Here, Home, Hope by author Kaira Rouda ~ Review

Here, Home, Hope by author Kaira Rouda is the fictional story of one woman's courageous journey through midlife crisis and personal reinvention - all told with a sense of heart and humor.

Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her ordinary middle-American existence and her neighbors’ seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding but exhausting. Meanwhile, Kelly’s own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.

Here, Home, Hope will surely appeal to readers of chick lit and other women’s fiction titles who are ready to transition into something new in their own life.



Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us and The Stormchasers, and one of Oprah’s Thirty Favorite Women Writers


”Reading Kaira Rouda is like getting together with one of your best friends – fun, fast, and full of great advice! Here, Home, Hope sparkles with humor and heart.”

Visit KairaRouda.com to learn more about the author on her bio page and read more about the novel here.


Kaira is currently on a national book tour - check out the schedule to see if she's coming to your area. 


Thank you to One2One for providing this book for me to review.

Tiny Prints Business Cards ~ Cards At Conference

BlogHer is coming soon - time to think about all the little details. Time to get everything ironed out.

When it comes to conferences, one of the most important aspects is networking. I'll be representing my sponsor, myself, and my blog.

Even in this digital age, business cards are one of the most important tools in connecting with people. It's your business handshake that can be carried away and associated with your meeting.

Your card says a lot about you and you want your card to reflect your personal style & personality. I'll be carrying Tiny Prints business cards. That alone says style. I'll keep my cards simple & clear with a dash of cute.

I'll have cards going out and cards coming in. Keeping an organized system for my cards, not only helps me stay sane, but is good for my overall presentation and speaks to how I handle myself in other areas.

I'll be keeping it together in a cute little wristlet. With two compartments it will serve it's purpose perfectly :) 

Tiny Prints provides stylish, modern and unique stationery that cover all your paper needs. You'll find summer party invitations, personalized greeting cards, thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations. Come try the easy card personalization, powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality for yourself! With Tiny Prints by your side, commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch.

This is a compensated post through Global Influence & Tiny Prints. I will receive product. All views are my own.

Dad can remember Mother's Day too :)

-

Mother's Day is almost here. In our home, Daddy takes the kids out to buy a gift for me for Mother's Day. In recent years, he also has a gift for me from him. Normally flowers. It's very nice that he acknowledge me and says thank you for being a Mother of our children.

With toys for couples, sexy lingerie, sensual products, Dad can remember Mother's Day too!

While gifts from EdenFantasys aren't what you might typically think of as Mother's Day gifts, they certainly can be. Flowers can't give massages!

Create a romantic evening, or just purchase products for Mom's me time.

EdenFantasys offers free shipping on orders $59 and over.

Home Ec 101 — Skills for Everyday Living ~ REVIEW

Whether it's cleaning grout, stocking a pantry, reducing a recipe, dealing with chocolate in the carpet or retrieving jewelry dropped down the drain, Home-Ec 101 will help readers feel confident in managing the domestic challenges of everyday life. The information will be easy to use and written with the same witty style and attitude readers love on the blog, home-ec101.com. Charts, tips, sidebars and "Dear Home Ec 101" letters cover all the details readers need to know to keep their homes clean and in good repair.

In this book, Heather teaches us how to Clean it, Wash it , Fix it , Cook it. She walks us through getting started, tools we'll need, scheduling it, when to do what, techniques, and pep talks :)

Who is Heather? She's the author. Heather Solos created home-ec101.com in 2007. The site had nearly 400,000 visitors in 2009. The website and the author have been featured by StrollerDerby, ParentDish, Lowcountry Parent, The Post and Courier, and ReadCharlie. The website was also cited as a reference in Woman's Day Magazine. Solos has served as a featured blogger on Type-A Mom and Blissfully Domestic. Hidden by her monitor, Heather Solos is charming, a little snarky, and can answer household questions with the greatest of ease. In public, she's a little shy and happiest at the nerd's table riffing on web tech and shiny toys over beer and nachos. At home in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, she's a writer and blogger. She stays busy with four kids and a patient husband who doesn't seem to mind living in a test kitchen where food must be photographed before it is served :))

Home Ec- 101 is fun & easy to read. Feels like you're reading a cheat sheet that my Grandma & Betty Crocker sat down to create. In fact, you feel like you're learning a dieing art - practical care of all things to do with home. The only thing I would have like to see in this book that wasn't there - gardening & canning/pickling. Everything else is in there.

There are wonderful charts - homemade cleaning solutions, dangerous chemical combinations, emergency preparedness checklist, & measurement conversion chart.

A plethora of tips.

It's one of those books that is fun just to flip though the pages randomly and see what you find. Last night I was flipping through and found a helpful tip that I wish I would have known before and I imagine will be helpful to some of you at some point. Ok - Baking Powder - a leavening agent used to increase the volume and lighten the texture of baked goods. Without it, your muffins will be flat as a pancake. Have you ever had that happen? Making muffins , cakes, or biscuits that are just flat? I have - it ruins the recipe & wastes all the other ingredients. To solve the problem, write the purchase date on the lid when you buy it. Typically a tin should last four months if stored in a cool, dry place. If there is a question, put a teaspoon of baking powder into a cup of warm water - if it bubbles, it's active. If not it's time for a new tin but at least you save wasting a batch of whatever you're making.

