Friday, May 30, 2014

Living Whole without a Better Half Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of this book, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.












I read Living Whole Without a Better Half: Biblical Truth for the Single Life by Wendy Widder, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. I wanted to review the book because many people believe being single can be not fulfilling. You are not whole, unless you say I Do. That should not be the case. If you come in a relationship whole and (s)he comes in a relationship whole, the relationship would be so much better. Coming in with expectations, a relationship will fulfill you completely is a faulty assumption.

I was married for 5 years and I did not feel whole. I still felt a void in my life.

I created a video review because I was trying to get Kalen to sleep. When it is done processing, it will appear below and this line will disappear. :-)

Video Review




Modern Wall Graphics Product and Video Review (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

The before pics. The bed and the graphics unopened


I reviewed Modern Wall Art Graphics, from Wall Slicks,  in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I received the monkeys, the vines, butterflies, and leaves to apply to the wall. I do not like blank walls. I choose the monkey and vines because it reminded me of my kids. The graphics was easy and hard to apply. The hardest part was cutting out the graphics and aligning them on the wall. After I got the hang of it, the job became easier. The company also provides a tool for removing and smoothing out the decals. 

I put the graphics above my son's bed, in addition to placing a few butterflies above my bed. I love how the project turned out. Check out the video for the finished look.






The after. Kalen's new wall. 

The after. Kalen's new wall. 

Social Media

Wall Slicks Facebook Fan Page
Twitter

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, May 29, 2014

Ozeri Weight Master Product and Video Review (Moderna Housewares)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I reviewed Ozeri WeightMaster II 440 lbs Digital Bath Scale with BMI and Weight Differential Detection, in exchange for honest review from Moderna Housewares.

What set this scale apart from other scales was the scale not only tracked your weight but your body mass. The scale also provided a visual reminder of weight losses or gains. The scale lights up red if you gained and green if you lost weight. It also tracks your weight from the last 30 weigh-ins.

Another feature is you can save multiple profiles. You can enter in your height and weight and save it to a profile. The set-up was easy. I was up and running within minutes.

Check out the video review below



Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Yesterday and today, I sent my children off to school in the rain.

Yesterday, well for the past two days, it has been raining in Houston, Texas. We have been under Flood Watch/Warning for two days as well.

Yesterday, I got up at 6 something, later than normal because Kalen (aka Midget) kicked my phone on the floor. I got him into the bath and dressed quickly, and we headed downstairs to catch the bus. Kalen's bus comes at 7:19 a.m.

Since Kalen is 3, I have to walk him to the bus and pass him on to the bus aide. The bus driver, asked me about why I didn't call my child out of school, like the other parents did?

Because my children do not have a choice in their education. They will get up for school, by me. Take a bath, with assistance, and get on the bus even if I have to drag them to the end of the drive way.

That is how is was when I grew up. I loved going to school. I loved graduating high school. I loved my cap and gown. If you didn't go to school or church, you couldn't go anywhere else. I didn't go anywhere but still just in case, I went to school.

I got myself up. Dressed myself. Woke my mother up so she can get the other two sisters up. Walked to the bus stop. Went to school. Repeated for four years. On the rare occasion, I would walk the hour to school. Took the bus the same distance. The school was 5 minutes by car, so sometimes we got a ride.

If my brats are not sick or do not have a doctor's appointment, they will be at school. A little rain, a thunder storm, or a flood warning isn't going to stop them. The bus comes to their driveway, a bell man helps them with their bags and seats, and the chauffeur drives them off either 5 minutes away for Brad and 15 minutes away for Kalen, all for a free public education. :-). They both get breakfast, with Brad getting lunch, since Kalen goes half a day. I get three hours free each day (in my head of course) because my great-niece and mother still bugs me. I still have to clean and exercise, and eat, I think.

My niece, on the other hand, goes to school when she wants to. She gets her self up for school around 6 a.m. If she goes to school, she leaves the house before I have to wake Kalen and Brad up. If I get up and she still here, she chose not to go to school or hoping someone would give her a ride over 20 minutes away, unless there is traffic. No accountability. Her mother does not wake up early to make sure she goes to school. Her aunt is not getting up an hour early either. Dealing with special needs kids is hard work. Her education. Her pending graduation.

Yesterday, after getting Kalen on the bus, I got Brad bathed and dressed. Got him downstairs. Bus arrived. Looked to the left, looked to the right, my teenager took his backpack back upstairs. Ran back upstairs quickly, got his backpack, dragged him to the bus, and off he went, in the rain.

