SworkIt Fitness App Review (Tomoson)

I received Sworkit, a fitness app, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson . Sworkit is a fitness app, available on Google Play, Amazon, and The App Store. The app is available in a free and premium version.

In the app, you have five workout modes: strength, cardio, yoga, stretching, and customized. Each workout is five minutes long. You are able to watch a demo of the workout, then do the workout. You also can pause workouts.

The app also has a partnership with two rewards programs, Mpoints and Klip. You can earn giftcards, donate to charity, or use the points to enter sweepstakes. Next, you can connect the app to Google Fit and My Fitness Pal.

The app is easy to use. You choose your workout; strength, cardio, yoga, stretching, or a customized workout. Then, you chose a workout type. For example, under stretching, you can do a head to to warm up; a full body stretch; a standing only stretch; or back strengthening. Next, you choose your workout time, from five minutes to an hour. You also can choose a custom length. Then, begin your workout.

You can watch a video of the workout before you begin. Then, a timer counts down. Once it starts, you start the workout. If you need a break, hit the pause button.

The app also speaks to you

You also can track your progress with the app.

I liked the app. It gives me a chance to get a workout in, even if I only have five minutes. I also like the video demos and the video trainers on the screen.

Old Factory Candles Review and Giveaway (BrandBacker)

I received Old Factory Candles, in exchange for honest review from BrandBacker. No other compensation was provided.This post contains Amazon Affiliate links


I received the Romance Set, in exchange for honest review from Brandbacker. The set included Dark Chocolate, Champagne and Rose Petals. The candles are soy-based and burns slow. I also love how small the candles are. You don't need much space to store the candles. I store mine on the book case, away from the kids.

Video

Old Factory Candles are sold on Amazon in packages of three (12 sets total). The sets include:

1. 50 shades: vanilla sex, leather, and jasmine sex
2. Romance: Dark Chocolate, Champagne, and Rose Petals
3. New Born Baby: Baby Powder, First Blanket, Baby Shampoo.
4. Fall Harvest: Pumpkin Spice, Cranberry, and Autumn Leaves
5. Coffee shop: Coffee bean, Hazelnut, Chai Tea
6. Fresh and clean: Lemongrass, Olive Blossom, Fresh Linen
7. Happy Holidays: Christmas Tree, Candy Cane, Gingerbread
8. High as a kite: Cannabis, Incense, Bag 00 Cookies
9. Man Cave: Straight Razor, Leather, Mohagany
10. Spa Day: Cucumber, Lemongrass, Green Tea
11. Vacation: Sea Breeze, Hawaiian Lei, Awapuhi
12. Winter Wonderland: Hot Chocolate, Roasted Chestnut, Fresh Snow

You can purchase Old Factory Candles on Amazon. Just search for Old Factory and choose the set you want from the drop down menu. You also can click on any of the links in the post. The Candles are prime-eligible. I can not wait to purchase Winter Wonderland, Vacation, Spa Day, Fresh and Clean, Fall Harvest, 50 Shades, and Coffee Shop.

Giveaway

Enter to win a set of Candles from Old Factory

Entry-Form

The company will reimburse you for shipping and gift wrapping. You must have an Amazon account to receive your prize.


This post was sponsored by Brandbacker

BustBomb Cream Review (Tomoson)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links and Images

I received  Cream + Progesterone - Enhancement Cream for Women - Paraben-free! Promotional Price!, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The cream is supposed to enhance and lift saggy breasts, such as mine. I always had big breasts. I remember starting off with a training bra and the next size, I remember is 44DDs. I had the second biggest boobs in elementary school by the 2nd grade. I developed my feminine side early. The other girl was in the 4th at the time.

My breasts have sagged for the longest, even when I actually wore a bra daily. I wanted to see if the cream would at least lift my breasts a little, which is why I applied for the promotion.

