Book Description
Beth Aldrich, author of Real Moms Love to Eat, wants you to conduct a love affair with food and still look fabulous by simply working through her easy-to-follow 10-part plan of making over your entire outlook and relationship with food. You have to eat at least three times a day, so why not love what you're eating and feed yourself food that will love you back? Discover new and interesting ways to prepare and "get involved" with food; complete with 21-days of satisfying and delicious meal suggestions, this funny book will find a permanent spot on your bedside table or kitchen counter. Real Moms really DO love to eat!

My Thoughts
I read Real Moms Love to Eat in one day. Then I read it again. I felt like I've spent time with a good girlfriend who happens to love great food as much as I do. I nodded, I laughed, and thought more than a few times - this is SO true! Beth Aldrich, a fellow blogger, is a healthy lifestyle and nutrition spokesperson who knows good food.

Real Moms Love to Eat (RMLTE) is a book about healthy eating but it's not just another diet book. It's a celebration of fabulous food - without adding inches to your waistline. RMLTE shows how to enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures without the guilt, without the fear of overdoing it, and with zero negative emotions. You don't have to be a mom to put RMLTE to good use. Beth has put together a ten-week plan that helps readers make gradual but significant changes in their meal routine. One chapter is dedicated to each week and begins with five things to do this week. Beth elaborates on the what, the why, and the how-to, and ends each chapter by reinforcing the five things. Part One of RMLTE - aptly called Flirting with Food - introduces the plan. Part Two is all about Getting Serious - making the RMLTE plan a part of your life. Part Three - Happy Endings - puts the plan in practice with a 21-day meal plan, complete with recipes. I love the resource guide at the end of the book: it helps find the products, places, people, and books mentioned throughout RMLTE.

RMLTE is an adventure in great food and nutrition, and Beth Aldrich is an excellent guide. Her sense of humor, her empathy and dedication make the trip even more worthwhile and fun.

Real Moms Love to Eat: How to Conduct a Love Affair with Food, Lose Weight and Feel Fabulous is hitting the shelves on January 3 - just in time to help put into practice all those New Year's resolutions. Read up and Bon Appetit!

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, author, or PR firm.

This year, I did almost all my holiday gift shopping online. I like to buy gifts for family and friends throughout the year so that I don't have to rush in the last minute - and I love a good deal. How's 71% a fashionable plaid winter coat? It will go perfectly with the black knee-high studded boots that are 73% off! For the little one's birthday that's coming up - I am loving the 74% off a kids' collection 5-CD set. Valentine's Day shopping? Here's a great gift idea: 87% off a stylish Anchor G watch from Aquaswiss for her and 86% off a  Swiss Legend Eograph Cronograph watch for him. Where did I find these amazing sales? On Nomorerack.com, of course.

I've been obsessed with Nomorerack. Every day at noon, they offer eight fantastic deals on apparel, jewelry, shoes, electronics, toys, accessories, and more. All items are 100% authentic and come from quality brands. And the best part is - these goodies are discounted up to 90% off retail. It's no wonder Nomorerack has been featured on The Talk, The Martha Stewart Show, The View, HouseBeautiful and more. I've been watching this site as a hawk! Every day from Monday through Friday, at about 11 a.m. I get an email with the daily deals. All deals go live at noon E.S.T. It's a good thing that I have an hour to make a decision because, come noon, I must act fast to grab the goodies I want. Each deal is live until 11:59 a.m. the next day. Then there's Wacky Weekend with more incredible deals for - you guessed it - the weekend.

Today, I am loving the multicolor pearl coil bracelet that's 75% off - just 10 bucks! The adorable Trudi Time Kids' Watches are 81% off - or $23 each. I can get one for each of my kids and a couple for birthday gifts for their friends. And my personal favorite: the Android tablet at a steep 68% discount. Why fork out $399 when you can pay just $129?

If you think it sounds too good to be true - don't worry, it's not some nomorerack scam. The site is BuySafe inspected and monitored, PayPal verified, Authorize.net Verified Merchant and tested daily by McAfee SECURE. Don't just take my word for it - check out the other raving nomorerack reviews on the web, or better yet - try it yourself. Why shop anywhere else?

