Taco Leftover Dip Recipe

This is so simple and easy. It's also a great way to use leftover taco toppings. Yummy!

Carpet Cleaning

Home maintenance and cleaning isn't always the funnest thing to do. But I've learned that there are certain things that I just have to keep up with around the house. While we've taken out most of the carpet in my house, I know my mom likes to have her carpets cleaned every once in a while to get rid of stains and just freshen things up. It always makes quite a difference. And carpets are something that you notice when you walk into a house.

Cleaning carpets can be a difficult task, and even if it's something you want to tackle on your own, the results just don't compare to professional work. A highly rated carpet cleaning NYC is concerned about getting the job done and doing it in a "green" way too. Green Choice Carpet uses earth-friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable products. So cleaning your carpets will help your carpets last longer with no harsh chemicals, and you know that your family will be safe with the cleaners being used too. They pride themselves in customer service and want to make your carpet cleaning experience a good one. Plus their affordable prices won't break the bank. Check out all the services that they have available for your home. From wall-to-wall carpet cleaning to carpet repair, they know carpet and are here to help.

New Schick Intuition Limited Edition Handles

Long summer days, short summer nights. Sunshine, fun, beach, swimming and smooth legs. All of this time spent in shorts, capris and swimsuits mean that us ladies have a little more work to do each day. With the help of Schick and Skintimate products this part of your daily routine will be easier.

The product: Schick Intuition introduced it's limited edition handles featuring the handle design "Le Love" created by Kelly Framel, creator of The Glamourai. Schick Intuition is the leading 2-in-1 razor. You can lather and shave in one, simple step. And the new razor handles allow you to personalize your shaving routine.

Each handle was specifically designed and names after its inspiration. Kelly Framel's "Le Love" handle was inspired by her love of fashion and the lines and movement of art nouveau. The heart shapes reflect the lines of the razor itself. The Tropical Splash and Pomegranate handles are inspired by their individual formulas. The Tropical Splash, "The Break" handle resembles the fluid, relaxation of an island vacation, and the Pomegranate "Playful Pom" design signifies the fresh, fruit spirit of the antioxidant extract. 

Schick Intuition Limited Edition Razor Benefits:

• Four-Blades For a Close Shave

• Minimizes nicks and cuts

• Allows for a precise shave, with a pivoting head that follows the contours of a woman's body

• Makes it easier to experience a flawlessly smooth shave

• Skin Conditioning Solid

• Eliminates the need for shave gel, soap, or body wash

• Leaves skin touchably soft and smooth

• Moisturizes during shaving

• In three "Limited Edition" handle designs:

• Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care - "Le Love" (Green)

• Enriches with Vitamin E and 100% natural Aloe so its gentle on your skin

• Schick Intuition Renewing Moisture with Pomegranate Extract - "Playful Pom" (Pink)

• Infused with Pomegranate extract that contains anti-oxidants and moisturizers to condition and smooth skin during shaving

• Schick Intuition Tropical Splash - "The Break" (Blue)

• Featuring a new fresh scent in Skintimate inspired Tropical Splash

• One-of-a-kind Ergonomic Handle

• Ergonomic design fits comfortable into the hand

• No-slip rubber grip on sides allow for precise control

Each package Contains:

• Schick Intuition Limited Edition Handle

• Two refill cartridges 

• A Shower Hanger and convenient travel cap

What I thought: I have used the Schick Intuition razors before. For me they take a little getting used to. I like the bigger, easy to hold handles. I like that they can do cute new designs. But the large razor head with the soap on it is a big cumbersome. After I used it a few times I got the hang of it. Then the other issue I have is that the soap only lasts about a week. Then you either keep using the razor and need soap/shave gel or replace the razor. I don't know what works for most women, but I use the same razor for at least a month before I replace. Maybe a little sooner in the summer when I'm shaving every day.

I also tried out some of the new Skintimate limited edition scents. I love these, and I use them all the time. I like that they help me get a close, smooth shave, and they leave my skin moisturized. The newest varieties include Skintimate Signature Scents in Raspberry Rain, Strawberry Tangerine Twist and Flirty Mango. And the new Skintimate Skin Therapy is even better for dry or sensitive skin.

