith's!
WIN A MRS. SMITH'S PIE COUPON!
Would you like to win a coupon for a FREE Mrs. Smith's pie? To enter, just leave a blog post comment below, telling me which pie you want to try from their flavors listed at www.mrssmiths.com. Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter too. One entry per person, open to US residents age 18 and up. Giveaway ends at midnight ET on 12/15/2012.