Pampers is turning 50! In celebration of its birthday, the company launched its Little Miracle Mission campaign. The Little Miracle Mission is a program that delivers acts of kindness to babies and their families, and encouraging parents to support others. I share the company's belief that every baby is a little miracle that deserves to be celebrated and protected.

The first big act of support by Pampers in this campaign was donating care packages to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) across the country. Anyone can participate in the Miracles Missions programs and support little miracles across the country by logging on to Pampers Facebook page. The company is also asking everyone to pay-it-forward by participating in the first Little Miracle Mission - to congratulate and offer support to an expectant mother with a gift or surprise gesture. Once more than 2,500 people pledge that they have achieved this mission, Pampers will respond by giving baby showers to expectant mothers nationwide just in time for Mother’s Day. Pampers will issue different missions throughout the entire year to celebrate all aspects of parenthood, and with the help of parents, family and friends, they hope to touch the lives of every baby born in the next year.

Pampers has challenged me to find a way to celebrate, support or protect a new little miracle in my community by donating a $50 Visa Gift Card. The challenge for me is to decide its best use. I have tons of ideas - probably the best so far is donating food, baby clothes, toiletries and diapers to a family in need.

The Giveaway
Pampers has also offered a $50 Visa Gift Card as a giveaway for my readers! How would you pay if forward? *Update: The winner may receive a $50 AMEX gift card in lieu of a $50 Visa GC.*

To enter, please share your ideas of how you would use it to help little miracles in your community.

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 $50 Visa #GiftCard from @Pampers to support Little Miracles in your community #Giveaway ends 5/15 #sweeps @aitmama http://tiny.cc/7plxo";
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 15, 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: No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo and info courtesy of the company or PR firm.

Book Description
Big cats are fierce predators that roam the world from the mountains to the deserts. How are these wild cats that hunt for their food the same as pet cats that might chase a mouse or ball of yarn? How are they different? The award-winning prequel to this book, One Wolf Howls, introduces children to counting and the months of the year as they watch the seasons changing. This sequel introduces children to the days of the week as they travel to seven different world habitats to meet the big cats, and then back home to compare and contrast the domestic cat’s behavior to that of its relative.

My Review
My kids love cats and were fascinated by Big Cat, Little Kitty. This delightful book makes the connection between wild cats and their domesticated cousins. It subtly reinforces children's knowledge of the days of the week. For every day, the book introduces one Big Cat - a lion, tiger, bobcat, cheetah, snow leopard, cougar, and jaguar - and one cute little kitty. The beautiful illustrations visually show to kids that wild and domestic cats share many features. The eyes of the wild animals, the color of their fur and their spots are mirrored by the cats living in the garden, the backyard, and the porch. Each cat rules over his own habitat shared by other animals.

Similarly to other Sylvan Dell Publishing books I've read with my children, there is a Creative Minds section at the end of Big Cat, Little Kitty. Curious minds will find out more about the cat family, the cats of the world, cat senses and adaptations, and answer the cat true or false questions.

Big Cat, Little Kitty by Scotti Cohn is available on the Sylvan Dell Publishing site where you can preview the book and find additional educational resources. It can be purchased on Amazon.com, as well as at other retailers.

Deal Alert
Use coupon code SPRING2011 to get 20% off your purchase from SylvanDellPublishing.com until May 31, 2011.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a copy of Big Cat, Little Kitty!

To enter, please visit Sylvan Dell Publishing and comment below with the title of another book that you'd like to share with the kids in your life.

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 Big Cat, Little Kitty #children's book! #Giveaway ends 5/14 @aitmama #contests #kids #books @SylvanDell http://tiny.cc/8y10k";
• tell us who would be enjoying the book if you won;
• follow @SylvanDell on twitter;
• if you are a friend of Sylvan Dell Publishing on Facebook, let me know below for an extra entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 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 a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher.

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

ScareMeNot Monster 4/29
Meet the Planets Kids' Book 4/30
Roxanne St. Claire Book Bundle - 3 win 5/2
Granulated Splenda with Fiber 5/2
Prefense Hand Sanitizer 5/3
A Winter Tale CD 5/4
Scunci Bendini 5/4
Bale&Twine Handcrafted Soy Candle and Goat Milk Soap 5/7
Aussan Natural 5/9

Book Description
National bestselling author Cherry Adair introduces an edgy, sexy new suspense series with this exhilarating international tale of hide and seek.

A reckless adventure in a deadly paradise.

Thrill seekers Zakary and Gideon Stark travel the globe in search of extreme adventure, but a trip to Venezuela to jump off the world's highest falls catapults them into a perilous game of life or death — where they don't know the rules.

A one-night stand that will change his life forever.

Kidnapped with a woman Zak knows nothing about, the brothers are held prisoner deep in the jungle. A risky, death-defying escape separates them and nearly claims Zak's life... until his recovery reveals a baffling new sixth sense.

An unexpected diversion with lethal consequences.

Now, to find his missing brother, Zak and the mysterious Acadia Gray will have to out-smart, out-gun, and out-maneuver not just the brutal kidnappers but also a new player who joins the adrenaline game: a ruthless opponent who wants the Stark brothers dead—at any cost.

My Review
Hush is a fast-paced novel that mixes up suspense, adventure and passion in one exciting package. The story brings together a multimillionaire who gets his thrills from extreme sports, and a woman who works in a sporting goods store. The unlikely pair are kidnapped in the morning after their one-night stand and taken to the jungles of Venezuela. Who is behind it all and how will they survive? You have to read the book to find out.