And I was able to use the Schick Quattro for Women Razor. This is my new favorite razor. I like that it's small and compact, but it's sturdy. It's easy to use at home and on the go too. My favorite part is the pivoting head for an easier, closer shave.

Where to buy: All of these products are available from your favorite retailers nationwide.

How to connect: For more information try these sites: facebook.com/schickintuition, twitter.com/schickintuition, quattroforwomen.com, facebook.com/schickquattroforwomen, twitter.com/quattroforwomen and www.skintimate.com.



*Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.*

Winners 8/17/12

I know some of you are anxiously awaiting to hear about winners for some of my giveaways. So sorry that I fell behind on that. The last few weeks have been a bit of a blur. This morning/all-day sickness has really done me in.

Without further ado...the winners.

AllerMates Bracelet

#70 - Marianna

"Happiness is...Team Snoopy" DVD

#178 - Mary Ann

Dove VisibleCare Toning Body Wash

#83 - Jessie

$10 Gift Card to Little Caesars Pizza

#257 - Sml Footprints

Bob the Builder: Adventures by the Sea DVD

#34 - Jennifer


Congrats to all of the winners. You should all have received an email from me with instructions to claim your prizes.

Be sure to get in on the other giveaways going on now. And as always, there are more great giveaways coming your way soon!

Carmex Prize Pack - Ends 8/18
"Big Sky Mountain" by Linda Lael Miller - Ends 8/25

Carmex Sticks & NEW Pomegranate Flavor #Giveaway

This giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner listed below.

Summer sun can make your lips dry and burned. Preparing for a day in the bright sun, you definitely want to protect your lips just like you protect your skin. Just a little bit of SPF and moisture with a Carmex stick can prevent damage and keep you looking great.

The product: I received a Carmex beach tote filled with plenty of Carmex sticks including their very new Pomegranate flavor. Each Carmex stick is make with an ultra-moisturizing formula and SPF15 Water Resistant Sunscreen. They are available in six different flavors: Original, Cherry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Lime Twist and Pomegranate.

What I thought: I enjoy Carmex sticks. They leave my lips feel moisturized and protected. It helps keep them from getting dry in the hot, summer sun. The new Pomegranate flavor has a great smell. It is sweet, yet tart. I like sweet things, but sometimes they are too sweet. This has just the right balance. The Carmex sticks are great for summer outings. It's easy to have one in each bag that you take along, and the Carmex tote is perfect for a day at the beach too.

Where to buy: You can find Carmex sticks in stores everywhere and online too.

How to connect: More about Carmex is available at http://www.mycarmex.com.

Prize: One of you can win the Carmex prize pack like I did (shown above).

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 8/18/12. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: The makers of Carmex contacted me and provided me with products, but the comments/ideas/opinions are my own.*

Wordless Wednesday: Surprise News!

We had some exciting news in the last few weeks….



Yes, indeed! I am pregnant!



And Zachariah’s going to be a BIG BROTHER!

We are all very excited. For those of you who have followed along for a long time, you know we’ve wanted another baby for years (almost 4). We were getting to the point in our lives when we’re about to call it quits. Then surprise! It happens naturally out of the blue. We couldn’t be more excited to be blessed with another baby.

It will be fun to share my adventure here with you. And I’m hoping to pitch for tons of baby products, because we’ve sold or given away most of our baby items at this point.

So, I am 7 (almost 8) weeks pregnant. My due date is March 28th. Thanks for following us in this journey and the rest to come!

Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller #Giveaway

BIG SKY MOUNTAIN

July 2012

The "First Lady of the West," #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, brings you to Parable, Montana-where love awaits. 

With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he's done some growing up-making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can't buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcé Kendra Shepherd. 

Kendra's quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most-a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can't get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.

BIG SKY MOUNTAIN

Linda Lael Miller

HQN Books; July 31, 2012

384 pages; $7.99 U.S./$9.99 CAN.

