A year ago, I reviewed the Myachi toy. These hand sacks are rectangular baggies measuring 3.5 by 1.5 inches, filled with sand-like material. My family found the little sacks fun to play with - for the grown-ups as well as for the kids. Catching a Myachi hand sack is similar to catching an egg - without the mess if you drop them, and you must catch them on the back of your hand.

Myachi recently introduced the The Myachi Battle Paddle to make catching the hand sacks easier. Since kids have smaller hands, the paddle helps by providing a larger surface to catch the hand sack. The paddle looks like a cross between a baseball glove, a paddle, and a lacrosse stick head. The paddles are available in 4 color combinations and fit players 5 years old and up. They can be worn on both hands.  Thanks to the paddles, my daughter can do harder tricks or play Myachi Battle Paddle games, such as Myachi Football, Myachi Lacrosse, Myachi Pong, Myachi Golf, and more.

Two Myachi Battle Paddle and a Myachi sack retail for about $20. Now that the weather is colder and my kids spend more time indoors, the Myachi toys offer am entertaining way to play and stay active. Not that you could not take the paddle to the park, of course. It was a hit among my daughter's little friends who got to try the paddle and the sack.

To "kickstart" the Battle Paddle launch, right now Myachi has a special offer and campaign on www.Kickstarter.com, a social network site designed to help companies fund development and launch new products. To get in on the ground floor and be one of the first to get the all new Battle Paddles, here's what you should do:

• Click this link 
• Watch the Battle Paddle video, and check out the rewards on the right side of the page listing what you will receive for pledging your support. This special introductory offer ends on November 2nd. 
• Contribute at least $10 and continue to be a part of Myachi History with your very own "I supported the Myachi Battle Paddle Project" Limited Edition Myachi, as well as the new Myachi Battle Paddles.

The Myachi hand sacks and battle paddles would make fun gifts for kids and adults, party favors or stocking stuffers.

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

Galilee Silks specializes in handmade silk fashion. They hand-dye raw white silk and make a variety of unique textile products, fashion items and silk accessories. The factory is located in Kibbutz Beit Haemek in the northern part of Israel. All silk items are handmade or hand-painted.

I received a gorgeous tunic top made from pure silk crepe georgette. I love the quality and the feel of the fabric. The tunic is available in a dozen color combinations. My favorite is the one in purple and fuchsia. The fit is great and the craftsmanship excellent. The tunic looks very stylish, paired with pants, skirt or leggings. It is elegant enough for a special occasion, or it can be dressed down for casual wear.

Besides the tunic, I have my eye on Galilee Silks' t-shirt and vest combos, the beautiful scarves and stylish shoulder bags. No matter what your style, Galilee Silks may have just the thing for you.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a $50 gift certificate to Galilee Silks!

• To enter, tweet the following as a mandatory entry: "Check out the great #handmade #fashion at http://www.galileesilks.com/ & join the #giveaway for $50 #giftcard @JustAnotNewBlog http://tiny.cc/tyq2q". Leave the link to your tweet in a comment below.

• If you follow or subscribe to this blog, leave a separate comment for a second entry letting me know how you follow Just Another New Blog.

The deadline to enter is November 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 worldwide to residents 18+ of countries where Galilee Silks ships, void where prohibited.

This giveaway is closed. Congratulations to the winner, #5 Pricilla!

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

Book Description
From the PEN/Faulkner Award–winning author of The Great Man, a scintillating novel of love, loss, and literary rivalry set in rapidly changing Brooklyn.

The Astral is a huge rose-colored old pile of an apart­ment building in the gentrifying neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. For decades it was the happy home (or so he thought) of the poet Harry Quirk and his wife, Luz, a nurse, and of their two children: Karina, now a fer­vent freegan, and Hector, now in the clutches of a cultish Christian community. But Luz has found (and destroyed) some poems of Harry’s that ignite her long-simmering sus­picions of infidelity, and he’s been summarily kicked out. He now has to reckon with the consequence of his literary, marital, financial, and parental failures (and perhaps oth­ers) and find his way forward — and back into Luz’s good graces.

Harry Quirk is, in short, a loser, living small and low in the water. But touched by Kate Christensen’s novelistic grace and acute perception, his floundering attempts to reach higher ground and forge a new life for himself become funny, bittersweet, and terrifically moving. She knows what secrets lurk in the hearts of men— and she turns them into literary art of the highest order.

My Thoughts
Harry Quirk is a middle-aged poet who seems to have lost everything. His wife wants a divorce, he no longer understands his son and daughter, and his inspiration to write is long gone. The story is told from Frank's point of view - a voice that's honest, bitter, unapologetic, and at times cynical. The Astral is a beautifully written ode to lost youth, to love, to regrets and second chances, and to the city - a living and breathing creature that's a part of the novel just as much as the characters.

