Two Tickets To The Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul (Inspirational Christmas Magic Makes This a Must Have)

I have a special place on my book case for Christmas books that I fall in love with, and Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul has a place of honor there.

This is a very charming story of Cora, and her boss Simon, who with a little divine intervention will find there way to a special book store for some special Christmas gifts.  And tucked among their purchases, each later finds a ticket to the Wizard's Christmas Ball.  From that point on, the two who previously knew almost nothing about each other, find themselves meeting at unexpected moments in this wonderfully charming book filled with holiday warmth.

Cora soon learns that Simon is actually a very warm-hearted man, especially when it comes to his family and his very sweet sister Sandy who has Down Syndrome (who is adorable in this book).

The characters are well developed and I love the flow of the story as readers see what the real meaning of Christmas is.  This is a very nice read and will only take a few hours.  I highly recommend it and think it would be a great holiday read for your book club.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novela  
 by Donita K. Paul
WaterBrook Press (Oct. 5, 2010)  ~ 240 pages
 Fiction / Inspirational / Christmas / Fantasy

Edition Reviewed: Hardback - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher via WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
About the Book:

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)

Donita K. Paul is the author of The Dragons of Chiril, Dragons of the Valley, and the bestselling DragonKeeper Chronicles with more than a quarter of a million books in print. She enjoys cooking, beading, stamping, knitting, and her grandsons. Not necessarily in that order. Visit her website at DonitaKPaul.com.

 *Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

Book Review: Jesse (The Secret Lives of Cowboys, Book 3) by C.H. Admirand

I have read all three of the books in C.H. Admirand's The Secret Lives of Cowboys series, which includes: Tyler (Book 1), Dylan (Book 2) and now Jesse (Book 3).  I loved them all, but I think my favorite is Jesse, because while the story is focused on the third Garahan brother Jesse, you also get to read about the other two and their significant others as well.

Jesse's story is special.  He has been burned in the recent past by the same woman TWICE.  That is twice his heart was broken, and now he is fiercely loyal to his brothers and the Circle G Ranch.

One afternoon, he stops to help a woman who's car has broken down by the side of the road, little knowing that it will change his life forever.

Danielle's car has overheated and she is SO close to her beloved Uncle's home, where she hopes to be able to pull her life together and start fresh with her little pink cowgirl daughter Lacy, whose father up and left both ladies after he decided that married life wasn't for him and he wanted to focus on his bull-riding career.

It seems that fate has thrown Jesse, Danielle and little Lacy together to see if they can learn to trust and love again.

Readers will fall in love with ALL the characters, including Danielle's Uncle, but especially with little Lacy.  And we get a good peek at the Garahan brother's cousins, which I hope will lead to more books!!

I absolutely love C.H. Admirand's writing style.  She has infused her books with warmth and rugged family values.  You want to meet her characters in real life, and what I wouldn't give to visit the Circle G Ranch and eat at Danielle's Uncle's Diner.

Cowboy Romances aren't my normal reads, and I LOVE these, so even if they aren't YOUR norm, run out and give one a try - I'll bet you'll love these Irish brothers and their gals as much as I do.



Jesse (The Secret Lives of Cowboys, Book 3)  
 by C.H. Admirand  
 Sourcebooks Casablanca (July 3, 2012)  ~ 352 pages
 Fiction / Romance / Western

Edition Reviewed: ARC- Review copy received courtesy of the publisher, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!

About the Book:

Jesse Garahan is the third and youngest Garahan brother, and has all the Irish charm. He’s had his heart broken twice by the same woman, so he no longer believes in love. Until he meets Danielle Brockway and her tiny daughter Lacey, on their way to their new home in Pleasure, Texas.

Danielle’s worthless husband left her high and dry with their little daughter, cleaning out their bank account before she filed for divorce. Now she’s alone, but she knows she can make it in the small town where life is simple… Then she encounters Jesse. She just can’t seem to help herself where long-limbed, swaggering Texas men are concerned. As the passion between them flares, suddenly, life is anything but simple.