ISBN-13: 978-0-373-77661-0

www.LindaLaelMiller.com

Here's your chance to read along a little with us in Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller. Be sure to go back and catch up if you want to read some more from this book at http://booktrib.com/booktrib-

blog-tour-nyt-bestselling-author-linda-lael-millers-big-
sky-mountain/.

She was, he told her, the only person on earth he could or would trust with the child.
Kendra wanted nothing so much as a child and, during their brief marriage, Jeffrey had denied her repeated requests to start a family. It was a bitter pill to swallow, learning that he’d refused her a baby and then fathered one with someone else, someone he’d met on a business trip. 

She’d done what Jeffrey asked, not so much for his sake—though she’d loved him once, or believed she did—as for Madison’s. And her own. 

The search hadn’t been an easy one, even with the funds Jeffrey had set aside for the purpose, involving a great deal of web-surfing, phone calls and emails, travel and so many highs and lows that she nearly gave up several times. 

Then it happened. She found Madison. Kendra hadn’t known what she’d feel upon actually meeting her former husband’s child, but any doubts she might have had had been dispelled the moment—the moment—she’d met this cautious, winsome little girl.

And a little from the author, Linda Lael Miller:

When brainstorming your next storyline, do you know whether it will be a trilogy or a stand-alone book? Can you discuss the differences between writing a trilogy or a stand-alone?
I usually think in terms of a series—there are actually six books in the Parable/Big Sky group.  I’ve tried many times to write a stand-alone book—I meant “The Man from Stone Creek” to be one—but I seem to be wired for trilogies.  J Some engaging secondary character always appears, with a story to be told, and the next thing I know, I’m off and running.  Some of my early books—“Fletcher’s Woman” and “Willow” come to mind—were intended as single stories and stayed that way, but the series thing goes back a long way.  My first series was the Corbin books—there were brothers, and an interesting sister, too.  So the first book turned into four.  It’s organic with me—I guess I just think in terms of big, sweeping stories with casts of thousands!

Where to buy: You can find the new Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller on bookshelves in stores and online now.

How to connect: Be sure to check out more from www.LindaLaelMiller.com.

Prize: One of you can win your own copy of Big Sky Mountain.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 8/25/12. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

Wordless Wednesday: Getaway

Matt and I had a little getaway to Shipshewana, IN for our anniversary a week ago. It was a great time for us to just relax together. We stayed at a great little bed & breakfast and enjoyed walking the property and exploring the quaint little town of Shipshewana. It was a refreshing weekend for sure.

Wordless Wednesday: Splash

I had fun with my new camera this week. My sister came over, and we took our boys to the little splash pad here in town. Zachariah and Easton had a blast, and I got some great photos!

Bob the Builder: Adventures by the Sea DVD #Giveaway

This giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner below!

Bob and his Can-Do Crew are making waves and having fun in five new, sea-themed adventures in construction in Bob the Builder: Adventures by the Sea, sailing onto DVD, DIgital Download and On Demand available now from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. From facing fears, correcting mistakes, doing good work and always getting the job done, Bob's the man and when you're on his team, life's a beach!

The product: Bob the Builder and his machine team "sea" lots of new ways to work together to get jobs done in and around Fixham Harbor in these 5 exciting stories. Scoop must make a creative seaside rescue to get the lighthouse lesn shining again! Scratch relizes that admitting mistakes is the best way to be cool; the team comes to the rescue when Muck's sandcastle compromises their big job. Scrambler shows that the key to bravery is admitting your fears. Bob and the Can-Do Crew get the job done and find success by the sea with sand, water, sun and friends!

The episodes include:

• "Scoop's Sea Rescue"
• "Pineapple Scratch"
• "Muck's Beach Tower"
• "Here Comes Muck"
• "Scrambler Gets Clean"

And this DVD includes the bonus features:

• "Digger with a Heart of Gold" Music Video
• "Mixin' It Up" Music Video

What we thought: We've always enjoyed Bob the Builder as a great preschool show. The lessons are good and seeing things being built is exciting no matter how old you are. Zachariah likes Bob and the rest of his crew. This DVD is great because it fits along with all of our summer fun we're having now too.