Disclaimer / Disclosure: This post was brought to you by your friends at nomorerack.com.

Got giveaways? Please do share! You can link any family-friendly giveaway here weekly to promote it. My Saturday linky is below. Please include prize and ending date, and link directly to the giveaway page.

Looking for more blogs hosting Saturday giveaway fun? Visit Aleks at Busy Working Mama and Kristi at Mom's Own Words. Good luck to those who enter, and everyone else - enjoy browsing!

Book Description
Haunted by the death of the woman he married to become laird of Clam MacGahan, Malcolm MacDowylt can only see himself as a failed warrior.  But neither his Viking heritage nor his claim to have descended from Norse gods can restore his confidence in his ability to protect his people.  His sister is being held captive, and his magically powerful half-brother wants him dead.  The last thing he needs is more responsibility or more family trouble — but that is exactly what he gets when his Faerie mother-in-law arrives, seeking justice for her daughter in the form of an enticing young woman who claims to be from the future.

Danielle Dearmon has waited fifteen years to discover the life she is supposed to live.  She just never dreamed she would end up in the thirteenth century with a handsome Scot bent on saving everyone but himself.

With the lives of those most dear to him hanging in the balance, Malcolm sets out to battle a powerful evil magic, only to learn that the redemption he seeks exists in the arms of the woman he loves.

My Thoughts
Warrior's Redemption is a fun romance read with a sprinkling of magic and time travel thrown in the mix. It's the second Melissa Mayhue book I've read, after A Highlander Destiny - one of the books in the Daughters of the Glen series - almost two years ago. In the new novel, Ms. Mayhue adds a touch of Norse mythology to her entertaining time-travel romances.The story is well written, with nicely developed characters. There's love that spans centuries, magical abilities, adventure, danger, and a wicked villain who wants to rule the world. Warrior's Redemption is the first in a brand-new spinoff series that I am looking forward to reading.

Warrior's Redemption is new this week from Pocket Star, 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.

I love shopping online. Millions of products are at my fingertips - no need to leave the house, sit in traffic, spend time trying to find what I need, or waste my time waiting in endless lines. Whether it's books, clothes, shoes, home decoration, or even furniture - I prefer buying it from the comfort of my home. If I need extra information about a product or a company, I can find it with a few clicks. No more asking around the brick and mortar store for information that no one seems to know.


These days, I would never go to the store if I can buy it online. That's my favorite place to shop.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: This post contains sponsored links. The opinions are solely mine.

Through her Inside Out Weight Loss program and seminars, along with podcasts downloaded more than 3 million times, Renée Stephens has helped countless people free themselves from emotional eating to achieve the body and life they’ve always desired. Now, in her first book, she shares the breakthrough lessons of her popular work and develops them into a complete, step-by-step program: Full-Filled: The 6-Week Weight- Loss Plan for Changing Your Relationship with Food—and Your Life—from the Inside Out.

With Full-Filled, you will gain freedom from dieting as you use some of the world’s most advanced mind and behavior-changing techniques. An intuitive and easy weight-loss program, Full-Filled will open the door to bigger transformations in your life. Not only will you drop excess physical pounds with Renée’s expert guidance, you will get to the root of why you eat and you will lose your spiritual weight—by identifying why you eat the way you do and finding better ways to satisfy your true hunger without food.

A former food addict, Stephens is a leading weight-loss coach who works with women and men who have spent years trying to free themselves from their weight struggle and to regain control of their lives. Women, Food and God led millions to spiritual insights; Full- Filled turns those insights into practical steps in an easy-to-follow program that will permanently change how you think about and behave around food.

The Full-Filled program will identify and heal your underlying food issues and provide you with the specific tools to create new habits that will make you slim and healthy for a lifetime. This isn’t about what foods you should and shouldn’t eat (although Renée does share some of her favorite recipes to make weight loss happen faster and easier). Filled with personal success stories and a whole bag of transformative tips and tricks, Full- Filled will set you up for significant weight loss and provide the no-fail techniques for keeping the pounds off permanently.