Hush has its unexpected twists and turns and a good doze of heat between the main characters. Despite quite a bit of implausibility and an ending that did not make much sense to me, I enjoyed the ride.

Hush was released earlier this week by Pocket Star Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.

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 author, publisher or PR firm.

Exposed Envy offers decorative bra straps that take the awkwardness out of "your strap is showing" and make it into a fashion statement. If you can't wait for summer to show off your collection of tank tops and spaghetti straps, halter tops and off-the-shoulder dresses, Exposed Envy is the place for you.

These decorative bra straps let style-conscious females graduate from plain or transparent bra straps to rhinestone bra straps, beaded bra straps, colored bra straps, and more. There are over 100 styles to choose from, with prices starting at $7. I received a set of printed flowery fabric straps ones and a set of gorgeous Red Garnet and Crystal Rhinestone Bra Straps. They attach easily on bras that allow straps replacement, on strapless or convertible bras. If you absolutely love them, you can even make your favorite non-convertible bra into an Exposed Envy one in minutes, using a needle and thread. The rhinestone studded Exposed Envy decorative bra straps are perfect for adding a little bling to a warm weather outfit, or for a special occasion. The fabric straps are great for daily wear.

All Exposed Envy orders over $50 ship for free within the U.S. and 5% are donated to the Pujols Family Foundation.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. 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.

Flipflop is the newest brand from the Underdog Wine Merchants. The collection includes Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio for whites and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir for reds.

I tried three flipfllop wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. I've been a red wine girl for years, so naturally the Pinot Noir was my favorite. It's half way between dry and medium dry and although I prefer dry, I found the Pinot Noir quite pleasant. I am not a wine expert but when the vintners say it has bright cherry, sweet spice, and a supple, velvety finish, I take their word for it. They suggest pairing it with grilled mahi mahi, bacon-wrapped shrimp, or chocolate chip cookies. All winning pairings in my book!

The Pinot Grigio is a light wine that goes well with Italian food - bruschetta, spaghetti carbonara, eggplant parmesan. No problem at my house because my husband and I love Italian. This wine is between medium dry and medium sweet. Again, I like my wines as dry as possible, but if you like yours sweeter, you might enjoy the Pinot Grigio and especially the Riesling which is even sweeter. The latter is "full of tropical notes and sweet aromas, medium bodied" and should be paired with tofu, pork and sake sashimi.                

The flipflop wines have happy colorful graphics on the label and come in bottles with screw off caps rather than cork. They are to wine what flip flops are to shoes: casual and comfy, unpretentious and affordable. I saw them for $5 at my local grocery store, and the SRP is $7-8. Bottom line - I would serve them at a pool party of barbeque but would not give them to your wine aficionado boss for Christmas. As the flipflop motto goes - to each, their own.

This year, flipflop wines and Underdog Wine Merchants are partnering with Soles4Souls to donate up to 100,000 pairs of flip flop shoes to children in need - one for each of the first 100,000 bottles sold, where promotion is legal. Connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter (@flipflopwines).

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received complimentary samples with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm.

My True Nature is a San Francisco company offering natural bath and body products for kids. It was founded in 2008 by a mom who wanted to create a safe environment for her baby - including natural soaps and shampoos that perform as well as mainstream ones.

We tested the True Nature Bubble Bath and the Shampoo and Body Wash. My kids love bubble baths and were very excited to try a new scent. The bubble bath made tons of yummy-smelling bubbles, and the kids thought Bobo the Dragon, the cartoon character on the bottle, was very cute. The bubble bath is made from plant-based cleansers and botanicals that are 100% natural. The shampoo / body wash cleaned well and did not dry out the skin. According to the company, it's great for eczema or cradle cap, too. Just as the bubble bath, the ingredients of this product are naturally derived from corn and sugar. The raw materials used by the company are certified organic by ECOCERT. Last but not least, the bottles of True Nature products are recyclable, reusable, and made from FDA-approved recycled PET bottles.

True Nature products can be purchased at their website and ship to the U.S. and Canada. Connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter (@mytruenaturesf), as well as on their blog.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. 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.

My family reads tons of books. Between my passion for reading, hubby's non-fiction collection, and the many, many kids' books we own, our bookshelves are stacked top to bottom. And we have a lot of bookshelves.

Many of the books we read are passed along to family and friends or donated. Still, there are many that we decide to keep. I've always been a paper girl when it comes to reading but I've been considering an e-reader lately. Before we run out of shelve space again... Plus, Mother's Day is in less than two weeks, and hubby always complains I am difficult to shop for. I am not, really - but since Mother's Day, my birthday and our wedding anniversary happen to be mere weeks apart, I kind of see his point.

Amazon is having a very nice deal on Kindle starting tomorrow, and I plan to go try out the Nook at the bookstore, too. I've been reading reviews on both until my head started spinning. So, Nook or Kindle? That is the question! Please help me out and spill - do you have one? Love it? Hate it? Can't live without it?

Last week, we celebrated Earth Day. I've always believed that every day should be Earth Day. Aussan Natural is a company that helps people make a positive difference in their lives, one product at a time.

The Aussan Natural line is 100% natural, non-toxic and botanical. Their products contain no manmade toxins, synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives. Right now, the brand includes 19 products in six categories: home, baby, pet, sport, marine and auto.

