OH NO! I WON!

Sandy, you've lost it again!

No, you just don't understand. I know a wonderful fine artist who uses both acrylics and oils as her mediums of choice.  (She also dyes the most wonder colors of yarn!) She had a Friday contest where in the winner gets to choose a print of one of her paintings. I won! I whooped! I twittered about it! Joy! Excitement! I raced to her site! AND THEN IT HIT ME! I love her work (L C Neill)! How do I choose?

Places is adorned with sun rises...I love sun rises and sets and the way they color the clouds in the sky!

People...walking dogs. Lost in thought while seemly stareing at a wall. Walking in the rain. Reading a book. People just doing things I see people doing all the time. I feel their movement or stillness.

Things has so many things! Curling ribbons with crisp edges and turns. Flowers...just their faces and in a clear container where you can see how glass and water changes the way stems look. Scrabble tiles that look so real and have a bit of whimsy as you notice the words they spell out!

And I, I have to pick one, just ONE. Want to guess how I have spent the past 3 hours? Yes, opening each thumb nail picture to try and ascertain which one should come live at my house!

Thank you L C Neill for giving me such a lovely chore!

Go here and see some of the pictures I have been talking about... http://bit.ly/o8EFXu.

WHAAAAHOOOO...BOOK IN MAILBOX!

Thanks to my friendly book bloggy pal, Bridget of Readaholic, there was something besides bills and junk in my mailbox! A copy of Elizabeth Hoyt's Wicked Intentions! O, important to thank Hachette too as they gave her a copy to giveaway. I wanted this book after reading reviews by Bridget and other reviewers who give honest opinions. Now it is MINEEEEEEEEE! 

This was taken from Hachette:

From the New York Times bestselling author of To Desire a Devilcomes this thrilling tale of danger, desire, and dark passions.

A MAN CONTROLLED BY HIS DESIRES . . . 

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows St. Giles like the back of her hand-she's spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk . . . 

A WOMAN HAUNTED BY HER PAST . . . 

Caire makes a simple offer-in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to London's high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as cold calculation soon falls prey to a passion that neither can control-one that may well destroy them both.

A BARGAIN NEITHER COULD REFUSE

Curious?  If you click on highlighted title in the first paragraph , you will be whisked over to Ms. Holt's site where you can read excerpts from the book (there are 2). You can order copies from there at several different locations. Or, as an newly attempted Amazson Associate, just click on the image and link below!  

Word has it, you can also find an copy at Audible.com! Well, I had to check it out, didn't I? If you love accents, Ashford MacNab does a good narration (this from the snippet I heard).

Yes,  my friends, I really expect to enjoy this book and do want to share with you! 

PS: Don't forget to visit Bridget at Readaholic for more reviews and giveaways!

Did someone say 'MURDER'?

Why yes, she did.  She is Melissa of Melissa's Bookshelf.  
And then she showed this:

And then she mentioned Daphine du Maurier.

And then she had a review.

And then she had a giveaway contest.

And then I entered.

And then I won!

Now just look at that cover! Can you feel the gloominess of the night; the chill wind that carries the scent of the sea as you read one of du Maurier's books or watched a movie braced on one of them?

The review...ah, think of a Nancy Drew but in this setting of time and space! Wouldn't you have to enter?  Of course you would and be joyous as I was when the book arrived on the doorstep!

You really should visit Melissa's blog if only for good reviews and check out her giveaways too...it's a fun thing!

PS:  For those of you wondering why this just showed up when it originated earlier, my computer blew away my original post leaving only the title and opening line.  So don't get made at your machine.

From Blossom Street to Hannah's List

I first became away of Debbie Macomber in a hobby story looking for yarn and patterns. I found 2 pattern books that were based on 2 of her books and encouraging knitters to knit squares for Warm Up America. 

So when in Twitter, I saw the Book Vixen posted review and giveaway of Hannah's List, I had to read the review and enter her giveaway.  Happily, I won not only the book but a $25 Visa gift card (more books!!!)! 
You can read the Vixen's review here.  Do stay around after reading her review for current reviews and/or giveaways that might interest you.

Is there anything as good as book in the hand?

Why yes, there is! A book that is in an audio format! Because you can take it with you while driving or when you need to multitask or when you want someone to tell you a story before you go to sleep (blame the last one on my parents).  So naturally, when Jen of Jen's Book Talk emailed me of winning I, Alex Cross (unabridged even) by James Patterson, I was indeed a happy camper.  