I also received the BustBomb - Top Rated Breast Enlargement / Bust Enhancement / Acne Treatment Natural Herbal Pills for Women - 90 Capsules - Best Value!.

First, I took the pills for about a week before they came up missing. I can not fully review the pills. The pills came in capsule form with powder on the inside. The pills had a slight medicine taste.

Next, the bust bomb cream, I used daily. I did not notice a lift, but I noticed my breasts a little fuller. I apply the cream after I bathe. You rub the cream on parts you want lifted or fuller. According to Amazon, you are supposed to use the product for 3 months before noticing a change.  I will update in 3 months.

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.

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. 

Read more: http://bit.ly/1mXCAaf

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! 

Read more: http://bit.ly/1sTZtv2

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. 

Read more: http://bit.ly/1gOOHqh

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

Brown Girls Publishing

Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours

Follow the Tour

Self-Confidence: How to overcome shyness by Anastasia Verg book review (Tomoson)

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

I read Self Confidence: How To Overcome Shyness, Worry And Boost Your Self-Esteem (How To Be Confident, How To Overcome Insecurity, How To Overcome Shyness), in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The book was written by Anastasia Verg. I received an e-copy of the book.





I wanted to review the book because I do suffer from insecurities, shyness, and self-esteem issues.

Chapter 1 focuses on Shyness. I am a natural introvert and loner. Relating to people is hard work and frustrating at times. If I feel judged or put down, I will push people away, far far far away. The book said shyness is a treatable, mental condition. Verg also provides tips for overcoming shyness such as:

1. Changing your appearance helps boost self-esteem and confidence. You can improve hygiene, join a gym, or simply keep nails trimmed. 

Chapter 2 focuses on using positive affirmations to help build confidence. Affirmations may help overcome negative and self-sabotaging thoughts. 

Chapter 3 focuses on overcoming insecurities. Verg, first discusses the causes of insecurity, such as lack of trust and self-guilt. Verg also provides tips for overcoming insecurities, such as:

1. admitting you have insecurities. Being honest with yourself about your problems. 
2. Avoid comparing yourself to others. This can lead to jealousy and unhealthy competition. 

Chapter 4 discusses how to stop worrying using positive thinking. Being preoccupied with worry can paralyze you. This is one of my problems. My mind  thinks about the worst-case scenarios and sometimes it interferes with daily activities. 

Chapter 5 focuses on improving self-esteem and having healthy relationships. Having low self-esteem may harm a potential relationship. Verg said "you are either always trying too hard in a relationship to keep the other person happy, or you don't try at all. This is because you either feel you're not worthy of your partner and need to make constant efforts to make them happy, so that you don't lose them. On the other hand, you may even feel that there's nothing you can do to make your partner happy and stop trying at all."

Some tips Verg provides include:

1. Taking time out for youself.
2. Set realistic goals
3. Don't keep looking for perfection (I struggle with this)

The book was a good read. I finished the book in under an hour. The book is available on Amazon in Kindle format. The book is prime-eligible, so prime members can borrow for free. :-)

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.

Ozeri Duo Salt and Pepper Mill and Grinder Product Review (Moderna Housewares)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links and images.


I reviewed Ozeri Duo Ultra Salt and Pepper Mill and Grinder, Stainless Steel, in exchange for honest review from Moderna Housewares. I wanted to review the mill and grinder to grind my fancy salts.

I tried to figure out the device without reading the instructions. I failed. Read the instructions lol. The bottom piece has multiple uses: to hold the salt and pepper at the bottom; and a funnel to add salt and pepper at the top.

The bottom also hides the controls, which adjusts the fineness or coarseness of the flakes.

The top helps grind the flakes, while the plastic piece keeps the flakes from falling out through the top.


Check out the video for how to use the salt and pepper mill and grinder.

The product is sold on Amazon and is prime-eligible.

Disney Classics Music Collection Sponsored Post (One to One Network)

This post was sponsored by One2One Network. I received a digital sampler, in exchange for participation. The post contains Amazon Affiliate Images.