I chose to review five products from Aussan Natural: Floor Cleaner Concentrate, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Wash, Oven & BBQ Grill Cleaner, Wheel Cleaner and Car Wash Concentrate. These home and auto care cleaners are safe for humans, pets and the environment. The products are hypoallergenic and made with food grade ingredients. This is a big plus in my book, since I am very picky about what cleaners I use around the house. No questionable chemicals for my family!

Although I usually take my car to the car wash, hubby and I tried the Wheel Cleaner and Car Wash Concentrate and found they did a great job. The wheel cleaner was easy to use and effective. It works on chrome, alloy, painted surfaces, and more. The car wash concentrate easily removed dirt and did not damage the finish. My husband was very happy that it did not leave streaks or remove the wax. And I am happy that it is phosphate-free and safe for the environment. Did you know that phosphates are one of the biggest culprits for ocean pollution? In high levels, they can kill life in rivers and oceans by causing "algae blooms".

I used the Oven & BBQ Grill Cleaner on my oven, after a quite unfortunate lasagna incident. It took several tries because the mess was very, very bad. None of that disgusting chemical smell or nasty fumes I used to get with conventional cleaners - and my oven is spotless. The cleaner works great as a degreaser, too. It does not leave a residue, and can be used on microwaves, grills, smokers, deep fryers, and more.

The floor cleaner concentrate is a low suds formula that is safe to use on sealed and finished floors. Now that winter's over, my family walks around the house barefoot - so it's important to me that what we use to clean the floor is safe. The cleaner can be used on tile, laminate, marble, ceramic, linoleum, stone, hardwood - no matter what flooring you have at your house, this floor cleaner does a fantastic job.

We eat a lot of fresh fruit and veggies and use the Aussan Natural Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Wash every day. It removes dirt and any pesticide residue from produce without leaving a residue or a weird taste. It rinses off easily and comes in a spray bottle - much easier to use than my old wash that came in a squeeze bottle. Although we buy mostly organic fruit and veggies, I feel better knowing that anything bad for me is cleaned off.

Finally, here is what else you'll never find in an Aussan Natural product: alcohol, ammonia, bleach, artificial fragrances, chlorine, formaldehyde, petrochemicals, and SLS. Hooray for green clean!

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win an Aussan Natural product! The winner gets to pick among the ones I reviewed.

To enter, please visit Aussan Natural and comment below with another product you'd like to try.

For extra entries, you may do any or all of the following:

• follow @AussanNatural on twitter;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a great #eco-friendly cleaner for your home or car from @AussanNatural and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 5/9 #contests http://tiny.cc/d29hq";
• if you like Aussan Natural on Facebook, let me know below for 2 extra entries;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 9, 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 18+ with mailing addresses in the U.S. or Canada. Subject to the official rules of this site.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received complimentary samples with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm.

Bale&Twine is an online store offering limited edition handcrafted products. Suzanne, founder of Bale&Twine, wanted to create a destination for beautiful handcrafted goods: handmade / handcut soap, handcrafted soy candles and jewelry and more.

My love of yummy soaps and candles is no secret, so I was delighted to review some of Bale&Twine's creations. I received a pampering gift package including some of Bale&Twine soap and a soy candle. They arrived nicely packaged and wrapped with a pretty ribbon. The candle came in a recyclable carton box and the soap in a reusable drawstring bag. I love keeping my unused soaps tucked away in the linen closet - they make my sheets and towels smell great, and these bags are perfect for that.

The soy candle smells good enough to eat - Suzanne chose to send me the Chocolate Fudge one. How did she know I love chocolate?! The candle weighs 6.5 oz and comes in a nice mason jar, complete with a lid. It burns cleanly and will last about 30-40 hours. That's a lot of deliciousness!

The Baresuds soaps are handmade in small batches using the cold process method. The main ingredients are olive oil, coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Some contain goat milk. Each soap comes with a label listing the ingredients and the date it was made. Since the Baresuds soaps contain no preservatives, they should be used within 6 months. I love using mine, they smell wonderful and are gentle on my dry skin. Hand washing is somehow more enjoyable with a nice bar of soap. Baresuds work equally well in the shower.

With Mother's Day just two weeks away, the Bale&Twine soy candles and handcut soap make a great gift idea. Every mom deserves some pampering, and not just on Mother's Day. As always, a percentage of each purchase goes towards their Giving Back program.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a great tropical set from Bale&Twine - a Guava Fig Soy Candle and a Coconut Orange goat's milk soap! Mmmm... tropical...

To enter, please share in a comment how you like to pamper yourself.

For extra entries, you may 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 handcrafted soy candle and soap gift set, perfect for #mothersday #gifts! #Giveaway ends 5/7 #contests @aitmama http://tiny.cc/n4v7f";
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 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 18+ with mailing addresses in the U.S. Subject to the official rules of this site.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary sample with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm.

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

Yanni Truth of Touch CD 4/22
Don't Throw Those Coupons Away 4/23
Never a Gentleman - 3 win 4/25
ScareMeNot Monster 4/29
Meet the Planets Kids' Book 4/30
Roxanne St. Claire Book Bundle - 3 win 5/2
Granulated Splenda with Fiber 5/2
Prefense Hand Sanitizer 5/3
A Winter Tale CD 5/4
Scunci Bendini 5/4

Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living is named after blogger-turned-author Heather Solos' popular site. The 240 pages of this book are packed with useful tips on cleaning, cooking, washing and fixing stuff around the house. Some of them were new to me, many were already familiar, and others are just common sense. However, they do bear repeating: as Voltaire famously said, "Common sense is not so common" - especially as it applies to the skills we use in everyday living. 

