Have you ever seen a piece of jewelry that says what you want it to say - even if that's something different every day? Neither had I - until I came across the  'u S-P-E-L-L' symbol. This piece represents interactive personal empowerment jewelry with limitless possibilities. The symbol was originally created by stacking each letter of the phrase ‘LOVE IS ALL U NEED’ on top of one another and then adding a peace sign to complete the design.

Shortly after having it cast in sterling silver as a ‘Love and Peace’ pendant, Meridane Design discovered that the piece actually contained all letters of the alphabet and every number, as well as the Greek Alphabet and other symbols.

The pendant is a rectangular piece made of sterling silver that would be beautiful even without the hidden meaning. It comes in a gift box, including a card on which you can trace the message you want. The symbol would make a great gift. I wish it came with a chain but you can easily get one - or add the pendant to a necklace or a chain you already own. Personally, I like to wear the symbol by itself because I think other charms would be distracting. It looks great on a simple sterling silver chain or on a leather strap.

Meridane Design offers many elegant jewelry pieces featuring the u s-p-e-l-l symbol. In addition to the plain sterling silver pendants, you can choose one in gold or decorated with a gemstone, on a bracelet, a custom necklace, a pair of earrings, even wear it on a tee shirt. There are pieces for men and for women that would go well with any personal style.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a sterling silver u S-P-E-L-L pendant!

To enter, please comment below with your favorite piece from Meridane Design.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a cute sterling #silver pendant from @Meridane_Design and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 3/14 #contests #gifts #jewelry http://tiny.cc/pz8pw";
• follow @Meridane_Design on twitter;
• if you like Meridane Design on Facebook, let me know below for 2 extra entries;
• if you like Just Another New Blog on Facebook, let me know below for 2 extra entries;
• vote for JANB on Picket Fence Blogs - can be done daily - and comment below for 2 more entries;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 14, 2011, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those of age 18+ with mailing addresses in the U.S. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.
Disclaimer / Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product reviewgiveaway Disclosure. & Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I love romance novels that take place in Scotland. There's something about the Highlands' beautiful scenery, the strong and handsome male characters and the smart and headstrong female ones that makes a good romance story even better. Thanks to Hachette Book Group, today we are celebrating these irresistible romance reads with a double giveaway treat for three winners! Here's to love with books from two fantastic romance authors - Kira Morgan and Amanda Scott.


Book Description: Seduced by Destiny by Kira Morgan
All her life, Josselin Ancrum has been trained for combat, hoping to exact vengeance for her heroic mother, who was killed fighting the English. When asked to spy for the Scottish Queen, Jossy joyfully accepts. But when a handsome stranger rescues her from sudden danger, his charm distracts her from her mission.

On the surface, Drew MacAdam may appear to be nothing more than a carefree champion, but his heart harbors a dark secret: This Highland hero is actually a skilled English soldier with a hatred for war and for the Scottish. Yet from the moment he meets the feisty Jossy, he's captured by her fiercely loyal heart. He's determined the honey-haired lass will be his ultimate prize - until the tragedy of their entwined legacies is revealed. Are these star-crossed lovers to be divided by their pasts? Or will they be...seduced by destiny?

Book Description: Highland Master by Amanda Scott
When eighteen-year-old Lady Catriona Mackintosh discovers a wounded man in the forest near her Highland home, little does she know that he has sworn a sacred oath to kill her father and other members of the powerful Highland confederation known as Clan Chattan. Nor does she realize that she has met her soul mate. Independent, competent, intelligent, fiercely proud of her heritage, determined always to live near her own family, and known to her family as the "wee wildcat" because of her quick temper, Catriona is the daughter of a Highland chieftain and granddaughter of the even more powerful Chief (or Captain) of Clan Chattan. But her life changes forever when she persuades Sir Finlagh Cameron to return with her to her home to recover from his wounds.

Sir Finlagh "Fin" Cameron is on a mission for the heir to Scotland's throne, who has sent him to the Highlands to persuade the Chief of Clan Chattan to arrange a secret meeting for him with two other great lords (the Lord of the Isles and the Lord of the North). Until Fin meets Catriona, however, he has no idea that her father was the Clan Chattan war leader who led them in the battle that wiped out many of Clan Cameron's best warriors, including Fin's own father. The sole survivor of that battle, Fin accepted a bequest of vengeance from his dying father, providing him with a dilemma to face as he begins to fall in love with Catriona. He is not the only one enticed by her charms, either. There are two other contenders, one of whom is his own master, the heir to Scotland's throne. With royal mischief afoot, if Catriona and Fin are ever to find happiness, they must first avoid disaster that could change Scotland's history, and find ways to be open and honest with each other.