I wanted to be apart of this campaign because I love Disney. The movies, the parks, the apparel, and the music. The sampler I received had great hits, such as The Bare Necessities and When you Wish Upon a star.




Disney is coming out with a new collection of music, featuring 94 songs. The collections include:

• Disney Modern Classics
• Disney Theme Park Classics
• Disney Timeless Classics
• Disney Television Classics

The collections will be on sale November 12, 2013. You can pre-order on Amazon. The collection is 31.61, if you pre-order the CD. The collection is also prime eligible. It is also available in MP3 format, for 37.99, which will be available on the 12th.

About the collection:

The collections was compiled by Randy Thornton, Disney Music Group's Grammy-winning, music historian.

"From The Studio’s earliest days, music has always been an integral part of the Disney creative process. But when “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf” debuted in 1933, it began a musical legacy that remains unmatched to this day – probably the most recognizable and beloved song catalog in the world. Even though the musical styles range from inspiring ballads, novelty songs, folk, rock, to Broadway show-tunes, Disney Music is a genre in and of itself." (Randy Thornton).

As a bonus for purchasing the collection, you will also receive a collection of Disney music by Peter Hollens and Alex G. Peter, a Youtube Acapella band. Hollens and Peters have received over 100 million views.

For more information about Walt Disney Records's releases, please visit

Disney Music
Facebook Fan Page
Disney Music on Twitter

Song Lists:

Disney Modern Classics

1. Under the Sea – The Little Mermaid

2. Be Our Guest – Beauty and The Beast

3. Seize the Day – Newsies

4. A Whole New World - Aladdin

5. What’s This? – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

6. Circle of Life – The Lion King

7. Colors of the Wind - Pocohontas

8. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story

9. Out There – The Hunchback of Notre Dame

10. I Won’t Say (I’m in Love) – Hercules

11. Reflection – Mulan

12. The Time of Your Life – A Bug’s Life

13. Strangers Like Me – Tarzan (Phil Collins)

14. When She Loved Me – Toy Story 2

15. Whopp-de-Dooper Bounce – The Tigger Movie

16. If I Didn’t Have You – Monsters, Inc.

17. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride – Lilo & Stitch

18. Look Through My Eye – Brother Bear

19. One Little Slip – Chicken Little

20. Happy Working Song – Enchanted

21. Dig a Little Deeper – The Princess and The Frog

22. I See the Light – Tangled (Mandy Moore)

23. We Belong Together – Toy Story 3

Disney Theme Park Classics

1. The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room – Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

2. Swisskapolka – Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse

3. Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me) – Pirates of the Caribbean

4. Splash Mountain Medley – Splash Mountain

5. The Bear Serenade – Country Bear Jamboree

6. Grim Grinning Ghost – Haunted Mansion

7. It’s a Small World – it’s a small world

8. There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow – Carousel of Progress

9. The Great Outdoors – Country Bear Vacation Hoedown

10. Space Mountain – Space Mountain

11. Soarin’ – Soarin’ Over California

12. It’s Tough to Be a Bug – It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

13. California Screamin’ – California Screamin’

14. The Best Time of Your Life – Carousel of Progress

15. Space Mountain – Space Mountain (2005)

16. Universe of Energy – Universe of Energy

17. Kitchen Kabaret Medley – Food Rocks

18. One Little Spark – Journey Into Imagination

19. Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey) – O Canada!