Ms. Solos, a mom of four kids, has thought of everything: flooring, kitchen, bedroom, closet, laundry, stains, odors, appliances, carpeting, plumbing, and more. She is fearless when it comes to household skills, and some of her bravery is sure to rub off on her readers. If that was not enough, at the end of the book she added four handy appendices. There Ms. Solos covers homemade cleaning solutions, dangerous chemical combinations, emergency preparedness checklist, and measurements conversion charts.

If you cook like a chef, clean like a pro, do not own stained clothing and have a spotless, perfect house where living beings dare not thread, you probably do not need this book. The rest of us who live in the real world would get quite a bit of useful information out of Home-Ec 101. If you've already taken the class with your mom, mother-in-law, or via painful familiarity with a long list of trial-and-error, this book would be a handy refresher. Heather Solos will not do the work for you but will lead the way and tell you how - with a sense of humor that places her book and writing style squarely in my list of faves.

I bet by now you'd love to meet Heather Solos and have her hover over your shoulder as you put her advice to good use. I know I would! Do the next best thing: read her book and check out her site. Nothing to lose and quite a few good skills to gain.

isclosure / Disclaimer: Thanks to my involvement with the One2One Network, I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied but I will be entered in a gift card drawing. The post reflects my personal opinion which may differ from yours.

The Bendini are adorable new hair clips by scunci. Since scunci is my favorite brand for hair accessories, I just had to try the Bendini clips.

The scunci Bendini are shaped like an oval with a small comb on one end. They come in three different sizes and a variety of styles, including jeweled crystals, colorful beads and metallics. We tried the small and medium ones, and they look so cute in my daughter's hair! I love the set with pink and white beads and the one with colorful hearts. For a more grown up look, the silver and white medium-size Bendini would match just about any outfit. Last but not least, the large Bendini give an instant glam and elegance to that special 'do.

To use the Bendini clip, all you do is slide the comb into the hair, then bend and snap it in place. I love the look - it's perfect for spring pictures and for summer fun. The Bendini can be found at drug, mass and grocery stores nationwide at a suggested retail price of $4.99 per pack.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win some scunci Bendini clips!

To enter, please comment below who would be wearing the Bendini if you won.

For extra entries, you may do any or all of the following:

• follow @scunciHair on twitter;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win some adorable new Bendini clips from @scunciHair and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 5/4 #contests #hair #fashion #kids http://tiny.cc/i4aja";
• if you like scunci on Facebook, let me know below for another entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 4, 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 18+ with mailing addresses in the U.S. Subject to the official rules of this site.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary sample with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm.

Bobby Long is a British guitarist, singer and songwriter. His song Let Me Sign was sung by Robert Pattinson and featured in the movie Twilight. Bobby also performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno back in February.

Bobby Long's first album, A Winter Tale, was released earlier this year by ATO Records. I received a copy of the CD and was instantly charmed by Bobby's voice. The songs in his debut album flow along seamlessly in a relaxing succession. A Winter Tale is perfect to have for a quiet evening at home or for a long drive. I do not have a favorite but enjoyed all the lyrics and music. Bobby Long's work is surprisingly mature for someone who is just 24 years old. Although I had not listened to any of his songs before, now I am looking forward to hearing more of them as Bobby's career progresses. He is one young talent I plan to keep on my musical radar.

Here is the complete list of tracks:
1. A Winter Tale
2. Who Have You Been Loving
3. The Bounty Of Mary Jane
4. In The Frost
5. Sick Man Blues
6. Penance Fire Blues
7. A Passing Tale
8. Dead And Done
9. Being A Mockingbird
10. Two Years Old
11. A Stranger Song

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win Bobby Long's A Winter Tale CD!

To enter, please comment below what music you've enjoyed lately.

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 Bobby Long's debut album, A Winter Tale! #Giveaway ends 5/4 @aitmama #contests #music @TeamMomMedia @bobbylongnews http://tiny.cc/ppx3j";
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 4, 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 a complimentary sample with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm.

Envirosax, makers of my favorite reusable shopping bags, are celebrating Earth Day with a special eco-chic contest! This competition aims to encourage everyone to practice reuse into all aspects of life.

The fabulous eco-chic prize pack is worth over $500 and includes:

• Solio Solar Charger for iPhone/iPod 
• Natural Fitness Eco Yoga Mat 
• Potting Shed Creations Grow Bottles 
• Boom Boom Cards 
• Oxygenics Vortex Chrome Shower head
• Reduce Smash Can
• Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style Book 
• BARBAR Ceramic Eco Blow Dryer 
• Aurora Glow String Lights
• Blue iQ Miniature Ecosystem
• Surfrider Foundation – Surf themed Monopoly
• 3-year membership to Surfrider Foundation
• Envirosax Cherry Lane Pouch

How do you enter? Take their 5 question pop quiz, and if answer correctly, your name goes in the prize giveaway. U.S. only, and you have to enter by April 24.

I am loving this rockin' green prize! Envirosax is one company that proves again that they are committed to spreading the eco-friendly message with style.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: No compensation of any kind was received for this post. Information and image courtesy of Envirosax.

I keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in my car and a pack of wet wipes in my purse. As a mom, I've had to use both on more occasions than I can count. Recently, I came across an alcohol-free hand sanitizer that I just had to try.

Prefense Botanicals Hand Sanitizer is made of all-natural organic ingredients. It is non-toxic, making it safe to use with my kids - a big plus in my book. Prefense is silica-based and doesn’t dry out my hands, unlike some alcohol sanitizers I've tried. Another thing I love about it is that it's a foam. When using a gel hand sanitizer, I often end up with too much. One spray delivers just the right amount of foam when I use Prefense. And did I mention there is no harsh smell of chemicals?

