Tuesday, November 27, 2012

MyMemories Suite v4 is here!



Back by Popular Demand


For a limited time only!!!  50% off valid until November 28th!
What’s New in v4

This upgrade can be purchased for $19.97  $9.97
This special pricing is available only until November 28th.

Copy and Paste this Promo codev4eCyber



MyMemories Suite v4 includes everything in previous versions and more!

New photo tiling, photo ripping, new paint tool, enhanced text, shape and word art 
tools, and 15 designer templates including 210 backgrounds, 753 embellishments 
and 587 monograms all created by designers from the MyMemories Design Store.

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**DISCLOSURE: Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Monday, November 26, 2012

Onion Crunch - Review and GIVEAWAY!



Have you seen Loeb's Onion Crunch yet?
Onion Crunch is a new crunchy, onion condiment and the only all-natural kosher (parve), vegan and non-gmo, crunchy onion topping in the US - and it tastes great! 
It’s a great healthy topping for holiday green bean casseroles, mashed potatoes, veggies and stuffing (plus hot dogs, pizza and hamburgers!) Kids even eat their vegetables when Onion Crunch is sprinkled on them.
I received a sample of Onion Crunch to try and our whole family loved it! The smell was amazing - very fresh - and the ingredient list impressed me: onions, palm oil, wheat flour, and salt!

We continue to weed out the processed foods, and I was pleased to see how natural (and non-gmo) Onion Crunch is!

I tested the yummy smelling topping with Onion Crunch Chicken:


Sometimes simple is the best...and Onion Crunch Chicken was some of the BEST chicken I've ever eaten. It was so moist and flavorful! My husband, who admittedly thinks I'm a pretty good cook, grabbed leftovers the next day and said to me, 'Hey! I had some of that oniony chicken you made and...WOW.'

Yes, it was really that good. So simple. So good!

I've already seen Onion Crunch in my local grocery store, but if you can't find it, you can buy it online HERE. You can also have a chance to try Onion Crunch FREE by entering to WIN a 6 oz bottle below (open to US residents only)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Barrie, from Onion Crunch, for sending me product samples to review and give away!

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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Saturday, November 17, 2012

A Home in Drayton Valley by Kim Vogel Sawyer



A dream of a better life...
A tragedy aboard a wagon train...
A tentative agreement...
Will it lead to love for two seeking hearts?

If you’re a regular reader of my book reviews, you’ll know that Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors. Her style is relaxed and natural, and every story evokes emotion (I usually cry somewhere in every one of her books)!

As I said, Kim’s style is relaxed and natural. I don’t find her stories overly exciting or surprising (no big twists and turns or mysteries) - but that’s not a bad thing.

Instead of heart pounding page turning, Kim’s writing just gives me sweet satisfaction as the story takes place. From the very first pages, I am always drawn right into the story, easily relating to the characters and making me feel like I’m reading about friends.

I was able to review A Home in Drayton Valley, courtesy of Bethany Book Reviewers, and it was just what I expected from Kim: a sweetly satisfying story!

Joss and Mary Brubacher are struggling in NYC - physically, financially, and spiritually. When a way is made for them to travel west, Joss packs up his family and reluctantly includes his wife’s friend, Tarsie.

On the journey, Tarsie does her best to nurse Mary, as well as tend to the Brubacher’s young children. However, the unthinkable still occurs, but not before Mary elicits a serious promise from Tarsie. A promise that Joss doesn’t really care about. All he really cares about is himself.

Enter Simon...and Ruth (loved them)!

You’ll have to read the rest! ;-)

If you’ve read and enjoyed Janette Oke, you will love A Home in Drayton Valley - and any of Kim’s other books.

Thank you to Kim and Bethany House for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.

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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Chuao Chocolate Review - available at select Target locations!!



There's chocolate.

And then there's CHOCOLATE.

I had the opportunity to taste 3 of Chuao's chocolate bars: the Firecracker, Honeycomb, and Potato Chip bars...

YUM.

Although the main ingredient is a creamy, smooth, rich-tasting chocolate, each bar definitely has its own distinct personality.
The Firecracker includes chipotle pepper, sea salt, and pop rocks!! I know the pepper and chocolate thing has been around for awhile, but this was the first time I've actually tasted it! And you know what?! It's amazing! The flavors compliment each other perfectly! The Firecracker bar, for me, wasn't one I could gobble up in one sitting, though. The spiciness held me back a bit and allowed me to savor small bites at a time. But it was definitely delicious (and something you should try)!

The Potato Chip bar was also new to me. Again, been around...but hadn't tried. Although not as surprising to my taste buds as the Firecracker bar, how can you go wrong with the classic salty and sweet mixture? It was very good, similar in texture to a crisp-rice type of candy bar.