This morning, there was no rain until two minutes before Kalen's bus arrived. The rain poured down hard. I quickly ran upstairs to get my umbrella and carried Midget to the bus. By the time, Brad's bus arrived, the rain stopped.

Today, I slept for 2 hours, where I had a wonderful dream, I forgot to get Kalen off the bus. .Woke up quick, tossed on a dress, and ran downstairs 10 minutes before Midget's bus arrived at 11:30.

So to conclude, On Rain, On snow, On Sleet, on Hail, if the bus is a-running, to school, my kids are a-going. LOL




Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Brown Girls Publishing Book Blast (Write Now Virtual Book Tours)


Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours. The books was published by Brown Girls publishing. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.


About the book: Open Door Marriage




A chance encounter lands NBA star Dallas Avery back in the arms of the woman of his dreams. A woman he hasn’t seen in years. A woman he soon discovers just so happens to be his fiancée’s aunt! But Dallas’ fiancee, Tori, isn’t ready to give up all that she’s worked for, so she makes him a shocking offer – go through with the wedding and she’ll still allow him to be with the one woman he now can’t seem to do without.

Dallas will get a family, something her much older aunt, Alicia can’t give him. Tori will get the lifestyle she clamors. And Alicia will get the love she’s longed for all her life. Everyone will get a little of what they want. . . and maybe a whole lot of what they don’t.


Teaser to Open Door Marriage

“You slept with my aunt?” 

The words still didn’t register, even though this had to be Tori’s fifth time saying them. She glared at her fiancé, still desperately trying to come to terms with the information her mother had blasted to everyone at the packed Thanksgiving dinner table. 

“Seriously? How is that even humanly possible when you didn’t know the woman four hours ago?” Tori shouted. 

“Tori, l-let me explain,” Dallas stammered. 

Twelve pairs of eyes were now focused on the not-quite-blissful couple standing at the bottom of the stairs just off from the dining room. 



About the Author: Naleighma Kai

Naleighma Kai is the national bestselling author of Every Woman Needs a Wife and the provocative new novel, Open Door Marriage. 

She started writing in December of 1999,independently publishing her first novels before acquiring a book deal with an imprint of Simon & Schuster,and most recently a book deal with Brown Girl Publishing—the offspring of mega successful national bestselling authors—Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley. 

She is a contributing author to a New York Times Bestseller, an award-winning author, an E. Lynn Harris Author of Distinction and a noted book club favorite on Oprah.com

About the book: In Strict Confidence

Fans of John Grisham and Mary Higgins Clark will love this suspenseful roller coaster ride that doesn’t let up until the very end… 

Psychiatrist Allen Kline is forced to make the agonizing choice of life over death when a killer approaches him with the horrific news that he has abducted Allen's two sons. 

Who the killer is and why he has chosen Allen to victimize is a question the doctor struggles to answer. What he discovers just may haunt him forever. 

Things aren’t always what they seem… Detective Ben McCallum is on a mission. 

Someone is viciously murdering little boys and Ben knows the pain all too well. His son was one of the victims and now, it’s up to Ben to bring the killer to justice . . . before two more young boys die. As Ben struggles to put aside his personal demons to track a killer hellbent on revenge, he’ll discover the killer’s motives hit close to home and everyone will discover things aren’t always what they seem. 

In Strict Confidence is an intense, harrowing tale that will shock, surprise and satisfy readers with each 
suspenseful word and doesn’t let up until the very last page. 

Teaser to In Strict Confidence


Chris Kline’s eyes fluttered open and he saw only darkness. He lying on a cold, hard ground—concrete, he thought, naked—no wait, not naked. He still had his boxer briefs on. He sat up and as he did, a wave of unsteadiness came over him.

Whoa. He shook his head, trying to clear cobwebs, and when his equilibrium settled enough, he tried to stand, but couldn’t because of a manacle fastened around his right ankle. He shivered.Where am I?

What’s going on? 

Think, Chris. Think! 




About the Author: Dwayne Joseph

Dwayne S. Joseph began his writing career at the age of thirteen. Commandeering his parent's computer, he sat for hours on end creating dramatic stories of fiction that earned him the "best story teller in the Joseph household" moniker. 

He then went on to win second place in the National Scholastic Writing Competition during his senior year in high school, for a short story he wrote, titled "Playtime" (A story that he does plan to develop into a children's tale someday soon!) 