About the Author: (from the Publisher)

C.H. Admirand was born in Aiken, South Carolina. She has published 9 bestselling novels for the library market. Her Secret Life of Cowboy trilogy, published by Sourcebooks Casablanca, includes Tyler, Dylan and now, Jesse. She lives with her husband, who is the inspiration for all of her heroes’ very best traits, in northern New Jersey, where she is working on a brand new small town romance series, beginning with in the Fall of 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.chadmirand.com/ or follow her on twitter, @chadmirand.

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

AstroBrights Papers for All Your Paper Needs #goastrobrights

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Astrobrights Papers by Neenah Paper for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't think you realize how important paper is until you go to do a special craft project or work on a project for school, work or home.  THAT is when great paper makes a BIG difference, and where AstroBrights papers comes in.

AstroBrights papers come in 23 different colors, making sure you have the perfect color for your home, school or work project.  Their paper is also great to make brochures, flyers, signs, invitations, announcements and craft projects.  AstroBrights paper helps your projects stand out.  

Right now, courtesy of AstroBrights, you can help your local elementary school by entering the "Give a Brighter Year" where you could win a cash prize and supplies worth $30,000.  The winner will get to choose a local elementary school of their choice to receive the cash and prizes.

You can also participate in Astrobrights' family-friendly "Make Something AstroBright" design challenges where you can use your creativity for a chance to win AstroBrights papers and other prizes.  You are able to share your projects via photographs and video.  If you choose to share your projects and creations via Pinterest or Twitter, please include the hashtag #goastrobrights.

AstroBrights papers will be great for summer crafts projects, garage sale signs, party invitations and SCRAPBOOKING!  I've got a lot of scrapbooking to catch up on.

With school starting dates approaching (I know, you didn't want to face that yet did you?), I'll bet AstroBrights papers will come in handy for a multitude of projects: school crafts, reports, diarama projects, school notices, parent meetings, invitations, etc. 

So now I challenge you - what will you use AstroBrights papers for?  I encourage you to enter both "Give a Brighter Year" and "Make Something AstroBright."

Book Review: The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson - The Ultimate Manual for Being Your Own Boss and Achieving Financial Freedom

Whether you currently have a business, or whether you are just entertaining the early glimmer of an idea that you want to see turned into a profitable business, The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson is a great place to start.

The book contains five parts, comprised of 21 different chapters, but don't let that intimidate you - Carrie writes in a way that is very engaging and supportive, not to mention thorough and very helpful.

Part One: The Myth Busters covers the myths of traditional jobs, retirements and similar issues, and shows you why you should own your own business.  It makes you face the fact that not everyone will support your decision to build your own dreams, and also shows you how to find the support you need.

Part Two: The Three Big Mistakes covers going after the wrong priorities (following someone else's dream, trying to do too much, and simply chasing opportunities that don't fit with your goals and dreams).  I personally think that this section is so important, it is worth re-reading.  Your priorities and the focus of your planned business are so important, and Carrie really provides great insight in helping readers to narrow in on the right things... if you let her!

Part Three: The Methods covers things like changing your mindset to one of success, taking action, finding a mentor, etc.  Carrie shows you the importance of truly believing you can achieve your dreams (but keeping them realistic), and not waiting forever to take action - get going and get the ball rolling.  She encourages you to set a deadline to get yourself motivated, and brings up finding peers to be accountable to while meeting your deadlines.  She also shows the importance of finding a good mentor who can help you learn from their actions and mistakes without having to make those same mistakes yourself.

Part Four: The Models In this section, Carrie covers the different types of businesses (service-based, expertise-based, knowledge-based, goods-based and referral-based), and eventually being able to develop multiple streams of income, once you have reached a strong income level with your main focus.

And Part Five: The Marketplace, this is where Carrie talks about where you find your target-audience (and the importance of understanding them, do they have disposable income, are they online, etc), and how to engage them.  She also discusses how to transform your ideas into income without becoming too overwhelmed.

If I had to choose one word to describe this book it would be "highly."  This is a highly organized book, it is highly positive, Carrie is highly engaging, and the information in it is highly helpful.

Be sure to check out The Barefoot Executive, Carrie Wilkerson will most likely save you frustrations, wasted time and wasted resources by helping you fully develop your ideas and come up with a strong plan to fulfill your dreams.


The Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate Guide for Being Your Own Boss and Achieving Financial Freedom  
 by Carrie Wilkerson
 Thomas Nelson ~ 256 pages
 Non-Fiction / Self-Help / Work From Home

Edition Reviewed: eBook - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher and Living Your Moment, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!

About the Book:

Don’t Think You Have What It Takes to Run a Business? It’s Time to Reconsider.

For the person who longs to run their business from home, author and highly successful entrepreneur Carrie Wilkerson says it is possible (she doesn't just say it though, she shows you how). In her new book, The Barefoot Executive, Carrie helps readers of all types understand the necessary ingredients in starting and running a lucrative home-based business. You’ll learn how to reclaim your time, determine your income, and change your lifestyle-all while keeping personal priorities intact.

Successful at running her own seven-figure business from home and being an active speaker on the subject, Carrie demonstrates business models with tables and charts in an easy-to-understand format. Chapters within the book include such subjects as finding a target markets, developing marketing strategies, and brand development. Especially important are the common pitfalls listed to avoid in starting a business from home.

The Barefoot Executive offers the opportunity to live life on your terms with the financial freedom to do it. Want to start your workday with e-mail and coffee on the back patio? Want the flexibility of joining your fourth grader on an all-day field trip? Are you ready to take that vacation you’ve been planning for years? Then you have a choice to make, and The Barefoot Executive will help jumpstart your transition.

You’ll learn:
Your “why.” The most important question. Why do you want to work for yourself?
What type of business best suits your experience and talents.
How to stay focused on your goal and avoid distractions.
Where to find the support that will accelerate your success.
How to link your business to the right market.

Whether it’s a service, a product, or your insight or expertise, you already have the raw materials necessary to transform your life. Carrie will walk you through the process of building the business you need to achieve the life you want. Her guidance is practical. No philosophical silliness, no theoretical abstractions—just concrete action steps alongside insights from fellow entrepreneurs, interactive exercises, and links to Carrie’s online video coaching segments. It’s the next best thing to working one-on-one with her. The Barefoot Executive will have you energized by the possibilities and embracing the extraordinary life that is well within your reach.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)

From corporate life to teaching high school to sales, to information marketing, consulting, and even virtual service provider, Carrie Wilkerson has been there and done that professionally and personally. As “The Barefoot Executive,” she has quickly become the definitive resource for helping others achieve extra income and career goals while working from home and keeping their priorities intact. She is a mentor/coach/advisor to more than one hundred thousand men and women as The Barefoot Executive through videos, podcasts, masterminding, mentoring, and live speaking. Not only a business expert but also an expert in business, Carrie’s work-at home methods have inspired thousands and have earned many awards, online and off. Her passion is in teaching others to “Fill their Stadium” with fans so that marketing is easy and business is abundant. She lives in Texas, with her family.

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

Review and Giveaway: Pure Pearls Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings (US/CAN, Rafflecopter, 7/31)

Of all the things in my jewelry box, I think hands down my pearls are my favorite, because they are ageless, timeless, and have endless beauty.  When I wear pearls, they make me feel special, and I know they simply glow.

They enhance our beauty, and they give us a sense of pride and confidence...  and they make us feel really, REALLY special.  I believe I've worn pearls for every major life event (as a ballerina, graduations, family pictures, social events and my wedding).

I also believe that pearls are one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry ever.  They can be dressed up or worn with your favorite t-shirt and comfy pair of jeans.  They are great to wear on special occasions, or on a shopping trip.

I've personally got a nice variety of pearl jewelry, from my Grandmother's strand of pearls, to my newer pearl earrings, bracelet and necklace.  I even have a few pieces that were made from the fun Hawaiian oysters you open as a tourist.  I just received my first pair of Freshwater Pearl Dangle Earrings, and I absolutely love them!  The first afternoon I wore them, I had two compliments (one from a friend, one from a complete stranger) within half an hour!

Need a gift for Mother's Day, a birthday, a new ballerina, a new bride, a graduate? Pearls are perfect!  They also make a perfect gift for yourself!

