Saturday, November 30, 2013

GenZ Read Together Sponsored Post (US Family Guide).

Image taken from http://www.genzreadaloud.com/
This post is sponsored by US Family Guide.


GenZ Read Together is a new website, which encourages families to read together. You will receive daily emails with stories and activities. The emails can be sent to smartphones, tablets, or computers. The website was created by educators and children's writers. The stories are written on two levels: K-2 and grades 3-5.

Some of the titles include:

The Atocha (world's greatest treasure hunter)
Captain Sully Saves the Day
The Chilean Miners' Rescue
Owen and Mzee- an Unusual Friendship
The invention of velcro

Sign up for a free trial membership here. Use code A184. No credit card required.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Harlem GlobeTrotters Sponsored Post (US Family Guide)

This post was sponsored by US Family Guide. I will receive tickets to a Harlem Globetrotters event for participation



The Harlem GlobeTrotters are coming near a city near you for the "Fans Rule Tour". Last year, The GlobeTrotters let fans vote on what they wanted to see at the games. This year, fans can vote again for a few new rules during the game. Go to harlemglobetrotters.com/vote, watch the videos, and vote for your favorite new rule. Some include the Trick Hot Challenge and the Hot Hand Jersey.




You can win tickets to the game for participating. After the game ends, you can take pictures and get autographs from the players. US Family Guide is offering a discount for tickets. Go to  http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets and use code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket. The tickets are available for select seating levels.




















Thursday, November 28, 2013

CollageIt Pro Review from Pearl Mountain Technology (Tomoson)


I reviewed CollageIt Pro for iOS for a Tomoson Campaign. CollageItPro was developed by Pearl Mountain Technology. I have previously reviewed CollageIt 3 Pro for iOS and Collage It for PC. The program allows you to customize your photos into a beautiful collage. You can choose from different layouts and layout sizes. You can add up to 200 photos. Next, you can choose the background colors and image effects. I created a simple one from the photos, I took today. This is the baby collection. My youngest; my niece's friend's baby; and my niece's friends's mom's friend's baby. I love babies, as you can tell. :-)

One feature I love is I can share my collage to Facebook. I also can send the photos to iPhoto.

Social Media:

Pearl Mountain on Facebook

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Diva's Never Flinch Book Review (Tomoson)


I read Divas Never Flinch by Jon McDonald, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. This post contains Amazon affiliate links and images.

Sonora and Connye are Divas, competing against each other for social status. From parties to vacations, they try to top each other. Then, a third diva, Amanda, appears, trying to earn Top Diva Status.

The book started out in Santa Fe. I loved the description of the city. You have Sonora, who lives in an elegant neighborhood, near the golf course, in the best house. You also have Connye A.

The first chapter had a lot of characters, which got me a little confused. I wasn't sure about the storyline. I counted Sonora, Connye, Randall, Lincoln, Lionel, the Gladcows, Roger, Henrietta, etc. Sonora was hosting a get-together and concert for Santa Fe. Both Sonora and Connye was trying to get Randal's attention. Randal was an actor.

Overall, the book was a decent read. The characters seemed to be more older and established versus my age.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The cow in Patrick O'Shanahan's Kitchen Book Review (Kite Readers).



I read The Cow in Patrick O'Shanahan's Kitchen for honest review from Kite Readers. This post contains Amazon affiliate links and images.

The book was written by Diana Prichard and illustrated by Heather Devlin Knopf. The book is available in Kindle and Hardback. The book is also prime-eligible.

The book is a quick read. Patrick wakes up for breakfast and discovers a cow in the kitchen. His father seems oblivious to the situation. Patrick learns  about where his food comes from.

The other day, my sister was cooking canned mackerel croquet. One of the kids wondered how the fish got in the can. I told him, the fisherman caught the fish, sent it to the canning plant, viola canned food.