Where to buy: You can find the Bob the Builder: Adventures by the Sea DVD in stores and online now.

How to connect: Learn more about Bob and the Can-Do Crew at www.bobthebuilder.com. And you can find them on Facebook too.

Prize: One of you can win a copy of the Bob the Builder: Adventures by the Sea DVD.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 8/15/12. It is open to US residents only. You can enter in the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*

Dove "Show Us Your Skin" & VisibleCare Toning Body Wash #Giveaway

This giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner listed below!

We show a bit more skin in the summer. And who doesn't want their skin to look great?! Dove has some great products to help you achieve healthier skin that you'll be happy with.

The product: Dove Body Washes and Beauty Bars give women beautifully soft and smooth skin they will want to show off. Only Dove Body Washes contain NutriumMoisture technology that goes beyond moisturization to nourish skin deep down, so it won't dry out your skin like soap. Dove VisibleCare Toning Creme Body Wash is meant to get your skin into tiptop shape.

Dove wants you to take part in the "Show Us Your Skin" campaign. Just visit http://on.fb.me/
DoveShowUsYourSkin and submit a photo of your skin. You will be on the billboard in Times Square. They have also introduced a "Show Us Your Skin" app to create your own Dove mosaic with your family and friends.

Skin care tips from Jenn Falik:

• Keep hot showers short and sweet. Steaming hot water can really dry out your skin, so convince yourself to enjoy a slightly lukewarm temperature and buy yourself an extra 2 or 3 minutes of blissful bathing.
• Pesky dry elbows? Take a lemon, cut it in half, and lay each half face up on a flat surface. Then, sink your elbows into them. After about 20 seconds, your dry skin will disappear. Added bonus - the subtle citrus fresh scent lingers.
• Be patient. Pat your moisturizer into your skin instead of rubbing it on (better absorbtion, less tugging on the skin_ and give it a good minute to soak into the skin before you move onto the next step of your make up routine.
• Make a difference. Sleeveless season is here, so opt for a body was that will make an actual difference in the way your skin looks - like Dove VisibleCare Body Was. This way, beautiful sking becomes part of your daily shower routine - simple and efficient, two of my favorite words when it comes to beauty.

What I thought:

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Norwegian Cruise Line & The Children's Place

It's time for summer fun! Cool clothes and cool trips are a much this year!

The product: We had the chance to go pick out a "cruise worthy" outfit for Zachariah at The Children's Place. Not only could he look great in this cute summer polo shirt, but if we did take a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line he would have a blast.

Norwegian Cruise Line now offers fun programs for children. Now your whole family can cruise together. Your children ages 6 months through 12 years will enjoy the Splash Academy. They have lots of fun, creative activities to keep kids busy and have a great time on vacation. From crafts to movies there is something for everyone. And for the teens there is the Entourage program where they can participate in theater, fashion, pool parties and more with other kids their age. Parents can relax and have fun, knowing that their kids are having a great time as well.

What we thought: Believe it or not, my son had fun picking out his "cruise worthy" outfit at The Children's Place. He has been wearing a lot of stylish, cute polos this summer, and this new one (pictured above) is nice and relaxed for summer fun. He likes to spruce it up with nice khaki shorts. We found lots of great options at TCP and plenty of sizes to choose from for growing kids.

We did not get to experience a cruise, but we did get a fun beach ball to enjoy.

Where to purchase: You can get a great "cruise worthy" outfit for your kids at any Children's Place stores near you or online at http://www.childrensplace.com. Book your Norwegian Cruise today at http://www2.ncl.com.

How to connect: You can learn more about the great children's programs for Norwegian Cruise Line at http://www2.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/freestyle-family-fun/kids-crew-and-teen-crew.