I've found the selection and prices at PurePearls.com to be wonderful, and their quality is amazing.  The site is elegant, easy to navigate, and they have a huge selection of pearl jewelry in all price ranges with free shipping in the US.  They have a large assortment including: Tear Drop Earrings, Freshwater Pearls, Pearl Sets, and even some great pearl jewelry for Men.

I was given the opportunity to review Pure Pearls' White Freshwater Drop Dangle Pearl Earrings in 6.5 - 7.0mm with sterling silver ear wires.  Each set is made to order, and the hand-matched pearls are set on Sterling Silver French hooks.  Each pair also comes with a certified appraisal completed by a GIA graduate and comes beautifully packaged in a black velvet box.

I was so excited to put the earrings on, and I was very grateful that they came with tiny clear anchors to help keep the earrings on.  I've always been nervous wearing French hooks, but they look and feel so nice!  (I've got a 5 year old and a 2 year old, so hair gets pulled and jewelry gets played with when I wear it)

The earrings arrived inside an elegant velvet box, which was nestled inside a white gift box.  The earrings came with a GIA Prepared Appraisal Certificate, and care instructions.  

I had previously reviewed a beautiful Lavender pearl necklace, Lavender Pearl Earrings and a Lavender Pearl Bracelet from Pure Pearls.

Now, courtesy of PurePearls.com, one of my readers will get to feel special too... read on for more...




White Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings, 6.5-7.0mm
  Price $65.00, Worth $325.00
Pure PearlsBuy Pearl Jewelry
Pearl Jewelry, Free Shipping to the US, $17 Internationally

Edition Reviewed: White AAA+ 6.5-7.0mm Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings - Review sample received courtesy of PurePearls.com, many thanks for this wonderful opportunity!

About Pure Pearls: (from the Pure Pearls site)

Welcome to Pure Pearls, where we build lasting client relationships!

Our philosophy is simple! Pure Pearls offers high quality, fine pearl jewelry at exceptional discount prices. Our team of experts bring to you the top 3% of our exclusive harvests. By sourcing pearls straight from the pearl farms, we cut the middleman and bring incredible wholesale prices to our customers without sacrificing quality. Because our customers are so happy with their purchases, we receive a high percentage of repeat customers and incredible advertising by word-of-mouth.

With extensive pearl experience, Pure Pearls' experts can always help you with any questions. Guidance is offered through our pearl buyer's guide and pearl education section. We encourage you to contact our experts by phone or email to help you choose the perfect pearls. At Pure Pearls, we make shopping affordable, safe, and educational. We hope your experience here has been warm and inviting. Our pearls are both breathtaking and inspiring. At Pure Pearls, our philosophy revolves around personalization and remarkable quality. We make sure that each and every one of our customers are taken care of personally. We value the time that you have taken to stop in. Please feel free to browse around or contact us if you have any questions or feedback. We guarantee that our clients's experiences with us will be one-of-a-kind

Your purchase with Pure Pearls is secure whether online or by phone. We have a 90-day Return Policy so you have adequate time to consider your purchase with us.

Giveaway Details:
One lucky Wendi's Book Corner reader will win a pair of Pure Pearls AAA+ Quality 6.5-7.0mm, Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings with Sterling Silver French hooks.

Want to Win One?: Entry will be easy via Rafflecopter!  Give it a few seconds to load.  If you have any problems, leave me a comment and I'll see if I can help!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


~ Wendi

*Disclosure: I was sent White Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings from Pure Pearls in exchange for my honest review and the inclusion of a giveaway. The earrings for giveaway will be sent directly from Pure Pearls.

Zookt.com Review: Play Games to Win Unbelievably Low Prices on Great Products

Zookt is a new website (launched in June 2012) offering users the ability to play games to win deals up to 90% off on great products every day.  If you are familiar with the concept of penny auctions, this is similar, except you get to play fun games instead of auction-style bidding, and the winner walks away with a GREAT product at a GREAT price.