The book is a good read.

iCaughtSanta.com Product Review (Tomoson)




I reviewed iCaughtSanta.com through Tomoson. The website was developed by Catch A Character. From now until December 10, 2013, you can upload your photos (as many as you want) and then customize the images with Santa or Rudolph. I found old pics of my sons and great-niece and made a few pics.



The code is #SANTASHARE.

The process is simple.

Go to create a photo at the top of the page.

Upload a pic of you, your kids, grand kids, nieces, nephews, husband, co-workers, pets, etc.

Enter your first name and e-mail address. Click upload

Once the pic uploads, you can customize the picture with different borders. You also can use from 20 Santa's/Rudolph's to add to the photos.

Next, you can rotate and flip your photos and the Santas/Rudolphs. You also can change the brightness of Santa.

Once you have customized your picture, click on process image.

Click yes to approve the picture.

You will see a billing screen. The first option should already be checked.

Scroll down to the Gift Card/Redemption Code box. Type in #SANTASHARE. Check Apply Code. The amount should change from 9.99 to 0.00

Type in your first name, last name, and email

Agree to the terms and conditions

Name the photo for the gallery

Enter any friends, you want to email a copy of your photo to.

Check out.


You will arrive at a screen, which has a copy of the photo and a download photo button. Hit download photo.

Repeat with additional photos.



You also can enter the Catch A Character Giveaway to win an iPad Air and 10 other prizes. Some of the prizes include gift cards from Amazon, Visa, and Starbucks.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Omni Herbals Pharmacist Weight Loss Formula Advanced Dietary Supplement Product Review (Tomoson)



Photo taken by Stacie D. Wyatt 11/26/2013
I reviewed Omni Herbals Pharmacist Weight Loss Formula Advanced Dietary Supplements through Tomoson.

The product helps:


  1. Improve energy levels
  2. Increase metabolism
  3. Suppress and control appetite
  4. Block carbs. 
  5. Eliminates excess bodily fluids. 
  6. Detox your body


Photo taken by Stacie D. Wyatt 11/26.2013


I wanted to review the pills because I am trying to find the right supplements to boost my workouts. I want to lose fat and gain muscle. Pharmacist weight loss formula. The pills are huge tablets. Bring on the pill crusher because I can't swallow pills. The pills are natural.

Some of the vitamins include vitamin c, thiamin, riboflavin, zinc, iodine, copper, potassium, and vitamin B-12 and B-6

Some of the other ingredients include: green papaya, juniper berry, and ginseng


The pills start at 74.95 on the OmniHerbals Website.
Photo taken by Stacie D. Wyatt 11/26/2013

Social Media:

Omni Herbals Website

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Gingerbread Cake with Apple Cranberry Filling...

Pretty cake

Gingerbread Cake with Apple Cranberry Filling...

I love to make pretty cakes. I don't do it very often, because of one thing or another, but I really love taking the time to make a few special little touches that make the cake extra special.   I love anything gingerbread and I make this cake often. Usually, I serve it with custard sauce and spiced pears so I knew that the sweet-tart apples and cranberries would work perfectly here as well. The cake is simple and straightforward. No muss, no fuss. The Cinnamon buttercream is just that- a cinnamon scented buttercream and the filling came from the best place on earth...Lucky Leaf! I also took the extra time to make sugar frosted cranberries to act as a garnish because everything, even our food, needs a little sparkle this...Read More


Sponsored post #PlateFullCoOp
Platefull Co-Op

Jagged Edges Book Review and Tour by Doris H. Dancy (Write Now Literary Blog Tours)





I read Jagged Edges, in exchange for honest review from Write Now Blog Tours. I received a pdf copy of the book. The book was written by Doris Dancy. The book is available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback format. The book is also prime-eligible. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links and images.