*I received these products to review. All opinions are my own.*

QRt.co - Create Custom QR Codes for Your Blog

Everywhere you go these days you run into QR codes. If you don't know what a QR code is, you probably are like my and don't own a smart phone. That doesn't mean I don't notice these little codes all over the place. Just try to avoid them when you walk into a store or restaurant. Companies know that this is a quick easy way to get their advertising and information into a customers hands. Most smart cell phone users will make use of QR codes to learn more about a product or place when available. So, why not make your website noticeable and a little more appealing? That's what QRt.co is helping people do.

The product: QRt.co is a website that is a custom QR code generator. Wish you could publicize your blog or website (or product) on a business card or flyer? This is what they help you do. The best part, though, is that it's VERY unique. You can completely customize colors, shapes and more in the design of your QR code. You can even incorporate your own personalized logo.

You develop the code with their easy to use tools online, then when you are finished the product is ready immediately. You can download it and start using it right away. It's yours to print on brochures and business cards or to post on other websites. Or maybe you just want to show off to your friends. With QRt.co you can make your QR logo exactly the way you want it, and with so many options you're sure to find the right thing.

What I thought: I love the idea of creating my own completely customizes QR code. I was thrilled to be able to incorporate some of my blog designs into a code. Now it matches my blog and I can easily print this right on my business cards next time I order some.

The process was very easy. It's simple to log onto QRt.co and get started right away. They have many customization tools, so you can perfect the look of your own code. I used colors that are on my blog and went from there. It was simple and quick. My favorite part is that I could us my blog logo button right on the QR code. Anyone who sees it will know it's mine.

Where to purchase: Just go to QRt.co to get started now. Their pricing is reasonable and clear on their site.



*I received this product for review through Blog Friendly PR. All opinions are my own.*

Little Caesars Pizza #Giveaway

This giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner listed below!

My family loves pizza. It's an easy meal to make or buy every once in a while. Actually as we were making some schedule changes and new traditions last fall, we started having Pizza Nights on Fridays. My son looked forward to that at the end of the week. It was a good way to wind down after a week at school (for my son) and work (for my husband). Plus Zachariah thought it was fun that I let him eat in the living room while we watched a "family" movie when we were eating our pizza.

Since we were having pizza once a week (we've take a break this summer), we had to get creative. Some Friday nights we order out, sometimes we make our own. We've made homemade pizza, pizza bagels and other such things. And we've tried many different pizza places around to have something different each time. One such place we've gotten pizza from several times before is Little Caesars Pizza.

The Product: Little Caesars is handy for those busy days. They have their HOT-N-READY pizzas that you can just stop in and grab to go. You can't beat a yummy and quick pizza. And the prices are right too. A large pepperoni HOT-N-READY pizza is only $5. Or for $8 you can get a large HOT-N-READY 3 Meat Treat pizza with pepperoni, sausage and bacon.

What we thought:

Read more »

Mott's Fruit Flavored Snacks #Giveaway

I don't know about you, but for us summer is a busy time. I'm very thankful right now to be a stay at home mom. Otherwise I don't know how I'd keep up with everything that we do day to day. Even with the busyness, it's been fun. We've had lots of outings and visited neat places. It's fun to be on-the-go, but it requires a little bit of thinking ahead too. You need to make sure you have everything you might need- sunscreen, hats, change to clothing, snacks, drinks and more. Now packing some snacks that my son loves is easy with Mott's Fruit Flavored Snacks.

The product: Now you can get the Mott's taste that kids love in yummy fruit flavored snacks. Available in Assorted Fruit and Berry varieties, Mott's Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks are the ideal blend of great tasting  and quality ingredients that will make both kids and moms happy.

Mott's Medleys Fruit Flavoed Snacks are made with real fruit & vegetable juice (Made with pear, apple and carrot juice concentrate. See package for complete details. Not intended to replace fruit or vegetables in the diet.) And now they are available with year round Double Box Tops for you to help your schools out.

What we thought: Mmmm, the yummy flavors of the new  Mott's Fruit Snacks are great. They are juicy and delicious. We really enjoyed both varieties. These are great to throw into lunches or a bag for a day away. I often keep them handy for playtime at the park or before and after t-ball practices and games. They are a great go-to snack that my whole family enjoys.