In between all of this wonderful information, are reader questions - sent in by people just like us. Some are common question, others not so much. Always a smart answer with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure!

* Vacuum Regularly - vacuum deeply a minimum of once a week. For each person or pet in the household, add an additional day to sweep though quickly.

* Sorting Stripes - when in doubt what color to wash with, wash in cold with the darker of the stripe colors.

* Never use water on an electrical or grease fire!

*Don't adjust the temperature - increasing the oven temp is not a shortcut - you only end up with burnt or over cooked outer & raw or undercooked inner.

For these and many, many more tips to help improve your skills for everyday living, grab yourself a copy! Makes a perfect gift for a new home owner, new Mother, or child going off to college!

Thanks to One2One network for the review opportunity!



Valentine's Day Reminder ~ Eden Fantasys

Valentine's Day is almost here.

I don't know about you, but every January I'm on a quest to come up with ideas to create a special Valentine's Day celebration.

If you're on that same quest, let EdenFantasys help you make it special.

They offer products to suit every taste from mild to wild. Sensual Love, Toys, Aphrodisiacs, Lingerie, Candles, Oils , Lotion - everything you need to adventure with your partner.

Make this Valentine's Day exciting & new with EdenFantasys!

Get a free gift with any order and enjoy complete privacy in billing & delivery.

Book Review - Cinch! Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches by Cynthia Sass

I just finished reading the book. I 'm actually starting the plan next week.

After reading Cinch!, it sounds totally do-able. I normally do a cleanse after the holidays, but this year I'm breastfeeding and can't do my normal cleanse. However, I can do Cinch! and it sounds very clean to me.

This is a month long program that is broken down into two parts.

Part one is a 5-day  Fast Forward plan designed to jump start your metabolism. This 5-day plan focuses on 5 powerhouse foods - almonds, raspberries, spinach, yogurt, & eggs (with vegan alternatives). Each of these foods was carefully selected for their impact on weight loss. This part of the plan can help you to loose 8lbs in 5 days - while providing rich nutrition and satisfying meals.

Part two is a 25 day plan designed to help you tune into your mind-body connection, feeding your body what it needs while helping you lose body fat, transform your emotional relationship with food, reshape your body, and give you all the tools you need to be successful and enjoy yourself in the process. In this part of the plan  meals are constructed using a super easy "puzzle" format consisting of five pieces: produce, a filling whole grain, a complementary lean protein, a flavorful plant-based fat, and selected fat-burning seasonings. Plus, chocolate everyday!


In Cinch! you will discover:

Why a daily dose of chocolate can save your life


How to drop pounds fast without counting calories or starving yourself

The lasting joy of increased self-confidence

More energy

Anti-aging benefits

Better digestion and sleep

Healthier, better-looking skin and hair

Fewer mood swings

Dozens of delicious recipes

I actually love the menu and like the idea that this plan will help re-shape the way you think about food. It's goal is to make you more conscious about what you put in your mouth.

My Mom & I will be doing Cinch! together - I can't wait to get started! Wish me luck!

Thank you to One2One Network for providing me with this review

Yoplait Save Lids Save Lives GIVEAWAY

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within her lifetime; that's 12 percent of all women who will be personally impacted by the disease. This Spark is to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. When participating in Yoplait's Save Lids to Save Lives® program, you too can make a difference.

How Can You Help Contribute to the Cause?

Yoplait makes it easy for people to participate in the fight against breast cancer by saving and mailing in their pink lids from Yoplait yogurt cups. For every pink lid mailed in by December 31, 2009, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, up to $1.5 million, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000.

In addition, you can visit YourLidMatters.com to create online lid collection teams. You can also engage and inspire friends, family and colleagues to join the cause. During the past 11 years, Yoplait has donated more than $22 million to the breast cancer cause through Save Lids to Save Lives and other initiatives, and last year, participants across the country helped Yoplait meet its $1.5 million donation goal to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

So easy and yummy to help - all you have to do is eat oh so good Yoplait yogurt! So what are you waiting for?? Your lid matters.

WIN IT!!!

One lucky winner will receive "Promise to Make a Difference" gift that will include a free coupon for Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt, a breast cancer awareness bracelet, and a leather jewelry case.

MAIN ENTRY:

Tell me what you think of Yoplait's Save Lids Save Lives campaign :)

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) ( 5 bonus entries) -MUST BE ENTERED THROUGH THIS BLOG

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link ( 3 bonus entries )

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Yoplait "Save Lids Save Lives" Prize Pack GIVEAWAY ends 11.18 http://bit.ly/3CxxVV ( 2 bonus entries )

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on November 18th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)

Thank you to MyBlogSpark and Yoplait , who provided me with this information, product and gift

True Blue by David Baldacci GIVEAWAY 5 winners!!

