I thoroughly enjoyed this book- a great summer read. A unique story with a bunch of fun characters you could both enjoy and actually like, this made a fantastic combination for that beach book or something to read on the plane. It had an interesting storyline that was easily followed, and likability is a big deal for me. It had everything you would want in a summer read- Murder, mystery, magic, family drama and intrigue. The Southern setting was so well written I felt as if I could have been there as well, sipping on sweet tea and feeling the breezes that swayed the trees. The story was sweet, charming, and had layers that went back generations and needed to be wrapped up by our heroine, BitsyWyn, and her niece Byrd.
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The Witch of Belladonna Bay by Suzanne Palmieri
August 2, 2014 by 1 Comment
Have an Epiphanie! Camera bag, that is. Giveaway
June 20, 2014 by 68 Comments
Thanks to Epiphanie for inspiring this post and for protecting my camera in style.
I carry my camera almost everywhere I go. Capturing moments that will become memories is important to me, plus you never know when a perfect photo opportunity might arise. Do you know what I don’t love about being a shutterbug? Never having a pretty bag to protect my gear.
Now, I know that not having a bag for my camera is silly. Really there are thousands of camera bags on the market, but have you ever seen them? They are rather masculine. I searched for years to find one I could cope with…. for years I ended up with the traditional grey and black, giant camera bags. I’m sure you’ve all seen them in posts, really. But there’s a lot to be said about having a stylish bag- you can put your wallet, keys, and misc into one of the pockets and then you don’t need to drag your purse along as well. Plus you feel like a woman, which can’t be undersold.
When I heard about Epiphanie Bags I did a little happy dance. Finally a camera bag made for women. These bags are stylish, feminine, and they keep my camera gear safe on my adventures. Women of the world rejoice; we no longer have to settle for a drab bag for our cameras.
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Sandgrens Environmentally Friendly Shoes
May 21, 2014 by 9 Comments
Disclosure: The below was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
It can be hard to find shoes that are comfortable and cute at the same time. Some of us (this chick included) can fall into a rut of tossing anything on that fits and is easy to wear, even if it’s not all that flattering. Sneakers and flip flops are the footwear of motherhood, right? Sometimes, a girl’s gotta remember that….well, she’s a girl. And she was a woman before she was a mother (with a whole separate identity). Yes, your child(ren) come first, should, and always will. But what’s wrong with taking a few minutes (and dollars) for you now and again? As far as I know, none of us are martyrs destined for Sainthood, and it would do us good to be reminded of that now and again.
You deserve to look and feel pretty. Invest in yourself- a few items that make you feel good, and that you can wear with multiple items of clothes (so the guilt monster doesn’t come to eat you). For Spring and Summer, Sandgrens clogs and sandals are adorable, comfortable, and versatile. They are able to be dressed up for formal occasions like weddings and anniversary dinners out on the town, but easy to dress down for regular use with a pair of capri pants and a cute tank top. I have worn my Caspain sandals with my long formal IGIGI dress that I adore to formal dinners, events, and a wedding. I also took them with me on a recent cruise, and wore them dancing (they really are comfortable) and for every day touring. I wore them with a cute tank top and shorts, capris, and summer sun dresses. They really do go with everything, and they can be worn for long periods of time without hurting your feet, unlike most heels and wedges.
The San Francisco Marriott
May 11, 2014 by 12 Comments
Disclosure- I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Marriott Rewards. I received Marriott Points to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
When I hear the words San Francisco I think of the Golden Gate Bridge, The Bay, Alcatraz, and Chinatown. Naturally if I am visiting San Francisco I want to stay in a hotel that is not too far away from the tourist attractions I associate with the city, but I also don’t want to be right in the middle of the action. Finding a hotel with easy access to the parts of the city that I want to visit is important to me. Lucky for me the Marriott has a conveniently located hotel that meets my logistical needs and has the amenities I desire.
The San Francisco Marriott Union Square is located at 480 Sutter Street. With a close proximity to Chinatown and Nob Hill, the hotel is ideal for meetings, touring, and shopping- Union Square style or hopping on a cable car.
The Marriott Union Square offers spacious rooms as well as numerous suites that offer breath taking views of the bay. The luxuriously appointed rooms have 32″ HDTVs, in room coffee makers and amazing pillow top mattresses. As a Marriott Rewards® member I was able to utilize the complimentary breakfast offered at the hotel as well. The hot buffet offered to guests is the perfect start to any day. Another thing that I enjoyed about my stay was that I could park on site and did not have to take a long hike to get to my rental car.