20. Golden Dream – The American Adventure

21. Finale – Fantasmic

Disney Timeless Classics

1. Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf – Three Little Pigs

2. Whistle While You Work – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

3. When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio

4. When I See an Elephant Fly – Dumbo

5. Little April Shower – Bambi

6. The Three Caballeros – The Three Caballeros

7. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah – Song of the South

8. Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly) – So Dear to My Heart

9. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes – Cinderella

10. All in the Golden Afternoon – Alice in Wonderland

11. You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly! – Peter Pan

12. What a Dog/He’s a Tramp – Lady and The Tramp

13. Once Upon a Dream – Sleeping Beauty

14. Cruella De Vil – 101 Dalmatians

15. Let’s Get Together – The Parent Trap

16. The Ugly Bug Ball – Summer Magic

17. A Spoonful of Sugar – Mary Poppins

18. The Monkey’s Uncle – The Monkey’s Uncle

19. Fortuosity – The Happiest Millionaire

20. The Bare Necessities – The Jungle Book

21. Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat – The Aristocats

22. Whistle Stop – Robin Hood

23. Someone’s Waiting for You – The Rescuers

24. It’s Not Easy – Pete’s Dragon

25. Best of Friends – The Fox and The Hound

Disney Television Classics

1. Mickey Mouse March – The Mickey Mouse Club

2. The Ballad of Davy Crockett – Davy Crockett – King of the Wild Frontier

3. The Triple R Song (Yippi-A, Yippi-I, Yippi-O) – The Adventures of Spin and Marty

4. Theme of Zorro – Zorro

5. Scarecrow – The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh

6. Winnie the Pooh – Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree

7. Minnie’s Yoo Hoo – The Mouse Factory

8. Who, What, Why, Where, When and How Day – The New Mickey Mouse Club

9. Gummi Bears Theme – The Adventures of the Gummi Bears

10. Duck Tales Theme – Duck Tales

11. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers Theme Song – Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers

12. Darkwing Duck Theme – Darkwing Duck

13. Theme to Lizzie McGuire (Extended Supa Mix) – Lizzie McGuire

14. Rockin’ at the House of Mouse (Extended Version) – House of Mouse

15. The Naked Mole Rap – Kim Possible

16. Cheetah Sisters – The Cheetah Girls

17. Aloha, E Komo Mai – Lilo & Stitch: The Series

18. Hot Dog! – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

19. Get’cha Head in the Game – High School Musical

20. Nobody’s Perfect – Hannah Montana 2

21. Gitchee Gitchee Goo – Phineas and Ferb

22. This Is Me – Camp Rock

23. What Time Is It – High School Musical 2

24. Everything Is Not as It Seems – Wizards of Waverly Place

25. Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater – The Mickey Mouse Club

Time and Again by Deborah Heal Book Review (Tomoson)

I read Time and Again by Deborah Heal, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. This post contains affiliate links and images. I received a Smashwords copy of the book. The book is also available Amazon: Time and Again in Kindle and paperback.

About the book:

The book is about Abby, a college student who is tutoring a teen girl for a school project, over the summer, hoping the assignment would be easy. Meredith reminded me of my niece. An annoying, sarcastic, know-it-all, teen girl, who wants to watch TV, instead of studying. Luckily, Meredith does not have a Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram :-)

My Review:

First, the book is Christian-Based. I also loved the description of the book. The book is geared towards teens. Abby is on summer vacation but still has to work as a teacher. It's her first day of work and she would be tutoring. Abby is interested in history. The two make progress when they see a little boy, almost get hit by a train. While Abby and Meredith was taking the little boy, Michael, home, they strike up a conversation with an elderly female, who mentions says, you'll find the soul of that old house and you'll find--well Charlotte will show you.  The elderly lady gives them a clue to the past, but they don't know it yet.

I liked the book. It had a nice pace. I got really into the book.

Social Media

Book on Amazon
GoodReads
Deborah Heal's website
Facebook Fan Page

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.

Edible Green Tea Product review (Tomoson)

I reviewed Edible Green Tea, in exchange for honest review on Tomoson. The post contains Amazon affiliate images. The website for edible green tea is found here as well

I first heard of the Edible tea months ago, when I received a sample in my Bulu Box, I got for review. The sample got lost and I never got a chance to try it. I was happy when I got chosen to review it again.