A mysterious high-profile homicide in the nation's capital collides with the dark side of national security in David Baldacci's new, heart-stopping thriller. TRUE BLUE Mason "Mace" Perry was a firebrand cop on the D.C. police force until she was kidnapped and framed for a crime. She lost everything-her badge, her career, her freedom-and spent two years in prison. Now she's back on the outside and focused on one mission: to be a cop once more. Her only shot to be a true blue again is to solve a major case on her own, and prove she has the right to wear the uniform.

But even with her police chief sister on her side, she has to work in the shadows: A vindictive U.S. attorney is looking for any reason to send Mace back behind bars. Then Roy Kingman enters her life.

Roy is a young lawyer who aided the poor until he took a high-paying job at a law firm in Washington. Mace and Roy meet after he discovers the dead body of a female partner at the firm. As they investigate the death, they start uncovering surprising secrets from both the private and public world of the nation's capital. Soon, what began as a fairly routine homicide takes a terrifying and unexpected turn-into something complex, diabolical, and possibly lethal.

About Author

David Baldacci lives with his family in Virginia. He and his wife have founded the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. He invites you to visit him at http://davidbaldacci.com/ and his foundation at http://www.wishyouwellfoundation.org/, and to look into its program to spread books across America .

You can purchase a copy for yourself at Amazon.com also on shelves near you or...

WIT IT!!!

Win a copy right here :) I have 5 copies to giveaway!!

MAIN ENTRY:

Just comment on why you'd like to win a copy :)

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) ( 5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link ( 3 bonus entries )

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Book GIVEAWAY!! True Blue by David Baldacci 5 winners!! http://bit.ly/17RPES ( 2 bonus entries )

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on November 19th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Disclaimer: Hachette Book Groups provided me with a review copy, and will provide 5 copiesfor one winner as well. These views are my own , I was not paid for this review.

General Mills "Movie Moment” prize pack GIVEAWAY!!

Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of General Mills Cereals. After purchasing two cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the code found inside each box of cereal and print your free movie certificate good for admission to any movie.

Participating brands include select sizes of: Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Trix and Reese’s Peanut Butter Puffs.

To find a participating theater near you, log onto
http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.

To help promote the General Mills see a movie cash promotion, I have a fun prize pack to giveaway!

WIN IT!!!

One luck winner will receive a “Movie Moment” prize pack that includes 4 movie cash certificates ($12 each) and one (1) free coupon for a General Mills cereal. Good for a great movie night for the family :)

MAIN ENTRY:

Tell me your favorite movie moment - either from a movie, or memory involving a movie :)

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) ( 5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link ( 3 bonus entries )

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Win a Movie Moment” prize pack - for a night at the movies with the family :) http://bit.ly/1law43 ( 2 bonus entries )

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on November 14th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Disclaimer: MyBlogSparks provided me with a review copy, and will provide a copy for one winner as well. These views are my own , I was not paid for this review.

Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer GIVEAWAY!! 5 copies!!!

Jonathan Safran Foer spent much of his teenage and college years oscillating between omnivore and vegetarian. But on the brink of fatherhood-facing the prospect of having to make dietary choices on a child's behalf-his casual questioning took on an urgency. His quest for answers ultimately required him to visit factory farms in the middle of the night, dissect the emotional ingredients of meals from his childhood, and probe some of his most primal instincts about right and wrong. Brilliantly synthesizing philosophy, literature, science, memoir and his own detective work, Eating Animals explores the many fictions we use to justify our eating habits-from folklore to pop culture to family traditions and national myth-and how such tales can lull us into a brutal forgetting.

Watch below as Jonathan speaks with Ellen about his new book.

Hard hitting and honest. This tour de force informs and delights, challenging us to explore what is to often conveniently brushed aside. Eating Animals is a story about the stories we've told and the stories we need to tell.

You can purchase a copy at Amazon.com, or ...

WIN IT!!!

Right here. I have five copies to giveaway to five lucky winners!!

MAIN ENTRY:

Tell me your favorite food or dish that could be considered vegan :)

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link ( 3 bonus entries )

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Win a copy of "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer http://bit.ly/28n9J4

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on November 20th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Disclaimer: Hachette Book Group provided me with a review copy, and will provide a copy for five winners as well. These views are my own , I was not paid for this review.

"Lights, Camera, Color!" Crayola Prize Pack GIVEAWAY!!

Whether it’s a family vacation, a birthday celebration or a momentous moment on the soccer field, “Lights, Camera, Color” makes kids photos one for the books – personalized, one-of-a-kind coloring books, that is. Here is some information about the program:

*Crayola’s “Lights, Camera, Color,” the only application of its kind for kids, was created to bring online and offline creativity together to inspire kids to color and create in a whole new way!

*The kid-friendly, easy-to-use online application at Crayola.com allows children to upload their digital photos and transform them into unique coloring pages, then add fun designs and pictures that turn them into totally customized creations.

*Specially-marked Crayola crayon boxes (48, 64, 96, 120-ct. as well as the 150-ct. Crayon Tower) will include a code that lets you print custom coloring pages.