The Giveaway
Two (2) lucky readers will win a copy of The Astral!

To enter, please leave a comment below what's the best book you've read so far in 2011 - then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

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Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation was obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

Got giveaways? Please do share! You can link any family-friendly giveaway here weekly to promote it. My Saturday linky is below. Good luck to those who enter, and everyone else - enjoy browsing!

Book Description
When Jennifer Reese lost her job, she was overcome by an impulse common among the recently unemployed: to economize by doing for herself what she had previously paid for. She had never before considered making her own peanut butter and pita bread, let alone curing her own prosciutto or raising turkeys. And though it sounded logical that "doing it yourself" would cost less, she had her doubts. So Reese began a series of kitchen-related experiments, taking into account the competing demands of everyday contemporary American family life as she answers some timely questions: When is homemade better? Cheaper? Are backyard eggs a more ethical choice than store-bought? Will grinding and stuffing your own sausage ruin your week? Is it possible to make an edible maraschino cherry? Some of Reese's discoveries will surprise you: Although you should make your hot dog buns, guacamole, and yogurt, you should probably buy your hamburger buns, potato chips, and rice pudding. Tired? Buy your mayonnaise. Inspired? Make it.

With its fresh voice and delightful humor, Make the Bread, Buy the Butter gives 120 recipes with eminently practical yet deliciously fun "Make or buy" recommendations. Reese is relentlessly entertaining as she relates her food and animal husbandry adventures, which amuse and perplex as well as nourish and sustain her family. Her tales include living with a backyard full of cheerful chickens, muttering ducks, and adorable baby goats; countertops laden with lacto-fermenting pickles; and closets full of mellowing cheeses. Here's the full picture of what is involved in a truly homemade life—with the good news that you shouldn't try to make everything yourself—and how to get the most out of your time in the kitchen.

My Thoughts
I've been eagerly anticipating Make the Bread, Buy the Butter for months. I already make (some of) our bread and buy (all of) the butter, but what about everything else? Apart from the obvious choices, of course - I bake the best chocolate chip cookies - according to my family - and have no desire to breed livestock in the backyard.

When unemployment hits, Jennifer Reese takes the lemons and decides not just to make lemonade but to find out if making it is better than buying it. Her book is the end result of her numerous experiments in the kitchen, vegetable garden, and backyard. She is fearless, funny, adventurous and practical. Her recipes and directions are straightforward and easy to follow. I enjoyed her common sense advice and laughed out loud while reading about her adventures. She tells you how much of a hassle it is for each recipe and even calculates the cost of make vs. buy for each product. Peanut butter? Make. Potato chips? Buy. Caramel corn? Make. Coffee liqueur? Buy. Bagels? Make. Speaking of bagels, check out Jennifer Reese's video to find out just how easy these are to make at home.



Endlessly entertaining and useful, Make the Bread, Buy the Butter provides answers to the dilemma of homemade vs. store-bought that many of us face almost daily. I love the book and highly recommend it to those who love to cook and even to those who don't but are willing to give homemade a chance.

Connect with Ms. Reese on Twitter or Facebook and check out her blog, The Tipsy Baker.

Make the Bread, Buy the Butter: What You Should and Shouldn't Cook from Scratch -- Over 120 Recipes for the Best Homemade Foods is new this month from Free Press, a division of Simon and Schuster.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation was obtained for this post. Cover art and book description courtesy of the author, publisher or PR firm.

Book Description
Have you tried mixing a Mojito? What about a Rusty Nail? Or a Cosmopolitan? With See Mix Drink, the first-ever cocktail book to offer instruction through info-graphics, making the drinks you love at home is as easy as, well, See, Mix, Drink.

This unique, illustrated guide graphically demonstrates how to make 100 of today's most popular cocktails. For each drink, color-coded ingredients are displayed in a line drawing of the appropriate glassware, alongside a pie chart that spells out the drink's composition by volume for intuitive mixing. No other cocktail book is this easy or fun. Instantly understandable 1-2-3 steps show exactly how each drink is prepared, and anecdotes, pronunciation guides, and photographs of the finished drinks will turn newbie bartenders into instant mixologists.

My Thoughts
See Mix Drink can teach anyone how to mix a cocktail. Each drink is featured on two pages, with instructions that are concise and easy to follow. I love the little tidbits about the origins of every drink. There are mouthwatering pictures of the final product, of course, that make me want to mix them all. Well maybe not on the same day. The book includes recipes for 100 popular cocktails that will keep me busy for a while. And I am usually a red wine person. The graphics are very helpful - especially if you are a visual person like I am.

Whether you love to relax with a delicious mixed drink, or play the perfect host(ess), I am sure you'll find See Mix Drink useful and fun. The book will make a great grown-up gift, too. Please use responsibly.