I was happy to find out that Prefense protects against staph, strep, E.coli, drug resistant MRSA strains, and more. In addition, it provides all-day protection that lasts through ten hand washings. One convenient 1.5 oz bottle of Prefense offers 120 applications. This bottle easily fits in my purse. For the car, I would get the 8 oz bottle that offers 640 applications. Since each application protects you for 24 hours, this baby will last a long time - you do the math.

Prefense is available on Amazon.com and at other retailers, such as REI.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win an 8 oz bottle of Prefense!

To enter, please comment below how you keep the germs away.

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 an 8 oz bottle (640 applications) of @Prefense alcohol-free hand sanitizer! #Giveaway ends 5/3 @aitmama #contests http://tiny.cc/jl7di";
• follow @Prefense on twitter;
• if you like Prefense on Facebook, let me know below for an extra entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 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 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 &

Have you tried the new Splenda with Fiber, Granulated? It's a great way to cut down on the calories and boost your fiber intake. A tablespoon of this product contains as much fiber as a half cup of oat bran. If you missed my review the other day, check it out.

And one lucky reader will win a bag of Splenda with Fiber, Granulated!

To enter, please comment below how you make sure you are getting enough fiber in your diet.

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 bag of the new Splenda with Fiber, Granulated! #Giveaway ends 5/2 @aitmama #contests #food #newyearsresolution http://tiny.cc/y7o7j";
• tell us what Splenda recipe you'd like to make from the Splenda Tastebook;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 2, 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 a complimentary sample with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm.

Today, we are celebrating the release of two new books by Roxanne St. Claire: Shiver of Fear and Face of Danger.

Book Description: Shiver of Fear
ISBN: 9780446566599
The legacy that haunts her... The mystery she must solve... A man who threatens to reveal her secrets... and break her heart. Burned by a failed marriage, former FBI agent Marc Rossi wants back in the investigation game with no emotional strings attached. Taking an assignment for his enterprising Angelino cousins, he heads to Northern Ireland to pry a key piece of evidence from a missing socialite-any way he can. But when the ice queen turns out to be warm, beautiful, and on a secret mission of her own, the job becomes a passionate reminder of what happens when duty and desire mix.

Book Description: Face of Danger
ISBN: 9780446566575
Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn't just a thrill... it's a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way-and out of her fantasies.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core... and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.


The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) bundles of both Roxanne St. Claire books: Shiver of Fear and Face of Danger.

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 bundles of 2 new #books by @RoxanneStClaire! #Giveaway ends 5/2 @aitmama @ForeverRomance #contests http://tiny.cc/yg2dl" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @roxannestclaire on twitter;
• follow @ForeverRomance on twitter;
• if you like Roxanne St. Claire on Facebook, comment below for an extra entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is May 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.

Peeled Snacks are dried fruit snacks that come in convenient single- or multi-serve packs. They are USDA certified organic and contain just fruit with no sugar or preservatives added.

We tried the Cherry-Go-Round (dried cherries), the Apple-2-the-Core (dried apples), and the Farmer's Market Trio (dried raisins, apples and cherries). The first two contain one serving of fruit each, and the trio has about three servings. My favorite among the three are the cherries - soft and tasty, not too dry. The raisins were my daughter's favorite. They were quite good although I did not notice much difference compared to other decent brands I've tried. Finally, the apples are soft and chewy - flavorful but the texture needs some getting used to at my house.

Each serving of Peeled Snacks contains 3-4 grams of fiber and 110-130 calories. They are a good thing to have in your purse or backpack for snacking emergencies. Dried fruit is quite sweet, too, so the Peeled Snacks can satisfy a sweet craving without sugar. Since I try to buy organic produce whenever possible, the fact that these snacks are organic is a big plus in my book. Even though the single-serve packs are intended to be consumed in one sitting, I'd suggest resealable bags - like the one of the Farmer's Market Trio.

Peeled Snacks are available online and at Starbucks locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. You can connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter (@PeeledSnacks).

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. &

It's no secret that I have a major sweet tooth. I am always looking for healthier alternatives to my favorite treats because - to paraphrase an old saying - I like baking the cake and eating it, too.

Recently, Splenda introduced a new product - Splenda with Fiber, Granulated. It measures cup for cup like sugar and has a gram of fiber in each teaspoon. It lets me cut down on the calories when baking and add a strong fiber kick to our favorite treats. I made my family's favorite chocolate chip cookies and although the texture was a bit different, we ate every last crumb. And I love sneaking extra fiber in my recipes. A tablespoon of granulated Splenda with Fiber has the same 3 grams of fiber that you get from half a cup of oat bran.

If you've never used Splenda in your homemade desserts, here are a few things to have in mind. If the recipe calls for brown and white sugar, replace only the white with Splenda to avoid changing the texture too much. Cookies often rely on the brown sugar for their chewy, crunchy goodness. Items baked with Splenda cook faster, so you may need to adjust cooking time accordingly. They also do not brown as much as those baked with sugar - spray the batter with cooking spray before baking to get a golden brown color.

My cookies turned out a bit crumblier than usual and sweeter than I expected but still quite tasty. Next, I  plan to try some of the delicious recipes I found in the Splenda Tastebook online - such as Cranberry Orange Muffins and Banana Bread. And an Apple Pie Spiced Latte to go with them. Or a Spicy Dark Chocolate Mix...

