Book Description
The United States is near total collapse. But 87% of the population doesn't care: they're addicted to flashback, a drug that allows its users to re-experience the best moments of their lives. After ex-detective Nick Bottom's wife died in a car accident, he went under the flash to be with her; he's lost his job, his teenage son, and his livelihood as a result.

Nick may be a lost soul but he's still a good cop, so he is hired to investigate the murder of a top governmental advisor's son. This flashback-addict becomes the one man who may be able to change the course of an entire nation turning away from the future to live in the past.

A provocative novel set in a future that seems scarily possible, FLASHBACK proves why Dan Simmons is one of our most exciting and versatile writers.

The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for two (2) copies of Dan Simmons' brand new book Flashback.



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 2 copies of Flashback, new #book by Dan Simmons! #Giveaway ends 7/17 @aitmama @HachetteBooks #contests #sweeps http://tiny.cc/z7imh" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @HachetteBooks on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is July 17, 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.

Mmmmm, chocolate... Life without it would certainly be less sweet in more ways than one. I love it milk, white and dark, as a drink, as a bar, in coffee and in ice cream, as a spread and in cakes. Chocolate.com is a place where a chocolate aficionado like me can get their fill. And not just of any ol' chocolate - organic chocolate, gourmet gifts, fair trade chocolate, vegan chocolate, chocolate covered fruit, delicious-looking truffles, brownies, cheesecake... Chocolate.com is the world's largest online marketplace for gourmet and artisan chocolate. For me, it's a treasure trove of all things chocolate. Their motto is Fine Chocolate for Fine Occasions but give me some goodies from this site any day.

I have my eye on some mouthwatering organic vanilla bean cremes for review but in the meantime, you have a chance to win a $30 gift certificate to Chocolate.com!

To enter, please comment below how you'd spend it if you won, or what's your favorite product at Chocolate.com.

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 $30 #giftcard to Chocolate.com! #Giveaway ends 7/17 @choctweets @aitmama #contests #sweeps #gifts #food #chocolate http://tiny.cc/pp8l0";
• tell us who would be enjoying the treats if you won;
• follow @ChocTweets on twitter;
• if you like Chocolate.com on Facebook, let me know below for an extra entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is July 17, 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 site info courtesy of the company or PR firm.

Book Description
Let’s spy on plants, insects, birds, and mammals in 13 different habitats. Told in rhyming narrative, Habitat Spy invites children to search for and find plants, invertebrates, birds, and mammals and more that live in 13 different habitats: backyard, beach, bog, cave, desert, forest, meadow, mountain, ocean, plains, pond, river, and cypress swamp. Children will spend hours looking for and counting all the different plants and animals while learning about what living things need to survive.

My Review
My kids love playing I Spy. My daughter says reading Habitat Spy is like a game of I Spy - in a book. In this beautifully illustrated book, children are encouraged to explore various habitats, starting with their own back yard. Kids' natural curiosity can lead them to explore animals and plants from these habitats further, and this book builds the foundations for such a quest in way that's fun and educational.

Habitat Spy is another excellent children's book from Sylvan Dell Publishing, written by Cynthia Kieber-King and illustrated by Christina Wald. This title is available in paperback and hardcover and recommended for kids 4-8.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a copy of Habitat Spy!

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 Habitat Spy #children's #book! #Giveaway ends 7/17 US @aitmama #contests #books #sweeps #kids @SylvanDell http://tiny.cc/wdd37";
• 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 July 17, 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!