The novels at thirteen and the short story in his senior year all helped to propel him on the destined path to becoming a published author at the age of 27, with the release of his first novel The Choices Men 
Make.

About the Book:Pink & Patent Leather

Sasha “Pink” Jansen has heard the voice of God. He spoke loud and clear at her purity ceremony, when she was just sixteen years old and Pastor Malik Stroman placed that ring on her finger. And He was just as clear when He told her that purity ring would someday be replaced with a wedding ring from the same man . . . all Pink had to do was save herself.

Dreams of a life with Pastor Malik were enough to keep the privileged princess committed to her vow, dodging all kinds of temptation, resisting every romance, and the whole time, keeping her eyes 
on the prize –the day she would become first lady.

There’s just one problem - Pastor Malik already has a wife. But Pink is accustomed to getting what she wants - by any means necessary. With her grace and virtue on the line - and what she thinks is God’s word in her head - Pink is on a mission no one understands. 

She’s determined to show Pastor Malik that they belong together – and come hell or high water, she plans to get the good reverend to agree. Candy Jackson has penned a page-turning tale of one-woman’s quest for love and the spiraling descent she’ll take to get it.

Teaser to Pink and Patent Leather

It had been a long time, four years to be exact, but I was ready. The night I had been dreaming about was finally here. My life was playing out like a well-rehearsed script, and I had the starring role. 

I wanted a life with him. It was my time; sweet victory was in the air. I was Sasha Simone Jansen and I had come to win. 

Now, as I sat at my vanity poised and proper with my hair done and make-up flawless, I stared at my perfect cocoa complexion and smiled. I had to be the luckiest girl in the world. No, that wasn’t it. I’m a Christian, and we don’t believe in luck. 




About The Author: Candy Jackson

Washington, DC author, Candy Jackson is a cosmetology teacher who loves to create poetry and short stories. Her reading rose to a brand new height with the discovery of many black writers whose work exploded in the ‘80’s. An avid reader, she began to tap into her own creative side and decided to write stories of her own. 

Candy is the mother of three young adult children and one grandson.




About the Book: Easier Said Than Done

Easier Said Than Done, is a touching new novel of love and risk, featuring a sassy and skillfully created cast of characters that are so full of life, they breathe, dream, and shout right off the 
page. 

Kingston Phillips, a beautiful entertainment executive in the fast-paced city of Chicago, has finally grasped the brass ring. But just as her friends and colleagues are buzzing with her success, Kingston must return to Jamaica for her grandmother’s funeral. 

While there, childhood tragedies, heartbreak, and family jealousies come back to haunt her, threatening to shatter her dreams. Not only does Kingston come face to face with the college sweetheart who left her heartbroken, but her grandmother names her executor of her will and forces her to make a life-
altering decision.

Teaser to Easier Said than Done

Nothing would be the same again. That I knew for sure, though the uncertainty of what exactly that meant sloshed inside of me as I unlocked the door to my office and quietly asked my mother for guidance.

Instantaneously, a peace settled in my soul, just as I knew it would; but the question marks still pricked at my brain.


Three hours later, my secretary alerted me via the intercom that I had a phone call and the feelings of unrest surged again. I pushed the Talk button.


“Kingston speaking,” I said.


“Job well done, Kingston.



About the Author: Nikki Woods


Nikki Woods, the author of Easier Said ThanDone, is a Multi-media personality, Social Media and Personal Branding Coach, Motivational Speaker and Voice-over artist, and the CEO of Nikki Woods Media. 

She is also the senior producer of the acclaimed, nationally- syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS), the most successful syndicated urban radio show in history reaching more than 8 million people on a daily 

Social Media


Monday, May 26, 2014

Signed, Sealed, Delivered Review Hallmark Channel (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

This post was sponsored by FlyBy Blog promotions. I was provided a sneak peak into an upcoming episode. No other compensation was provided.

About the show (from e-mail)

The new original series "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" is a wonderful combination of romance, comedy and drama that follows the lives of four postal detectives who transform themselves into a team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail. 

Their missions take them out of the office where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow always on time.