The tea looks like short, little strips. You simply add a little to your food each day. You can add it to cereal or oatmeal, maybe a smoothie. I made a big mistake when I tried it the first time. Each packet represents your daily serving. I messed up and added all the tea to my oatmeal. No bueno. It was too much edible tea in my food. I did finish it though but it took some time. I also added it to Yogurt to give it a little crunch.

After that, I been adding a sprinkle here and there, versus the whole package to my foods.

Edible Green Tea provides you a daily sample of a whole leaf of green tea. The tea is organic and contains the purest tea leaves. The tea also contains plenty of antioxidants.

The website also offers recipes, such as Chocolate Bundt Cake, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, and Pinwheel Cookies.

The product is sold on Amazon, but is not available. Currently out of stock. The product is also sold on the primary website for $25 dollars for a 1 month supply. The tea also comes in powdered form for $25 dollars as well.

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.

Island Dreams Motivational Photography Book

I read ISLAND DREAMS (MOTIVATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK) by Suzy Liebermann, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The book was published by Happy Language Kids, LLC. This post does contain my amazon affiliate links and images.



The book provides a collection of images to motivate and inspire you. The pictures are bright and colorful. Great beach scenes. The book also has motivational quotes before each picture. Some quotes I liked include:

• Don't just have a great day, make one. 
• A simple smile can lead to a million things
• Some days you have to create your own sunshine. 

Currently the book is 5.99 on Kindle and free to borrow with prime.

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.

How to get good reviews by Theo Rodgers Book Review, Book Tour, and Giveaway (Goddess Fish).

I read How to get good reviews on Amazon by Theo Rodgers, in exchange for review from Goddess Fish Promotions. This review is lengthy because reading and reviewing books is a major part of my lifestyle.

About the Book: copied from media kit

How To Get Good Reviews On Amazon is a simple, no-nonsense guide that teaches exactly what it says it does. Based on both psychological science and thousands of hours of conversation with some of Amazon’s top reviewers, it takes you behind the scenes into the reviewing subculture that has grown up on Amazon’s website. It gives you a deep, insider’s knowledge of how the top reviewers think and operate. It not only shows you what to do: it takes you inside the reviewers’ heads so that you can see for yourself both how these techniques work and why they’re so effective. Lessons include:

• A simple, four-part formula for writing emails that get your work reviewed.
• Three things never to say when communicating with reviewers!
• How to pick reviewers who are more likely to give you a good review.
• How to reduce the chance that a reviewer you contact will post a bad review – even if it turns out they don’t like your work!
• How people get caught out when receiving reviews from friends and family

This book teaches an honest, straightforward approach that works. It works because it’s not based gimmicks or tricks but on a real understanding of how Amazon reviewers operate: most of all on what they expect from authors and other sellers. If you want to know how to talk to Amazon reviewers in a way that will make them respect you as a professional and see you as the kind of seller they actually want to help, this is the book for you.

About the author:copied from media kit

Theo Rogers combines years of coalface experience on Amazon's website with formal training and
qualifications in a range of business and social science disciplines. He's spent literally thousands of hours talking with Amazon reviewers, getting inside their heads, and learning what makes them tick. He's spent almost as many hours observing the carnage that so often takes place on Amazon's forums. In the process he's developed a deep insider's knowledge of the reviewing subculture that's grown up on Amazon's website. He's also seen a lot of authors and other would-be sellers make the same mistakes in their dealings with that subculture - over and over again. As a result of his experiences, Theo has come to believe that yes, there is a simple formula that works: a way of dealing with reviewers that's honest, powerful, and extremely effective at winning reviewers over, getting them on your side, and making them actually want to help you. https://www.facebook.com/TheTheoRogers