The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) From Scotland With Love bundles including a copy each of Seduced by Destiny by Kira Morgan and Highland Master by Amanda Scott. Three lucky readers will win a set of both books!

To enter, please comment below with the title of another romance novel you've enjoyed.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win 1 of 3 From Scotland with Love romance #books bundles! #Giveaway ends 3/21 @aitmama #contests @ForeverRomance http://tiny.cc/d4djb" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @ForeverRomance on twitter;
• if you enjoy Just Another New Blog, vote for it on Picket Fence Blogs and get 2 more entries;
• if you like JANB on Facebook, comment below for 2 additional entries;
• go here for more ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 21, 2011, 11:59pm EST. The winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group. No compensation or review product was provided for this post. 

Got giveaways? Please do share! My weekly linky is below. Good luck to those who enter, and to everyone else -  enjoy browsing!

The Science of Kissing - 3 win 2/27
Sealing the Deal - 2 win 3/2
$25 Publix Gift Card 3/3
Death of a Chimney Sweep - 3 win 3/4
Set of Lavender Space Bags 3/5
PJ Greetings Custom Stamp 3/6
Simple Green Cleaning Kit 3/7
No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars 3/8
Heart Keychain with Charm 3/11
Kathryn the Grape 3/12

Book Description
POOF! Just Like Magic! That’s how easy it is to fall in love with Kathryn the Grape and her magical butterfly friend, Maggie! These inspiring characters teach that each of us has our own magic within. As your children read along, they will discover their own inner strength and fearlessness, learn about making new friends, and learn the importance of helping others. Kathryn the Grape takes the reader on a journey of discovery and spreads the message that everyone is magical!

My Review
Kathryn the Grape is a beautifully illustrated hardcover picture book. Kathryn is a little girl who believes in magic. Thanks to a little help from her magical butterfly friend, Kathryn tackles some serious kid-sized challenges. She makes friends at a new school, chases away the monster who lives under her bed, helps a boy who needs a friend, and signs up to try something new: play softball. Her magical wand buzzes when something is not right, and the magic only works for good things. And even though Kathryn believes we are all magical, she is keeping her magic wand for now.

My daughter loved Kathryn the Grape and its magical world. As a parent, I can appreciate the final message of the book: your magic is always inside of you. And if a little magic helps a child find strength and self-confidence, so be it.


The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a copy of Kathryn the Grape!

To enter, please share who would be enjoying the book if you won.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a copy of Kathryn the Grape! #Giveaway ends 3/12 @kathrynthegrape @aitmama #contests #kids #books #kathrynthegrape http://tiny.cc/q8kzy";
• follow @kathrynthegrape on twitter;
• if you like Kathryn the Grape on Facebook, let me know below for an extra entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 12, 2011, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those of age 18+ with mailing addresses in the U.S. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure. Sponsored by Tomoson.com

My daughter loves to draw and has always enjoyed coloring books. As a toddler, she mostly scribbled across the pages. Now she colors so precisely some of the pictures look as if they were printed that way. We've gone through tons of coloring books from the dollar store and sometimes I print out coloring pages I find online.

Doodles: Alphabet Coloring Fun by Setria James is not your average coloring book. It's printed on good quality acid-free paper and includes 26 coloring pages, one for each letter of the alphabet. The artist uses original doodles instead of stock illustrations. At the top of each page, the corresponding letter is printed in upper- and lowercase. There are two images for coloring on each page. The words are listed as well - from ape, apple and balloons to yarn, zipper and zucchinis. The pictures are large enough to make it easier for kids to color and remember. I love that the book combines the fun of coloring with an educational activity and helps kids practice their letters.

I would take the educational a step further by adding a line or two for kids to practice writing each letter. Or, you could give your child several pages of handwriting paper that would go along nicely with the coloring book. One thing that needs to be addressed is that on the W page, there is a lowercase "x" instead of a lowercase "w" - something my daughter noticed right away but younger kids may find confusing.

Doodles is published by AuthorHouse and is available for purchase at their website as well as on Amazon.com. In addition, you can print out some extra free coloring pages on the Doodles website.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Cover art and book description courtesy of the publisher or PR firm

I don't pay much attention to my keychain. Actually, I hardly think of it unless it breaks. All I ask is that the keychains I own hold my keys securely and are easy to dig out from the bottom of my purse.