The team includes charming Oliver O’Toole (Eric Mabius), the group's leader is a man of faith who prayerfully approaches his work with the goal of making a difference in people's lives; new team member, Shane McInerney (Kristin Booth), a technophile who brings 21st century sensibility to the group; free-spirited, “girl next door” Rita Haywith (Crystal Lowe) who has a photographic memory; and lovable Norman Dorman (Geoff Gustafson), a master in conventional research methods.
The show aires SUNDAYS, 8/7c on Hallmark

My Review


I never heard of Signed, Sealed, Delivered before this campaign. What drew me in was the show was created by Martha Williamson, who was executive producer of Touched by an Angel. The show is about Shane, Oliver, Norman, and Rita, who are mailroom detectives. The staff helps reunite people with missing mail.

I had issues entering the secured site but I was able to obtain access last night. I been watching the show on repeat all day long. Toss in the rain and the episode kept repeating from the beginning. The episode also guest starred, Marilu Hemmingway, as the boss of the post office.

I was not hooked at first, since I never seen the show before. I was trying to get to know the character's names. Yet, as I continued to watch, I was impressed by the story line. The show starts off in an antique shop, where the owner finds a piece of missing mail, with the address torn off. The mail gets passed along to the mail detectives by Ms. Kimmie, a postal worker, who is competing in a Ms. Special Delivery contest. The show had two story lines: The Ms. Special delivery contest and finding the owner of the missing mail, which was a surprise.

The team hit a few road blocks before finding the owner of the letter, who longs to get married to her long-term boyfriend. Both the letter recipient and her boyfriend has down syndrome. And then, I was hooked. As a mother of two special needs kids, I was seriously hooked. The couple was in love and have been waiting almost 10 years to get married, but had challenges.

You can watch previous episodes, including last night's, "Future Me" episode on Hallmark Channel's website.

Social Media


Facebook Fan Page
HallMark Channel Facebook Fan Page
Bible study, which accompanies series

Saturday, May 24, 2014

The Olympus Cloud Book Review and Tour (Sage Publications)

I received this book in exchange for honest review. Content and images was provided. All opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.




I read The Olympus Cloud: Adventures of a Dreamer, in exchange for honest review from Sage Publications.

About the Book: (From Media Kit)

Do you ever wonder what your dog is dreaming about when its paws twitch? You might be surprised….

Some dogs can spend up to sixteen hours a day sleeping. For Max, a pugnacious French bulldog from Texas, this provides plenty of time for him to explore the world through his vivid imagination. His dreams are a doorway to excitement and adventure. Whether he’s solving mysteries, rescuing other animals, or just plain saving the day, Max’s heroic exploits carry him around the block, around the country, and even around the planet. From the plains of Africa to the battlefields of France and into outer space, Max matches wits with everything from a zombie accountant to rodent gangsters and a myriad of mythical creatures. And in the end, the fearless and faithful little dog always makes it home in time for dinner.

About the Author: (From Media Kit)

Stephen Randel was born in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University. Steve now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife and their rescue dog. He is the author of The Chupacabra: A Borderline Crazy Tale of Coyotes, Cash & Cartels and Trail of the Chupacabra: An Avery Bartholomew Pendleton Misadventure.

My Review:


The book is about Max, an explorer, an adventurer, a doggie. The book started out with Max having a nice, vivid dream, then moved into a cattle ride.  

The book was a good read. I enjoyed Max's adventures. He reminded me of another curious primate :-). The author did a good job writing the book. The details are vivid. 




Friday, May 23, 2014

Pearl Mountain Technology Greeting Box Review (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


I reviewed Pearl Mountain Technology's Greeting Box, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The app is sold in the app store for ios.

With the app, you can create greeting cards for holidays, birthdays, graduations, and just because. You have to play with the app to choose the correct photos, frames, fonts, and clip art. The app also has a card store, to purchase additional card packs for 2.99 each, which is not bad.

I created cards for mother's day, in addition to a card for my sister's graduation.

I created a video using Premier Pro to show how I created a card for my sister. I had issues with cropping at first, but I figured it out. I also had issues exporting, in addition to e-mailing the card using the i mail feature. I edited very little to show my successes and failures using the software.

VIDEO REVIEW 



The software is currrently 9.99 in the app store.

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, May 22, 2014

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Soap Product Review (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links





I received 
Adovia Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap - Great for Eczema, Psoriasis or Acne! 125 GR (4.4OZ), in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The soap removes dead skin cells from your skin. The soap also helps keep your skin moisturized. The soap also does not have a strong scent. The smell is barely noticeable.

As you can tell, the soap is a dark grey or black. The soap is also not smooth (gritty to help exfoliate) Your tub water will turn black, but your skin will be smooth. I loved using the soap. Can't wait to purchase another bar.


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.