* Kids and moms can try out the application for free online at Crayola.com/colorme at anytime, but a code is required to print out the personalized coloring pages. Each code found in 64-count boxes and larger is good for six months of unlimited prints. The 48-count box has a code that is good for three months of unlimited prints.

I am excited to offer you a special one-day pass so you can experience the magic of “Lights, Camera, Color” for yourselves. Please feel free to use this code : PRT77F3S @Crayola.com/colorme

To add to the online fun, kids will be able to make their own creatures using their photos with the “Body Builder” tool and their own machines with the “Gizmo Gears” application. Add these crazy creations to the “Lights, Camera, Color” one-of-a-kind coloring pages and you’ve got the ultimate coloring book because you are the star!

Here’s how kids (and ahem moms) can transform their memories into customized coloring pages:
-Upload a new or existing digital photo onto the “Lights, Camera, Color” application at Crayola.com/colorme.
-Print out your coloring page or save and send it to Coloring Page Maker to customize with fun graphics.
-Choose a background: you can choose from several including a desert, a beach, a haunted house and more.
-Add props such as a hat, mustache, wings, etc.
-Select words/phrases: “Best Friends,” “Kids Only,” “All Star” to name just a few.
-Save and print.

Go and start coloring your one-of-a-kind creation.

What fun huh? We have already had lots of fun at Crayola.com. It's very kid friendly and Julien can pretty much navigate on his own. He likes that he can make his own creations out of familiar faces. He really liked drawing slime coming out of his cousin Hayden's nose!

And the crayon tower - eat your heart out most coveted Golden box of 64 with the sharpener! One word - DELUXE!

WIN IT!!!

One lucky winner will receive a Crayola 150-count Telescoping Crayon Tower that includes your “Lights, Camera, Color” code for six-months of unlimited prints. Woo Hoo!

MAIN ENTRY:

Tell me who this will make a nice gift for if you win :)

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link ( 3 bonus entries )

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Win a "Lights, Camera, Color!" Crayola Prize Pack http://bit.ly/4cgisR ( 2 bonus entries )

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on November 14th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Disclaimer: MyBlogSparks provided me with a review copy, and will provide a copy for one winner as well. These views are my own , I was not paid for this review.

GIVEAWAY - Hollywood Moon by Joseph Wambaugh - 5 WINNERS!!

The cops of Hollywood Station don’t police your typical cop beat. Midgetws-for-hire, meth tweakers, steroid-pumped monsters, costumed crackheads, drag queens and trannies populate the boulevards and back streets of Los Angeles’ most surreal precinct. Even dead hobos writing checks from beyond the grave and an intimate assault with a Barbie doll are all in a day’s (or night’s) work.

The cops themselves aren’t exactly typical either. There’s Hollywood Nate, who still dreams of movie stardom but is worried that he’s too good-looking to be a character actor; Dana Vaughn, a tough no-nonsense cop who can’t stand the fact that her fellow officer Leon Callaway has turned from chauvinist pig to guardian angel since she saved his life; and Aaron Sloane, who has fallen head over heels in love with his beautiful, more experienced partner Sheila.

But there’s a darker side to Hollywood’s weirdness. All that glitz and glamour provide the perfect cover for the city’s underworld, and in a place where anything goes, even small-time crime can easily get out of control. Fraudster Dewey Gleason and his chain-smoking, wisecracking wife Eunice--the real mastermind of the pair--have a nice line in mail-box theft and stealing credit cards. But when they hatch an audacious kidnap plan without knowing that their hired help lives a double life as a serial sex attacker, things start to get very dangerous indeed.

“Wambaugh is the master of the modern police novel... full of the grit, humor and truth that makes it impossible to put down” Michael Connelly

“Slick, stylish and a hoot” Daily Mirror

“Wambaugh’s personalities and dialogue are utterly convincing. No one does this kind of book better” Sunday Telegraph

“Hilarious black comedy... The cops are all fabulous characters with an enviable turn of phrase and a way with street language that just zings off the page” Daily Express

“Deliriously entertaining fiction... rich in incident, anecdote and, especially, great characters” Observer

You can BUY a copy at Amazon.com or...

WIN IT!!!

You can win a copy right here, thanks to Hatchette Book Groups. I've got 5 copies to giveaway.

MAIN ENTRY:

Just tell me who would love to read this book if you win :)

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link ( 3 bonus entries )

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Win a copy of "HOLLYWOOD MOON" by Joseph Wambaugh 5 WINNERS!!!! http://bit.ly/3TQIqi ( 2 bonus entries)

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on November 14th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Disclaimer: Hachette Book Groups provided me with a review copy, and will provide five copies for five winners. These views are my own , I was not paid for this review.

Old El Paso "El Tacodor" prize pack GIVEAWAY

As if Taco Night wasn´t the best night of the week already, Old El Paso is giving it a whole new flare. El TacodorTM, the world´s only Family Taco Night Game, is a fun and easy way to keep your family laughing at the dinner table. Challenge family members to quick fire trivia, wordplay and pantomime, and share a laughter filled night at home.