The Giveaway
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for two (2) copies of See Mix Drink: A Refreshingly Simple Guide to Crafting the World's Most Popular Cocktails!

To enter, share in a comment below what's your favorite cocktail. Then say hello to the Rafflecopter!

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.





Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation was obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

Book Description
Since being taken in by wealthy Mrs. Jordan March and living in her exquisite home like a daughter, Sasha Porter’s traumatic past—destitute on the streets, and the shattering accident that killed her mother—seems like a fading nightmare.  Beautiful and sophisticated, as bold and daring as her “sister,” Kiera March, Sasha still keeps her mother’s wise words close to her heart: never fully trust anyone.  Inside her privileged new world, it’s advice that will prove more precious than gold.

Against the wishes of Jordan’s husband, Donald, Sasha attracts the attention of Ryder Garfield, a shy, handsome athlete, and maneuvers her way into his heart.  But Ryder’s hidden torment soon explodes in a horrific tragedy that pulls Sasha into a flood of guilt and despair.  And when someone she thought she could trust targets her vulnerability, Sasha recalls her mother’s warnings—and a violent storm of dark deceptions and shocking family secrets is unleashed.  Will she sink or swim?

My Thoughts
Cloudburst (Storms) is the second book in the Storms series, a sequel to Family Storms. The new novel includes quite a few references to the previous part of the story but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Cloudburst is part Cinderella story, part modern Romeo and Juliet, part YA and part soap opera. The book continues to develop the story of Sasha, a once homeless teen who, orphaned after a tragic accident, is the foster child of a wealthy family. The novel depicts well the social drama of adolescence where every word and every gesture can have dire consequences for the teen's popularity. It also portrays poor rich kids who would do anything to get the attention of their distracted parents, family drama, love and lust, and a main character who is mature beyond her years.

Cloudburst is new this week from Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster.

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

To enter, please leave a comment below what's the best book you've read so far in 2011 - then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.





Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation was obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

Did you know that October is National Crime Prevention Month? We can reduce the chance of becoming another crime victim statistic by following some common sense tips. Today, I am pleased to share such advice, courtesy of Master Lock.

• Lock everything up. It is essential to keep your home, vehicles, valuables and family safe at all times. Whether you’re at home or away for the day, all points of entry should be locked and more valuable items should be stored in secure areas. Consider utilizing such Master Lock security products as key safes, locking storage boxes and padlocks for extra protection. Every family member, including children, should know how to secure everything from windows and doors to garages and sheds.

• Limit availability of personal information. When on the go, carry only what you need. Do not keep social security cards, birth certificates or passports in purses or wallets. If possible, remove your name from marketing lists to reduce identifying junk mail and shred credit card offers that still come through to decrease the chance that your personal information could be accepted on your behalf by a stranger. You may even want to consider storing confidential data and information in a secure, online location where only you have access, such as the Master Lock Vault.  

• Start a neighborhood watch. Your street, parks and neighborhood should be an area where you and your family feel most comfortable. Forming relationships with neighbors can ensure there are additional watchful eyes on your home. Take this one step further by mobilizing a group of surrounding homeowners, encouraging each other to keep your eyes and ears open for anything suspicious and arranging regular patrols to increase neighborhood activity. In many cases, local police departments or PTAs will have resources to help you get started.

• Trust your instincts. If a specific person or place causes you to feel uneasy, avoid the situation by removing yourself completely, and alert authorities if a suspicious person is lurking in your neighborhood. 

• If a crime occurs, report it! Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to share with the police, family or friends if you experience some sort of crime, regardless of how small. Relating your experiences can help the police or other families ensure the incident does not occur again.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: Information and pictures provided by the company or PR firm. No compensation was received for this post.

Carmex lip balm has been around for over 70 years. Today, the company offers a variety of products besides the popular yellow-capped jar. Some of the newest additions to the Carmex line are their healing cream and lotion.

The Carmex Healing Cream does wonders for the dry skin on my hands and feet. It moisturizes and softens my skin without leaving a greasy residue. The cream contains nine healing ingredients - including lanolin, beeswax, and cocoa seed butter. I love using it at bedtime so the cream has all night to work its magic. In addition to the 4 oz tube, the Carmex Healing Cream comes in a smaller 3/4 oz tube that's perfect on the go.

The Carmex Healing Lotion is similarly soothing. It has a pleasant scent and contains aloe and vitamin E. The lotion absorbs quickly and can be used anywhere my skin feels dry. Just as the cream, the lotion comes in a regular and travel size tubes - 5.5 oz and 1 oz. I keep one in my bathroom and another in my purse. Add a Carmex lip balm, and you are all set against the cold weather!