I think the Honeycomb bar was my favorite. The very small crispy crunch of the caramelized honey added just the right amount of sweetness and interest to the dark chocolate. It was excellent.


You can order these chocolate bars, along with many other flavors, right from Chuao's website...or check out your local Target! The Firecracker, Potato Chip, and Honeycomb bars are now available at select Target locations!

On the side of each package, you will see: indulge often. These Chuao chocolate bars definitely felt like an indulgence. The perfect chocolate bar to treat yourself (often!)...or a wonderful gift to any chocolate lover!

Thank you to Travis and Echo Media for sending me the product to review!

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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Monday, November 12, 2012

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano



Today, CFBA introduces A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

MY THOUGHTS:
I had a hard time getting into this book. I couldn’t connect the characters with the 1880 time frame. I think the author was trying to keep things high-spirited and fun, but it only made the characters seem too modern, both in speech and actions (such as the overuse of ‘snorting,’ eye-rolling, and under-the-breath muttering in supposed women of refinement - and I couldn’t imagine any high society woman of that era having trousers on, even under a skirt)!

Although, that’s the beauty of fiction - the author is limited only by her imagination, and the story can be far from realistic. Those looking for a light, more comedic read will enjoy Eliza’s antics in trying to recover her stolen inheritance - with the help of Agatha and the Beckett brothers - but, I prefer a more serious historical tale - devoid of snorting.

AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book:
A Change Of Fortune

Thank you to Jen and Bethany House through CFBA for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.

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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Sunday, November 11, 2012

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs



Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books, I was able to read A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Wrapped in a cloud of steam, the engine rolled to a stop, the screech of metal against metal filling the frosty air. Snow blew across the railway platform and around Meg’s calfskin walking boots. The weather definitely was not improving.

She ordered tea with milk and sugar, eying the currant buns and sweet mincemeat tarts displayed beneath a bell jar.
Later, perhaps, when her appetite returned. At the moment her stomach was twisted into a knot.

“Anything else for you?” the cashier asked as she handed over the tea, steaming and fragrant.

Meg was surprised to find her fingers trembling when she lifted the cup. “All I want is a safe journey home.”

“On a day like this?” the round-faced woman exclaimed. “None but the Almighty can promise you that, lass.”

MY THOUGHTS:
I don’t usually read Christmas-themed books, but A Wreath of Snow's beautiful, wintery front cover and the teaser on the back made my decision!

With her brother’s bitterness overshadowing what should be a joyful time, Meg tries to cut her Christmas visit home short. Unfortunately, snow...and a stranger...change her plans. But secrets are hidden by more than just the not-so-stranger and will make this Christmas one to remember!

A Wreath of Snow is a short, quick read, but full of emotion. The characters struggle within themselves to extend mercy and forgiveness to those around them. With snow, Scottish brogues, and a little curling, A Wreath of Snow is the perfect story for a cozy-up kind of afternoon.

It’s only November, but after closing the book, I was in a Christmas-y mood! If my children had begged to put up the tree, they may have convinced me that day! ;-) Instead, using the recipe that Liz includes in the back of the book, I gathered up some butter, sugar, and flour and whipped up a batch of Scottish Shortbread. Light and buttery: Mmmmm!

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Sift confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and flour together in a bowl. Add softened butter, using your hands to knead the mixture into dough. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for no longer than 30 minutes.

Press cold dough into the bottom of a greased 8x8 pan (round or square; glass is best). Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned.

Sprinkle granulated sugar across the top. Cool completely, then cut into 8 servings.



AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book HERE.

Thank you to Liz and Blogging for Books for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.

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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

WIN IT! Chuao Chocolatier's Sweet Makeover!



Very, very few people can say NO to chocolate! ;-)

Chuao Chocolatier is Giving Away a Sweet Makeover

Enter to Win a $1,000 Designer Shopping Spree and
Other Fabulous Prizes!

Don’t settle for waxy, boring chocolate. You deserve the very best! Chuao is giving America a chocolate makeover with their handcrafted, all-natural gourmet goodies, now available in select Target stores and specialty retailers nationwide. To celebrate, they are launching a Sweet Makeover sweepstakes and offering YOU the chance to win a $1,000 designer shopping spree on Shopbop.com, along with many other crave-worthy prizes!

To enter, simply like Chuao’s Facebook page where you can then enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win the $1,000 designer shopping spree.  But Chuao's not stopping there, check out these fabulous prizes they are giving away each week:

  • A one-year subscription to Birchbox ($120 value)
  • A Broscato Vibrastrait flat iron ($150 value)
  • Philosophy Miracle Worker Collection ($190 value)
  • Clarisonic Mia2 Skin Cleansing System ($150 value)
  • Gourmet Chuao chocolate ($180 value)

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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free sample product in exchange for sharing this giveaway information with my readers via Echo Media Group. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**
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