To get started, joining is free.  You can browse the site and find products you are interested in, add them to your shopping cart, and choose the game you want to play to compete for the item (currently available games include: Hearts, Zookt Bingo and Random Color, with more games to be added in the future). Zookt will show you the odds, and you pay the entry fee and play your game!!  (You can even practice the games for free against the computer - this way, you can make sure you know how to play the game)

Users can earn free Zooks by referring friends (you will earn 30 Zooks for each friend that signs up, and 2500 if they play within one week), by playing games (you will earn Zooks each time  you play games, whether you win or loose, which can be used for future games), and by providing feedback at the end of each game (30 Zooks).

Some of the great deals I've found while browsing the site:  Brave 3-Disc Collection on DVD and Blu-Ray for $4.76, Cricut Expression II cutting machine for $17.50, and an iPad 2 for $32.32.  I challenge you to find those deals anywhere else!



Zookt.com
Find Featured Deals hereFree to join
Online Shopping/Gaming Experience

What is Zookt? video on YouTube:

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post courtesy of Zookt via Karma Media.  I am providing you information on Zookt and any opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine!

BlankZ Toy Giveaway: Easy Rafflecopter Entry, 15 Winners 8/6 #KarmaMedia

Karma Media has teamed up with BlankZ at Always Been Creative to give away 1 amazing BlankZ animal to 15 lucky winners.   Check out the review I did here at Wendi's Book Corner here.

Giveaway ends August 6, 2012, open to US residents.

 Enter today to win and good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lego Monster Fighters Giveaway (Rafflecopter, Ends Aug 2)

I'm really excited to be able to share this GREAT giveaway with you here on Wendi's Book Corner!

Mom Does Reviews, Mom to Bed by 8, The Deals and More and Powered by Mom along with Giveaway Bandit bring you the HOTTEST LEGO event of the summer!

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN THREE AWESOME PRIZES FOR YOUR LEGO LOVER

LEGO Monster Fighters 9463 -The Werewolf

• Vehicles include Major Quinton Steele's hot rod
• Tree features opening top ambush section with space for the Werewolf
• Watch out for the Werewolf's glow-in-the-dark claws.
• Fire the blunderbuss weapon
• Tree measures over 5? (12cm) high, 7? (17cm) wide and 4? (9cm) deep

Major Quinton Steele spots the Werewolf's moonstone under a tree. But it's an ambush. As he jumps out of his hot rod to snatch it, the sneaky Werewolf pounces on him from the treetops above. Can Major Quinton Steele fend him off with his giant blunderbuss weapon and make off with the moonstone? You decide. Includes 2 minifigures: Major Quinton Steele and Werewolf.

 

LEGO Monster Fighters 9462- The Mummy

• Vehicles include Mummy's chariot and helicopter
• Mummy's chariot features glow-in-the-dark skeleton horse
• Accessories include moonstone and 3 weapons
• Helicopter features spinning rotors
• Ann Lee's helicopter measures over 2? (6cm) high, 1? (3cm) wide and 2? (6cm) long

In her cool helicopter, hero Ann Lee flies after the Mummy making an escape in the ghostly chariot. If she can't stop the Mummy from handing the moonstone over to the Vampyre, the world will be cloaked in eternal darkness. Help her to stop him. Includes 2 minifigures: Ann Lee and Mummy.

LEGO Monster Fighters 9461 -The Swamp Creature

• Features swamp boat and swamp with green moonstone and fish
• Swamp boat features spinning rotor and dual flick missiles
• Accessories include moonstone and 3 weapons
• Grab the moonstone
• Battle the Swamp Creature

On board his swamp boat, Frank Rock is on the lookout for the Swamp Creature's moonstone. If the Vampyre gets his undead hands on it first, he could use it to eclipse the sun and plunge the world into eternal darkness. Can he make it past his slimy adversary and snatch the stone? You decide. Includes 2 minifigures: Frank Rock and Swamp Creature.

Giveaway Open to: US only
The event dates: July 19th- Aug 2nd
  Enter on the Easy Rafflecopter below! Remember, you can't win if you don't enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Wendi's Book Corner is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. 

Good luck!!

:)  Wendi

Blankz: The Toy You Can Color, Wash and Re-Color

I am in love with the new Blankz toys (even as an adult)! It is a new toy that you can color with special Blankz pens, then wash and re-color.