Organic Brown Rice Syrup 6/24

System Mechanic - 3 win 6/26

$50 GC to Novica 6/29

Blush Tee Shirt Extender 7/1

Beg for Mercy - 3 win 7/4

Book Description
Sometimes the biggest ripples come from the smallest events. Like the day that Emma Guthrie walks into world-famous movie star Garrett Walker's trailer. When she steps through the door, she's a novice PA who's just dropped out of college after losing her scholarship. When she walks out, she's on her way to becoming Mrs. Emma Walker - wife of an A-list actor. Soon, Emma has made the transition from nobody to red-carpet royalty, trading jeans and flip-flops for closets full of Chanel and Birkin bags, swishing past velvet ropes to attend every lavish party and charity gala on both coasts. With her husband's encouragement, Emma pens a screenplay based on her life, Fame Tax, which becomes a blockbuster sensation. Through it all, Garrett is her ally and her mentor... until their relationship is thrown into question by an incriminating text message that Emma discovers on Garrett's phone the night of the Met Costume Institute Gala.

Devastated by her husband's infidelity and hounded mercilessly by the paparazzi, Emma must flee New York City to get away from it all and clear her head. Her destination? A sleepy coastal town in Mexico where no one recognizes her and there is nothing but unspoiled beaches for miles. Here, she meets Ben, a gorgeous, California-born surf instructor, who teaches her about the healing powers of surfing, shows her the joys of the simple life, and ultimately opens her up to the possibility of love.

From Manhattan's hippest restaurants to the yacht-and-celebrity infested waters of St. Barts, Katie Lee's debut novel is an irresistible insider's glimpse into a glittering world - and a captivating story about how losing everything you thought you wanted can be the first step to finding what you need.

My Review
Groundswell is an enchanting modern Cindarella story - with a twist. Emma is a small-town girl who marries a famous actor and leads a charmed existence until she discovers her husband cheating on her with her best friend. Emma takes her broken heart to a quiet beach town in Mexico where she tries to pick up the pieces of her life. Unexpectedly, Emma discovers the joy of surfing and along with it, the inner strength she needs to start over.

Groundswell is a fun, engaging novel, and a perfect read for a summer vacation. Katie Lee's latest book is new this month from Gallery Books.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a copy of Groundswell!

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 Groundswell, new romance novel by Katie Lee! #Giveaway ends 7/14 @aitmama #contests #sweeps #books @Gallery_Books http://tiny.cc/9tscr" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @Gallery_Books on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is July 14, 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 an alternate may be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. 


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. 

Book Description
When Natasha Kapoor returns to her grandparents’ idyllic coastal home for Granny’s funeral, her life is at a turning point. She thought that by now she would be a successful jewelry designer in London with a perfect marriage. Instead, she has mounting bills and a soon-to-be ex.  After the funeral, Natasha’s grandfather gives her the long-lost diary of her Aunt Cecily. No one in her large and complicated family has ever discussed the tragic accident that took Cecily’s life as a teenager, and within the diary’s pages, Natasha finds a gripping and shocking tale of forbidden love, rivalry, and heartbreak.

Nearly fifty years later, will Cecily’s diary finally explain her family’s dark past and the terrible secret her aunt left behind? Could this be the inspiration Natasha needs to take a fresh look at her future - and maybe even give love a second chance?

My Review
Natasha, the main character of Love Always, is at a low point in her life. Her marriage is in trouble, her finances are a disaster, her business is struggling and her creative inspiration is gone. Fate delivers yet another blow: the death of her beloved grandmother. Natasha heads back to her grandparents' home, a place that had always seemed magical to her. This time, she has to say goodbye - to her grandmother, to that magical place, to the memories she's cherished her whole life.

As Natasha's life hits rock bottom, she receives an unexpected gift: the diary of her young aunt who lost her life in a tragic accident decades earlier. The old diary turns Natasha's world upside down, changing everything. Natasha uncovers family dynamics she never knew, secrets she never suspected, and strength she thought she lacked. She finds the inspiration she needs to rebuild her business, her relationship with her mother, and her love life.

Love Always was a lovely story that stayed with me long after I finished it. Harriet Evans writes with deep insight and understanding of family and emotion. Her new novel makes a great summer read and lands Ms. Evans on my must-read list.

Love Always is new this week from 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 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!