It´s easy to play the El Tacodor Dinner Game. All you need are Old El Paso® taco fixings and a FREE game-ready El Tacodor Pack which includes instructions, a scorecard and a challenge sheet which you can download at http://www.eltacodor.com/, starting on Friday, October 2nd.

Some examples of the challenges include:

Crunch Time: Name at least 10 animated movies within 1 minute

Meat-N-Greet: Name 5 things that you´d bring home from your favorite vacation place and let the table guess where you traveled

Lettuce Play: Act out different animals - no noises! Your partner must guess 3

Lime Light: Cheer, "We love tacos, yes we do! We love tacos, how `bout you?"

Say Cheese: Pronounce the name of everyone at the table backwards!

BONUS* Enter the Old El Paso El Tacodor Sweepstakes for your chance to win $5,000 just for having fun with your family.El Tacodor is the world's only Family Taco Game Night that keeps everyone at the table. The more you play and participate, the more entries you earn. Just make sure your always logged in to get your entry points.Grand Prize: $5,000 (holy frijoles !).Two $300 prizes each month.15 Old El Paso gift certificates each week (good for your next Family Taco Night).

WIN IT!!!

One reader will win the "El Tacodor" prize pack which includes - information and a link to the El Tacodor game, as well as (2) two coupons to purchase Old El Paso dinner kits and a $10 gift card to purchase any additional meal needs (i.e. meat, cheese, lettuce, etc). Dinner compliments of Old El Paso and MyBlogSpark!!

MAIN ENTRY

Tell me your favorite part of Taco Night with your family. My kids would be happy if taco night were every night!

EXTRAS

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)


* follow Wishing Penny blog


* blog this post & leave a link


* grab my button


* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Win a Old El Paso "El Tacodor" prize pack! Complete taco night on the house! http://bit.ly/KLCts

*Favorite me at Technorati


Giveaway will end on November 1st at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Disclaimer: BlogSpark provided me this prize pack to review, and one for a winner. These views are my own , I was not paid for this review.

Win Michael Buble New Release " Crazy Love" - Now in Stores!

So I've finally got Harry feeling better and he's decided to go home. Thank you all for entering to win his new Cd release - I couldn't have done it without you :)

Now I have a another cute little treat for you all. Please, help me prevent him from getting upset like Harry did, and enter to win his new release "Crazy Love".

This is fun music. I've always liked the sounds of Michael Buble, but I rarely treat myself to a Cd. I am really glad I own this one.

Picture this - Indian Summer, windows open - nice breeze, me cooking dinner, little one lying on the floor coloring, Crazy Love playing through the house. Perfect.

Album Tracklisting:

1. Cry Me A River

2. All Of Me

3. Georgia On My Mind

4. Crazy Love

5. Haven't Met You Yet

6. All I Do Is Dream Of You

7. Hold On

8. Heartache Tonight

9. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You

10. Baby (You've Got What It Takes)

11. At This Moment

12. Stardust

13. Whatever It Takes (bonus track)

Sounds good huh? Yeah it is.

You can purchase a copy of Crazy Love at Amazon

WIN IT!!

One lucky reader will win a copy of Crazy Love :)

MAIN ENTRY

Just visit the Michael Buble site and tell me why you'd like to win his new Cd :)

EXTRAS

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Win a copy of "Crazy Love" the new CD release from Michael Buble http://bit.ly/Nkv1V

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on November 1st at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Thank you so much to One2One Network for providing a review copy of this CD for me and one for the winner of this contest. I was not paid for this review.

Yoplait YoPlus Light "Get Healthy" Prize Pack Giveaway

When juggling a hectic schedule of everyday life, it may be difficult to find the time for foods that will help keep you feeling on track. But, that doesn´t have to be the case anymore with the help of YoPlus Light yogurt, a quick, healthy snack that also helps regulate your digestive system without compromising calorie intake or taste!

With only 70 calories, YoPlus Light contains a special blend of probiotic cultures, 3 grams of natural dietary fiber and the same great taste you expect from Yoplait. Even better, YoPlus Light is now available in three new delicious flavors - Key Lime Pie, Honey Vanilla and Strawberry Banana - and is already available in supermarkets nationwide.

I love the Yoplait Yoplus digestive yogurt. You don't find added fiber in most probiotic yogurts. Improper digestion can lead to all sorts of health issues, so anything that aids digestion, is definitely a plus in my book. Yoplus is gluten free and uses whole milk not treated with rBST/rBGH (growth hormones).

Additionally, you can now download a $1.00 off coupon for YoPlus Light here: http://bricks.coupons.com/bstart.asp?o=57800&ci=1&c=GM&p=4XeBjIEi

WIN IT!!!

To help you maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, one lucky winner will receive a "Get Healthy" gift pack that includes a stylish sports bag, sports towel, ear buds and two free coupons* for any flavor of the new YoPlus Light yogurt. WOO HOO!

MAIN ENTRY:

Tell me your tips for maintaining healthy digestion.