ABOUT THE BOOK: FROM MEDIA KIT

Derek Wellington had his life set.  He was born into wealth, graduated with honors from Harvard Law, and, since high school, knew he would marry the beautiful Morgan LaRue.  …but somewhere along the way, everything he thought he knew about himself, about Morgan, and even about life itself will boggle his mind, and catapult him into a world of betrayal, deception, and confusion. Somewhere in this darkness, he must search for The Light to find his way out of a maze that, if he fails, will destroy his heart and soul forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Doris H. Dancy is an accomplished and award-winning educator, speaker, writing consultant, playwright, wife, mother and now author. Her life’s focus has been educating our youth in an appreciation of both the written and spoken word. She received her BA Degree in English from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina and began a teaching career in both English and Spanish. She graduated from Hampton University with a MA in English Education and eventually became Chairperson of the English Department, English Teacher Specialist, and later Curriculum Leader of English K-12 for Hampton City Public Schools. Teaching and supervising were both rewarding careers, and each taught her a different level and focus of professionalism and commitment. As the Curriculum Leader, along with many other responsibilities, she developed and provided staff development for a writing program that guaranteed student achievement.

Prologue:

~The breaking of dawn is the best keeper of secrets I know; it has a pact with the close of day. At sun’s first peek, the confidence is safe, and one has no evidence at all how altered life might be by eventide~

The library at the university is quiet except for multiple pages turning and a stupid unnecessary clock facing me. I might just waste a star wish to get that annoying thing smashed. I’d do it myself, but I’d get caught, and be a greater disappointment to my parents than Ruff who still can’t sit up, roll over, or even bark like a real dog. I sigh. Deal with the clock, Arianna. You’re twenty-four years old, already have your MBA in Fashion Management and Entrepreneurship and almost ready to start your own Fashion House for goodness sakes. All you have to do is complete this little research, and you’re on your own. You’re not five. Anyway, you have far more important things to think about at 8:15 on this lonely Friday night, like how to meet that gorgeous guy sitting at the table across from you.

I sit back in my chair and just stare at him, counting how many times he glances up and quickly looks back at his work. He is doing a very poor job of pretending he hasn’t noticed that I’m staring at him. He’s on his eighth under eyed glance at me when he puts his laptop down, folds his hands, sits back, looks straight at me with a smirk, and holds the stare. I smile what I think is my very best smile. Let the games begin! After a minute and a half of staring, I’m just getting comfortable, and there is no way I’m giving up. He begins packing up his things slowly. Still staring, never glancing down to see what he’s doing, he meticulously places his laptop in his black leather attaché case. I can tell he is purposefully taking his time, and for some strange reason, his deliberate movements, to me, are extremely sensual. I almost have to break my stare when I think to myself: any man that sexy ought to be locked up and the key thrown away. He leaves his case on the table, returns two books to a nearby shelf all the while looking into my staring eyes, and then he brings his fine self over to me.

He pulls out the chair that faces me without saying a word, turns it backwards, and tries to stifle his grin from becoming a full face all teeth showing spectacle. Of course, he’s far too cool for that.

“OK, you’ve been staring at me for the last ten minutes so I thought I would just come over and ask if I have spinach in my teeth or a booger up my nose.” I laugh. He smiles.

“What if I say both?” I grin, cupping my hand under my chin and looking directly into his brown bedroom eyes.

“Well, I’ll know that’s not true,” he taunts matter-of-factly.

“And how would you know that?” I question cynically. This man is about to make my heart jump out of my body.

“Simple.” “Simple?” “Yeah, simple. It’s a trick question.” He rocks back in the chair. “I didn’t have spinach today.” We both laugh as quietly as we can since we are somewhat aware that we are in a library, and there are a few people still pretending to study on a Friday night.

“Well, to be quite honest with you, umm...Peter? Ah...Paul?” I lift one eyebrow and continue. “...Mary?” He gives me a closed mouth smile, and plays around his mouth with his thumb and index finger.

“Well, definitely not Mary. Derek. Derek Wellington.” For the first time in my life I hear the sexiness in that baritone voice of his that will drive me insane for years to come.