The Heart Keychain with Charm from WholesaleKeychain meets all my basic requirements. It has a large keyring that holds all of my keys. The keychain is well-made and looks like it will last a long time. In addition, the keychain features a large red heart that makes it easier to find, and a cute oval-shaped charm that can be personalized. I chose to have my kids' names inscribed but you can pick whatever you want - for example, your initials, "Love Mom", "Love You", "Be Strong", "Beauty Queen" - as long as it's two lines of up to 7 characters each.

This heart keychain would make an affordable personalized gift for a friend or a loved one. Initially, I was going to give it to my husband for Valentine's Day but then I decided to keep it - it's just too cute!

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a Heart Keychain with Charm!

To enter, please comment below who would use the keychain if you won.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a cute Heart Keychain with Charm, makes a great affordable #gift! #Giveaway ends 3/11 @aitmama #contests http://tiny.cc/il1ib" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 11, 2011, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product reviewgiveaway Disclosure. & Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Book Description
Holly Fisher opens her door one day and finds her estranged sister Hannah standing there with a glassy look and her nine-month old baby on her hip. Before Holly knows what is happening, Hannah has left her baby with Holly and disappeared. Three months later, fresh out of rehab for addiction to painkillers, Hannah shows up sober, contrite, and wanting her son back. But Holly is in love with the baby and not willing to give him up to the mother who abandoned him.

Into the middle of this extraordinary conflict between two sisters walks a lonesome cowboy, Wyatt Clark (Summer of Two Wishes) who knows a thing or two about childcare and fractured families. He's had his own troubles and has stayed away from women the last couple of years, but he can't resist Holly and the baby. But when Holly is delivered a devastating blow and returns the baby to his mother, Holly is too distraught to continue her relationship with Wyatt. It will take an extraordinary turn from Hannah to bring Holly and Wyatt together so that they both may find the happiness that has eluded them.

My Review
A Light at Winter's End is a contemporary romance novel in which the author, somewhat refreshingly, does not insulate the main characters from the complications of real life. A sister's addiction drives her to abandon her baby. Holly is at first unwilling to take care her nephew, since she has no idea of the circumstances that have led her sister to such extremes. In time, Holly's connection with the baby becomes so deep that it seems impossible to give him back. The two sisters have a complicated relationship anyway, thanks to a large extent to their mother. Holly's emotional turmoil over the choices she has to make almost destroys her new relationship with Wyatt who's had his own share of past pain and disappointment.

Holly's character develops nicely throughout the book. She starts off as someone a bit immature and afraid of commitment. I will not spoil the ending for you but by the end of the story, Holly is a different person - and so are her sister and Wyatt.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Cover art and book description courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

My kids love helping out in the kitchen. They enjoy cooking, baking, mixing the ingredients, and of course eating the end result. We try simple new recipes all the time. Recently, we made the No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars from Plentiful Pantry.

The No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars come in a beautiful box that contains two bags of mix: cookie crust and cheesecake filling. All you need to add is butter, water, and cream cheese. The preparation is very simple and just right for my little chefs. We melted butter and mixed it with the Oreo cookie crust mix, then pressed it down into an 8x8 baking pan lined with plastic wrap. Next, we got out a 16 oz tub of low-fat cream cheese, added a cup of hot water and the cheesecake filling mix, then blended everything with the mixer. It took just minutes to prepare - even with my little helpers licking the spoons and the mixing bowl.

You can top the dessert with shredded chocolate or garnish with lime zest. My young chefs decided it needed cocoa and dark chocolate morsels to match the chocolate Oreo crust... The hardest part is waiting for an hour so that the cheesecake bars can chill in the fridge. I left them chill for about two hours but next time I would leave the pan in the fridge overnight. After 2 hours, the crust was nice and firm while the filling was still  soft.

We tackled the recipe in the afternoon so the family can enjoy it after dinner. I am not much of a key lime person, so my favorite part was the crust. Everyone thought the bars were delicious. Although the package provides 16 servings, to my family it's more like 8.

Besides the No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars mix, you can find tons of deliciously sounding products at Plentiful Pantry. Use coupon code JANB20 to get 20% off the entire site! Hurry, the savings opportunity expires at the end of February.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a box of No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars mix!

To enter, please visit Plentiful Pantry and comment below what product(s) you'd like to try.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a box of @PlentifulPantry No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars! #Giveaway ends 3/8 @aitmama #contests #food #cooking http://tiny.cc/qxox0";
• if you've joined Plentiful Pantry on Facebook, comment below for another entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 8, 2011, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those of age 18+ with mailing addresses in the U.S. Sorry, no PO boxes. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product reviewgiveaway Disclosure. & Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I like simple and eco-friendly - especially with house cleaning. No bad chemicals for my family. Last year, I discovered Simple Green thanks to their Simple Green Naturals line of cleaners. I loved using every single one of the seven products they sent, and appreciated the peace of mind that comes from keeping questionable substances out of my house.