Full-Filled: The 6-Week Weight-Loss Plan for Changing Your Relationship with Food-and Your Life-from the Inside Out is new today from Free Press.

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
After the bloody Tomochic rebellion, Teresita Urrea, beloved healer and "Saint of Cabora," flees with her father to Arizona. But their plans are derailed when she once again is claimed as the spiritual leader of the Mexican Revolution. Besieged by pilgrims and pursued by assassins, Teresita embarks on a journey through turn-of-the-century industrial America-New York, San Francisco, St. Louis. She meets immigrants and tycoons, European royalty and Cuban poets, all waking to the new American century. And as she decides what her own role in this modern future will be, she must ask herself: can a saint fall in love?

At turns heartbreaking, uplifting, and riotously funny, Queen of America reconfirms Luis Alberto Urrea's status as a writer of the first rank.

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

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A few weeks ago, Gallery Books released a special treat for Michael Bublé fans. Onstage, Offstage is written by the star himself. Complete with many beautiful photographs, On Stage, Off Stage brings the singer up-close and personal in a way that perfectly complements his music.

Book Description
He’s sold more than 25 million records. His live shows fill the world’s biggest stadiums to capacity. He has captured hearts everywhere with his classic style. Now, for the first time ever, Grammy Award–winning singer Michael Bublé offers fans an all-access, behind-the-scenes glimpse at his private life, onstage and off. Pairing the singer’s own heartfelt words with hundreds of exclusive, never-before-seen photographs, this unique diary reveals Bublé’s inspirational journey, from singing into a hairbrush in his suburban Canadian bedroom to entertaining thousands onstage at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden. The humble man, the eager-to-learn young musician, the hardworking professional, the adoring husband, the fun-loving guy—the singer’s many faces are here in stunning, intimate detail. Fans will experience what it’s like to be on tour and in the studio with Bublé as he unveils the private person beneath the public persona. That rare, down-to-earth star whose unforgettable voice resonates with people from all walks of life, Michael Bublé is a natural talent. And for the fan in your life, this beautiful keepsake is both a reminder of the power of dreams and an up-close-and-personal peek at one of the greatest entertainers of our time.

My Thoughts
I love Michael Bublé's music and enjoyed reading On Stage, Off Stage. The text part written by the singer takes about a quarter of the volume. The rest of the book contains the amazing photographs of Dean Freeman. On Stage, Off Stage is halfway between an autobiography and a photo book, both telling the story of a remarkable musician. I recommend reading it while listening to Michael's Crazy Love - or any of his other  albums. Have a friend who loves Michael's music? Get them On Stage, Off Stage as a gift. By the way, he's got a newly released Christmas album...

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.

My daughter has a winter break that will last two and a half weeks. Any parent knows that keeping kids from getting stir crazy can be a full time job - especially in winter. Luckily, I have a handy new book in my corner: The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2. While it is not intended for children, I found some craft ideas that are perfect to make together during the winter break - or anytime.

Book Description
Searching for crafty inspiration?
Eager to try some new techniques?
Need some more junk for your trunk?
Well, look no further!

In this cheeky sequel, Mark Montano picks up where his wildly popular The Big-Ass Book of Crafts left off, with even more spectacular—and easy-to-make—projects sure to satisfy crafters of all skill levels. Turn colorful ribbons into a show-stopping scarf . . . transform old cargo pants into a kick-ass carryall . . . a high-drama neckpiece made out of zippers? Absolutely. Along with a host of other wearable wonders, this exciting all-new volume includes sections such as Pillow Talk (fun, comfy, and made from the most surprising materials), Letter Perfect (cool designs to pop into the mailbox nearest you), Hey, I Could Use That (make a big statement with little things from magnets to nail polish), Just Kid-ding (cheery dÉcor made from kid-centric stuff, guaranteed to make you smile!), That’s Shoe Biz (fun fixes that give sidelined footwear and handbags a whole new life), and dozens of other ideas that are inventive, imaginative, and just plain fun.