“Well, to be quite honest with you...Derek, Derek Wellington, your hair caught my attention.

“My hair?” I bite my bottom lip to cover my grin, and nod my head yes. “Yes, your hair...and

definitely your eyes too,” I say with mocked seriousness... “and then there’s that mouth,” I giggle.

“Oh, is that good or bad?” he chuckles. “Oh, that’s real good,” I admit with a flirtatious grin. “Good. Good,” he nods in mock approval. “So, you... this beautiful woman sitting here toying with me, you are... Gracie?”

“No, not even close,” I laugh.

I opt here for a more serious tone. My hazel eyes, my windows to the soul, touch his. “My name is Arianna...Arianna Channing.”

“Ah, a beautiful name for a lovely lady.” “Well thank you kind sir.” I bat my eyes playfully. “You are quite welcome, my lady.” And then he does something totally unexpected. He reaches across the table, takes my hand in his, and slowly brings it to his beautiful lips. That is how it all started with Attorney Derek Chase Wellington, III and me.

I would say that we had a whirlwind summer romance. We were inseparable. Both of us were taking a break of sorts before starting full force into our careers. Derek had studied for the Bar, passed it, and in September would join a private law firm in Virginia. I had completed my studies in Fashion Management and Entrepreneurship in New York City, and studied an additional two years in Paris. Coincidentally, I was also moving to Virginia, after the summer, to start my own Channing Fashion House, the first one in the Tidewater area.

Our connection, from its inception, has that magic touch...that something special; however, there is this one thing that tears our bond, interferes with our solidarity, and will forever puzzle me. Throughout this disappointment, I am honest with myself. Common sense and life’s experiences have taught me that it will be impossible to know the essence of the truth surrounding a very deep, but damaged, relationship in Derek’s past, but that is not my issue.

From the inception of our brief courtship and after we marry, Derek and I are always completely honest with each other...we trust each other explicitly, or so I am led to believe. That is what makes my discovery so perplexing... so hurtful and a huge issue for me. The mystifying thing, now that the real truth irradiates, is that my friend, my boyfriend, my fiancée, my lover, my husband never mentions Morgan Shay LaRue to me. Not once, that I can remember, does he ever even call her name.

MY REVIEW:

The book starts out with the prologue (provided above). The character was Ariana Channing, who meets Derek Wellington at bar. The book moves into Chapter 1: Derrick is rushing to meet up with Morgan LaRue. It is raining. They have been planning to meet over the last few weeks, but something keeps coming up. Morgan and Derek have a long distance relationship, but Derek is tired of spending time, money, and energy to visit, and not see Morgan. Morgan has a successful dance career. Her career comes first. Chapter 3--wow, ends in a shocker. Ariana enters the book around 50 to 60 pages. Derek is still hurt from Morgan. 


The book was a good read. I was hooked from the prologue. I wanted to know how Derek went from wanting Morgan Larue to dating Ariana. Derek is a hurt man. His heart has jagged edges. I do like how Ariana does not want a friends with benefits arrangement. She is blunt and sets a few boundaries. She does not want to kiss Derek, let alone sit in the same bed with him when he was sick. Ariana does not want to be a one-night stand or a convenience, a distraction, or in a friends with benefits situation. She also has been hurt before and wants to set boundaries before making another mistake. 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Just one more thing before you leave home by David and Bernice Gudgel Book Review and Tour (LitFuse)

I Read Just One More Thing: Before You Leave Home by David Gudgel for review from Litfuse. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links and Images. I received a paperback copy of the book. The book was published by CreateSpace.

About the Authors:

David and Bernice Gudgel are committed to God and they encourage others to follow God as well. Bernice has a psychology degree. She also raised three kids and lead many chuch ministries. David is a pastor and teaches for Walk Thru the Bible.

David and Bernice's Website
Facebook
Twitter

About the Book:




The book helps prepare young adults to move out of their parents home. The book gives practical, relevant advice from a biblical perspective. The book is available in Kindle and Paperback format. The book is also Prime Eligible.