When you Let Go Book Blast and Book Giveaway (Write Now Literary Virtual Blog Tours)


This post was sponsored by Write Now Virtual Blog Tours. Content and Images was provided.


BOOK CONTEST: 


The Author is giving away one e-book copy of An Unexpected

Blessing( Kindle or Nook Only) To enter go here: http://bit.ly/1v0qb9e

Book Title: When You Let Go

Genre: Christian Fiction, Novel

Publication Date: May 22, 2014

Genre: Christian Fiction



About The Book:

An answered prayer. An unforeseen betrayal. A family healed by grace. Amara and Ejike Dike had been married for six glorious years. Amara was convinced Ejike, was the perfect gift from God. Loving, charming and very easy on the eyes. They had a beautiful life. Well, not so beautiful. Amara’s
inability to bear children made her feel like a less than the perfect mate for her husband.
Then after many years, God lifted her faith and had finally heard her cry. The Dikes couldn’t be happier. A surprise visit from Chinelo, Amara’s long lost cousin, turns Amara’s world upside down and threatens to turn her once-perfect existence into ashes.Ejike loved his wife with a passion. They shared a burning desire and faith in God that burned deep. However Chinelo’s appearance would open a Pandora’s Box that had purposely been kept shut.

Faced with the loss of all she holds dear, Amara finds herself at crossroads. Would she lean on God’s sustaining grace to let go and travel the rocky path to forgiveness? Or would she throw everything to the wind and walk away? When You Let Go is a novel about people who know what the Word of God instructs but struggle with actually doing it when the chips are down

About The Author:

Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents. UnomaNwankwor spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She is a romantic at heart and is passionate about telling stories of faith and hope about love. She hope to capture her readers through stories that are faith based with an element of love. After all, “and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ~1 Corinthians 13:13

She is the published author of An Unexpected Blessing (2013) and The Christmas Ultimatum (2013) and many published flash fiction and short stories. Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club and the Kenyan Ezine ;Wamathai and well as numerous radio shows and blogs. She is currently working on her next novel When You Let Go (May, 2014) and A Scoop of Love (October, 2014).

Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base; Atlanta Georgia and her Nigerian culture. She calls them her God-given stories and strives every day to be a use her gift to His glory.

Social Links:

Website

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Email: unwankwor@kevstelgroup.com

Buy Links: 

Amazon

Nook

Tour Hosted by Write Now Literary Blog Tours

Author Tour Schedule

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Valentia Even Glow Serum Product Review (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.




I received Vitamin C Serum - Antioxidant Treatment - Natural & Organic - Incl. Organic Rosehip Oil & Sea Buckthorn Oil - Brightening Serum - Rapid Absorption - Reduce Sun Spots and Wrinkles - Exclusive to Amazon - 1.18oz, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson.

The Even Glow Serum contains Vitamin C. The serum has a lovely citrus-sy scent. The serum is also light and is not greasy on your skin. The product also helps reduce the effects of aging.

The product comes with a squeeze bulb to apply the serum on your face. After washing and toning your face, you then apply a few drops of even glow to your face. Next, you let your face dry and apply moisturizer.






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.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Candle Bible Handbook Review (Kregel Blog Tours)



Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.


I read Candle Bible Handbook in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Terry Jean Day and Carol J. Smith. The book was also published by Candle Books.

The bible handbook contains facts, timelines, maps, and photographs of the bible and biblical landmarks.

I wanted to review the book to learn more about the bible. The first thing, which stood out was the illustration of how the bible is organized. Each book of the bible is also a chapter. The bible books sections have frequently asked questions, an outline, maps, and study questions with biblical references.

The book is a good reference book for beginning biblical scholars or anyone, who wants to learn more about the people and places in the bible.








Asher and Watson Set Sail Book Review (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links


I received Asher And Watson Set Sail: A Pirate's Book For Children, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The book was written by Julie Schoen and illustrated by Marina Veselinovic. The book was published by Little Pearl Publishing.

The book was a nice read. The book was about Asher (a boy) and Watson (his dog). On Asher's birthday, his father bought him a pirate ship. While in the bath, Watson causes an accident to happen, which sets Asher and Watson on an adventure.

The toddlers (son and great niece) loved the book. Kalen giggled at some scenes. :-). For me, the book took a few days to read. Both toddlers have short attention spans. I read a few pages at a time per day until the book was finished. I also loved Veselinovic's illustrations.

The book is available in Kindle and Paperback format.


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.