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary sample with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm.

Book Description
Soar into the Solar System to witness the first Favorite Planet Competition, emceed by none other than the former-ninth planet, now known as dwarf planet Pluto. The readers become the judges after the sun can’t pick a favorite and the meteors leave for a shower. Who will the lucky winning planet be? Could it be speedy-messenger Mercury, light-on-his-feet Saturn, or smoking-hot Venus? Readers learn all about each planet as Pluto announces them with short, tongue-in-cheek facts. Children will spend hours searching the art for all the references to famous scientists and people of history, space technology, constellations, art, and classic literature.

My Review
Meet the Planets by John McGranaghan is a beautifully illustrated children's book about the planets in the Solar System. It introduces kids to the inner and outer planets, from Mercury to Neptune, presenting interesting facts about each planet in turn. The author gives quite a bit of information in a fun, kid-friendly way, and succeeds in making the book educational as well as entertaining. At the end of the book, there is a special section For Creative Minds. It includes a table with how long it takes each planet to revolve around the Sun, surface temperatures, distance from the Sun, solar system true or false questions, and more. In addition, there are tons of extra activities available on the Meet the Planets page for more learning fun.

Deal Alert
Use coupon code SPRING2011 to get 20% off your purchase from SylvanDellPublishing.com until May 31, 2011.


The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a copy of Meet the Planets!

To enter, please visit Sylvan Dell Publishing and comment below with the title of another book that you'd like to share with the kids in your life.

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 Meet the Planets #children's book! #Giveaway ends 4/30 @aitmama #contests #kids #books @SylvanDell http://tiny.cc/8rbi0";
• tell us who would be enjoying the book if you won;
• follow @SylvanDell on twitter;
• if you are a friend of Sylvan Dell Publishing on Facebook, let me know below for an extra entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is April 30, 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 a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher.

I discovered goat milk soap two years ago. I was hooked! Since then, my day just does not start off right without a bar of this creamy goodness in my shower. I did not care what shape or form it came in - as long as it was goat milk soap!

And then I found the Happy Goats Soap on Etsy. Famous SpokesGoat and soap expert Pricilla, a very talented goat, is in charge of making soap from the rich milk of the farm goats. The soaps come in many delectable scents and in all sorts of beautiful shapes. One of the latest additions is soap shaped like a bouquet of flowers - aren't they just perfect for spring? Or any time of year, for that matter. They are called A Snack for the Goats but I like to think of them as a treat for the senses.

One of my personal favorites is the new vanilla hazelnut scent - perfect for my love of chocolate AND my passion for goat milk soap. My kids fell in love with the adorable cow-shaped bar called Harry the CowGoat. My younger daughter carries it around with her and has the cutest conversations with it. I do have to work hard to stop her from eating it because it does smell so yummy - and it's the color of good chocolate.

The cow soap you see in the picture is the one scented with monkey farts - a wonderful scent that to me has nothing to do with monkeys or, erm, farts. The name cracks me up. It's a blend of Pricilla's milk with olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, apricot kernel oil and mango butter. And the name? Here is what Pricilla says about it: "Imagine a monkey just ate some bananas, pineapple and mango and then well, had some gas. Sweet gas."

Then there are sea urchins, cats and dogs, horses, penguins, roosters, hearts, massage bars, shaving soap... I want them all! We just can't get enough of the Happy Goats Soap. Pricilla, you are my soap making hero!

Disclaimer / Disclosure: No compensation of any kind was received for this post but I hope some day to meet Pricilla in person. Pictures courtesy of the famous goat and her publicist who generously sent me some soap to try.

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

$25 GC to Tiecoon.com 4/16
Monave Lip Glaze 4/17
Eternal Rider - 3 win 4/18
The Baby Planner 4/21
Robyn Rhodes MOM Necklace 4/21
Yanni Truth of Touch CD 4/22
Don't Throw Those Coupons Away 4/23
Never a Gentleman - 3 win 4/25
ScareMeNot Monster 4/29

 

Keeping our well-stocked pantry organized is a tad challenging at times. I've occasionally had some canned goods expire unused because they were stuck all the way in the back - and I hate wasting food.

Rubbermaid came to the rescue with the Rubbermaid Slide Out 2-Tier Can Rack. This is a plastic rack that can be attached to the wire shelving of my pantry. It also works with wood shelving. I can stack cans on top of it as well as on a pull-out shelf. The rack is made of sturdy black plastic and installation was a snap. Depending on how large the cans are, the rack can hold up to the equivalent of 15 pounds.

I buy most of my canned goods at a wholesale club, and the best way to keep them organized is to leave them in the carton box they came in. When I am down to one or two per pack, I take them out and stack them on a shelf - and sometimes forget about them. This is when my Rubbermaid Slide Out 2-Tier Can Rack comes in. It's also perfect for canned good that I do not buy in bulk - such as coconut milk and canned soups. The rack can work great for small jars and spices, too.

The Rubbermaid Slide Out 2-Tier Can Rack is available in their online store for $14.99. Next in line for organizing my pantry is the large drawer (for my aluminum foil, wax paper and plastic wrap) and the Adjustable Over the Door Organizer (for maximizing my space). Whatever your home organizing needs, Rubbermaid may have a smart product to help. And if you need a hand with spring cleaning, check out the Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop! I love mine. And the kids are still arguing over whose turn it is to mop the floors.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary sample with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm.

My kids rarely have nightmares. Occasionally, I do hear the patter of little feet at 2 a.m. and the "mommy, I am scared". ScareMeNots are adorable stuffed monsters that keep the bad ones away from the kids' room.