This year, Simple Green is making my cleaning even simpler with their Original Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner. This versatile product comes in highly concentrated form and can be used to clean almost everything: walls, floors, doors, grout, cabinets, counter tops, appliances, even the car and the kids' toys. I got a 32 oz bottle and a dilution spray bottle, plus a handy use and dilution guide. First, I used the All Purpose Cleaner it for everyday cleaning around the kitchen and bathroom - worked like a charm! Plus, the dilution ratio is 1 part cleaner to 30 part water, so this baby will last a long time.

For heavy cleaning - such as my stove - I used the recommended 1:10 ratio. This also works for coffee makers, bathtubs, grills, drains, garbage disposals, and more. Just one bottle of cleaner can replace most of the cleaners I use around the house. The Original Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner is non-toxic, biodegradable, and save to use around kids and pets. It's super convenient, and saves time and money - what more to ask of an all-purpose cleaner?!

Simple Green is available online and at most major retailers - a complete list is available on their website.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a Simple Green Cleaning Kit, including a 32 oz bottle of Original Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner, a dilution bottle, and a use and dilution guide!

To enter, please visit Simple Green and comment below what product(s) interest you the most.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:

• subscribe to the Simple Green newsletter and get 2 entries;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win an #eco-friendly and convenient Simple Green Cleaning Kit! #Giveaway ends 3/7 @simplegreennews @aitmama #contests http://tiny.cc/ftcy8";
• follow @simplegreennews on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 7, 2011, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those of age 18+ with mailing addresses in the U.S. Sorry, no PO boxes. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received free product samples to facilitate my review. This post reflects my personal opinion and experience with the products which may differ from yours. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.

The Turbie Twist is a super absorbent hair towel shaped like a hood with a long tail. In the morning, it dries my hair in no time at all. At night, my daughter's long tresses finally have a chance to get completely dry before she goes to bed.

The Turbie Twist is the invention of two sisters, Angela Carr and Christina Cummings, who understood the challenge of having long hair and a busy schedule. They came up with the perfect time-saving solution: the Turbie Twist. This special hair towel is made of soft cotton velour. Unlike a regular bath towel, it does not fall off, thanks to its smart twist and loop system. It's lightweight, machine washable, and fits all head sizes. In other words - you can share it but you may not want to.

The Turbie Twist comes in a variety of pretty prints as well as in solid colors. You can get one - or half a dozen! - online and at retailers.


Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received free product sample for review purposes. No compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied. The post reflects my personal opinion that is unrelated to the receipt of free product and may differ from yours.

I love bagels and one of my faves is the "everything" bagel. I was very intrigued when I came across a seasoning mix that lets me recreate that combination of spices at home.

The Bagel Spice comes in three varieties: original recipe, zesty jalapeno and bagel spice with sea salt flakes. I chose the original one since it contains no salt and no sugar. It's also 100% natural, made in the USA from quality spices and has no preservatives or MSG. The ingredients of this spice mix are minced onion and garlic, white and black sesame seeds, black caraway seeds and poppy seeds. I love the versatility of the blend - you can shake it over spreads, eggs, and salads, add it to dressings and vinaigrettes, or blend it with marinades and sauces. My favorite ways to use the Bagel Spice so far are to sprinkle some on cream cheese or butter and build my sandwich up. I also enjoy mixing it in scrambled eggs, and my kids make their own "sandwiches" by spreading Laughing Cow cheese on wheat crackers and sprinkling the Bagel Spice on top.

Find some recipe inspiration on their website and check out the mouthwatering photos submitted by Bagel Spice customers.


Disclosure / Disclaimer: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

BKW Seasonings Original Gourmet Blend is a versatile spice that my husband puts on just about anything. Since we got it, he's sprinkled it over veggies, chicken, seafood, burgers, rice and noodles. He loves the aroma and I must admit I am quite partial to it myself.

BKW Seasonings is a family-owned business that has been spicing up people's food since the 1960s. In addition to the Original Gourmet Blend, they offer six other blends, including a no-salt, no-sodium pepper seasoning that I would love to try.

The Big Kahuna Original Gourmet Blend is an all-purpose blend originally created for fried chicken. Although I have not tried it over fried chicken, I agree that it brings out the true flavor of almost any food. We've used it on many different dishes and love the taste. The blend includes salt, garlic, and other spices. You can sprinkle it on almost everything you make at home, or try one of the many recipes on the BKW Seasonings site. 