To Be Sung Underwater - 2 win 6/21

Twice A Spy - 2 win 6/23

Organic Brown Rice Syrup 6/23

System Mechanic - 3 win 6/26

$50 GC to Novica 6/29

Blush Tee Shirt Extender 7/1

Beg for Mercy - 3 win 7/4

Book Description
There's a fine line between love and hate.

For five years, Sally and Clive have been lost in a passionate affair. Now he has dumped her to devote himself to his wife and family, and Sally is left in freefall.

It starts with a casual stroll past his house, and popping into the brasserie where his son works. Then Sally starts following Clive's wife and daughter on Facebook. But that's alright, isn't it? These are perfectly normal things to do. Aren't they?

Not since Fatal Attraction has the fallout from an illicit affair been exposed in such a sharp, darkly funny, and disturbing way: The Mistress's Revenge is a truly exciting fiction debut. After all, who doesn't know an otherwise sane woman who has gone a little crazy when her heart was broken?

My Review
The Mistress's Revenge tells the story of one extramarital affair - after it's all over. Or is it? The book is narrated by Sally, the mistress, whose life unravels with quiet inevitability after her married lover ends their relationship. Although Sally has a family of her own, to her any existence outside of the affair seems empty and pointless. She sinks deeper and deeper into despair, depression, and pain. Sally feels abandoned, betrayed, and alone, neglecting her children, her partner, and herself. She becomes obsessed with her ex and his family. Unlike her, the ex seems perfectly content and untroubled by their long history. Then odd things start happening, and Sally, who thinks she's lost everything that matters to her, discovers there's yet more to lose.

Ms. Cohen writes with a deep understanding of the troubled mind. Sally's character is quite convincing in her mad obsession. The plot has its twists and turns, and the ending is somewhat unexpected yet justice is served.

The Mistress's Revenge is new this month from Free Press.

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.

Book Description
He lurks in the shadows, waiting and watching . . . And once he has you, all you can do is. . . 


BEG FOR MERCY


Megan Flynn thought she was falling in love. Cole Williams wasn't just handsome and passionate, he was one of the good guys. Or so she thought, until he arrested her brother - the only family she has left - for a murder she knows he couldn't have possibly committed. Now, with her heart broken and her brother's life hanging in the balance, Megan will risk everything to prove his innocence. Even if that means throwing herself into the path of a sadistic killer with a hauntingly familiar MO.


Seattle Detective Cole Williams had given up on making Megan see reason where her brother is concerned. But when she insinuates herself into the most shockingly brutal case Cole has ever worked, he can't stand idly by. Plunged into a secret world where the city's elite indulge their darkest desires, Cole will do whatever it takes to bring down a madman who has made Megan his most coveted prey. 


The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) copies of Jami Alden's brand new book Beg for Mercy.


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 Beg for Mercy, romantic suspense by @JamiAlden! #Giveaway ends 7/4 @aitmama @ForeverRomance #contests #sweeps #book http://tiny.cc/l17sk" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @JamiAlden on twitter;
• follow @ForeverRomance on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is July 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. Book information and image courtesy of the publisher. No compensation was provided for this post.

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

What is a tee shirt extender, you may ask? It's an undershirt shaped like a tube top but worn around the waist. It works great for layering without bulk. And if you love low-rise jeans but prefer to leave some things to the imagination when you bend over - I know I do! - well, the topless undershirt is a great option. Last but not least - if you are expecting, the Blush tee shirt extender got you and the baby bump covered.

I got a white Blush tee shirt extender and while that would not have been my first choice, I love that it goes well with any color. It's made from a poly-rayon-spandex fabric and has a tapered shape. After experimenting with various shirts, pants and skirts, I found the best look for me. A pair of jeans, a fitted V-neck tee in hot pink, and the shirt extender peaking under it. It's perfect! And I can adjust the extender layer to whatever length I want.