Where to buy: You can find Mott's Medley Fruit Flavored Snacks in your local store.

Deal: Right now you can download a printable coupon for $0.60 off the purchase of 1 Mott's Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks today-  http://bit.ly/MottsCoupon.


How to connect: You will find more about Mott's and their products at http://bit.ly/MottsFFS. They are also on Facebook and Twitter too.

Prize: Four (4!) lucky readers will each win a Mott's Medley gift pack, which includes 3 boxes of MOtt's Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks in Assorted Fruit + 3 boxes of Mott's Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks in Berry. (Yes, 4 people will each get 6 boxes of fruit snacks!)

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST 8/2/12. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I received this product, information and gift pack from Mott's free of charge. All opinions are my own.*

Melissa & Doug Suspend Game

My son is 6 years old. He loves games. In the last few years we've had fun finding good games that we can play together and both enjoy. Games that are funny, games that challenge, games with a little competition...they're all good. And there are many good learning opportunities when children are playing games.

The product: A few months ago I saw the neatest looking game in an online newsletter from Melissa & Doug. We love their playthings. We really love their puzzles in this house. And now we're in love with their new game - Suspend.

This game reminds me a little of Jenga (you know the one with the wooden blocks you remove), but instead it uses various sizes of metal rods with grooves. The point is to add a piece one by one until they come tumbling down. You start with a certain number of pieces and play until someone runs outs (they are the winner). 

It's harder than it looks. The little grooves are just enough to hook to other pieces, but sometimes not. It's tricky trying to get certain pieces to stay. And you never know where the other players are going to put their pieces which changes the whole balance of the structure.

What we thought: The first thing I noticed is that Suspend is recommended for ages 8+. My son is 6. At first I could see why this might be a little more difficult for him. The pieces are hard to manipulate and it's a little tougher for him with the hand/eye coordination to get them to go where he wants. But after we played a few times he got a better feel for it, and it was a lot of fun. We really enjoy this new game. It's easy for just two of us to play together. We take turns and try to get all of our pieces to "suspend".

I think this game is great for the whole family. I probably wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 5, but older kids will love this one. And it's pretty fun for parents too. It's fast paced, so you can play over and over or just a quick game when there isn't a lot of time to play. Suspend is one of our new favorites that will stick around for a long time at our house!

Where to buy: You can get Suspend straight from Melissa & Doug's site. It is also available in lots of stores and online many places.

How to connect: Learn more about the game on their website- http://www.melissaanddoug.com/suspend-family-game. And be sure to check out the other great Melissa & Doug toys and games while you're there. You can also find M&D on Twitter and Facebook.

*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

Wordless Wednesday - New Camera

Look what arrived at my house yesterday! I'm so excited! I can't wait to learn more about it and start taking awesome photos. Anyone else with a DSLR want to offer pointers?

“Happiness Is…Peanuts: Team Snoopy” DVD #Giveaway

This giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner listed below!

Cartoons are a great part of every childhood. I have good memories of cartoons I watched on Saturday mornings as a kid. My son now has his favorites too. But once in a while I can pass along a favorite of mine to my son. Peanuts is one of these cartoons that I've enjoyed introducing my son to.

The product: Happiness is...Peanuts: Team Snoopy is a video collection of some of the Peanuts gang greatest sports moments. Here's a little more about this DVD:

HAPPINESS IS…PEANUTS™: TEAM SNOOPY
AN ALL-NEW COLLECTION
FEATURING HILARIOUS SPORTS-THEMED ADVENTURES
WITH THE ENTIRE PEANUTS GANG
IS AVAILABLE ON DVD
MAY 8, 2012
FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO 

Release Includes Television Special Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown 

BURBANK, CA (February 16, 2012) – It’s a grand slam hit with Charlie Brown and Snoopy in Warner Home Video’s DVD release of Happiness is…Peanuts™: Team Snoopy, the all new animated, sports-themed Peanuts collection available May 8, 2012.Happiness is…Peanuts™: Team Snoopy is the newest installment of the Happiness is…Peanuts™ collection. This title pairs the TV special Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown with an episode from The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show on one disc.  This title will retail for $14.97 SRP. 