Excerpt:copied from media kit

One of the most fundamental ideas in this booklet is that there’s a definite reviewing subculture that 

has grown up on Amazon’s website. Like any culture, it has its own particular values and mores: its 

own ideas about what’s right and what’s wrong. When we come to the issue of shill reviews, we collide headlong with the values of the reviewing culture. As you might expect, most reviewers see shills – and the sellers who use them – as very, very wrong. Because this section is all about values, I think it’s important to stress that I’m writing here as your guide to Amazon’s reviewing subculture. I’m not writing as a missionary on its behalf. Simply put, I believe that your journey through the Amazon Jungle will be smoother, easier, and more successful if along the way you’re respectful of the values of the natives who dwell there. For that reason, I’m going to lay out for you some of the more commonly held tenants: the basic beliefs that most of the natives would hold to. It’s not for me to tell you whether you should embrace these values to the core of your being and make them your own. I’m just telling you that as a matter of pure pragmatism, you are going to make trouble for yourself if you ignore them.

My Review:

I been reviewing books since 2011. I have posted almost 200 reviews on Amazon, Shelfari, Library Thing, Good Reads, and my blog, but when it comes to reviews on my own books, I may have one or two. Reviews help some people determine if and when to buy a particular product or review. Of course, you want your reviews to be helpful (love it when I get that email). I wanted to read this book to learn how to get more reviews, in addition to good reviews on book review websites, for my books. I even did a promotion on LibraryThing, thinking I would get some excellent reviews and I got one person, who left a review on Chocolate Kisses.

For me, I usually give 4 to 5 stars for great books, 3 stars for average books, and 1 star for books, which disinterest me. When I have to give a negative review, I usually mention why I did not like the book in concrete terms. I don't attack the author.

So back to the book:

The first chapter deals with the mind of the average Amazon Reviewer. Why do people review books? Why would they review your book? For me, I had few reviews on Amazon, prior to becoming a blogger. I started reviewing more books when I got involved with Blogging. I even started reviewing books I read for business or pleasure. I use reviews to describe a product; tell people how much I liked a product or book; or tell people, how much I disliked a product or book. I also sometimes do video reviews, if I don't feel like typing. Why would I review your book: I read the description first. Non fiction and special needs books get priority over fiction. For non-fiction, if I can apply the material to my life and struggles, I will chose to review the book. Reviews also help improve rank. My old rank was in the millions. My new rank well is in the 23,944, with 69 helpful reviews. I got top reviewer status. I was happy to receive that honor. Never won too many awards and trophies in real life, but I love my top reviewer status on Amazon. I have arrived LOL. Any rank over 1000 gets top reviewer ranking. You can earn badges if you are in the top 1000. Your rank can improve with helpful votes. People can vote yes or no to your reviews.

The second chapter: discusses selecting reviewers. The author discusses the four P's of marketing when selecting reviewers.

• Product: What are you selling? What are you asking people to review? Has your book been edited? proof read? Is an an advanced reader copy? Is it a finished copy? Do you want the reviewers to help point out the flaws in the book? You also have to consider language. If your book uses lots of slang or ebonics for example, let the readers know. For example, I was asked to read and edit a street lit book for a random dude online. The book had slang, bad grammar, bad spelling, and punctuation from the beginning. I wasn't sure if the author did it like that on purpose or wanted me to correct spelling on every other word. The author told me he wanted it like that after I finished editing the book. 
• Price: how much are you selling the product for?
• Place: Where are you selling your products?
• Promotion: What is the book about? Promotion includes marketing and advertising. Promotion also involves finding people, who will review your book. But, don't make it a requirement to like your book. I have seen places (book tours, for example), which say if you can't rank the book 3 stars, contact them and let them know why, instead of posting the review publicly. I even had one case on Library Thing, where I won a member giveaway book, and the public relations rep, said the author don't like negative reviews. Their tone was very crass and it made me not want to read the book, let alone review it. I don't remember the name of the book, but I remember the author. Makes me not want to request any of the author's books again because of his or her representative. 