We received the irresistibly huggable Courageous Carrie. She is a cute shade of pink, has one eye and sports a long tail that can be hooked up on the doorknob. Carrie comes in full and travel size. She can smell like any flower she wants - and one whiff makes even the meanest monster giggle. My kids fell in love at first sight. They noticed the tail and started brainstorming the best place for Carrie to spend the night. Maybe we'll tuck her tail under the mattress. Or hang her from the closet doorknob. Or off the curtain rod. Or just hug her close and let her sleep on the bed. I suggested that Carrie stay on my nightstand or next to my pillow but it was voted down.

Courageous Carrie has a gang of utterly cute friends. My personal favorite - after Carrie, of course - is Protector Patty. I also have a soft spot for Watchdog Wally, the first ScareMeNot monster I ever met - thanks to the review on Broken Teepee. You must check out what hilarious games Inspector Cat Sherpa had in mind for Wally.

You can choose among eight full-size and nine travel-size monsters. Surface washing is recommended but I bet these well-made cuddly monsters can survive a short spin in the laundry - lovingly protected in a pillow case, of course. Shipping within Continental U.S. is free on orders of two or more monsters.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a ScareMeNot monster!

To enter, please visit ScareMeNot and share which monster you'd pick 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 adorable @ScareMeNot monster to keep bad monsters away! #Giveaway ends 4/29 @aitmama #contests #gifts #kids #toys http://tiny.cc/k8bqu";
• tell us who would be hugging the monster if you won;
• follow @ScareMeNot on twitter;
• if you like ScareMeNots on Facebook, let me know below for an extra entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is April 29, 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 a complimentary sample with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Photo courtesy of the company or PR firm. 

Book Description
After the unexpected death of her parents, painfully shy and sheltered 26-year-old Ginny Selvaggio seeks comfort in cooking from family recipes. But the rich, peppery scent of her Nonna's soup draws an unexpected visitor into the kitchen: the ghost of Nonna herself, dead for twenty years, who appears with a cryptic warning ("do no let her…") before vanishing like steam from a cooling dish.

A haunted kitchen isn't Ginny's only challenge. Her domineering sister, Amanda, (aka "Demanda") insists on selling their parents' house, the only home Ginny has ever known. As she packs up her parents' belongings, Ginny finds evidence of family secrets she isn't sure how to unravel. She knows how to turn milk into cheese and cream into butter, but she doesn't know why her mother hid a letter in the bedroom chimney, or the identity of the woman in her father's photographs. The more she learns, the more she realizes the keys to these riddles lie with the dead, and there's only one way to get answers: cook from dead people's recipes, raise their ghosts, and ask them.

My Review
The Kitchen Daughter is a delightful debut novel about a young woman who refuses to be labeled as "not normal" after the death of her parents. Ginny has lead a sheltered life until a tragic accident leaves her alone in her parents' large house - a home that her sister is set on selling. Ginny has a passion for cooking, and by preparing an old recipe of her grandmother's, she discovers that she can summon dead people's ghosts to her kitchen. She stumbles upon a few skeletons in her family's closet and finds a way to be at peace - but not until she's cooked a few more old recipes.

The Kitchen Daughter is a refreshing look at what we consider normal, at love and loss, at family ties and at the bonds of sisterhood and friendship. Jael McHenry cooks up such a wonderfully delectable and bittersweet first novel that I cannot wait for seconds.

The Kitchen Daughter was released this week by Gallery Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.


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 author, publisher or PR firm.

Book Description
Woman is born free, and everywhere she is in corsets....

Lili du ChÂtelet yearns to know more about her mother, the brilliant French mathematician Emilie. But the shrouded details of Emilie's unconventional life — and her sudden death — are elusive. Caught between the confines of a convent upbringing and the intrigues of the Versailles court, Lili blossoms under the care of a Parisian salonniÈre as she absorbs the excitement of the Enlightenment, even as the scandalous shadow of her mother's past haunts her and puts her on her own path of self-discovery.

Laurel Corona's breathtaking new novel, set on the eve of the French Revolution, vividly illuminates the tensions of the times, and the dangerous dance between the need to conform and the desire to chart one's own destiny and journey of the heart. 

My Review
Finding Emilie by Laurel Corona is a captivating book that follows the journey of Lili, a young girl in 18th century France. Lili, whose talented mother dies a few days after the girl is born, is raised by another remarkable woman who loves her like her own daughter. Lili's intellect, passion for life and kind spirit put her at odds with the social expectations of the times. Abandoned by her father, she yearns to find out the truth about her mother's life and seeks her own place in the world. Lili is faced with many obstacles but she is also fortunate to meet people who support her love of learning and her dreams. 

Ms. Corona's book is an outstanding example of historical fiction, one of the best I've read lately. I was enthralled by the story and never wanted it to end. The places and people in Finding Emilie come alive with extraordinary vividness and imagination, making the reader almost a participant in the events. Although Lili's struggles and triumphs bear the mark of her era, her desire to control her own destiny and find happiness transcend her time. I highly recommend this excellent novel.

Finding Emilie was released this week by Gallery Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.

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 author, publisher or PR firm.

Book Description
HE HIDES HIS TRUE COLORS...
Miss Grace Fairchild is under no illusions about her charms. Painfully plain, she is a soldier's daughter who has spent her life being useful, not learning the treacherous ways of the ton. She may have been caught in a scandal with society's favorite rogue, but how can she marry him when it means losing herself?