With his trademark humor and no-holds-barred approach to crafting, Mark will have you tapping into your creative soul and taking simple techniques to a whole new level in no time. We’re not talking plant-hangers and potholders here—the more than 150 handmade projects in this truly unique compendium are artistic, eye-catching, and cutting-edge, from cool brooches and earrings to ingenious belts and bags, from Bauhaus-style furniture to fishbowl lanterns, and so much more!

My Thoughts
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 is the follow up to The Big-Ass Book of Crafts that came out almost four years ago. If you are a Mark Montano fan, you are probably familiar with his books and TV shows. There are over 150 craft ideas in the new crafts book, and some of them have my hands itching just looking at the pictures. There's jewelry, accessories, furniture, pillows, and more. While I will not be making every single one - zipper necklace? baby doll head night light? hangers on table base? - many are real winners that will make the least crafty among us run for Michaels. Beaded fringe necklace... striped ribbon scarf... hurricanes... super striped mailbox... pyramid side table... Bauhaus striped table base and stool... Get a load of supplies and hope to be snowed in so there's enough time to create all these fab projects.

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 came out in October from Gallery Books and would make a great gift for the craft-minded. Pair it up with a gift card to a crafts store, and your friends and family just might present you with their own Mark Montano masterpiece next year.

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.

Ever heard of vessel sinks? Until recently, I had not. Now I can spend a lot of time browsing for that perfect vessel sink. Some of them look like modern art. Others look like beautiful fruit bowls. How fantastic is this True Planet Glass Sink Bowl? It puts me in instant bath makeover mode.

I found many sinks I like at Bathroom Vessel Sinks. I had no idea there were so many great options out there. I would not mind seeing the Wave Rim Multi Color Glass Vessel Sink first thing in the morning in my bathroom, either. Should I hurry up and write a letter to Santa? Or strategically position a pretty printout where hubby can see it? Decisions, decisions... Then of course the bathroom tiles must match the new sink... and get a new vessel faucet for it... Now I need to go explore vessel sink faucets. I love the ones finished in antique copper. Or those that look like old-fashioned water pumps. Then there's those that look like modern art and those that blend modern and classic - a piece of thick glass over brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze.

It's gray and rainy outside today - the kind of weather that makes me miss summer and the beach. The sun, the warmth, the sound of the ocean... And of course the healthy glow of sun-kissed skin and the natural waves in my hair. Pure bliss!

Now there is a way to recreate that fun beachy look at home - without a speck of sand between your toes. The Conair You Wave Ultra is a ceramic styler that makes fabulous soft waves in my hair. It has three barrels creating the beachy hairstyle in minutes. Thanks to tourmaline ceramic technology, the styler works without damaging my tresses - and helps eliminate static and frizz to boot. It's ready to use in just 30 seconds and the waves it creates look and feel very natural. You Wave Ultra reaches an ultra-high heat of 356°F, so watch out for curious little fingers while you use it.

My wavy hair loves the Conair You Wave! Whether you are heading to a New Year's party or a lunch with the girlfriends, Conair can help you create the perfect 'do. Check out how easy it is to use in the short video below. All you need to do is hold it over a section of hair for a few seconds, then move on to the next. Separate hair with your fingers - and voila, beach babe in the midst of winter!



The Conair You Wave Ultra Ceramic Styler retails for $46 and can be found at stores nationwide, as well as at www.conair.com, Amazon and other online retailers.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a Conair You Wave Ultra!

To enter, please follow the instructions of the Rafflecopter.

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Today, I have a great gift idea for those who enjoy taking good pictures - and want to make them even better. Digital Photography is written by Henry Horenstein, a photography instructor for over 30 years. Mr. Horenstein certainly knows what he's talking about.

Book Description
This thorough, concise, and easy-to-use guide to capturing digital photographs provides an entire step-by-step course for budding digital photographers. All concepts are fully illustrated with sample work by internationally renowned professionals, representing editorial work, photojournalism, and everything in between. Topics covered include essential information for both film and digital photography, such as exposure controls and shutter speed, as well as digital-specific information on image editing, printing methods, and even file storage. The first digital textbook by legendary photography teacher Henry Horenstein, Digital Photography is the best guide yet for aspiring digital photographers, essential both for photographers transitioning from film to digital and those learning the art of photography for the first time.