BKW's Big Kahuna Seasonings may be purchased online or from your local super market or specialty store.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product reviewgiveaway Disclosure. &

PJ Greetings offers personalized stationery, invitations, gifts, and more - including wonderful custom stamps. You can choose among tons of fun designs in several colors and order a pre-inked stamp that will leave a lasting impression in more ways than one. Each stamp can be used up to 30,000 times before the ink runs out!

There are over 300 stamp design choices. I love the address stamps, the teacher stamps, the book stamps, and of course the adorable kid stamps. It took me a long time to narrow it down but finally I chose the cutest ballerina design in hot pink, personalized with my daughter's name. She goes to dance classes and pink is her favorite color, so it was perfect for her. The stamp came packaged in a beautiful pink organza bag, complete with a gift tag label that showed off the design. My daughter loves using it and plans to stamp birthday invitations, thank you notes, books, collages, you name it. The quality is excellent and the impression comes out perfect every time.

Stamps typically ship within 2 days after you've approved the proof emailed to you. Besides in hot pink, you can have your personalized stamp done in black, navy blue, chocolate, red, purple, green, or orange.

Now through March 31, 2011, get 20% discount off one stamp when ordering from PJ Greetings with coupon code TOMOSON. 

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a custom pre-inked stamp from PJ Greetings (a $39.95 value).

To enter, please comment below which stamp you'd order if you won.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a custom pre-inked stamp from PJ Greetings! Choose among 300 designs and 8 colors! #Giveaway ends 3/6 #contests http://tiny.cc/sayc0" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 6, 2011, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. Winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product reviewgiveaway Disclosure. &

My linen closet has been overflowing. Extra bedding, towels, and some bulky winter comforters that we rarely use. I've tried to reduce clutter by donating some linens to charity but something else had to be done. The perfect solution? Space bags! And not just any space bags - the new Space Bag Lavender Scented Bags.

I got a set of one regular large and one lavender-scented extra-large bags. As soon as I opened the package, I noticed the faint scent of lavender. No more dust and moth ball smells - the clothing you store in these bags comes out smelling fresh and clean. The space bags are made of strong material and are airtight, waterproof and reusable. They also protect against bugs, moths, dirt, mildew and odors. Both bags are transparent so I can easily see what's where. Oh and the lavender-scented one is lavender-colored!

The Space Bag Lavender Scented Bags are available in two sizes: extra-large and jumbo. The extra-large holds up to one queen-size comforter and two standard-size pillows. I used it to store one queen-size comforter and a load of bed linens, and just could not believe how much space I saved. All I had to do is decide what I wanted to put away, then place the linens in the bag, close it and suck out the air with my vacuum cleaner. It took no time at all. If you need to store more in a single bag, the jumbo holds up to two comforters and four standard-size pillows.

The large Space Bag holds 10 to 12 sweaters but I chose to store a queen-size goose down comforter, with space to spare. To avoid overfilling the bags, there is a line that tells you when to stop stuffing things in there.


If you need organizing tips, check out the Space Savers community. It is dedicated to helping people save space and get organized both at home and on the go. They have a monthly newsletter, articles and blog posts with organizing tips, and offer their members exclusive discounts on Space Bag products.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a set of Lavender Scented Space Bags!

To enter, please share something interesting you found on the Space Savers community site.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Save space and organize with the new lavender-scented @spacebag! #Win a set @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 3/5 #contests http://tiny.cc/648u7" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @spacebag on twitter; 
• if you like SpaceBag on Facebook, comment below for another entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 5, 2011, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. Winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received free product samples for review purposes. No compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied. The post reflects my personal opinion that is unrelated to the receipt of free product and may differ from yours.

Got giveaways? Please do share! My weekly linky is below. Good luck to those who enter, and to everyone else -  enjoy browsing!

Secrets on Lake Drive - 2 win 2/19
$25 GC to Paperlicious 2/20
The Couponizer 2/20
La Tortilla Factory 2/22
The Science of Kissing - 3 win 2/27
Sealing the Deal - 2 win 3/2
$25 Publix Gift Card 3/3
Death of a Chimney Sweep - 3 win 3/4

Book Description
In the south of Scotland, residents get their chimneys vacuum-cleaned. But in the isolated villages in the very north of Scotland, the villagers rely on the services of the itinerant sweep, Pete Ray, and his old-fashioned brushes. Pete is always able to find work in the Scottish highlands, until one day when Police Constable Hamish Macbeth notices blood dripping onto the floor of a villager's fireplace, and a dead body stuffed inside the chimney. The entire town of Lochdubh is certain Pete is the culprit, but Hamish doesn't believe that the affable chimney sweep is capable of committing murder.