Ah, did you notice that I said "unabridged even"?  Is that important? Absolutely! If I was going to read hard copy, I would not want to read an abridged version, so why would I want to listen to an abridged version?!?  Have I ever listened to an abridged book? Yes. Was I satisfied? No. 

I read/listen to books to enjoy them, not to just get through them. I don't want to be a "check it off" story consumer. Also, sometimes the person doing the abridging leaves out flavor or content that makes the story feel choppy or leaves you more confused that was intended by the writer. Think of a baked potato you can't smell and is without butter. 

This cd set is currently in my pile of tbl.  When it reaches the top and has been listened to, I will tell you all about it!  Meanwhile, if you are thinking about audio versions of book, think unabridged.  And if you are thinking about bloggers with good reviews and give aways, think Jen of Jen's Book Talk!  

Bridget has two blogs

Which is delightful for the book lovers among us as there she not only reviews books BUT she also gives them away!  I was lucky enough to be a winner there of  Margaret Mallory's Knight of Pleasure. 

This is an excerpt from the book:

"Do you want to learn how to protect yourself?" Stephen asked.

Green eyes sparking with fire, Isobel raised her sword and said, "Teach me."

"You should carry a short blade as well," he instructed as he fended off her attack.

"Why? You think you can knock my sword from my hand?"

"I can. But I will not have to. You will drop it."

He forced her to step back, and back, and back again. She threw her hands up, sending the sword clattering against the wall as she tumbled backward.

"I'm afraid you have the advantage of me," she said, reaching her hand up for him. He took it and sank to his knees beside her.

"Not true, Isobel," he said in a harsh whisper. "'Tis I who am at your mercy."

His eyes fixed on her lips, full and parted. The moment their lips touched, fire seared through him. She was kissing him back, mouth open. Slowly, he lowered his body ...

He froze the instant he felt the prick of cold steel against his neck.

"You are right," Isobel said so close to Stephen's ear that he could feel her breath, "'tis wise to carry a short blade."

My thoughts:

This is the second of a series, the first being Knight of Desire, a really fun romp of a debut novel I earlier reviewed. I fully expect to enjoy this one as much as the last and have added her next book, Knight of Passion which is (to be release in June of this year) to my wish list.  
Series books can sometimes drive me mad when they leave you hanging for next book in the series.  As the first one seemed have a proper ending, I expect this one to need to be able to stand alone.  We shall see when I read and then post about it.  

In the meantime, go visit Bridget's book blog, Readaholic, to see what she has found lately.  

Topical Traditions

    

You know I really like Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil, right?  Well, in another of  Bridget's (of Sweepstakes4MeAndU) contests, I won some of their Organic Teeth Cleaner.   I have been using it since it arrived. I gotta tell you, I like it and find it very effective.

You really should go visit and search out all of Bridget's Tropical Traditions reviews as she has tried many of their products!

As my skin was turn drier than burnt toast and flakier than ....their coconut, I brought some of their Moisturizing Lotions (Anica) variety.  Tropical Traditions described it as follows:

Excellent for massaging tired muscles. Ingredients: purified water, organic virgin coconut oil, organic jojoba, emulsifying wax (plant based, no soy), grapefruit seed extract, virgin palm oil, organic macerated Anica oil, and organic essential oils of wintergreen, peppermint, clove, helichrysum, and spruce.

The bad news is I found it so thick that I had to get my DH to squeeze it out for me.  Then I discovered I really don't like the smell of it.  I had gotten a really good twofer offer, hence, I gave them to DH who can squeeze the lotion out and does not care about the smell. 

Does this mean I am giving up on Tropical Traditions?  Of course not!  They are a good company with lots of other products to check out!  And because, when I bought the Lotion, I also bought CHOCOLATE!  

Yes, my friends, I am a self admitted chocoholic!  And with everyone and their brother talking about organic chocolate, I had to go for it!  Go for it, I did! All I can say is, Tropical Traditions makes some really, really good chocolate!  From a chocoholic, that's saying something!  Will, I buy their chocolate again. YES!!! Who cares about zits at my age!  

I have been trying to think of what I want to try next.  I have had two thoughts. 

Coconut Peanut Butter sounds really good. I've gotten organic nut butters before but found them a pain it the bum as you always have to stir them up as the oil is always on top. But I am thinking that the coconut oil should help alleviate that issue.