 Note: When you wash it, you put your Blankz animal in the washing machine with a DARK load.

Blankz are great for kids of all ages (younger ones will scribble!), and would be great for adults too.  I would have LOVED to have a Blankz pet on my desk for stress-free doodling during meetings, brainstorming, etc.  Why not get creative!

We've got the Blankz Seal, and find that he helps us foster our creativity.  We can make him a Police Officer or clown, we can decorate him in Army fatigues or flowers, but best of all, he can be exactly what we dream up.   We need to get a few more as we are having a hard time sharing (wink, wink).

I'll bet these would be great for an ice-breaker at a big meeting - imagine getting all meeting participants to get their creative juices flowing...

They would also be great for parties (have a Blankz party favor that the kids can create at the party), make great gifts and fun projects.

I'm going to try to re-upload my pictures shortly as I'm having technical difficulties.



Blankz Toys:
 $14.99
Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and their website.



Edition Reviewed: Un-Sealed - Review copy received as part of this Karma Media Campaign, all opinions are 100% mine.

*Disclosure: I received a sample product in order to facilitate my honest review.

Mott's Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks: Review and Giveaway #MyBlogSpark (4 winners, Rafflecopter, 7/20)

I don't know about you, but when Summer arrives, we are on the go with the kids... outings, playdates, camping, hiking, going to the beach, going to the zoo, visiting the children's museum, road trips, visits to friends and relatives, I think you get the picture.  Along with these outings comes cranky kids when they are tired or hungry.

Mott's Medley Fruit Snacks have become one of our favorite go-to snacks!

Enter Mott's Medleys Fruit Snacks.  They are great snacks to throw in a purse or bag, and they are made with real fruit and vegetable juices (pear, apple, carrot juice concentrates).  They also contain 100% of your daily value of Vitamin C and are fat free and gluten free.

Mott's Medleys Fruit Snacks come in two flavors:  Assorted Fruit, and Berry.  The boys love them both equally, and LOVE it when we have them for snacks.  I have to admit that I've felt the need to sneak a pack or two and love them both as well, but I think I like the Berry just a little bit better.

Get a $0.60 coupon for use when purchasing a box of Mott's Medleys Fruit Snacks.

And a fun bonus: each box of fruit snacks comes with TWO Box Tops for Education labels that can be saved for your kid's school!

You can find Mott's on Facebook and Twitter as well as on their site and your local retailer!

Giveaway Details:

You can win the same gift pack that I did, which includes:

- 3 boxes of Mott's Medley Berry Fruit Snacks
- 3 boxes of Mott's Medley Variety Fruit Snacks

There will be 4 winners, and entry is easy.  Use the Rafflecopter form below (if it is not showing, give it a few moments and press F5 to reload the page, if that does not work, leave me a message)

The giveaway will end 7/20


a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have all been provided by Mott´s® through MyBlogSpark.

I See Me! Personalized Children's Books: My Very Happy Birthday

Have you seen the look on a child's face when they realize that they are in a book?  The feeling it gives you is great!  Not only are you celebrating your child's birthday, you are celebrating THEM!

When I showed B his Very Happy Birthday Book, he clapped his hands and couldn't wait to sit down and read it with me... keep in mind that he is two... so we read it over and over.  I kept showing him his name and birthday throughout the book and he was amazed.  He especially LOVED his name on the cake and on the birthday banner. (Not only is B's name on the cover and in the story, but it is also worked in with the pictures on the cake inside and on a birthday banner and a birthday invitation)

I have no idea how I See Me!, Inc does it, but the printing and addition of B's information into the book is simply flawless, it looks perfect!

The greatest thing about this book is that it is personalized, and there are actually quite a few options you can choose from:

1. You can choose between the book for boys (greens and blues) and the book for girls (pink and purple






2. You can specify the number of candles/birthday year (1st birthday = will show 1 birthday candle on the cover and throughout the book, and will say Happy 1st Birthday, 2nd birthday = will show 2 birthday candles, etc.  If you select the generic birthday, ie no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc, you will get the cake shown, with the Happy Birthday candles.)