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Win a Yoplait "GetHealthy" Prize Pack http://bit.ly/5SIZD #giveaway #glutenfree

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on October 26th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Disclaimer: BlogSpark provided me this prize pack to review, and I am under no obligation to write a review of the product. I am not under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free prize pack.

Tropical Traditions Organic Teeth Cleaner review & GIVEAWAY!!

See it hidden back there? Tropical Traditions Teeth Cleaner is a healthy alternative to fluoride toothpaste. That is a controversial subject that you can research and decide your stance. I personally feel that unwillingly put enough harmful stuff in my body, I most certainly do not want to willingly put any more in there.

This 100% natural cleaner for your teeth contains no fluoride and no foaming agents such as SLS. Along with Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, we have added other natural ingredients to clean your teeth naturally and help keep them white.

Without the non foaming agents, it is a change from what you're used to. The first few times you use it, you'll feel like you need to add more to your brush. But the non foaming agents added to most toothpaste is just another chemical that you really don't need. I love it PURE. SIMPLE. GOODNESS

WIN IT!!

One lucky winner will get to try Tropical Traditions Organic Teeth Cleaner!!

MAIN ENTRY

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions Newsletter

EXTRAS

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link (3 extra entries)

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest -RT @Jamaise Win a bottle of Tropical Traditions Organic Teeth Cleaner - healthy toothpaste :) http://bit.ly/nA0n7

*Favorite me at Technorati

*Hop over to Sweeps4Bloggers and enter to win a Tropical Traditions Aluminum-Free Deodorant - buy hurry! ends 10/17/09 ( 3 extra points)

Giveaway will end on October 24th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Thank you so much to Tropical Traditions for providing a review product for me and one for the winner of this contest. I was not paid for this review. Views are my own.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provides select bloggers with free samples of products to review, and these bloggers are under no obligation to write a review of the product. If they chose to review the product, they are not under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product samples.

Harry Connick Jr "Your Songs" New CD Release Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Your Songs is a studio album by American multi-platinum selling recording Jazz artist Harry Connick, Jr., released by Sony Music. The album was released on September 22nd. The album is a collaboration with Connick and record producer Clive Davis. This is Harry's 25th album!

This is a fun CD! All the tracks are songs you know and can sing along to, with Harry's smooth like butta crooner touch.

01. All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
02. Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
03. Cant Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis)
04. And I Love Her (The Beatles)
05. (They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
06. Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Much)
07. The Way You Look Tonight (Fred Astaire)
08. First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
09. Your Song (Elton John)
10. Some Enchanted Evening (from "South Pacific")
11. And I Love You So (Don McLean)
12. Who Can I Turn To (Tony Bennett)
13. Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
14. Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

See what I mean! All classic songs, ones I remember around the house growing up - it was fun to rediscover them on this CD.

Although I might not listen to this CD everyday, it is wonderful mood music and I'm glad I own it. It's the perfect music to have playing while cooking a big meal, with friends and family around. I might have to throw a dinner party just to try out my theory!

Be sure to check out Harry's website (listen to me - first name basis here) - http://www.harryconnickjr.com/
And his Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/harryconnickjr

Now for the fun part!

WIN IT!!!

One lucky reader will win a copy of Harry Connick Jr "Your Songs" !!

MAIN ENTRY:

Become a fan at Harry's (there I go again) Facebook

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest -RT @Jamaise Win a copy of Harry Connick Jr's new CD - "Your Songs" great mood music http://bit.ly/32a7E

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on October 17th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

Thank you so much to One2One Network for providing a review copy of this CD for me and one for the winner of this contest. I was not paid for this review.

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks"Simple Joys" Prize Pack GIVEAWAY!!

This is a fun giveaway Brought to you by My Blog Spark! I let Juju open the package when it arrived - he was happy as a bee :) I've never had a yo-yo he said. A yo-yo and fruit snacks! What more could you ask for ?! See why it's called "Simple Joys"? The package made his day. We played pick -up sticks and his Dad and he had fun learning to yo-yo.

Fruit snacks are a staple in our house. My niece Haylie just expects that I always have them in stock. Once I didn't have them when she came over, you would have thought there was something majorly wrong in the world! Again, a simple joy, all I have to do is keep fruit snacks around.

Our favorite brand of fruit snack is Betty Crocker. I personally like the texture better than the other major brand. Juju likes the fun shapes they offer. Like the create-a-bug ones that came in our pack, he has fun designing is own creepy bug, showing mom, and then gobbling them up. More "simple joy"!

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks provide a major joy for me - they are gluten free, which means a nice yummy, simple snack that I can always depend on. I so love Betty Crocker :)

We had fun with this one and the great people at My Blog Spark would like to share this simple joy with one of you!

WIN IT!!

One lucky reader will win a fun Fruit Snack Prize Pack like the one pictured above.

MAIN ENTRY:

Share with me one of your simple joys :)

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - jamaise RT @Jamaise Win a Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks "Simple Joys" Prize Pack http://bit.ly/4uZkmN #giveaway #glutenfree

*Favorite me at Technorati


Giveaway will end on October 16th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

COOMBS FAMILY FARMS Maple Goodies Review & GIVEAWAY

Fall is here and Maple always tastes so good in the fall. I guess because of all the warm oatmeal and pancake breakfasts. Plus it's rich, sweet, warm, earthy flavor just seems right in Fall.