In addition to white, the Blush tee shirt extender is available in black and mocha. Sizes go from small to large. You can buy on their site for $15.99. If you purchase a set of 2 or 3, you save $5-$10.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a Tee Shirt Extender by Blush!

To enter, please leave a comment below - that's it!

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win tee shirt extender from @BlushAccessoir_! #Giveaway ends 7/1 @aitmama #contests #sweeps #style #maternity #fashion http://tiny.cc/mxlfk";
• follow @BlushAccessoir_ on twitter;
• if you like Blush Accessories on Facebook, let me know below for another entry;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

Book Description
LIFE, NOT DEATH, DROVE JUBAL YOUNG... but memories of his ma and pa, and his beautiful, bright sister are all he has left. Memories of the peaceful days before Jubal stumbled home with his .22, his blood running cold with fear, terror, and anger. When it was over, the homestead was half burned to the ground. Someone had to bury the bodies. Someone had to set things right.

Now, as Jubal rides west into New Mexico, he remembers his family’s laughter and love, his pa’s wisdom, ma’s thick books, and everything that was defiled by a band of drunken renegades towed along by one man’s murderous grudge. A reprobate lawman won’t believe his story. A soft-hearted mountain man won’t survive Jubal’s one-man war. And a judge and his beautiful daughter cannot stop Jubal from climbing a peak of blood and madness: for justice, or payback, or something he can live for - or die for - redeeming.

My Review
I've admired Gene Hackman the actor for many years. When I discovered he'd written a book, I was very curious. I found out that Mr. Hackman was no novice at writing: he retired from acting in 2004 and co-authored three novels. Payback at Morning Peak is his first solo book.

I do not read many westerns but I am so glad I made an exception for Payback at Morning Peak. Mr. Hackman pens an engrossing story of crime and punishment, of evil and redemption. Jubal, the main character, is a 17 year old boy who is forced to become a man overnight after a group of renegades murders his family. Jubal is a kind and smart young man who sees no other choice but to avenge the deaths of his mother, father and sister. He is on a quest that threatens his body and his soul while quite aware of the risks he's taking.

Mr. Hackman's characters are well-drawn and convincing and his prose is vivid and detailed. I enjoyed reading Payback at Morning Peak and I hope for more novels by Gene Hackman.

Payback at Morning Peak is new this week from Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.

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 or PR firm.

Book Description
Whether she’s driving a limo for former Family Ties star Justine Bateman, dancing in the dark for a rarely seen Bob Dylan music video, or stalking a bachelor reject from TV’s Love Connection, Wilder-Taylor is kind of a big deal - at least in her own mind. Smart, screwy, and scathingly funny, her tell-all essays capture every moment of kind-of famous life.

From bombing as a stand-up comic for born-again Christians, to winging it as a singing waitress in an Italian restaurant, to posting open letters to Angelina Jolie and David Hasselhoff, this unstoppable L.A. transplant refuses to give up on her dreams - no matter how ill-advised - and shows us a side of Hollywood better kept hidden. When it comes to funny women - unplugged and unleashed - they don't get any wilder than Stefanie-Wilder-Taylor...

My Review

Novica is a fantastic place to shop for gifts. I've spent many hours browsing their site. I fell in love with the beautiful jewelry, the original home decor, and the amazing art. Novica brings the talent of artists and artisans from all over the world to one store - and this store is accessible 24 hours a day.

Whether you are looking for a great Father's Day gift idea or a just-because gift for a friend, Novica offers tons of options. Do you love jewelry? I do! Check out their earrings, pendants, rings, silver charm bracelets, silver cross necklaces, brooches, anklets - they even have bridal and birthstone jewelry. Are you looking for one-of-a-kind fashion accessories? Discover their elegant handbags, belts, shawls, scarves and exquisite silk fans.