My other thought?   Yes, the deodorant.  I am so hoping to find one that works and I am not allergic to.  What flavor, Frankincense.  

And then, and then....coconut!  Flaked or shredded. or chipped..don't know but I want try some of the Tropical Traditions recipes and see if I can't come up with some to give them.

You win some, you lose some, and sometimes you gotta punt

Krista is a lovely blogger of You Wanna Know What I Think.  She is kind of new to this giveaway stuff but is working hard at it.  She posted about a product called Lipo-Flavonoid, which I hoped would help my tinnitus; so i entered.  Unfortunately, I am one it did not help.  

One of the things you must you must understand (if you don't enter giveaway contests), this is no refection on Krista or her blog.  You just can't win all the time with your winnings. I will still refer people to Krista's blog. 

I will not, however, try a product and not tell you what I really think of it.  This is one I cannot recommend to anyone.  

My ENT has admitted he does not know what is causing my problem (screwed up skeletal system or medications I am on).  He also does not have anything in his arsenal that will help me.  I did know there were no contraindications when I entered the giveaway. 

I just saw the following so understand why it did not help me or many others.  

Lipo-Flavonoid – What’s The Truth?

Lipo-Flavonoid is an herbal supplement which is advertised online and in stores as a treatment for Tinnitus.
The real problem with Lipo-Flavonoid is that it’s not a treatment for “tinnitus” at all. It’s actually a treatment for “Meniere’s Disease” which is one of the lesser causes of tinnitus (the most common cause being exposure to loud noise.)

So purchase with foreknowledge.

Do go visit Krista and give her your support, as well as think about entering one of her giveaways.

Are you one of those people has problems in the spring?

I am. Daddy (the doctor) called it sneeze and wheeze season. My problem with antihistamines is they either don't work or they stop the drip and sneeze but plug me up something awful!  Then, Bridget of Freebies4MeAndU did a review and give away for something call PreHistin.  I read the review and thought about it a lot!  I searched the product out more.  Then I just had to enter!  And I won!

What did I think?

What an idea! Works well with Daddy, the doctor's theory the "prevention is a good thing."  Started I did.  Now I just want them to hurry up and get it into stores so while I am shopping, I can just pick it up!  I could hug Bridget for finding this product for review and giveaway!  

Just checked site for PreHistin and they are having a Buy One Get One Free offer!  I am off there as soon as I finish my home work (as these bloody reviews I have neglected)!  

'Guess it was a good thing to do this review tonight or I would not have found about about the sale!  Oh, there is lots of educational information there.

Don't forget Freebies4MeAndU.

 

I wanted to win what?!

GUM! That's right. GUM! 

Why? 

Have you ever been somewhere and suddenly you are so hungry you could bite somebody but could not for whatever reason? OR you mouth is drier than toast and can't get to liquids? 

I have! Both! 

Then Leslie at Live, Love, Laugh with Leslie made it sound so good. Leslie also said it was 'sugar free'. 

So I entered. I WON two (2) different flavors. 

I like both of flavors and will buy more! 

If you like gum or need to have something on hand when you get into my desperate situations, check out Tridents' newest innovation...LAYERED GUM! (Who'd a thunk it! Ok, Trident did.) Seriously good with lasting flavor!

Don't forget Live, Love, Laugh with Leslie when you think it's time to see what's out there in the way of giveaways ... they are a great way to see what's out there that you might think you want to buy but want to try it first!

Goodreads gift to me

Goodreads is a gift to all of us who love to read, let others know what we read, track our books, meet fellow readers to find out what they think of books, etc. But who knew you could find giveaways there? And better than that?! Who knew I could win a book that a) I wanted to read and b) was by an author I really like and have liked for forever and a day! If you like a good way to track your books and reviews and your bookie friends, this is a really good place! 

So what did I win?

To Desire A Devil (Legend of the Four Soldiers, #4) by Elizabeth Hoyt (Goodreads Author) 

This is what was said about it on Goodreads:

NOTHING IS MORE INTOXICATING-
Reynaud St. Aubyn has spent the last seven years in hellish captivity. Now half mad with fever he bursts into his ancestral home and demands his due. Can this wild-looking man truly be the last earl's heir, thought murdered by Indians years ago?