How do you select reviewers? for me, I have found reviewers in book review books on facebook, ning, library thing, twitter, and other sites. The author suggests looking for reviewers by Amazon Rank, such as a top reviewer. One problem with this is top reviewers, even people, like me, who review books, get a lot of book review requests. It can be overwhelming. Authors can also hit up folks with average ranks, who want to build up their ranks. You also can offer free books or an incentive for reviewers to choose your book. I love free books and gift cards. You don't want someone to spend a lot of money on your book, just to review it. Remember, to tell your reviewers to mention they got the book for free for honest review to abide by FTC standards. 

Chapter 3 focuses on contacting reviewers: email; leaving a comment on one of their reviews; using social media; etc. Rodgers also suggests not asking for a positive review; complain about previous bad reviews; or offer the reviewer money.

Chapter 4 focuses on what happens after the review is posted: You can do nothing. The review is posted. Mission accomplished. You can also send a thank you note to the reviewer. I seen cases where the authors or representatives email the reviewer, asking to be added to future books to be reviewed lists. But do not leave comments only on five star reviews or attack people, who left bad reviews. There was an incident a while back, where an author, who had a pending book deal, attacked some of his critics and the company on Amazon and Facebook. The thread was posted online in a few of my other book reviewer and author groups, in addition to shared across the internet via social media. That one bad post made a lot of reviewers mad, not to mention, it may make the author lose a potential book deal. Not everyone will like a book, but don't take it out on them and social media, not to mention your publishing company.


Anyway, I enjoyed reading this book. I read it within two hours.

Giveaway:

Amazon $100 Gift card. The more you follow the tour, the more chances you have at winning. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Tour Stops: 

Goddess Fish Social Media

Facebook

Twitter

Theo Rodgers Fan Page

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ED1QGXC

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00ED1QGXC/

Bama Bride Book BLast (Goddess Fish Promotions)

Perfect Chaos is helping promote the Bama Bride Super Book Blast from Goddess Fish Promotions. The book was written by Joan Chandler. The copy and images were provided by Goddess Fish Promotions. 

Follow the Tour. One randomly drawn commenter will win a $25 dollar Amazon Gift card. and  randomly drawn host will win $10 dollars Amazon Gift card. 

Book Blurb: (from media kit)
Neal Sinclair meets David Bankston in a college town bar. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, and wears a Stetson like nobody’s business.When they dance, inner passion heats up while inhibitions melt away. Neal quickly discovers David’s not a Southerner at all. He’s a Boston architect, in Tuscaloosa for only one night. The next morning, they struggle to walk away from something that caught them both by surprise. Time doesn’t diminish the ache they feel in each other’s absence. Unable to stay apart, David arranges to take Neal to watch her beloved Crimson Tide play in a football bowl game. Reunited, they’re determined to make it work. When separated, they perfect the art of open communication. They each know that true love is a long shot. But distance isn’t the only thing standing in their way. Unbeknownst to her, Neal’s overprotective father is, too. With so much conspiring against them, can a natural disaster turn the odds in their favor?
Excerpt One:

“Hey, cowboy. How about a dance?” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she cringed. Wow, even to my own ears that sounded way too cheesy. She looked him over as he stood with the sole of one boot propped against the wall, and a Stetson perched atop his head. He had sinfully good looks, and his olive complexion and wavy black hair gave him a swarthy, pirate-like appeal. “Evening.” He nodded, but his gaze remained focused on the room, never lingering in one place too long. Clearly, she had been dismissed. So much for my skill at playing the vamp. This is shaping up to be an epic fail. With each swig he took from that long-necked beer bottle, however, she found herself wanting nothing more than to offer to lick off the moisture that clung to his mouth after every swallow. She decided not to give up so easily. “You’re about empty. How about a second round? My treat?” He locked eyes with her then, and humor glinted in his.