After much deliberation and more browsing, I got a cedar jewelry box to hold my treasures and a set of wine goblets as a Father's Day gift for my husband. They arrived quickly, packaged beautifully, and ready for gift giving. The Reminisce jewelry box was made by a Peruvian artisan. It's a wonderful piece crafted from fragrant cedar in a vintage style. The wine goblets are inspired by the blue Cancun beaches and handmade from blown glass. They are perfect for red wine, white wine, and even for ice-cold lemonade.

If you are looking for a home-based business opportunity, Novica has one: the Novica Live program. You can host a party or become a consultant, promoting fair trade and enjoying a rewarding career:

Become the authority on beautiful artisan-crafted jewelry, fashionable accessories, and world class home decor, as you take the reins on your fresh new career. With a friendly support net, fabulous products and a worthy cause, the sky is the limit!  

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a $50 Novica gift certificate!

To enter, please comment below how you'd spend the GC if you won.

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a $50 #giftcard to @Novica! #Giveaway ends 6/29 @aitmama #contests #sweeps #gifts #handmade http://tiny.cc/cjnz9";
• follow @Novica on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

Now that summer travel is just around the corner, it's time to remember all those air travel restrictions on toiletries in carry-ons. As far as toothpaste, there is a cool new product that lets you make sure your tube complies with these restrictions.

Toothpaste 2 Go is hailed as The Revolutionary Toothpaste Transfer System. It's a universal reusable tube that can be filled with any toothpaste of your choice. The Toothpaste 2 Go holds a travel-size amount of any toothpaste. It attaches easily to full-size toothpaste tubes and can be washed in the dishwasher once empty. If one of your kids loves the strawberry flavor, the other accepts nothing but watermelon, your significant other is a fan of whitening toothpaste and you cannot go without your all-natural one - get a few of the Toothpaste 2 Go and make everyone happy without having to tote around a suitcase full of toothpaste.

And of course you no longer need to buy expensive travel-size toothpaste. Good for your wallet and better for the environment!

Connect with Toothpaste 2 Go on Facebook and Twitter (@toothpaste2go).

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.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.

I discovered Peeled Snacks a couple of months ago. 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.

Back in April, 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). My favorite among the three were the cherries. Recently we got to try two other varieties - Paradise Found and Much-Ado-About-Mango. These contain tropical fruits - mango, banana and pineapple. The Paradise Found blend is delicious, healthy and satisfies my sweet cravings better than any sugary dessert. The mango is very tasty and a favorite of my husband's.

Next week, Peeled Snacks are having a special Getaway Giveaway on Facebook. They will be giving out four grand prizes, including an Organic Fruit Pouch Sampler from Peeled Snacks, a carrier of choice from Ergobaby, a gift basket from Late July Organic Snacks, and a $40 Gift Card from PediPed Footwear. From June 6 to June 10, enter the contest by “Liking” each company’s Facebook page and post on the Peeled Snacks Facebook wall your summer travel plans. Good luck!

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.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.

I love packing lunches and snacks for my family. That way, I always know what they are having at school or at work, and I can make sure their food is healthy and nutritious. And of course bringing our own lunches along saves money in the long run.

What I don't like about packing lunches and snacks are leaky ice packs. They make a disgusting mess in the lunch bags. It's wasteful because all I can do once they leak is throw them away. Even if they don't leak, I am still not a fan. Regular ice packs melt fast. When food is left over in the bag, I have to throw it away because there is no telling how long it's been since the ice packs melted.

One very smart new product helps me avoid the leaky messes, the wasted leftovers, and keeps food fresh much longer. The PackIt personal cooler lunch bags have the ice pack built in, so no more leaking. It's a cooler and a lunch bag in one. If you are like me, you probably place a single ice pack in your lunch bag. Well, the PackIt has four ice packs: one on the bottom and three on the sides. That means the interior stays cold about four times longer. The PackIt lunch bag folds flat - and stays folded when not in use, thanks to velcro strips. I keep ours in the freezer, always ready to go. When I need to pack a lunch for school or a snack for the park, I take it out, unfold it, and just place the food and drinks inside. The PackIt has lots of room - and no space is wasted by a bulky ice pack.