OR DANGEROUS-
Beatrice Corning, the niece of the present earl, is a proper English miss. But she has a secret: No real man has ever excited her more than the handsome youth in the portrait in her uncle's home. Suddenly, that very man is here, in the flesh-and luring her into his bed.

THAN SURRENDERING TO A DEVIL.
Only Beatrice can see past Reynaud's savagery to the noble man inside. For his part, Reynaud is drawn to this lovely lady, even as he is suspicious of her loyalty to her uncle. But can Beatrice's love tame a man who will stop at nothing to regain his title-even if it means sacrificing her innocence? 

I have read and loved other books of her's and I have great expectations for this one as well. WHAT?! You want to see the cover. Here goes then:

  .  

If you are not familiar with this writer, give her a go. You will be so happy you did!

Let them eat cake!

Finally it was my opportunity! I finally won a give away to try one of Bake Me A Wish! cakes! (I tried to win one from ever so long a time!) It was at Leslie Loves Veggies to reach my desire!  The one I won was the Triple Chocolate Enrobed Brownie Cake. Joy in my heart! I love chocolate! It arrived safe and sound to my door.  Finally came the time to try it. Awwww heavenly look and smell! The taste? Moist! Rich! Chocolate! HEAVEN!! All was perfect! Weeeeelll, not quite. It was quite crumbly. That was my only critique which, for someone most into the highlights, is not a big deal. 
But you go look and see which cake (and there are several) you want to taste...or send to someone overseas or has newly gone off to college. 
I do so thank both Leslie and Bake Me A Wish!.
Leslie has a wonderful site with tons of giveaways of great variety. If you don't believe me, go to her site and check it out for yourself.
WARNING: Viewing could be hazardous to your diet!

    

Book Winner

I've not read them yet but, from JENS BOOK TALK, I won two books that I am most ashamed to say, have not wiggled out of the 'to be read list'!  Before I go any further, I just have to tell you, my New Year's resolution was to acknowledge I do not have to respond to every posting I read on every blog I follow (if I want to have time for other stuff). Jen's blog is one I read often. She writes good, honest reviews! and has some really good book giveaways! Check her out by clicking on her highlighted blog name!

These are the books I won.    

WINNER: I, Alex Cross (audio)

Opps! I didn't tell you about this one! Thank you Ms Jen of Jen's Book Talk!

Now I know you who read my review of another of his books are wondering why I bother to try and get this book. Simple. People whose reviews I respect, said this was one of his "ups". And you know I love a good mystery! So, why not give Mr. Patterson another try.

I will let you know what I think after a good listen.

Now, I gotta tell you (if you haven't read my comments before), I like Jen's blog and frequent it often (see on the left hand side of her blog where she lists her top commenters). It's a fun blog if you haven't been there. Her reviews are good (she does movies, too) and I like her rating system. She particpates in lots of tours (a good way to follow giveaways of a book you really want to read but can't aford or just to see what tour participants think of a book). Speaking of which, she is part of Seduced by a Rouge by Amanda Scott who has written some other books I have enjoyed...wonder what our tour guide will have to say about that?!

WINNER: Murder on the Cliffs!

Have you ever seen a cover and title of a book you just had to pick up? Well, look at this one:

Well, I couldn't do that as it was on Melissa's Bookshelf! But I could read the synopsis! Oh, goody, English Gothic! Then I saw it...the name.....Daphney du Maurier! I have been a fan of her books and some of the movies made from them since...forever! She is going to be our heroine? What a great idea!

BUT what did Melissa think? First time author...blab blab blab..."I could not put this book down." YEA! (You see I trust her reviews.) HOORAY! She is giving a copy away!!! I entered immediately!

Last night, I was reading my email and found out, I WON!!! I got so excited I was sputtering!

Do go visit Melissa's blog! You will so glad you did check out her reviews on books you have read and/or ones you are thinking about reading. You'll be so glad you did.

You can get there by clicking on the name of her blog or the title of this posting.

I have been so bad!

And I have absolutely no excuse! So I about to make many amends to a bunch of lovely people!

September

Booking Mama (aka Julie P) way back in early September sent me a message to say I had won The Sourcebooks Giveaway. I got the book of my choice (way cool deal that one)! I picked "Letters from Pemberley" by Jane Dawkins.

Julie was so nice and I still visit her blog. I do hope she will forgive my late but heartfelt appreciation! I did receive it...it resides beside me in my TBR stack.