Batter up with Peanuts and celebrate their greatest sports moments in Happiness is…Peanuts™: Team Snoopy. For Charlie Brown, a new baseball season equals new hopes of winning. Unfortunately, one player just isn’t measuring up, which makes the team decide that Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown. This delightful special finds Charlie Brown trading his teammate, Lucy for Marcie, one of Peppermint Patty’s players in hopes this will finally end his losing streak. Will Marcie lead Charlie Brown’s team to victory? More importantly, will Peppermint Patty have the patience to tolerate Lucy and her antics? 

Viewers will then suit up for a triple-header of laughs with The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show. The three featured segments available on DVD for the first time include, The Pelicans, which finds Charlie Brown getting stuck with mascot duties while Peppermint Patty is on the road to victory with her baseball team. In Great Pumpkin, the Peanuts gang visits the bowling alley in hopes of teaching Charlie Brown a new sport with hilarious results. In Spike, it’s game on as the neighborhood cat meets his match when Snoopy’s older brother Spike trots into town.  It’s time to catch the winning spirit and share these tales with your teammates! 

“With summer on the way Happiness is…Peanuts™: Team Snoopy is the perfect way to celebrate having fun outdoors with sports and activities,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WHV Executive Marketing Director of Family & Animation Franchise. She added, “We are delighted to add another title to the growing Happiness is…Peanuts™ collection, which offers consumers great value with one Peanuts television special along with an episode from the Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show. It’s a must own title for Peanuts fans and anyone who loves classic animation.” 

What we thought:

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"One Breath Away" by Heather Gudenkauf Blog Tour

ONE BREATH AWAY

By

HEATHER GUDENKAUF

July 2012

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf follows the phenomenal success of her first two books with her most emotionally charged novel yet. ONE BREATH AWAY (Harlequin MIRA; July 2012; $15.95 U.S./$18.95 CAN.) is a gripping story of a small town caught in the midst of a deadly crisis, as experienced from the points of view of five different people.

On a bitter March day, as a sudden snowstorm envelops the small town of Broken Branch, Iowa, an unknown man with a gun enters the town’s only school and takes a classroom of children hostage. As awareness of the situation spreads, the panicked community is ready to do anything to protect their children, but can only watch and wait.

As a teacher with a long career behind her, Evelyn Oliver is ready to enjoy retirement with her loving husband. But now, faced with a crazy man armed with a gun, terrorizing her classroom, she’d rather die than fail to protect any of her students. But why is he doing this? Evelyn’s been scouring her mind but doesn’t recognize the intruder. Maybe one of the students is the key?

Holly Thwaite left Broken Branch and her family behind without a word eighteen years ago, vowing never to return. But after a debilitating accident leaves her recovering in a hospital in Arizona, she’s forced to send her children to her hometown to be looked after by their grandfather, the man she never wanted them to meet. Will Thwaite never understood why his estranged daughter, Holly, ran away all those years ago. But now that her children are in his care, he refuses to fail his daughter again. One way or another, Will is going to get his grandkids, P.J. and Augie, out of that school safely even if he has to go in and get them himself.  What Will doesn’t know is that thirteen-year-old Augie is just as determined to rescue her little brother from the killer and help her classmates, even if it means putting herself in the crosshairs of the gunman.

Police officer Meg Barrett wants to know who the intruder is and why he’s doing this. Whoever it is, there’s no excuse for this. Meg should know. She’s had plenty of hardships herself. But with innocent lives at stake, Meg is prepared to risk her own life to save these hostages, although it means disobeying orders and taking on the gunman face-to-face.

As the standoff progresses and the snowstorm rages outside, anxiety and frustration start to build to dangerous levels. But everyone knows how precarious the situation is. One wrong move, even a breath, could have the most devastating of consequences.