My Review
Death of a Chimney Sweep is my first encounter with M.C. Beaton's work, and I just could not put it down. It's difficult to review a mystery without revealing too much but this is a great read that shows just how far ordinary people can go because of greed. The writing is excellent, the characters are well-drawn and very realistic, and the story kept my attention. 

This book is the 27th of the mystery series featuring Hamish Macbeth, a police constable / detective in a small village in the Scottish Highlands. Death of a Chimney Sweep is hitting the shelves next week, on February 25. Marion Chesney, the writer behind the M.C. Beaton mysteries, is the author of numerous other novels, including historical romance and the Agatha Raisin mysteries. She has published under her real name and under several pseudonyms. Now that I've met Hamish Macbeth, I will be checking out Ms. Chesney's other titles! 



The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) copies of Death of a Chimney Sweep by M.C. Beaton.

To enter, please comment below if you've read any of Ms. Chesney's books.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win 1 of 3 copies of new mystery Death of a Chimney Sweep by M.C. Beaton! #Giveaway ends 3/4 @aitmama #contests #books http://tiny.cc/xswk8" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 4, 2011, 11:59pm EST. The winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group.   

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Cover art, prizes and book description courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

I love Italian food. Pizza, pasta, tiramisu, you name it, it's on my family's list of faves. My husband makes a mean spaghetti, and I can easily sneak in tons of veggies and healthy whole grains into my childrens' diet by preparing an easy and delicious kid-friendly Italian meal.

Thanks to MyBlogSpark, I am excited to share a new promotion from General Mills. From February 17th through March 2nd, find great savings at your local Publix on some of my favorite General Mills brands such as Progresso, Green Giant, Pillsbury, Muir Glen and Totino´s. You save $5 when you purchase 20 participating products.

While visiting Italian Days at Publix, you can also enter the Publix Italian Days Sweepstakes, sponsored by General Mills, for a chance to win one of four grand prizes of $10,000 worth of free groceries or one of 200 $100 Publix gift cards being given as prizes. How cool is that!

There are three easy ways to enter for a chance to win the Sweepstakes. Enter via phone, mail or at ClickCallMail.com - a convenient one-stop website, where you´ll also be able to download coupon savings on General Mills brands and other great offers from Publix.

Here´s how it works:

1. Click - Stay up to date with the latest General Mills promotions happening at Publix by visiting ClickCallMail.com. Once you´re registered and logged in, you can participate in any current promotion.

2. Call - If you´d prefer to enter the sweepstakes and participate in other promotions via telephone, feel free to call the General Mills/Publix hotline, at 1.800.627.6059, and be sure to say that you want to enter the Publix Italian Days Sweepstakes. Make sure to provide your name and contact info.

3. Mail - If you prefer to participate via mail-in entry, print and mail your complete contact information (Full Name/address/zip code/phone #) to P.O. Box 43425 Atlanta, GA 30336 and be sure to write "Publix Italian Days Sweepstakes" on the outside of the envelope.

Easy-peasy!

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a $25 gift card to Publix so that you can make your own Italian feast at home!

To enter, please share what's your fave Italian dish to enjoy at home.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a $25 Publix #giftcard! #Giveaway ends 3/3 @aitmama #contests #food #cooking #MyBlogSpark #shopping #deals http://tiny.cc/jxulz" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 3, 2011, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. only. Winner will receive their prizes directly from the sponsor.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: No compensation was provided for this post. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours. I received a $25 Publix gift card and the opportunity to host a giveaway courtesy of General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Book Description
Through her bestseller, Love in 90 Days, Dr. Diana Kirschner helped thousands of women find true love. Now she has written the perfect follow-up: a unique guide to deepen any love relationship, to move from casual to committed, and ultimately to go from the anxiety of not knowing where things are going... to the security of fulfilling and lasting love.

Love Mentor Dr. Diana offers revolutionary advice for finding-and keeping-the one you love:

    * Create irresistible attraction and an atmosphere that men love to be around.
    * Find out the single most important thing you can do to get a sincere commitment from the guy you want.
    * Keep that crazy-in-love feeling going, no matter how long you've been together.
    * Learn the secret to instantly resolving conflict with your man.
    * Know when to have "the talk": Don't think it matters when you bring it up? Think again.
    * Avoid the biggest mistake women make when he's "not ready" for a commitment
    * Get your relationship back and better than ever, even if he has cheated

If you have love problems, Dr. Diana has the solutions. This book is your key to creating your own happiest-ever-after now.