3. You can use your child's middle name, or choose to leave it out

4. You can create a dedication that will be printed on the inside front pages of the book.  This is really great for leaving a quick message for your child, that will later become a keepsake.  (Don't have a clue what to write for the dedication?  No worries, they have a whole list of suggestions you can use)

The book itself is 6" x 6", hardbound with a glossy cover and beautiful board book type pages.  The pages are FULL color from edge to edge, and are done in bright colors.

Looking for a personalized children's book, but not a birthday book?  GO check out I See me! - not only do they have the personalized birthday books for boys and girls, they have books for: My Very Own Name, My Very Own Fairytale, My Very Own Pirate Tale, My Royal Birthday Adventure (Girls), My Royal Birthday Adventure (Boys), Who Loves Me?, God Loves You, The Super, Incredible Big Sister, The Super, Incredible Big Brother, The World According To Me, Who Loves Me? For Siblings, Who Loves Me? For Twins, A Christmas Bear For Me, My Very Merry Christmas Board Book, and A Hanukkah Bear For Me.

My Very Happy Birthday!  (For Girls or Boys)
 by Jennifer Dewing, illustrated by Mati McDonough
 I See Me!, Inc. ~ 22 pagesPrices range from $24.95 - 39.95Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/ISeeMeBooks ~ Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/ISeeMe_Maia Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/iseemebooks/
 Fiction / Children's / Personalized

Edition Reviewed: Hardback - Review copy received courtesy of I See Me! Inc for the purposes of this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

About the Book: (Taken from the website)

My Very Happy Birthday is an adorable personalized hardcover book with durable board pages, especially for babies and toddlers. In this delightful story, Duck, Mouse, Turtle, Bluebird and other friends come together to prepare a special birthday party and cake for your little boy [or girl]. As an added personal touch, this beautifully illustrated book includes a personalized cover and a printed dedication from the sender.

Made in the USA, this storybook is written by award-winning author Jennifer Dewing and illustrated by Mati Rose McDonough.

Ordering Information
On the order page, if you specify which birthday the child is celebrating (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.), the number will be included on the cover and on 5 pages in the book. Take a virtual tour of the book with "1st" on the cover and throughout the book. If you specify "2nd" or "3rd", etc., that number will be printed instead. The cake will include the correct number of candles!

If you answer "any" to the question on the order page about which birthday the child is celebrating, the book will look like the one displayed in the main virtual tour. We do not calculate which birthday the child is celebrating because many times the book is given as a belated gift after the birthday.

See frequently asked questions for further information about ordering this book.

Gender and ages: Boys ages 0-10. (See our boy version as well.) Size: 6" x 6" Number of pages: 20 durable board pages Shipping Standard delivery: Receive 2 weeks after date of order Expedited delivery: Not available on this item Air delivery: Not available on this item

About I See Me! Inc: (from the publisher's site)

Welcome to I See Me! where we provide the highest quality, most personalized children's books available. We opened for business in May of 2000, after a year of active product development. My husband Allan and I received a personalized book as a gift for our first son in 1998. While we loved the fact that it was personalized, we thought that the illustrations could have been much better and the story more customized to the child. Thus I See Me! was born.

Allan, who is a graphic designer, and I developed the first book My Very Own Name as a team. Our goal was to produce an educational book that would teach young children how to recognize letters and spell their names. After I developed the concept and wrote the book, we brainstormed together to develop the characters in the book. Allan found and hired the illustrator, and designed the book, while I wrote the business plan.

We are pleased to say our books have become popular among celebrities including Courteney Cox, Brooke Shields and Jessica Alba.

Our mission is to increase self esteem in children through personalized books that celebrate the uniqueness of each child. The goal of our books is to show each child how absolutely unique and special he or she is, to teach the child how to spell his or her name, and to build vocabulary skills.

We hope that you enjoy the books!

--Maia Haag, author and CEO of I See Me! Inc.

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

Shutterfly's Long Live Summer Photo Contest

Shutterfly (one of my favorite photo stores) is kicking off a new contest: The Shutterfly 2012 Summer Sweepstakes Photo Contest.

One grand prize winner will win a trip for four to The Bahamas and a professional photo shoot so you’ll remember your vacation forever. All you need to do is upload your favorite photo and caption based on the theme of the week. Get a gift from Shutterfly just for entering! You can enter at any point during the 5-week sweepstakes period.