WHILE SHE HIDES HER TRUE SELF...
Diccan Hilliard doesn't know which of his enemies drugged him and dumped him in Grace's bed, but he does know the outcome. He and Grace must marry. To his surprise, a wild, heady passion flares between them. Yet Diccan is trapped in a deadly game of intrigue Grace knows nothing about. Will his lies destroy Grace just as he realizes how desperately he needs her? And how can he hope for a future with her, when an old enemy has set his murderous sights on them both?

The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) copies of Never a Gentleman by Eileen Dreyer.

To enter, please comment below what's the last good romance novel 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 Never a Gentleman by @EileenDreyer! #Giveaway ends 4/25 @aitmama @ForeverRomance #contests #books http://tiny.cc/jcsnf" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @EileenDreyer on twitter;
• follow @ForeverRomance on twitter;
• if you like Eileen Dreyer on Facebook, comment below for an extra entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is April 25, 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.

I love the colors of spring! Do you have a gorgeous picture to share? Feel free to link to it below!

Book Description
Everywhere you turn you hear about the economic downturn. People are losing their jobs and are left without the money they need for everyday necessities. There are some people who have taken jobs making substantially less in order to help them survive. Meanwhile, the price of food has not decreased. In fact, the prices are continuing to soar.

Grocery items are essential for each and every family. Those of us who have children know that you cannot just eat ramen noodles. Children and babies must eat to help them grow. The worst thing in the world for a Mom or Dad to hear is that their child is hungry and there is nothing they can do.

You may have heard about people who save a lot of money with coupons but may be confused as to how to actually do it. Most television segments show you only bits and pieces of what the 'Coupon Queen' did to save so much money. There wasn't a lot to go on. It can be a very frustrating process if you don't have all of the information to make it work for you.

My Review
People can save a lot of money by using coupons. Don't Throw Those Coupons Away - A Mom's Guide to Saving Money at the Grocery Store tells you just how to do it. It's a small book packed with tips and strategies that can save you money and make you a savvier consumer. I have come across some excellent couponing and deals sites that do a lot of the work for you: match weekly sales with coupons, tell you about rebates and freebies, and so on. In fact, Ms. Peoples has a website called Coupon Scribbles. Don't Throw Those Coupons Away lays the foundation for a good couponing strategy: where to find coupons, how to use them, what products go on sale at what time of year. Ms. Peoples, an avid couponer and mom of three, is a pro at saving money via coupons. She shares all her secrets in Don't Throw Those Coupons Away - A Mom's Guide to Saving Money at the Grocery Store. Her book is a valuable resource and reference for anyone who wants to stretch their dollar as far as it would go.

Don't Throw Those Coupons Away by Kristin L. Peoples is available on Amazon and at most bookstores. It only costs $10 - money you can get back many times over by following the book's advice.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a copy of Don't Throw Those Coupons Away by Kristin L. Peoples!

To enter, please like Coupon Scribbles on Facebook or subscribe to Coupon Scribbles. Get two entries if you do both!

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 @bootcampmommy's couponing #book, learn to #save #money like a pro! #Giveaway ends 4/23 @aitmama #contests #deals http://tiny.cc/hggv3";
• follow @bootcampmommy on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is April 23, 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. Open to U.S. residents 18+.


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 author, publisher or PR firm.

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

Zippity Doo's Prize Pack 4/10
The Sweetest Thing - 3 win 4/11
Modern Light Candles - 2 win 4/12
Fur and Feathers 4/14
$25 GC to Tiecoon.com 4/16
Monave Lip Glaze 4/17
Eternal Rider - 3 win 4/18
The Baby Planner 4/21
Robyn Rhodes MOM Necklace 4/21
Yanni Truth of Touch CD 4/22

Book Description
Combine the familiar charm of crayons with "grown-up" art techniques for surprisingly realistic results.

Your old childhood coloring friends are all grown up! In this unique book, best-selling artist Lee Hammond proves that crayons are not just for kids anymore but can hold their own as a "serious" (if unexpected) art medium.  Use Hammond's easy methods to create striking drawings that feature brilliant color and incredibly lifelike texture.

• 29 step-by-step demonstrations cover a wide range of subjects -- still life, landscapes, animals and people 
• Simple blending, layering and burnishing techniques translate into remarkable realistic drawings
• Hammond's graphing and "puzzle piece" theories help you draw any subject with true-to-life results
• Features great tricks you can pass along to crayon lovers in your life, regardless of age

You simply won't believe what you can accomplish with this familiar and affordable medium.  Rediscover the creative thrill of opening the "big box," and infuse your art with a fresh sense of play.

My Review
Until I came across Amazing Crayon Drawing with Lee Hammond, I'd thought of crayon drawing as something for kids. Not anymore - this book shows that crayons can be truly grown up means for artistic expression. It's hard to believe that the remarkable pictures in this book were made with Crayola. Amazing Crayon Drawing With Lee Hammond: Create Lifelike Portraits, Pets, Landscapes and More is not just a collection of beautiful drawings. It's a crash course in art with Lee Hammond, a very talented artist who inspires me to look beyond drawing flowers, butterflies and stick figures with my kids. The author gives tips on choosing the right materials, using the proper techniques, working with color, shapes, and more. The book includes tons of demonstrations that readers can follow to try and recreate some of these amazing crayon drawings.  

My daughter loves art and I cannot wait to share this wonderful book with her. Whether you are into drawing or know someone who is, Amazing Crayon Drawing with Lee Hammond is a great book to have and to give.

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.