The gorgeous stranger rewarded her with a dazzling smile even as he shook his head in polite refusal. “Thank you, but no.” His fingers were long, and his hand was broad. He exuded sex appeal. But she wasn’t used to these games of pursuit. It was usually the other way around, and she was fending off the unwanted advances. Jeez, I must look utterly pathetic to him just standing here with doe eyes. I don’t know what possessed me to think I could ever stand a chance with someone like him. She started to back away when suddenly the band began to play the first strains of “Sweet Home Alabama.” She took it as a sign that this might be her lucky night after all. She quickly downed the rest of her sour apple martini to bolster her courage and then deposited the empty glass on a nearby table. “Are you just passing through?” She spoke loudly to be heard above the cacophony of their surroundings.

“I only came in for a beer—nothing else. I leave town in the morning.” “I get it. No entanglements, right? But it’s just one dance. And judging by your accent, you aren’t from around here. So I’m willing to overlook the fact that you don’t know it’s an unwritten law that when that particular song comes on, it’s lady’s choice. She can ask any man to dance, and he can’t say no.” “Can’t, huh? Is that a fact?” A playful grin toyed at the corners of his mouth. “It is when you’re in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. That song’s a sacred anthem around here. So, cowboy, I’m asking you once again. You wanna dance?” She put one hand on her hip and extended the other toward him, waiting. Hoping he would acquiesce. His hesitation surprised her. Instead of accepting immediately, he purposefully raked his eyes over her from head to toe.  “Go ahead. I’ve got all night.” She teased him at the flagrant assessment of her assets. She welcomed the appraisal. She knew she looked good tonight. Finally he budged, putting both feet on the ground and taking a step closer. “All right then. You lead the way.” He smirked, as if amused by the whole incident.

She smiled and turned toward the wooden floor near the stage, their fingers joined behind her as they walked. When they were front and center, she put her hands on his shoulders while his immediately came to rest on her hips. Although it wasn’t a particularly slow song, he pulled her close until their bodies touched, and they began to move in time to the music. He was tall and towered over her, despite her high heels, so he bent slightly and introduced himself. “I’m David. What’s your name?” The feel of his warm breath against her face made the air around her crackle. She inhaled the scent of him. It was equal parts of shampoo, spice, and suds, and it was more intoxicating to her than the vodka had been. She breathed deeply then looked up into his brown eyes. “Neal.” He raised an eyebrow in apparent surprise at the revelation. “That’s an unusual name for a girl. My best friend in high school was named Neil.” “Cowboy, it may sound like a boy’s name, but I can assure you I am one-hundred-percent genuine woman.”He let his hands wander over the luscious curve of her bottom. Pressing his lips against her ear, he dared her. “Prove it.”

Author Bio 

Joan Chandler is a Florida native who has lived in the Deep South all of her life. She is married
with two children who are her pride and joy. She lives a double life of sorts, holding down a
nine-to-five job during the day, and writing steamy romance at night—often with her black cat
curled up in her arms as she types. When she’s not spending her spare time working on her next novel, she loves to go camping, sharing girls’ night out with her friends, walking her two dogs, and watching college football.

BUY Links:
Amazon
Book Strand
Blog

Twitter:
Find me on facebook: Joan Chandler
email: joanchandler13@gmail.com

The DropZone product review from BryBelly.

I reviewed the DropZone, in exchange for honest review from Brybelly. The Dropzone is similar to Plinko on the price is right. I got the product in the mail a few days ago. It was very heavy. I got it upstairs to the game room to lay it out and prepare myself for assembly. Took two people to get it upstairs and out of the box. and Viola no assembly. Everything was ready to go. The clear part at the top can be removed so you can insert your own logo or company name.

The product comes with a handle on the side, which I assume is for carrying. It also has a built in stand for support. Next, the product comes with 10 discs for playing. Finally, The DropZone comes with a white board set up at the bottom. You can write down points or chores or even dinner for tonight.

As soon as I set the game up, the kids (sons, niece, great niece) all started playing.







VIDEOS of the kids and family playing with the Dropzone.