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a Carmex Skin Care Prize Pack! The kit is beautifully packed in an organza bag and includes:

• 1 Carmex Healing Lotion
• 1 Carmex Healing Cream 
• 1 Travel size Carmex Healing Lotion 
• 1 Travel size Carmex Healing Cream 

To enter, please share in a comment what's your favorite cream or lotion - then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.





Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received a complimentary prize pack to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided for this post. Prize fulfillment by sponsor. Product description and pictures courtesy of the company or PR firm.

I always have a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter. There's more fruit and veggies in the fridge. As much as I try to use them all, sometimes good produce goes bad. And I hate dislike wasting food.

Thanks to a smart little invention called BluApple, my fruit and veggies stay fresh longer. This little blue apple absorbs ethylene gas - the invisible guest that causes produce to over ripen. Before you feel the need to don an oxygen mask, let me assure you that ethylene gas is completely natural. It acts as a signaling mechanism for fruit and veggies and coordinates uniform ripening. However, once concentrated in your refrigerator or your fruit bowl, the presence of ethylene gas continues to speed up ripening and makes produce spoil faster.

The BluApple absorbs the ethylene gas, thanks to an active ingredient inside that works until it has reached its capacity. For a typical home refrigerator produce bin or storage container, it lasts about 3 months. After that, you can purchase a 12-month refill kit and continue reusing the same BluApple.

The BluApple is made of blue plastic and comes in a set of two. If you are wondering about the plastic getting in contact with your produce, do not fear. The BluApple is manufactured in the U.S. out of BPA-free food-grade polypropylene, without lead-based dyes. I placed one BluApple in my fruit bowl and another in the crisper in my refrigerator. So far, they are working quite well - my apples and produce look as fresh as when I brought them home. I have a banana holder on the kitchen counter as well. The bananas got brown after a while although not as fast as usual. The BluApple works best in close proximity to the fruit and veggies, and especially in closed space, such as your refrigerator.

A set of BluApple costs less then $10. Along with the 12-month refill ($9.95), it can save up to $600 a year by preventing wasted produce for a family of four. If you are curious to learn more about ripening, ethylene gas, and the good deeds of the BluApple, I suggest reading the interesting information on the BluApple website, under FAQ.

The Giveaway
Three (3) lucky readers will win a BluApple pack!

To enter, check out the BluApple site and share something you learned in a comment below. Then get on the Raffllecopter!

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.





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

Book Description
New York Times bestselling author Candace Camp weaves a heartwarming tale, first in a thrilling new series, of Christmastime love, discovery, and scandal. . . .

When plain and proper Thea Bainbridge stumbles upon a baby in the manger of her church's nativity, she is understandably shocked. Discovering a brooch bearing the insignia of Gabriel, Lord Morecombe, hidden among the child's clothing, she is certain the dissolute rake is to blame. Incensed, Thea sets out to reproach the arrogant lord—only to find herself utterly swept away.

Gabriel is intrigued by the vivacity in Thea's flashing gray eyes when she accuses him of fathering the orphan, even as he adamantly maintains his innocence. The brooch is one he remembers all too well, however, and Gabriel is determined to find the mother of the missing child. As the mystery around the baby deepens, Gabriel is continually thrown together with Thea — and finds himself growing more entranced every day.

Even with whispers of winter scandal swirling around them, they cannot deny the longing in their hearts. A longing which promises the best gift of all: a shelter from the storm . . . in each other's arms.

My Thoughts
A few months ago, I discovered Candace Camp thanks to her delightful historical romance, An Affair Without End. A Winter Scandal is her latest book and the first in a new series, Legend of St. Dwynwen. Ms. Camp did not disappoint. Her new novel is a wonderful read, smart and funny. There is passion, of course, but also an interesting plot with a nice intrigue that remains a mystery until the end. And check out the gorgeous cover. It matches the story very well.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Winter Scandal (Legend of St. Dwynwen) and highly recommend it to fans of historical romance. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

A Winter Scandal is new this week from by Pocket Star, a division of Simon and Schuster.

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

Book Description
Where You Left Me is Jennifer’s extraordinary account of losing her husband in the World Trade Center attacks, her healing process, and her unexpected journey in finding love once again.

Jennifer always considered herself lucky. She had the life that clichés were made of. She lived with her husband Doug and two beautiful children in New York City and after seven years of marriage was still madly in love with him. When Doug, a top executive at Cantor Fitzgerald, died in the North Tower on September 11th, 2001, Jennifer became a widow at age thirty-five - a “9/11 widow”, no less.  As she feels her husband’s presence leave her, she realizes this is the end of her life as a wife, partner, and romantic other half. Though completely devastated, Jennifer still considered herself blessed -Doug had loved her enough for a lifetime and she was fully resigned to being a widowed single mother for the rest of her life.