My Review

When I left Texas at 18, my plans was to head to college, get a degree, and hopefully find a job, which uses that degree. At least, that's what my mind said. Problem was, I left home for all the wrong reasons: to escape my dysfunctional family. I didn't even know what majors the college offered, let alone what I wanted to do with it. I wanted a chance to have a life and I didn't feel I could do that, living at home. I never dated. I never had sex. No driver's license. I felt I was missing life experience. I was focused on graduating in high school. 

I got to Georgia. Realized I didn't like traditional college. Started meeting boys. Had sex. Met a man. Got married. Got a job. Had a baby. but still felt I was lacking in skills. For example, Financial Management. You have to pay back those student loans or they will garnish your wages. Working 60 plus hours to make $300 because of wage garnishment is not fun. How about maintaining your vehicle? I had to learn how to change the brake fluids, pump gas, and take my former car to Auto Zone, when the check engine light was on. 

The book teaches young adults about practical skills, they need to know. The book consists of 30 chapters. The topics include financial management, drinking, sex, convictions, and gambling. The book also teaches about finding a church home; how to handle painful experiences, and maintaining your car. 

The book was very helpful, even to a 33 year old woman. My family never discussed sex. I learned about drugs with the DARE program, not to mention all the addicts in the family. I also learned about sex and financial management through experience. Some things should not be learned through experience or trial and error, at least that's what my mind says :-). Some things you should be prepared for, in advance. For example, like creating a budget or not spending more than what you have. Maybe paying bills on time most of the time (or all of the time). 

The book comes in an easy-to-read format. I liked the Gudgel's writing style. Some things, which stood out included:

  • Once you leave home, you are now responsible for you. You have to decide what to eat; when to go to classes; what to wear; what to major in; what clothes to wear; who to live with; which bills to pay, etc. Your present choices affect your future. 
  • There is a difference between a conviction and a preference. A conviction is non-negotiable, while a preference is negotiable. You will be more loyal and dedicated to your convictions versus your preferences.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Cinderella-Cenicienta by Suzy Liebermann Book Review (Tomoson)


I read CINDERELLA - CENICIENTA (Happy Language Kids - English and Spanish for Kids) in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links and images.

The book was written by Suzy Liebermann and Published by Happy Language Kids, LLC. I have reviewed other Suzy Liebermann books before, such as the Hugo the Starfish series. Her books teach kids about friendship, kindness, self-respect, and even Spanish. I provided links to some of my other Liebermann Reviews:

Maps/Mapas (Teaching kids about maps)

La Familia/The Family teaching kids Spanish words about family members
Sunset Dreams Photography Book

Hugo the Starfish: One step at a time review

My Review:

The book is a quick version of the Cinderella story. Each page has a Spanish and English Translation. The graphics are funny. The step mother and sisters look hideous, while Cinderella in the pretty one.  There are a few blank pages throughout the book. Not sure if that is just on my Kindle Cloud or not. The book is 3.99 on Amazon Kindle.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

The Otter, The Spotted Frog, and the Great Flood Book Review (Wisdom Tales)

I read The Otter, the Spotted Frog & the Great Flood: A Creek Indian Story, in exchange for honest review. The Book was written by Gerald Hausman and illustrated by Ramon Shiloh. The book was published by Wisdom Tales. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

The book is a Creek Indian story about The Great Flood.

The primary characters, in the beginning,are the Otter, who is a listener, and the Honors Himself, a Buffalo Chief. The Otter was similar to a prophet.

The Honors Himself, does not like frogs, but the Otter tells Honors about a frog, who sings above the others. The Spotted Frog sings of the prophecy. The Frog warns of a great flood, but Honors does not listen. Honors also tells others not to listen to the frog.  The Frog instructs the Otter to build a raft. The Frog also tells the Otter to remember his (Otter's) name. The tip comes in handy later.