My Thoughts
Digital Photography is an excellent basic guide to photography, written accessibly and illustrated with some gorgeous photos. Photography has been my passion for years and even more so once I switched to digital. Capturing a beautiful moment on camera and being able to enjoy it any time I like is just irresistible.

Digital Photography includes eight chapters that cover important topics such as digital capture, camera lens, camera exposure, lighting, image editing and more. It's not a book to be read in a couple of sittings but one that I will be referring to regularly. I am enjoying this guide and highly recommend it to anyone who loves clicking away with a purpose as much as I do. Head over to the nearest bookstore, or to Amazon and other online retailers to snag a copy for yourself or for a friend. I will be buying a few as gifts for my shutterbug pals.

The Giveaway
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) copies of Digital Photography: A Basic Manual!

To enter, please follow the instructions of the Rafflecopter.

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Do you travel during the holidays? Maybe your friends and family do, too. Master Lock offers products that provide safety and peace of mind - whether you travel or stay home.

One of these products is the Master Lock Key Safe 5400D. This handy little safe holds up to 5 keys and mounts over the doorknob for easy access. Going away for a few days and need someone to walk and feed Fido? The cleaning crew will be coming and you won't be home? Having your bathroom redone while you are lounging at a beach somewhere? A friend is coming to stay at your house and you are at work? Leaving a key under the doormat is so last decade - as well as unsafe. The Master Lock key safe is the perfect solution to all these situations and more. Once my kids are older, I can leave a key for them in the safe if I am not home after school. The possibilities are endless.

The key safe is very well made and durable. You can set your own 4-digit combination - plus, there is a shutter door that protects the combination dials from the weather. Personally, I would place the key safe over the door knob of a back door. I feel this is safer than advertising my absence on the front door. Still, the presence of a key safe does not necessarily mean than the owners are out of town. For instance, key safes are frequently used by real estate agents when a home is for sale.

The Master Lock key safe retails at about $36-$38 but right now, you can snag it for just $16 on Amazon. The convenience and the peace of mind? Priceless.

Another Master Lock product that's perfect for holiday travel is the TSA-approved luggage lock. It allows TSA screeners to inspect your luggage and lock it again without damaging the lock. It comes in several bright, pretty colors that make finding your bag in a sea of similar luggage much easier. In addition, these locks can be used for laptop bags, gym bags, and more - making them an ideal stocking stuffer not just for the road warrior. Some Master Lock luggage locks come with a key while others have a three-digit combination that you can set up. It's a matter of personal preference - I like those without a key because it's one less key I have to remember to bring along. My favorite is the 4688DPNK - its beautiful shade of pink is more than a fashion statement. This lock is one of Master Lock's products that raise funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Last but not least, check out Master Lock's holiday safety tips. Then get a refresher on crime prevention tips, too. While some of these recommendations are pretty much common sense, it never hurts to get a reminder - especially during the hectic holiday season.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a Master Lock 5400D Key Safe!

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Book Description
Donna Britt has always been surrounded by men-her father, three brothers, two husbands, three sons, countless friends. She learned to give to them at an early age. But after her beloved brother Darrell's senseless killing by police 30 years ago, she began giving more, unconsciously seeking to help other men the way she couldn't help Darrell. Brothers (and Me) navigates Britt's life through her relationships with men-resulting in a tender, funny and heartbreaking exploration of universal issues of gender and race. It asks: Why, for so long, did Britt-like millions of seemingly self-aware women-rarely put herself first? With attuned storytelling and hard-wrought introspection, Britt finds that even the sharpest woman may need reminding that giving to others requires giving to oneself.

The Giveaway
Three lucky readers will win a copy of Brothers (and Me), courtesy of Hachette Book Group!

To enter, please follow the instructions of the Rafflecopter.

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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!