Yet ten months later, to her utter surprise and admitted confusion, she meets Derek, a strikingly handsome transplant from Seattle, when he accidentally steps on her foot at a restaurant. This chance encounter led to a precarious courtship between a perennially single bachelor and a closed-for-business widow with undeniable affection for one another but without a clue how to handle the unexpected turn their lives had taken.

Where You Left Me is an unlikely love story - really, two love stories in one - as Jennifer pays tribute to New York, the city that gave her everything, and reminds us that second chances really are possible.

My Thoughts
Where You Left Me is the moving memoir of a woman whose husband was killed in the 9/11 attacks. Her story is poignant and honest. She writes about her love and heartbreak, about surviving an intensely personal tragedy in the public eye. Unexpectedly, she finds a second great love less than a year after 9/11.

As a parent, I can only imagine the pain of having to explain to two young children the loss of their father. Ms. Gardner Trulson's memoir shows her admirable strength as a a mother, a wife and a friend. Where You Left Me is a touching testament to the resilience of her spirit.

Where You Left Me by Jennifer Gardner Trulson came out a few weeks ago, published by Gallery Books, a division of Simon and Schuster.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation has been obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

Book Description
When snobbish book critic Ellery Sharpe screws up at Vanity Place magazine, her boss assigns her the ultimate punishment: write an ode to romance novels—a genre she considers the literary equivalent of word-search puzzles. To make matters worse, her ex, former party boy Axel Mackenzie, is assigned to shoot the accompanying photos.

Axel really wants this project to succeed, and not just because the magazine will double his fee if Ellery writes a story no woman can resist. He is also hoping that if Ellery can change her mind about romance novels, she can also change her mind about him.

At his sister’s behest, Axel gives Ellery a copy of Kiltlander, a much-adored romance whose warrior hero is utterly irresistible. To her dismay, Ellery finds she is secretly falling in love with the story—and with Axel, who is drawing his own lessons from the book’s hero. With her carefully crafted image of herself crumbling and her dream job in danger, Ellery must decide if she will risk it all to make the leap from tight-lipped literati to happily-ever-after heroine.

My Thoughts
A Novel Seduction is a smart and fun contemporary romance - and a tad off-the-beaten-path. Ellery is a literary critic who despises romance novels without ever having read one. Her own life is sorely lacking in the romance department since her breakup with Axel. Five years later, Ellery and Axel have neither forgiven nor forgotten each other. The duo grudgingly agrees to work together on an article that can make or break their careers and dreams for the future. Axel, reformed bad boy and talented photographer, has the seemingly impossible task of changing Ellery's mind about romance novels in general and their own story in particular.

A Novel Seduction has likable characters with nice chemistry and an entertaining plot. The book also makes an excellent case for the value of (good) romance novels. I enjoyed the secondary characters, too - especially Ellery's friend Kate and the German professor who hosts Scottish-themed parties at her house. I did not care much for the cover - neither the choice of purple as a background color nor the male model with the billowing tartan are a good match for the story, at least in my mind and imagination. Get past that, and you're in for a delightful read.

A Novel Seduction is new this week from Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation has been obtained for this post. Photo and book info 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!

I love Winnie The Pooh - and so do my kids. We often read about his adventures. And now Winnie the Pooh and his adorable friends are coming to your screen!

Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie The Pooh on DVD and Blu-Ray on October 25, 2011. I know my family would be delighted to see the movie. Probably yours would, too - so here is a chance to win it.

To enter, check out the cool widget below, take the quiz and share in a comment which character best fits your personality. Then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.







Disclaimer / Disclosure: No compensation was obtained for this post. Photo and widget courtesy of the company or PR firm.

Today, I have a special treat for book lovers and fans of basketball alike. Jerry West's memoir, West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life, was released this week by Little, Brown and Company.

Book Description
He is one of basketball's towering figures: "Mr. Clutch," who mesmerized his opponents and fans. The coach who began the Lakers' resurgence in the 1970s. The general manager who helped bring "Showtime" to Los Angeles, creating a championship-winning force that continues to this day.

Now, for the first time, the legendary Jerry West tells his story-from his tough childhood in West Virginia, to his unbelievable college success at West Virginia University, his 40-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his relationships with NBA legends like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant. Unsparing in its self-assessment and honesty, WEST BY WEST is far more than a sports memoir: it is a profound confession and a magnificent inspiration.

The Giveaway
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) copies of West by West!

To enter, share in a comment below what's the best book you've read recently. Then say hello to the Rafflecopter!

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.

Book Description
In the second book of the Life of Shouty series, Shouty goes from overweight and overwhelmed to fit and focused. Life of Shouty: Food & Fitness promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and reminds us it's never too late to start making changes.