The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for two (2) copies of Sealing the Deal by Dr. Diana Kirschner.

To enter, please comment below if you've been lucky to find - and keep - your true love.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win 1 of 2 copies of @DrDiana Kirschner's new book, Sealing the Deal! #Giveaway ends 3/2 @aitmama #contests #books http://tiny.cc/woegk" – you may do this once a day;
• if you like Dr. Diana on Facebook, comment below for an extra entry;
• follow @DrDiana on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is March 2, 2011, 11:59pm EST. The winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group. Book information and image courtesy of the publisher. No compensation was provided for this post.

Today, I have the perfect book to celebrate Valentine's Day with: The Science of Kissing by Sheril Kirshenbaum! What's in a kiss - and what goes on behind the scenes? Read on!

Book Description
From a noted science journalist comes a wonderfully witty and fascinating exploration of how and why we kiss.

When did humans begin to kiss? Why is kissing integral to some cultures and alien to others? Do good kissers make the best lovers? And is that expensive lip-plumping gloss worth it? Sheril Kirshenbaum, a biologist and science journalist, tackles these questions and more in THE SCIENCE OF KISSING. It's everything you always wanted to know about kissing but either haven't asked, couldn't find out, or didn't realize you should understand. The book is informed by the latest studies and theories, but Kirshenbaum's engaging voice gives the information a light touch. Topics range from the kind of kissing men like to do (as distinct from women) to what animals can teach us about the kiss to whether or not the true art of kissing was lost sometime in the Dark Ages. Drawing upon classical history, evolutionary biology, psychology, popular culture, and more, Kirshenbaum's winning book will appeal to romantics and armchair scientists alike.


My Review
The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us is a fascinating look behind the lips - erm, scenes - of a kiss. The author bases her book on scientific research and makes it as informative as it is entertaining. I enjoyed reading about the origins of kissing, the parallels that exist in the animal world, and how kisses evolved through history. What happens in our brains and bodies when we kiss and just how scientists study kissing are just as interesting. Finally, there are chapters on the future of kissing and the right chemistry. 

Last but not least, the book says it best: "For no matter how it began, why we do it, and where it takes place, a kiss often celebrates perhaps the greatest emotion of all: love."



The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) copies of The Science of Kissing by Sheril Kirshenbaum.

To enter, please comment below what's the last good book you've read.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win 1 of 3 copies of The Science of Kissing by Sheril Kirshenbaum! #Giveaway ends 2/27 @aitmama #contests #books
  http://tiny.cc/yg2dl" – you may do this once a day;
• if you join The Science of Kissing Facebook Group, comment below for an extra entry;
• follow the author on twitter @Sheril_ ;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is February 27, 2011, 11:59pm EST. The winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Cover art and book description courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.  

Got giveaways? Please do share! My weekly linky is below. Good luck, and enjoy browsing!

Silk Tie 2/11
5 lbs of Dishwasher Detergent 2/12
Mom's Best Naturals Cereal 2/13
To Tempt a Rake - 3 win 2/14
Yoplait Delights Pampering Prize Pack 2/15
Cynthia Eden Book Package - 3 win 2/18
Secrets on Lake Drive - 2 win 2/19
$25 GC to Paperlicious 2/20
The Couponizer 2/20
La Tortilla Factory 2/22
 

Book Description
In the stirring tradition of The Secret Life of Bees and The Poisonwood Bible, Amaryllis in Blueberry explores the complexity of human relationships set against an unforgettable backdrop. Told through the haunting voices of Dick and Seena Slepy and their four daughters, Christina Meldrum's soulful novel weaves together the past and the present of a family harmed - and healed - by buried secrets.

"Maybe, unlike hope, truth couldn't be contained in a jar..."

Meet the Slepys: Dick, the stern doctor, the naÏve husband, a man devoted to both facts and faith; Seena, the storyteller, the restless wife, a mother of four, a lover of myth. And their children, the Marys: Mary Grace, the devastating beauty; Mary Tessa, the insistent inquisitor; Mary Catherine, the saintly, lost soul; and finally, Amaryllis, Seena's unspoken favorite, born with the mystifying ability to sense the future, touch the past, and distinguish the truth tellers from the most convincing liar of all.

When Dick insists his family move from Michigan to the unfamiliar world of Africa for missionary work, he can't possibly foresee how this new land and its people will entrance and change his daughters - and himself - forever.

Nor can he predict how Africa will spur his wife Seena toward an old but unforgotten obsession. In fact, Seena may be falling into a trance of her own...