We have a small sugarhouse not far from here and I remember touring it when I was young. It was neat to watch the process, from taking a drink of the sap straight from the tree, to having a warm cube of maple sugar. Good memories!

It takes 40 gallon of sap to make one gallon of syrup! So I know you all will appreciate this golden treat from the trees.

Plus Maple syrup has health benefits!! Yes - Maple syrup, as an excellent source of manganese and a good source of zinc, which can be sweet for your health.
*Maple Syrup Is Sweet On Your Heart

*Maple Syrup Benefits Your Immune Systems

*Men Benefit From Maple Syrup Reproductively

And, Maple syrup is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of goitrogens, oxalates, or purines.

For seven generations, Coombs Family Farms has produced 100% pure, great tasting, maple syrup by taking special care of their ancient maple trees. My grandfather said, "There are no shortcuts to creating pure maple syrup,do right by the forest, and it'll do right by you." Today, they continue this approach, and proudly support other small maple farmers who share our commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and sustainable forestry.

"Do Right Right By the Forest, and It'll Do Right By You" - Coombs Family

I love to support companies who are conscience of the environment and who give back. I will continue to look for and purchase Coombs Family Farms products.

Speaking of products, they offer Maple Syrup of course in four grades, Pure Maple Candy, Pure Maple Sugar, and Pancake Mixes. Yummo :)

I personally love the Organic Maple Sugar. It comes in a shaker and I am really loving to shake it on a buttered sweet potato - sooo good.

So what do ya say we get to the really fun part?

WIN IT!!!

The wonderful people at Coombs Family Farms is giving away a sweet Maple prize pack! One winner will receive an 8oz. Grade B pure maple syrup, a 6.10 oz. Pure Maple Sugar, and some maple candy.

MAIN ENRTY:

Visit Coombs Family Farms and tell me one thing you learned while you were there.

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link

* grab my button

*follow @coombsmaple at Twitter

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise Win a Maple Syrup Prize Pack from @coombsmaple Maple goes good with Fall :)) http://bit.ly/14T1pO

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on October 8th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))

TROPICAL TRADITIONS Antioxidant Natural Greens Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Antioxidant Natural Greens supports nutrition, digestion, circulation & immunity and contains NO soy (the lecithin is derived from sunflower – not soy). The taste of Antioxidant Natural Greens is refreshing! This easy mixing powder blends very quickly, is light and refreshing, and tastes great!
The recommended daily intake is one scoop per 6 to 8 ounces of water. This holds true for children as well as adults. You may view additional information and the full list of ingredients here:http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/natural_greens.htm

Nutrition Facts

Vitamin A 390 IU---------- 7.8%

Vitamin C 73.3 mg------- 122%

Calcium 30.4 mg--------3 %

Iron 1.1 mg---------6 %

Antioxidant Natural Greens supports nutrition, digestion, circulation & immunity.*
Antioxidant Natural Greens contains 2600mg Organic Flax & Organic Flax Lignans per serving, rich in ALA Omega 3
Antioxidant Natural Greens provides dark green plants, herbs, spices, natural food concentrates, and nutritious fruits and vegetables to help meet your daily requirements.

Antioxidant Natural Greens supplies a rich blend of totally natural vitamins, minerals, plant enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients and symbiotic intestinal flora for optimal energy metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and immune enhancement.

*Great Taste - Not Your Typical Thick Greens DrinkTwo Delicious Flavors: Mint and BerryAll Natural - No Preservatives or MSG

Why Antioxidant Omega 3 GreensAntioxidant Omega 3 Greens contains a variety of high ORAC value whole foods, providing you with optimal levels of antioxidants that would be difficult to get on your own. Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens also contains 2600mg of Organic Flax & Organic Flax Lignans per serving, rich in ALA Omega 3 fatty acids.

What is ORAC Value?ORAC Value stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity. This is a test tube analysis used to determine the antioxidant power of foods, vitamins, supplements and other chemicals.

The importance of ORAC value in fruits and vegetables: The ORAC values help in determining which fruit and vegetables have greater antioxidant power and are better at protecting the body from free radical damage to the cells. Free radicals are molecules that harm healthy body cells.

*Many experts recommend 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Easy to say, hard to do!Antioxidant Omega 3 Rich Natural Greens can help!