The PackIt is very well made and can be washed by hand. It's created by moms and it's as innovative as a lunch bag can be. I love it! So does everyone who's ever seen it - my husband, my kids, and my friends. The PackIt comes in 16 stylish designs. Even the names are smart and cool - ours is called For Get Me Not Dot lunch bag.

If all that was not enough to make it the best lunch bag / cooler ever, check this out: PVC free, non-toxic, earth safe, and of course reusable. The contents stays cold for up to 10 hours, thanks to its new eco-gel liner. Awesome! A PackIt cooler costs just $19.99 - a great investment, if you ask me. Check out the cool bag pics on the PackIt Facebook page and follow @FreezeAndGo on Twitter.

Whether you are headed to school, to work, to sport events, to the beach or to the park - bring along a PackIt. It's the coolest way to keep your food fresh when on the go. Now I just need one for every member of the family...

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary sample to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours. 

Congratulations to the randomly selected winners of the following giveaways:


The Arrivals: #41 Kimberly, #64 skii_gurl95.


Chicken of the Sea Prize Pack: #246 Anonymous, #335 DonnaP.

Honibe Honey Lozenges: #105 Annie1.

Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover: #121 Heavensent1.

Deep in the Desert: #39 Shelly.

To Be Sung Underwater: #101 Meredith, #56 shana.

Twice A Spy: #3 Shelly, #51 CherylS22.

Brown Rice Syrup: #151 Kristie.

System Mechanic 10: #31 Dealsfan32, #8 Raven In A Blue Room, #19 Kimberly.

$50 GC to Novica: #125 Michelle.
Want to know who won in May? Check out the winners post here.

Today, June 5, is World Environment Day. All of us know the importance of the three Rs - reuse, reduce, and recycle.  What I did not know was that each year, more than five billion pounds of computer waste is generated. That equals 17 pounds for each American!

In 2007, more than 40 million computers were dumped, up from 20 million in 1998, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. These days, computers are only used for an average of two and a half years. We could extend the useful lives of our PCs by tuning up and keeping them running like new. One way to do that is to use System Mechanic, software that is designed to fix, maintain and speed up personal computers. It helps extend their lives and reduce power consumption, too.

I've been using System Mechanic for almost an year with great results. I posted a review of System Mechanic 9 last August. Now a new version is available - boasting more than 50 advanced tools and a range of options. System Mechanic 10 is engineered to breathe new life into old PCs. And here's another thought: with only 18% of the 2,300,000 tons of computer waste generated each year being recycled, System Mechanic can save many computers from ending up in landfills.

Here are a few of the things System Mechanic 10 does for you - and for the environment:

• Fixes errors, crashes and freezes
• Boosts internet speeds
• Speeds up Windows start time
• Restores system stability
• Cleans out clutter and junk files
• Prevents slowdowns and bottlenecks
• Plugs security holes
• Clears out private data
• Improves gaming experience

Right now, System Mechanic 10 is on sale for $39.95. Each copy is valid for 1 year and with iolo’s industry-first Whole Home Licensing model, it can be used on all the PCs in your single-family household – no more 3 computer limit!

The Giveaway
To celebrate World Environment Day, iolo technologies are giving away System Mechanic 10 licenses to three (3) of my readers!

To enter, please comment below and share a green tip.


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 System Mechanic to keep your PC in top shape! #Giveaway ends 6/26 @aitmama #win #contests #sweeps http://tiny.cc/2ha85" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is June 26, 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. Winners will receive their prizes directly from the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. 

I do not have to eat gluten-free food but there is one company that makes me want to: Katz Gluten Free. From cookies to bread and from rugelach to hamantaschen, everything I've tried has been very tasty.