My Review
Amaryllis in Blueberry is a beautifully written book that you may love, hate, or alternate between the two. The Slepys family is perfect on the outside but ripe with conflicting emotions, betrayal and secrets under the surface. They take on a mission to West Africa in an attempt to help the sick and poor but to also save their family from destruction. The story opens as Seena, the wife and mother, is tried for the murder of her husband. The events leading up to that are revealed in flashbacks, slowly peeling layer after layer until the truth is exposed.

I cannot go into too many details without spoiling the book for you but Amaryllis in Blueberry is a modern-day Greek tragedy that overlaps all sorts of symbolism and really makes one reflect on good, evil, and the gray areas in between.


Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Cover art and book description courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

The Surf Showstopper is a new product that solves my problem of what to do with my car keys, ID, money and phone at the park, at the gym, or at the playground. I can even take it to the pool or to the beach next summer!

The Surf Showstopper is a wallet-sized bag that attaches to my wrist via Velcro and a fastener. It is made of water-repellent material on the outside. The underside that comes in contact with my skin is made of a "toweling" material that absorbs perspiration while working out. There is a large zippered pouch that can hold an iPhone or mp3 player. Another smaller zippered compartment holds my ID, credit card, or cash. There is also an outer zippered pocket for the car keys. It's the perfect accessory for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle, or just needs to chase a couple of active kids around the park.

Convenient and stylish, the Surf Showstoppers make great gift ideas for women - and they would probably work for men, too.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

As someone who spends a lot of quality time with the computer, I know how important it is to keep the screen clean and clear. The rest of my family is prone to pointing at things on the screen at close range - touching it, actually - so a good screen cleaner is a must.

The Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes offer a handy way to clean computer screens, phones, PDAs, and TVs. They also provide scratch resistance and have anti-static properties. Each box contains 5 packs of wipes and each pack comes with a wet wipe and dry cloth. The wipes do not contain alcohol or ammonia. I cleaned my PC monitor first, and I can see a difference. One thing I would like is for the wet wipe to be larger because this way, it would do a better job on a big-screen TV. The wipes are just the right size for smaller screens and provide on-the-go convenience - you can have a few in your purse or briefcase, and never have to squint into dirty screens again.

The Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipe comes from Black Diamond Cleaners, the company behind the Brilliant Lenses Eye Glass Cleaner I use regularly to clean the family's eyeglasses. Connect with them on Facebook or Twitter (@BDcleaners).

Disclaimer / Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

La Tortilla Factory and the Tamayo family have been baking wraps and tortillas for three generations. La Tortilla Factory is located in Sonoma County, California, and is committed to offering healthy, high quality food.

I got to try several of their new products and must say my family is now hooked on these tasty tortillas. We received a pack each of the Smart & Delicious™ Low Carb, High Fiber Tortillas and the Hand Made Style Corn Tortillas in three flavors: white corn, yellow corn, and chipotle. The first thing I noticed is that there is no partially hydrogenated or fully hydrogenated oil on the ingredient list, so the tortillas are free of any trans-fats.

The Hand Made Style Corn Tortillas have a soft texture because they are made of a blend of corn and wheat. Each contains 14 grams of whole grain and 90 calories. They are very flavorful and hands down the best store-bought tortillas I've tried. We made delicious chicken tacos using some leftover rotisserie chicken and fresh salsa, guacamole and shredded cheese. My kids love cooking their own mini-quesadillas by layering cheese, beans, veggies and rice and toasting them until everything gets warmed through and the cheese melts.

The Smart & Delicious brand is perfect for those who want to make smart choices about their diet. With just 50 calories each and a whopping 52% of the recommended daily value of fiber, these tortillas are a great option to enjoy that guilt-free wrap. I tried the Garlic & Herb, and I could not believe a tortilla this filling had so few calories. I used several of them to make tomato and herb tostadas but I prefer these as veggie wraps.

My top favorite among the La Tortilla Factory products I tried was the Chipotle Hand Made Style Corn Tortillas. Topped with a handful of veggies, shredded cheese and salsa, they pack just the right amount of spice to make them deliciously irresistible.

You can find tons of great recipe ideas at the La Tortilla Factory site.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a prize pack with products from La Tortilla Factory!

To enter, please check out the La Tortilla Factory recipes and comment below what you'd like to try.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a La Tortilla Factory Prize Pack! #food #cooking #Giveaway ends 2/22 @aitmama #contests http://tiny.cc/qpqyj";
• tell us something you learned or found interesting on the La Tortilla Factory site;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is February 22, 2011, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received free product samples for review purposes. No compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied. The post reflects my personal opinions which may differ from yours