Benefits:

*Great for Active Lifestyles

* Rich in ALA Omega 3 fatty acid
*Detoxification

*Improves Immune Function

*Provides Fiber for Better Digestion

*Provides High Antioxidant Benefits

*Alkalizes Body & Balances pH

*Supplements Weight-Loss Plans

*No Stimulants or Caffeine
*Great Source of Probiotics

Ingredients:
Certified Organic Flax Seed Blend

NEW2600mg Organic Flax & Organic Flax Lignans per serving, rich in ALA Omega 3. Our Organic Flax seed is RCM (Real Cold Milled) Flax™. It is no secret that standard milling or grinding of flax has produced a product that usually spoils rapidly. There are two main reasons conventionally milled flax spoils or oxidizes so rapidly. First of all, the conventional milling process creates temperatures that are too high. Several processors use the words "cold milled" to describe product but studied closely, their product almost always heats up during the milling or grinding process. Second of all, the conventional processing actually liberates or expels oil that coats the ground particles creating a substantial increase in the surface area of the milled flax. The high temperatures and oil coated particles alone or in combination produce a product that turns rancid or oxidizes in a relatively short period of time. RCM Flax™ is truly a cold milled product and process. The flax enters the RCM process at room temperature, is milled at room temperature and it exits at room temperature. Furthermore, this proprietary milling method does not grind, crush or liberate oil like other processes, making Antioxidant Natural Greens very unique. Tests have shown that RCM Flax™ maintains a very high peroxide value and a very long shelf life for up to two years!

Flax Lignans are phytonutrients found in the flax seed hull which include SDG (Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside). Antioxidant Natural Greens contain only pure, mechanically separated organic flax lignans. Studies indicate these lignans have tremendous health benefits which help boost the immune system. It has also been concluded that these lignans act as anti-oxidants which further enhance immune system functioning.

*Concentrate Ionic Trace Minerals

Ionic minerals are in a form that the body recognizes and understands. Therefore, they easily cross through the selectively permeable cell membranes. Your body requires nearly two thirds of all the elements currently known to man in order to maintain health. Antioxidant Natural Greens help balance this incredibly vital task.

*Spirulina

Spirulina is a freshwater algae containing an incredible source of nutrients. It provides generous amounts of Beta-Carotene, Vitamin B-12, Iron and Chlorophyll. Spirulina also has the highest protein of any natural food and contains more antioxidants than most regular whole foods.

*ChlorellaThis green single-cell freshwater algae is a rich and balanced source of many nutrients that are essential to health. Chlorella contains high levels of chlorophyll, vitamin B12, beta-carotene and RNA/DNA when compared with other whole-foods. More than 20 vitamins and minerals are found in chlorella, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, pro-vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12, biotin, inositol, folic acid, plus vitamins C, E and K.

*Apple Fiber Pectin

Apple Pectin is helpful in maintaining good digestive health.*
LecithinLecithin is a rich source of choline, which is necessary for the body to make acetyl choline, the neurotransmitter needed for normal nerve function.* Note: this is NOT soy lecithin.

*Licorice Root Extract

Next to ginseng, licorice is the most popular herb used in Chinese formulas. Licorice contains triterpenoid saponins, flavanoids, isoflavanoids, magnesium, silicon, sodium and other beneficial constituents. Licorice root is known to support the immune system and the adrenal glands.

*Please note: Elderly persons or those suffering from cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney problems or potassium deficiency should consult their health care professional before consuming licorice root. This product is also offered without licorice root extract.

*Bifidobacterium longum

(B. Longum)B. Longum is a probiotic bacteria which has shown to offer many health benefits. They are a natural part of the bacterial flora in the human body and have a symbiotic bacteria-host relationship with humans. B. Longum promotes good digestion, boosts the immune system, and produces lactic and acetic acid that controls intestinal pH.

*L. Acidophilus (L. Acidophilus)Lactobacillus acidophilus is widely used in many probiotic supplements. Many studies have confirmed its beneficial effects for favorable altering the intestinal microflora balance, inhibiting growth of harmful bacteria, boosting immune functions, promoting good digestion, and increasing the bodies natural immune system.

*Lactobacillus casei (L. Casei)L. Casei is a beneficial probiotic culture.

What is the Enzyme Blend Useful For?

Enzymes help our body break-down undigested food.

* Certain digestive plant enzymes help break down certain food materials, such as:
*Proteases: breaks down proteins

*Amylases: breaks down carbohydrates/starch

*Lipases: breaks down fats

*Cellulases: breaks down fiber

*Lactases: breaks down milk sugar

I am currently drinking the mint with licorice. I like mine with a lemon wedge squeezed in :) Yummy and fresh. I'm big into health and really enjoy drinking anything with this much nutritional and health value. It makes me feel good knowing all that good stuff is going into my body. It will make you feel good too!

WIN IT!!

One very lucky winner will win a full size of your choice of flavor - mint or berry, with or without licorice.

MAIN ENTRY:

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions Newsletter

EXTRAS:

*enter to win a pair of UGG boots (simple 2 step entry) (5 bonus entries)

* follow Wishing Penny blog

* blog this post & leave a link

* grab my button

* follow me @ Twitter & tweet this contest - RT @Jamaise TROPICAL TRADITIONS Antioxidant Natural Greens GIVEAWAY http://bit.ly/W0ELd

*Favorite me at Technorati

Giveaway will end on October 7th at 11 :59 am EST. Winner will be selected using Random .org. I will email the winner & you will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner . Please remember to leave me your email address if it is not visible on your profile so that I can contact you if you win. Good luck to everyone :)))