Now that the weather has cooled off, I find myself in a baking mood even more than usual. Biscuits, pies, bread - these wonderful aromas are hard to resist. And for good baking, of course, I need good supplies - including a new product I've been testing out. The Organic Palm Shortening from Tropical Traditions is perfect for baking - now, during the holidays, and year round.

This palm shortening comes in a huge 1 gallon tub. Seven pounds might sound like a lot of shortening but if you bake or fry often, you'll be grateful to not run out too quickly. Palm shortening is derived from palm oil. Did you know that palm oil is the most heavily consumed dietary oil in the world after soybean oil? Not counting the U.S. where most of the world’s soybean oil is consumed, palm oil is the most popular dietary oil in the world. Palm shortening is palm oil that has some of its unsaturated fats removed, giving it a very firm texture, and high melting point. I love it that it's USDA certified organic. Besides, this palm shortening is not hydrogenised, and contains no trans fats.

I find the Tropical Traditions palm shortening just fantastic for deep frying and baking. It's colorless and odorless and you can't taste it in prepared food. If you do want some taste, I recommend the Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - I've used it almost daily for the past couple of years and could not be happier with it.

Deal Alert
Normally, the palm shortening retails at $40.75 but right now, it's on sale at 42% off! You can snag a gallon tub for just $23.59 until Sunday, December 18. The palm shortening is just one of the many excellent products from Tropical Traditions. If you've been waiting for the chance to try them, do it now - they offer free domestic ground shipping with code 261112, good through midnight EST on December 19.

The Giveaway
One lucky person will win a tub of Organic Palm Shortening from Tropical Traditions!

To enter, please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form.

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Disclaimer / Disclosure: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. The opinions are my own.

Last week, we went to a party where Santa showed up for a visit. My kids were delighted to meet him and share what they wished for this year. They posed for pictures and of course got an early gift from Santa.

The first toy that came out of Santa's bag was a toy ice cream maker. This toy makes delicious real ice cream and sorbet. It's very easy to use - just put in the ingredients, press a button and wait for four hours while the treats cool off in the freezer. Kids can even make two different flavors at once. The ice cream maker comes with a set of four very cute bowls, matching spoons and an ice cream scoop. Plus, there is a recipe booklet with ten yummy recipes, complete with decorating ideas.

The ice cream maker needs 4 AA batteries that are not included, so make sure Santa remembers those. I recommend using rechargeable ones since they last just three ice cream making cycles.

The second toy that Santa brought us was a set of three baskets with play food. There's a basket with breakfast food, another with lunch food, and a third with dinner items. My kids love pretend play and these toys are perfect. Each item is realistic looking and well made, practically guaranteeing hours of fun. We already have an adorable cookware set from Green Toys and their toy tea set. An elf told me that our local Costco has the play food set for around $20 - score! Or, you can buy them on Amazon with one or two day shipping to arrive in time for Christmas.

Of course, we have a few more items on our wish list this year. Since we are on the subject of pretend cooking, check out the adorable play kitchenette from Mega Bloks. It's cute, fun, and won't break Santa's bank. It does not take much space, either - unlike bigger models. And, all parts fit inside for easy storage.

Got little boys who'd rather play with tools? Mega Bloks has a Build'n Play Workbench - the guy's equivalent of the kitchenette. Happy play!



Disclaimer / Disclosure: This post contains sponsored and affiliate links.

Book Description
Savor the delicious & authentic recipes of traditional Irish cooking

Safe-keepers of Ireland's tastiest and most precious culinary traditions. grannies from all across the Emerald Isle have long kept secret the recipes that define Irish cooking. Passed down from generation to generation. traditional foods such as brown bread and potato soup have been served by grannies in thatch-roofed cottages and local village pubs for years.

About the Author
Eoin Purcell is a writer, publisher, blogger, book lover and foodie who lives and works in Dublin. He completed a BA in History and Politics in 2001 and a Masters in Early Modern History in UCD in 2004. An avid baker and cook, he enjoys experimenting and has tested and trialed most of the recipes contained in the volume. He keeps a blog focused on publishing and change at www.eoinpurcellsblog.com

My Thoughts
Our Irish Grannies’ Recipes is a charming little book featuring recipes submitted online and by mail from people across Ireland. It includes authentic recipes coming from Irish grannies, granddads, great aunts, and uncles, a tradition of comforting food carried across generations.