Heather Gudenkauf is the author of the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling novels The Weight of Silence and These Things Hidden. She lives in Iowa with her family. Visit her website, HeatherGudenkauf.com.

Book Excerpt:

The only sounds in the classroom are the scratch of pencils on paper and Erika’s annoying sniffles; she always has a runny nose and gets up twenty times a day to get a tissue. “I don’t care if I ever see snow or cows ever again.

 You can find more excerpts at http://booktrib.com/booktrib-blog-tour-nyt-bestselling-author-heather-gudenkaufs-one-breath-away-one-school-one-gunman-your-child/.

Guest Blog: 

What draws you to write suspenseful women’s fiction?

I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a child – yes, I was one of those kids who did a fist pump whenever the teacher assigned a writing project -but as is typical with most writers, I was and am, first and foremost an avid reader. As a child my favorite place in the world was our public library and I spent as much time as possible with my nose in a book. I loved mysteries and plowed my way through all the Encyclopedia Brown and Nancy Drew Mystery books. One of my favorite mystery series growing up was The Boxcar Children which I recently learned was originally published in 1924. I read all the books that were available when I was a child, and again as an adult I read them to my own children with enthusiasm. Who can resist a story about a tight knit set of orphaned siblings, an abandoned boxcar, a dog, and the mystery surrounding a long lost grandfather?

As I got older, I continued to enjoy mystery and suspense novels but my interests expanded to a variety of genres, including books that explored the intricacies of the human heart: Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio, Elizabeth Berg’s Pull of the Moon, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and so many more. I’ve always admired the way writers could take meaway to different places and times through the written word. I knew I wanted to try my hand at writing but didn’t sit down and seriously begin until after I was married and had my children.  But when I did, I remembered all the stories and books I’ve read through the years, remembered how deftly authors could arrange the words on a page to be suspenseful, heart wrenching, or heart-warming – to evoke all varieties of emotion. My hope is to do the same for my readers.

My Review:
I really enjoyed One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf. This story unfolds in the midst of a big problem. As the story unfolds, you hear from different characters their perspectives and reflections of their own lives. I enjoyed the way this was written. It really involves you in the story and makes each character a little more relatable. This is a must read for this summer.






*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

"Finding Emma" by Steena Holmes

These are the things that keep mothers up at night. We want to do everything in our power to guide and protect our children. But sometimes....it's just not enough.

The product: Finding Emma by Steena Holmes is a story about a family's tragic loss and subsequent journey. Everyone deals with a loss in a different way, but for this family there is still a little hope since their little girl was kidnapped.

Megan sees her daughter Emma everywhere. She’s the little girl standing in the supermarket, the child waiting for the swings at the playground, the girl with ice cream dripping down her face. But it’s never Emma. 

Because Emma’s been missing for two years. 

Unable to handle the constant heartache of all the false sightings, Megan’s husband threatens to walk away unless Megan can agree to accept Emma is gone. Megan’s life and marriage is crumbling all around her and she realizes she may have to do the thing she dreads most: move on. 

When Megan takes a photo of a little girl with an elderly couple at the town fair, she believes it to be her missing daughter. Unable to let go, she sets in motion a sequence of events that could destroy both families lives.

What I thought: While this book was sad, the sad part is out of the way at the beginning. Most of the book is about the family trying to get back to life as normal after the disappearance of their precious daughter. From feeling fault to still seeing the girl in crowds, each member of the family deals with their feelings differently. But there is always a little feeling of hope in this family.

I really enjoyed this book, mostly because I can relate to the mother a little. Of course I've never been in a terrible circumstance like this, but I can only imagine. Her emotions make sense to me. She never gives up hope in finding her daughter again. Don't let this lead you to believe this book is just sad. It's not. There is some hope, and as the story unravels you'll be drawn right in.

Where to buy: Finding Emma is now available for purchase in stores and online.

How to connect: You can learn more about this book, the characters and the author at http://www.steenaholmes.com/. The story even continues a bit, and you can follow it on this site. You can also hear more from author - Steena Holmes - on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.



*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*