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Seventh Generation Toxin Freedom Fighters
April 6, 2014 by 6 Comments
Disclosure- I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Seventh Generation. I received a promotional item and product samples as a thank you for participating
Toxins are all around us in our environment but not only outside or near facotries. There are also quite a few toxins in our homes. Many of which we brought in from the market. How is this possible? Well for example 80,000 synthetic chemicals introduced into the market since the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed in 1976, the EPA has required testing on less than 10%.
Scientists have linked exposure to toxic chemicals to quite a few health risks, including: cancer, Alzheimer’s, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects, and other reproductive problems. All of which would occur a whole lot less if congress would update one law, The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TCA was passed in 1976, and has never been updated since its inception. As of now there are thousands of potentially harmful chemicals used in the marketplace since the 1970’s without proper testing and without disclosure by the companies that produce them. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed in 1976, and has never been updated since its inception. As of now, thousands of potentially harmful chemicals continue to be used in the marketplace since the 1970’s without proper testing and without disclosure by the companies that produce them. But what pray tell can you do about it? Why not check out the Natural Resources Defense Council website.
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Captain America Movie Review
April 4, 2014 by 2 Comments
A few weeks ago, I was able to preview the new Captain America Movie, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It was a great movie, and I really enjoyed it. My husband will love it- he is a comic book geek, read them all, has seen all the movies and TV shows related to the movie and Marvel and superheroes in general, and I know he’s going to love this one.
The movie was action packed, full of explosions, flying heroes, flipping and kicking and punching- everything that you would expect from a movie of heroes vs villains trying to save vs ruin the world. The stunts were insane, and the chemistry was palpable between the actors. Considering how specific the movie needed to be to fit into the comic world it came from, it had a lot of personality in it, I was impressed.
It’s hard to talk about the movie without giving away any spoilers- but here is a brief synopsis.
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Dolling Up
March 10, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Got dolls on the brain? If you have daughters, nieces, or sons who like playing baby, then chances are that you do. While the choices in dolls may seem as endless as that hour between dinner and bedtime, there are some fun new twists on the basic baby doll that have recently come out, and your little doll is sure to love.
Gund’s Peek a Boo Dolly is great for the youngest children,engaging them in a game and talking to them. She pulls her pink blanket up over her eyes and asks “where did you go?” and “peek a boo, I found you!” as she lowers it. She says 6 different phrases, and plays for roughly 40 seconds at a time when her button is pressed. She is soft and snuggly, and kids will love to hold her. With a sweet smile on her face and fleecy clothes, she looks happy, plush, and has no small parts to choke on or become loose. She needs 3 AAA batteries, which are included. Also available in Peek a Boo Bear, a brown bear with a cream colored blanket, these retail for $40. They are available in many gift stores as well as http://shop.gund.com
Adora’s PlayTime™ Babies Love Ewe is so sweet, and would make a great Easter or spring doll for your precious little one. Dressed in a little lamb covered one piece outfit and pink headband, she is adorable and kids will gravitate to her. She comes with her own bottle, her eyes open and close when you move her, and she can suck her own thumb. The best part about this baby, is that she is completely machine washable. You read that right! When she gets dirty, as your kid’s favorite toy is bound to, just toss her in the wash on gentle and hang her on the line to dry. Can’t get any easier then that. You and your child will appreciate the life like features of this toy- from her little fingernails to her turned up toes, she is as sweet as they come.
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Mega Bloks Skylanders Swap Force
December 19, 2013 by 9 Comments
Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate the review. All opinions are my own and honest.
Mega Bloks are at it again with their newest video game tie in for Skylanders :Swap Force. Mega Bloks are the makes of brick based construction sets for little ones much like other block building sets, but the key difference is the figures are a bit different. They are less block y and more movable. Each figure has multiple points of articulation, they can move any which way you want. Arms and legs have ball joints making more realistic motion available. So Flynn can break dance, bust a move or just fight some bad guys. Each set sports at least one figure which is nice. The one we are looking at today is: Flynn’s Rescue Ship.
Flynn’s ship sports 3 figures, the main ship itself as well as a separate flying mast which can be used to transport characters back and forth to and from various other sets or just the living room table. The ship itself has two levels of play available, above and below deck. Above deck has a working crane, and landing area. Below deck has a firing launcher from a hide away spot and an intricate looking engine. Along with the figures and vehicles, there are also a ton of accessories to complete the setting, like wenches, hammers, chests to plunder, barrels to break while looking for loot and even a stand for one of the figures, Magna Charge. The stand helps keep the wheeled figure from falling over while also looking like he/she is ripping up the ground getting ready to speed off. Also since Magna Charge is a Swap Force character he can easily be separated in two and swapped with other Mega Bloks Swap Force figures to further extend play time.
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