The recipes are divided into Snacks and Miscellany, Soups and Starters, Mains and Dinners, and Breads, Cakes, Desserts and Bisciuts. This is a small cookbook that packs a variety of wonderful traditional recipes. This is the first time I've come across a collection of Irish cooking, and I have bookmarked many recipes I'd like to try. Nanna's Chicken Soup, for example - easy, healthy, and delicious! I cannot ask more of a meal. How about Rachel’s Granny’s Simple Potato Soup, or Granny’s Northern Irish Stuffing? Guinness is my favorite beer but I've never used it for cooking - I am definitely making the Guinness beef stew. And those desserts sound heavenly. Mother's Pudding? Granny Sullivan's Mystery Steam Cake? Summer Strawberry Cream? Mmmm...

Our Irish Grannies' Recipes by Eoin Purcell came out in November, published by Sourcebooks.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. / CDN reader will win a copy of Our Irish Grannies' Recipes!

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Disclaimer / Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. Prize, review copy, cover art and book description courtesy of the author, publisher or PR firm.

Are you eatin' mor chikin? A few weeks ago, I mentioned the cool cow watches that come with the Chick-Fil-A Kid's Meals. This holiday season, the new Cow Watches remind us to make sure to stop and take a few moments together as a family to spend quality “time” with one another.

How would you like to win 5 cow watches AND 2 Chick-Fil-A plush cows? These adorable bovines would make great stocking stuffers. Check out the new widget below - it has an assortment of fun family activities. Plus - there is a Holiday Quiz! Take the quiz, leave a comment with your results, and follow the Rafflecopter instructions. Easy as pie!

Are you still looking for great holiday gift ideas? UGallery.com is an online art gallery showcasing original artwork by new and established artists. They make buying art easy and hassle-free. You can browse by price, medium, style, size, color, or artist. In addition, buyers can give any piece a week-long test run in their home, risk-free.

If you are looking for affordable art ideas, check out Paperwork, too. This UGallery.com sister site offers limited edition signed and numbered art prints. These eco-friendly art prints can be searched by style, size, or price range. Prices start at just $20. I had a blast exploring their collections. I have a soft spot for photo art and I found many wonderful prints that I would love to have on my walls.

Narrowing down the many choices was not easy. Finally, I selected RT 16 HOUSE, a limited edition print by  Rachel Lauren Ridgley. I love the angle at which the artist has captured an abandoned house. There is a striking contrast between the unusual color of the house and the blue sky with a few picturesque clouds. Trees and bushes frame the house on all sides, focusing the attention of the observer even more on the house.

I love how you can see the art print in frames of several colors. The frames are custom built with solid wood, clear acrylic glass, and a three-inch soft white mat. The price ranges from $200 for the original ($300 if framed) to just $20 for an 8"x10" print. The print I received is an archival print on bamboo paper, and looks even more gorgeous in person.

Should you believe that art is subjective and beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, a gift card to Paperwork is the way to go. You can give the gift of art to a friend, family member, coworker, your child's teacher, even to your boss. To reduce waste, all of their gift cards are sent via email. All you need is the recipient's name, email address, and the amount. You can include a gift message and even the cost of shipping. That's gift-giving at its best!

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a Paperwork art print! The winner will get their choice from any of the $20 prints.

To enter, please 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: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary product sample to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours.

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!

It's a wonderful day for all Kindle fans! Right now, there are over 900 FREE books for Kindle on Amazon.com. Browse your little hearts out! I am heading over and plan to snag quite a few.

If you look closely, you will see that all of the non-public domain free books on the Amazon website are included as well - in total, that's over 2,700 free Kindle books. By category, that's 1,988 fiction and 688 non-fiction books. Yay for free books! What are you waiting for - head over there now and start clicking!

Oh and make sure to bookmark this link for future use to see the freebies at the Amazon Kindle store any day.

Many thanks to Michael Gallagher for the heads-up. Image credit Amazon.com.