The hamantaschen from Katz Gluten Free is better than some homemade ones I've tried. I can't decide if I like the raspberry or the apricot better. Both have just the right amount of sweetness in that triangle of perfectly baked dough with a fruity center. They come in 6 oz containers and did not last longer than a couple of days at my house. Mmmm!

I've mentioned before how much I love their rugelach. After I tried the chocolate one, I was addicted. Then they sent me the vanilla. And now the cinnamon... so deliciously full of flavor. My favorite way to enjoy the cinnamon rugelech and its cousin, the cinnamon strip, is to cut them up in small bites and mix with plain non-fat yogurt. The yogurt really makes the taste stand out. Or, you can just have a slice - or two, or three - of the cinnamon strip. If you are like me and can't wait for it to thaw, frozen is equally yummy.

Katz Gluten Free also makes muffins. And not just any muffins but delicious honey muffins that go perfectly with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They are the perfect size - at about 2 oz each, these muffins are not too large and not too small, just right. These are, hands down, my favorite muffins from Katz, better than the chocolate ones - and coming from a committed chocoholic, that's saying a lot.

If cookies are your favorite treat, you must try the ones from Katz Gluten Free. Their chocolate dipped cookies are perfection. I don't like sprinkles but the colored sprinkle cookies made me forget about that. These cookies taste homemade and of course my kids love sprinkles.

Now all these goodies are gluten-free, of course but they are not low-calorie, so enjoy in moderation.

Katz Gluten Free also sent me some excellent challah rolls and bread. The challah rolls are made of light and fluffy dough and the crust becomes crispy when warmed up. I love toasting them and then topping the flavorful roll with fresh veggies, ham and cheese for a quick, easy lunch. The challah rolls go perfectly with a little butter and jam, too. The bread comes pre-sliced and must be kept in the freezer. I love it toasted. The Katz Gluten Free Wholesome Bread is nutritious and flavorful, and a good source of fiber and protein. It is made with fava beans, garbanzo beans, teff, chia seed, flax seed, and honey. If you prefer white bread or whole grain bread, they have those, too.

Everything I've tried from Katz Gluten Free has been excellent, shipped quickly and priced right. My family enjoyed all gluten free products we sampled. Whether you have to follow a gluten-free diet or not, you should give them a try. The best way to do that is to get the Katz Gluten Free sampler - it's free, all you pay is shipping. The Katz Gluten Free Sampler includes 1 slice each of Whole Grain Bread, Sliced Challah Bread, White Bread and Wholesome Bread. Also included are a dinner roll, a sample cookie and rugelech, and a slice of Marble Cake. But be warned - you may get hooked!

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary products to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours. 

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

I have a major sweet tooth but try to avoid white sugar and especially high fructose corn syrup. I like to experiment with new natural sweeteners for cooking and baking. I love the whole cane sugar and the Canadian raw honey, both certified organic, from Tropical Traditions. I was very curious to try their Organic Brown Rice Syrup.

Organic Brown Rice Syrup is a natural sweetener made by steeping whole brown rice with a special enzyme preparation derived from “koji.” It's amazing how this process transforms steamed rice into syrup. It is made without the use of any cane or beet sugars, corn syrups, or other refined sweeteners of any kind. Brown rice syrup can be used in baked goods, sauces, marinades, and for other cooking purposes.

The Tropical Traditions Organic Brown Rice Syrup comes in a 16 oz glass jar. The color is brownish golden and the syrup pours out easily for measuring. The consistency reminds me of agave syrup or maple syrup. This brown rice syrup is USDA certified organic, gluten free and can be used by people on hypoallergenic diets. The taste is not overly sweet. One tablespoon of Tropical Traditions Organic Brown Rice Syrup has 60 calories, 15.5 grams of carbs and 8.5 grams of sugars. I like the versatility of the brown rice syrup - I can use it to sweeten my coffee, tea or oatmeal in the morning, or to bake delicious coconut oatmeal cookies for an afternoon snack.