My Thoughts
Life of Shouty: Food & Fitness is the second book in the Shouty series. Just as the first book, Life of Shouty: Good Habits, it aims to promote good habits in children. Focused on the downsides of junk snacks and inactivity and the benefits of exercise and healthy food, the book is written in rhymes and features simple pop-art illustrations.

Despite its good intentions, Life of Shouty: Food & Fitness is unlikely to inspire exercise and healthy eating. Shouty reminds me of a bald, pear-shaped Mr. Potato Head. The rhymes sound corny and contrived. I just could not get into the Shouty groove, and neither could my kids.

Life of Shouty: Food & Fitness by NeonSeon is new this month from Rixkin.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided. The post reflects my personal opinion that may differ from yours. Book description and cover art courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

One of my favorite things to do in preparation for the holiday season is designing our family cards. Ever since the kids were born, my husband and I have been ordering photo holiday cards to send to family and friends come December. We go through all the digital photos we have from the year and pick our favorites. Choosing the best pictures has become a family tradition. Everyone gathers around the computer and we look through the images together, remembering all the fun times we've had.

Once we have picked several photos, we focus on the card design. My favorite type of photo cards is the collages because they allow using more than one image. We choose the design, the colors, and the wording. This year, I am ordering our cards on Shutterfly.com.

Shutterfly offers many beautiful card designs. There is something for everyone - whether your greetings are Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Feliz Navidad, Happy Holidays or Happy Hanukkah, you can get great holiday cards at Shutterfly. They have stylish address labels and even photo books that make wonderful gifts for the grandparents. I love the collage photo mugs - we have several with pictures of the kids, and my morning coffee always tastes better in them.


The Giveaway
Three (3) of my lucky readers will win 25 free cards from Shutterfly!

Each winner will receive a promotional code to be redeemed for 25 free cards.

To enter, please comment below with your favorite Shutterfly product, then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.

Do you blog? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q.





Disclaimer / Disclosure: I will receive a set of cards as a thank you for this post. No other compensation was received. The opinions are my own.

Basa Body All Natural Body Lotion is made with organic Kenyan coconut oil. You  know how I love my coconut oil, right? It's in my kitchen, in my bathroom, in my cleaning supplies and of course, in my creams and lotions.

Besides, the Basa Body lotion has no parabens, no artificial fragrances, and no irritating chemicals. And it smells soo good! Did you know that virgin coconut oil is easily absorbed by the skin and gives it a smooth, healthier appearance? It's true - I see it every time I use my favorite lotions and potions that are based on coconut oil. This amazing oil contains natural antioxidants that are antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal. Hooray for coconut!

Basa Body is a socially conscious company that gives 10% of the profits to humanitarian work. The story of this company started in Kenya, and is quite inspiring.

The Basa Body story began years ago with a single trip to Kenya. We connected with wonderful, intelligent women working hard to feed their families. Their small-scale enterprise was called Coast Coconut Farms, where they produced virgin, organic coconut oil by hand.

Intrigued by their commitment, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit, we were determined to help these women tell their story and grow their business. The result is Basa Body, named after the women of Mombasa, Kenya, where Basa's coconut oil is produced.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a bottle of Basa Body All Natural Body Lotion (ARV $14)!

To enter, please leave a comment below with your favorite way to use coconut oil - then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

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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. Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Are you a fan of Conair? I am! This month, the fab company is having a fab contest on their Facebook page. Tell Conair why you love them, and you could win some fabulous prizes!

Enter the Conair "Fab Fan Contest" now through October 28, 2011, for your chance to meet Conair spokesperson, Jonathan Antin, celeb stylist and star of Bravo tv's hit series "Blow Out." On November 1, 2011, one entrant will be selected from all entrants to receive the grand prize of a hair makeover from Jonathan Antin at Conair’s corporate office (airfare and hotel expenses paid) and three runner-up entrants will be selected from remaining entrants to receive the runner up prizes of dinner with Jonathan Antin and a Conair representative at a select restaurant in the winner's hometown. Submit a "before" picture of yourself so Jonathan can plan your hair makeover and tell them in 50 words or less why you love Conair!

The winners will be selected by the Conair team based upon their responses, and announced on November 1, 2011. Check out the scoop on these fun prizes!

Grand Prize
a.     Round trip air fare to NYC for two (approx. $300 each)
b.     1 night of hotel accommodation (approx. $300)
c.     Car service from NYC airport to Stamford, CT, Conair office, from Stamford, CT Conair office to hotel, from hotel to NYC airport (approx. $270)
d.     Conair gift bag for two (approx. $250 each)
e.     Hair makeover (approx. $750)
f.      Lunch with Jonathan Antin (priceless!)
g.     Amex gift card for dining and/or entertainment expenses ($200)

Runner Up Prizes (3)
a.     Dinner with Jonathan Antin (priceless) at a restaurant in your hometown vicinity
b.     Conair gift bag for two (approx. $250 each)

Visit www.facebook.com/conairhair to enter and learn more about the contest by clicking on the Conair "Fab Fan" Contest link on the left side of the page underneath the profile picture or through this link. Good luck!