ENTER HERE

The contest started July 9th and runs for five weeks.

WEEKLY PHOTO THEMES

• Week 1(7/9): Americana
 • Week 2 (7/16): Great Outdoors
 • Week 3 (7/23): Water Fun
 • Week 4 (7/30): Sports & Activities
 • Week 5 (8/6): Parties & Celebrations

PRIZES

• Instant win prizes just for submitting a photo!
 • Weekly prizes (contestants can enter one time/week)
 • Weekly featured photos: up to 5 weekly entries will be selected from the gallery and featured on the Facebook fan page and awarded a $500 gift card on Shutterfly and a copy of the new Lonely Planet travel photography book.
 • Grand prize: trip for 4 to Bahamas, 4 nights, family photo shoot
 • Shutterfly Sweepstakes - Official Rules

*Disclosure: I am a huge fan of Shutterfly, and I am sharing this information with you in the hopes that one of us can win that wonderful Bahama's trip, and in the hopes of receiving a free code so I can go make another Shutterfly photobook :)

Funky Monkey Snacks: Healthy Fruit That Crunches (My Kids Love It!)

Until two weeks ago, I was not familiar with Funky Monkey Snacks, but that has changed and they have quickly become a favorite of the entire family!

Funky Monkey Snacks are all-natural fruit snacks that are freeze dried using a special process to maintain flavor and nutrients, creating a very yummy, crunchy, healthy snack.  The snacks are also gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, peanut free, tree nut free, gmo free, are made with no added sugar, no added preservatives, no added colors, and are considered raw, vegan and are USDA Organic.

The snacks come in a sealed foil pouch with one serving of fruit per pouch.  Each pouch is 0.42oz.  They are easy to tear open, so they make great snacks at home and on-the-go.

Funky Monkey Snacks come in seven flavors: Applemon (apple/cinnamon), Bananamon (banana/cinnamon), Carnaval Mix (banana/pineapple/apple/papaya), JiveALime (pineapple/lime), MangOJ (mango/orange), Pink Pineapple (pineapple/guava), and Purple Funk (banana/acai)

Now, I know you are all wondering about favorite flavors, so here is what I can tell you:  My husband loved them ALL, but especially the JiveALime and Pink Pineapple.  The boys scarfed them all and asked for more... and if I was going to pick a few favorites, I'd go for the Bananamon, Pink Pineapple and Purple Funk.  But honestly, there wasn't one that we didn't all love.

Applemon Close-Up (Apples/Cinnamon)

Pink Pineapple - (Pineapple/Guava)

Funky Monkey Snacks: Various Falvors, 0.42 oz pouches
 by Freeze Dried Partners, LLC
 Found on Twitter, Facebook, AmazonWhere to find
 Snacks

Edition Reviewed: I received samples of each flavor in exchange for my honest review as part of this Karma Media campaign.

Click below to see what other Karma Media Reviewers had to say about Funky Monkey Snacks:


And stay tuned - the Karma Media Team will be hosting a giveaway for Funky Monkey Snacks, and one winner will receive two full sets of Funky Monkey Snacks!

It Just Took Two Minutes: Flowers From The Yard

We were walking in the door today from playing with some friends, when my 5 year old asked if he could pick me a flower from the grass (I haven't had the heart to tell him they are weeds...), I said yes, then told him to wait for a moment so I could grab a little vase that we could fill up (by now my 2 year old was wanting to pick the flowers too). 

I dropped everything in my hands and ran inside to grab a small vase. When I came back out, the smiles on the boys faces as they picked the "flowers" was priceless.

 I made it even more fun by having them help me pick lavender and Snap Dragon flowers to add as well.  (You can see the Snap Dragons and Lavender, the yellow are dandelions, and the white flowers peeking out are clover flowers)

 The spontaneous decision to help the boys pick flowers for a small bouquet only took two minutes total, but we all had fun.

 Next time you can spare two minutes, grab the kids and head outside... see what you can do with the flowers you find!

 PS - I'd love to see if you do, so leave a link. :)