Diane of dkMommy Spot (you all must know about her by now), messaged me in September that I had won "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Renewable Energy". DH ran off with that one soon after arrival! He has shown me a couple of things he has found interesting.

And then later the same month, Doc Nina of playground for parents, messaged me that I had won Cookies...for ME?. Now you gotta know something...these are healthy cookies...gluten free, egg free, and nut free...never had cookies like these! Oh, and now she has some dairy free as well (but I didn't get those). Don't ask me how she did it, but those were good cookies! Especially the lemon iced ones! Jamie, the Chef, has a really cute logo...but you gotta go there to see it! Thanks Doc Nina! (All you parents ought to visit her site!)

October

Bridget of Readaholic, sent me an email that I had won "A Drunkard's Path". I've not gotten the book yet but anyone who has read her reviews knows how she can stir up a reader's interests in a book...which is why I entered and won this one! I visit her sites often. Oh, you caught that one did you? Yes, she has two sites does our Ms Bridget and I check out her reviews on both (and enter some of her contest there as well. The second site was Freebies 4 Me and U, but has now become It's My Life.

November

I got a box from a wonderful friend from FaceBook, Pegge Tennant. She is an Independent Watkins Associate. What's Watkins? Think J. R. Watkins, Naturals. Still lost? Ok, let me take from her site:

Nestled in the Mississippi River Bluff town of Winona, MN., Watkins has been America’s pioneer in natural living since 1868. As America’s original natural apothecary manufacturer, Watkins uses only the finest natural ingredients in its diverse lines of personal care, home care, remedies and organic flavorings.

While Ms Pegge and I are searching about for eggs, we talk about this and that and the other. So what did she come up with in a sus (surprise) box for me?

Can't read that? Organic Cinnamom (not used that one yet but does it ever smell great!)

Organic Pure Vanilla! Besides cooking with that, can I put some behind my ears? I love the smell!

Sorry, couldn't find a picture of this one...Flavored Baked Potato Soup Mix. Perfect timing! Weather wet and cold? Soup is what you need! We are soon to break into this one!

No picture for this one either. Cinna-Cream Sprinkles. This one I have used! Pegge, I gotta tell you, it is great in tea!!!

Oh, you want to see what else she's got going? I now have her store site...it's here.

J. Kaye, of J. Kaye's Book Blog, informed me I won an audio of THE SCARECROW by Michael Connelly. She has great book reviews and conversations about books and book blogger questions and giveaways and...!!! You really need to go there if you like books.

This is currently in my TBL pile. So many wonderful books to listen to.

Ms Valerie over at Sweeps 4 Bloggers let me know I won a gift certificate to the Eco Store USA! I can't wait to hear from them! This is a twofer...Valerie's site is one I visit a lot to enter! She has great giveaways that I enter a lot! And Eco Store USA? I have tried their front loader washing machine powder and oxygen whitener. When my DH noticed a difference ...OMG, I almost fell on the floor! So if you can't win it, go visit and buy it!

Jen of Jen's Book Talk let me know I was a winner there. She has a really cute site and loves a variety of books. Her reviews are good and so are her giveaways so head over and check the site out! What did I win? The Gate House.

Ms Leslie of Leslie Loves Veggies told I had won the Bake Me a Wish! Chocolate Torte Cake. Now Ms Leslie, like my friend Valerie, has lots, lots of giveaways that appeal to a wide variety of folks. And she like chocolate as much as I (giggle)! So if you like to enter giveaways, this has become a popular site for me. Now as for Bake Me a Wish!, I defy you to find a cake there that you would not like! I mean, look at this!

Can you see why I can't wait for this to arrive! I'll let you know when I get it if it looks and tastes as good as it looks!

December

Goodreads and Anna let me know on December 1, I am a First Reads winner. You could have knocked me over with a feather! With all the people posting for TO DESIRE A DEVIL, I never thought I would win it...and I did! How cool is this! So you who are in Goodreads, try it. If I can win, you can win! I can't wait for this to arrive to put in my pile!

You know I will post a review of this one! Watch for it!

Same day, Leslie of LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH WITH LESLIE, told me her random generator pulled my comment out as a winner of her giveaway for TRIDENT LAYERS GUM. Leslie is a good reviewer and has lots of giveaways. Do check her site out...it is truely ever green!

Just checked the mail and this was the last one. I do have some review to do but I think I need sleep first. Have a good day!