Disclaimer / Disclosure: Contest information and pictures provided by the company or PR firm. No compensation was received for this post.

Book Description
The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill's wedding. Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby's four children have drifted apart, each consumed by the turbulence of their own lives. They haven't celebrated Christmas together since their father's death, but when Gaby announces that she's getting married - and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day - she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.

But the wedding isn't Gaby's only surprise - she has one more gift for her children, and it could change all their lives forever. With deeply affecting characters and the emotional twists of a James Patterson thriller, The Christmas Wedding is a fresh look at family and the magic of the season.

My Thoughts
The Christmas Wedding is a heartwarming story about family, love, and second chances. Gaby is the widowed matriarch of her family who surprises everyone with her decision to remarry. Each of her children is in a relationship of their own, deep in personal problems and struggles. Although Gaby is the force that holds them all together, the family has not gathered for the holidays since the death of her husband. She brings them home again for her wedding, and the identity of the groom is kept secret until the ceremony.

I enjoyed The Christmas Wedding very much. In a way, it was not what I would have expected from James Patterson. Last year, I was surprised to find out he wrote romance novels. Sundays at Tiffany's, another James Patterson book that came out in 2009, was made into a Lifetime Original movie and aired last December. If you equate his name with thrillers and Alex Cross novels, you are in for a surprise, too.

You can preview part of of the book's Kindle edition for free via Amazon: The Christmas Wedding - Free Preview: The First 23 Chapters.

The Giveaway
Two (2) lucky readers of this blog will win a copy of The Christmas Wedding!

To enter, please comment below what's your best read so far for 2011 - then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

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Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation was obtained for this post. Photo and book info 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!

On Wednesday, I posted my review of Linda Yellin's book, The Last Blind Date. And now two lucky readers will win a copy of this wonderful read!

Book Description
She is a Midwesterner hurt by marriage. He is a newly separated Manhattan dad. What did they have in common? A guest bed in the home of a mutual friend... until she lets herself get charmed by him. Over the telephone. The old-fashioned way.

In a sparkling, witty, and moving memoir, Linda Yellin tells the story of falling in love long distance and staying in love up close.

The Giveaway
Two (2) copies of The Last Blind Date are up for grabs!

To enter, please comment below what's your best read so far for 2011 - then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

*If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.

Book Description
On an early winter afternoon in rural New Hampshire, two brothers, Ed and Allard, set out to skate north on a river that leads to Canada when, not more than an hour from their house, they discover a girl who, with her dog, has broken through thin ice and is caught in the river's eddy. They are able to rescue her, and as a result, a special bond is formed between them.

As they grow up, all three remain close.  The brothers work towards their dream of having their own film production company to shoot nature footage in the wild, with Sarah by their side every step of the way.  Over the years, Allard and Sarah’s relationship has deepened, and they are happily planning a future together.  In the days before the upcoming wedding, Ed and Allard, in one, last, celebratory bachelor outing, hike alone in a remote section of the Wind River mountain range in Wyoming, and tragedy strikes. That heartbreaking incident radically changes Allard and Sarah’s plans, and sets them on divergent paths that may never meet again.

About the Author
Joseph Monninger, author of Eternal on the Water and co-author of The Letters with Luanne Rice, has published several award-winning YA novels and books of nonfiction, including Home Waters, New Jersey. He has been awarded two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships. He lives and teaches in New Hampshire.

My Thoughts
The World As We Know It is a wonderfully written love story set against the majestic beauty of nature. There's love and dreams, tragedy and loss, suffering and redemption. Nature's role as just as important as that of the main characters. It brings Sarah and Allard together, it breaks their hearts when it claims the life of Allard's brother, and finally it brings them together to heal their grief.

The World As We Know It is new this week from Gallery Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation was obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

Today, I have a fascinating memoir for you - Five Chiefs: A Supreme Court Memoir by John Paul Stevens. It's new this month from Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group.

Book Description
When he resigned last June, Justice Stevens was the third longest serving Justice in American history (1975-2010) - only Justice William O. Douglas, whom Stevens succeeded, and Stephen Field have served on the Court for a longer time.

In Five Chiefs, Justice Stevens captures the inner workings of the Supreme Court via his personal experiences with the five Chief Justices - Fred Vinson, Earl Warren, Warren Burger, William Rehnquist, and John Roberts - that he interacted with. He reminisces of being a law clerk during Vinson's tenure; a practicing lawyer for Warren; a circuit judge and junior justice for Burger; a contemporary colleague of Rehnquist; and a colleague of current Chief Justice John Roberts. Along the way, he will discuss his views of some the most significant cases that have been decided by the Court from Vinson, who became Chief Justice in 1946 when Truman was President, to Roberts, who became Chief Justice in 2005.