Social Media:


QiPillow Orthopedic Pillow Product Review (Tomoson)


I reviewed the QiPillow - Back Pain Relieving Orthopedic Support (20" X 20", Sage)
for honest review from Tomoson. This post has Amazon Affiliate Links.

About QiPillow

The QiPillow, pronounced Chee Pillow, is different from other pillows. The product was created by BodyRyzm. The pillow provides orthopedic back support. The pillow also helps relieve fatigue, pain, and back stiffness, in addition to improving posture and comfort.

The pillow uses an air-controlled core to help with support, similar to a Sleep Number bed. You can always adjust the firmness of the core for your comfort.

My Review:

I wasn't quite sure how to inflate the QiPillow. The directions said open up the air valve, the air fills up slow. The directions also said not to over inflate the pillow because it affects your comfort. I went to find other reviews to see how they inflated the pillow. Some sites said they waited for the air to fill up, while others said they manually blew into the valve. I did the manual air blowing, but over inflated it. I let the air out a little at a time, until I was comfortable. After that, I enjoyed the pillow for sitting and sleeping. The pillow is 49.95 on Amazon. The pillow is not prime eligible. 

Social Media:

Body Ryzm on Facebook
Body Ryzm on Twitter
LinkedIn


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

NutriCrystal Wireless Reflex Smart Food Scale Product Review (Tomoson)


I reviewed NutriCrystal Wireless Smart Food Scale, for honest review through Tomoson. the product was developed by Reflex Wireless. The Scale works with iOS and Android to help figure out daily nutrients. The scale also helps with portion control. I downloaded the software to my Mac. You also charge the scale using your  PC or batteries (4 AAA batteries)

The first step is hooking up the scale to the PC to charge. Then, you find the software, either in the Google Play Store or iTunes. You have to also sync the software with the scale.

Once the sync is complete, you place your food upon the scale. Zero out the scale by pressing the power/tare button first, The weight goes to the software. The software also pulls up nutritional information for the food(s).

There is also a desktop app available. The website provides a list of apps for iOS, Android, and Desktop (Windows). I do wish there was a standalone app for the Mac.

I downloaded the NutriPlus NFT and the Lite App to both the iPod and the Android to be on the safe side. It came in handy after the iPod hit the toilet, thanks to my youngest. I have about $50 saved up for a new one.

You also can manually record your foods.

The scale comes in 6 colors: white, blue, red, purple, pink, and green. The scale is 69.95 on the Reflex Wireless Store

Social Media:




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Wantable Box Review (Tomoson).


I reviewed the Wantable Box, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I chose the Intimates box for review. The Wantable Box is a subscription box service. You can choose from Make-up, Intimates, or Accessories.

I loved all three boxes and I chose the Intimates box. I love tanks, underwear, shape wear, and pajamas. The accessories box was nice, but I got stuck on the first question: What is my ring size? I took all three style quizzes, just in case, I want to change boxes later.

The process for selection is simple: you choose which box you want, then take a style profile quiz. Each box has their own style profile quiz. On each section, you slide the slider to love, like, or dislike.

The profile quiz asks about your sizes, likes, and dislikes. The quiz is different from other subscription boxes because it asks about things, such as panty and bra styles you like.

Next, you subscribe to to Wantable for $36 dollars monthly. The boxes can be skipped or cancelled anytime. You also can purchase a single box for $40. The company will customize a box for you and ship it out. I received my box within a few days.

My box contained a Bandoo (with removable, clear, straps), pajama shorts, slipper socks, and a thong. The thong was my least favorite item. I prefer briefs hipsters, boxers, or boy shorts.

My favorite item was the slipper socks. Texas is cold right now and the socks are oh so warm. I also loved the Bandoo and Shorts. The Bandoo held me up without the straps, but I prefer the straps because it offers more support. One drawback was my child tried to pull me out the bed, by the straps. No fun.

Social Media:




















I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.