There are many other recipes using brown rice syrup that I plan to try - including homemade honey chocolate (that would actually be homemade brown rice syrup chocolate), granola and coconut cream bark, and easy coconut macaroons. Yum!

• subscribe to Tropical Traditions' newsletter - you'll know all about their specials, sales and promotions - and get 2 entries;
• check out the free coconut recipes here and tell me which one you'd like to try;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a jar of #Organic Brown Rice Syrup from @TropTraditions! #Giveaway ends 6/24 @aitmama #contests #sweeps #cooking http://tiny.cc/c8fup";
• follow @TropTraditions on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

Many families with kids go on trips in the summer months. Mine is no exception. If there is one thing I've learned while on the go with my children - apart from expecting the unexpected - is that my kids' comfort makes all the difference.  When a tiny traveler is uncomfortable, no one can enjoy even the best vacation.

This year, Aurora World Inc. is helping parents get ready for summer travel. The company, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has introduced a new collection, aptly called "Are We There Yet". The line includes plush accessories based on one of the company’s top selling characters, Cheeky Charlie™. The collection features Cheeky and his jungle buddies as plush toys, backpacks, neck rests and even “My Name Is” ID tags.

I received an adorable Keep Me Comfy neck rest and an ID tag. The neck rest is 10" long and recommended for children over 18 months. My kids fell in love with the soft giraffe that supports their heads and necks just right and doubles up as a huggable toy. They decided Gerome was not the best name for that giraffe and we had to call it Jiffy. We have not been on vacation with Jiffy yet but he is very popular during pretend road trips around the house. My daughter naps like a pro in the car but airplanes are a different experience altogether - and not in a good way. The neck rest will certainly help make her more comfortable.

We also got a shark ID tag. It's very cute and comes with a carabiner that can attach it to a backpack, infant carrier or a stroller. My kids liked it but said it was for boys because it was blue. I explained that blue used to be a girl color a hundred years ago; still, my daughter said she'd stick with pink. It's her favorite color, after all.

Aurora World travel products for kids can be found at the company's online store as well as on Amazon.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received samples for free. No compensation was provided for this post.

Book Description
Have you ever been bewildered by the changes in your child and your sudden lack of effectiveness as a parent? When hugs and family fun have been replaced by silence, slamming doors and an ever-changing array of moods, you need new tools. Top teen expert Dr. John Duffy has encountered all of this and more in his family counseling practice and offers excellent advice, clear strategies and teen-tested solutions in The Available Parent.

Dr. Duffy can help you shift the dynamic in your relationship with your teenager. Imagine what it would be like if healthy conversations replaced angry outburts or petulant silence. Using the techniques in Available Parent, you can begin to enjoy a healthy, satisfying, new kind of relationship with your teenager - one based on a foundation of radical optimism, rather than fear-based control. At a time when many "helicopter parents" micro-manage and under-appreciate their children, Dr. Duffy's step-by-step guide is an innovative approach to taking care of teens and tweens. You'll see that it's the available parent that fosters the extraordinary teenager.

What you'll learn inside this book:

• How to understand the adolescent mind
• What teen rebellion is really about
• How to build your child's self-esteem and confidence
• How to create a successful behavioral contract

My kids are not teenagers yet but I know these years will be here sooner than I think. The tween years are even closer. I like to be an informed and prepared parent so naturally I was curious about this book. With the caveat that, in my experience, reading parenting books can rarely - if at all - prepare people for real life parenting.

In The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens, Dr. Duffy shares his experience from many sessions with teens and their parents. He draws on that experience to give parents advice on how to approach communication with their teens. The book is divided in three parts: your teenager's wild world, what never works, and what always works. He calls on parents to embrace "fearless parenting" in order to minimize conflict and maximize satisfaction in their relationship with their kids.