Packed with interesting anecdotes and stories about the Court, Five Chiefs is an unprecedented and historically significant look at the highest court in the United States.

The Giveaway
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) copies of Five Chiefs!

To enter, share in a comment below what's the best book you've read recently. Then say hello to the Rafflecopter!

* If you can't see the form, please refresh your page, make sure Javascript is enabled, or try another browser.

Book Description
She is a Midwesterner hurt by marriage. He is a newly separated Manhattan dad. What did they have in common? A guest bed in the home of a mutual friend... until she lets herself get charmed by him. Over the telephone. The old-fashioned way.

In a sparkling, witty, and moving memoir, Linda Yellin tells the story of falling in love long distance and staying in love up close.

My Thoughts
I LOVED this book. It's a memoir, a grown-up love story, and a humorous yet moving book written from the trenches of second chances and finding happily ever after. The Last Blind Date is hilarious, romantic, honest, self-deprecating, and real. Ms. Yellin writes about her own life in a way that makes truth better than fiction. She shares her experience with dating, long-distance romance, moving, step parenting, girlfriends, remodeling, dealing with aging parents - and I just could not put her book down.

When The Last Blind Date becomes a hit movie starring Meryl Streep or Susan Sarandon, I'll be that annoying person who tells everyone I read the book when it first came out, and it's soo much better than the movie - although Meryl / Susan deserves an Oscar for her role.

The Last Blind Date is Linda Yellin's second book. The first, Such a Lovely Couple, came out in 1991 and it's now available only as an ebook. I am definitely reading that one, too. Here's hoping that Ms. Yellin keeps writing and we don't have to wait 20 years for another excellent read.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation was obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.

Book Description
Compare and contrast different animals through predictable, rhyming analogies. Find the similarities between even the most incompatible animals... bat is to flit as eagle is to soar; dog is to bark as lion is to roar. Comparisons include sounds, physical adaptations, behaviors, and animals classes and are so fun, readers learn without even realizing it! Animals are to nature, as Animalogy is to fun!

My Thoughts
My kids and I are big fans of Sylvan Dell Publishing. They offer books that are fun, educational, and beautifully illustrated. Animalogy is no exception. This book provides a great opportunity to teach young children about analogies. Thanks to Animalogy, my daughter got the hang of it quickly. We even made analogies into a game - a wonderful way to pass the time when we are driving to and from errands and after-school activities.

The illustrations are wonderfully vivid and detailed. At the end of Animalogy, there is a section For Creative Minds: six pages of additional information and discussion points about animals and analogies. Even parents may learn a thing or two - or remember what they used to know - about animal classification.

Animalogy: Animal Analogies, written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Cathy Morrison, is recommended for ages 4-8.

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

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. Then say hello to the Rafflecopter!

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Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation was obtained for this post. Photo and book info courtesy of the publisher.

I've been using Simple Green cleaning products for almost two years. I've been a fan since day one. Eco-friendly, easy, and effective? That's what I want from my cleaners - and I get it all with Simple Green.

Simple Green have been around for over 35 years. The Lemon Scent All-Purpose Cleaner is a new addition to their line of outstanding cleaning products. It comes in a 32 oz spray bottle. This cleaner is non-toxic, biodegradable, and a safer alternative to conventional cleaners. In addition, it's phosphate-free and safe for your septic tank. I hate have a strong dislike of obnoxious chemical smells and avoid them at all cost. No such risk with this cleaner: it contains no bleach or ammonia and has a pleasant lemon scent.

The Lemon Scent All-Purpose Cleaner is easy to use - just spray and damp-wipe or rinse with water. There's no need to dilute it. It's one versatile product that can be used on any washable surface in your home. The cleaner gets rid of cooking grease, dirt, food soils, pet soils, soot and more. I used it on my stove and microwave with shiny results. No streaks, no residue - simply clean. Next on my to-clean with Simple Green list: the bathroom. I can even tackle tile, floors, walls, garage doors, and carpet with this cleaner, if inspiration strikes!

The Lemon Scent All-Purpose Cleaner is available at 1600 Walmart stores throughout the U.S. Check out the Simple Green store locator for the nearest location. I also recommend the Original Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner and their Simple Green Naturals line. Each and every one of them does a fantastic cleaning job.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a 32 oz spray bottle of Lemon Scent All-Purpose Cleaner from Simple Green!

To enter, please leave a comment below with your favorite eco-friendly cleaning tip or cleaning product - then follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

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