The best present EVER!!

Yesterday was my birthday.  I'm not a huge fan of birthdays, and even less a fan of presents.  I'm not really sure why.  Perhaps it's because one thing I hate more than anything is being the center of attention.  But this year I received the best present EVER!  My oldest daughter made me a book.  You'll see as we move further into this journey how much I love books.  But this wasn't just any kind of book.  It was a book all about me!  She titled it 100 Reasons . . .

 

 It was a list of 100 things that she loves about me.  Now, seriously, what parent of a teenager thinks their child could come up with 100 things?  That being said, my daughter is not really your typical teen.  She doesn't talk back, disobey, or be respectful.  In fact, I don't think we even got in any kind of disagreement until a couple years ago.  And even then, it wasn't severe. I won't bore you with the whole list of 100, but here are some of my favorite:

I can talk to you about anything.

You're sensitive to my being sensitive.

You help me learn to love myself.

You always remind me that everything happens for a reason.

You taught me what real beauty is.

You don't get mad when I butcher vegetables when we are making dinner.

You've shared your love of books with me.

You say sorry even when it's hard.

You've helped me learn how to be independent.

What a great kid!  She's such a blessing in my life.

   

 Now, you are probably wondering how all of this applies to you, right?  I'm sure that each of you have people in your life who give you compliments, or tell you good things about yourself.  A few months ago, I started a folder in my email titled, "Feel Good Emails." Anytime I receive something that uplifts my spirit, whether it's directed specifically at me, or just feel good information, I drop it into that folder.  I even move all my favorite text messages into it.  On days when I need a pick-me-up, I read through that folder.  Sounds kind of hokey, but it really helps!  Try it and let me know how it works.

What do you do on days when you need your spirits lifted?

Deal of the Day - 3D Photos!

Your Photos...now in 3D! 

 

Today's deal features one of the hottest trends right now...3D photo gifts from Snapily! These are not your typical greeting card. Instead, Snapily uses lenticular printing that simulate 3D effects and animated images! These products are not available anywhere else and feature two of the most unique offerings...  

1) Personalized 3D products...no glasses required. The images on the page jump out at you! 

2) Animated /Motion photo gifts...where 2 images are displayed in the space of a single picture. This is great for before /after, siblings, naughty/nice, and when you can't decide which picture you love best! 

 

This is your chance to stock up on these great products! From greeting cards, t-shirts and even ornaments and a GREAT price!   

  

 Today's Deal of the Day: $9 for $20 of products at Snapily.com 

  

*Deal will end 10/5/11 at 11:59pm MST

*Shipping not included  
*Coupon valid for 6 months from purchase date

*Limit of 3

*One coupon redeemable per transaction


What a fun way to send your Christmas cards this year!  Click here to order yours now.

The Story of My Life

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson

Chapter 1

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in
I am lost . . . I am helpless
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3

I walk down the same street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in . . . it’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5

I walk down another street.

Luckily, I think I'm in Chapter 4.  I can't wait to see what Chapter 5 brings!

Book Review: The Alias

Author: Mandi Tucker Slack

Genre: Suspense

Authors' Website: http://heyyouslackers.blogspot.com/

About the Book:

Jacey Grayson is an average, young, divorced mother struggling to build a new life for her son, Blaze.  But when the FBI discloses some disturbing information about her ex-husband, Jacey's life becomes anything but average.  At the risk of losing her identity, her future, and her heart, Jacey and Blaze flee to Utah, hoping to hide and start over once again.  But no matter how far she runs or who she pretends to be, her past is always lurking nearby, bringing old fears with it.  Thrilling action and a suspenseful plot make this novel an edge-of-your-seat read.

My opinion:

I was very interested in reading The Alias.  It tackles the subject of domestic abuse, which is what my 2010 release, I'll Know You by Heart, was about.  It's always interesting to see how another author approaches a similar type of story.

The Alias is a true-to-life look at the emotions and fears that are inevitable as someone tries to escape an abusive situation.  I loved Jacey's character and found myself empathizing with her situation.  Mandi did a great job with pacing throughout this story.  The book catches your attention in the very first chapter and is hard to put down.

I appreciated the growth evident in Jacey and her son, Blaze.  Their experiences as they carved a new life for themselves were realistic and touching.  As a mother, I understood Jacey's desire to protect her son at all costs.  If you like a story that includes some heart-racing suspense as well as personal growth of the characters, I highly recommend The Alias.

To learn more about Mandi Tucker Slack, please visit her website.  The Alias is available for purchase on Amazon.  The Kindle edition is only $3.99 which is a great price for an LDS book!

Book Review: The Key of Kilenya

Author: Andrea Pearson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Authors' Website: http://www.kilenyaseries.com

About the Book:

When two vicious wolves chase fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark down a path from our world into another, his life is forever changed.  He has no idea they have been sent by the Lorkon--evil, immortal beings who are jealous of powers he doesn't know he possesses--powers they desire to control.
The inhabitants of the new world desperately need Jacob's help in recovering a magical key that was stolen by the Lorkon and is somehow linked to him.  If he helps them, both our world and theirs will be in danger.  The Lorkon will stop at nothing to unleash the power of the key--and Jacob's special abilities.

My Review:

I was excited to get the opportunity to read this debut novel from author, Andrea Pearson.  Let me preface my comments by saying that I'm not a huge fan of fantasy.  I think it's because I don't like thinking outside the box and having to keep all the details of another, unfamiliar, world straight in my head.

The Key of Kilenya was a refreshing change of pace from my normal reading.  While it did involve a new world, and a variety of strange characters, it also included references to things with which I am familiar, like the NBA, cell phones, etc., so it was easier for me to relate to the story , and especially the main character, Jacob.  He was no different than any other 14 year old I know.   Okay, there are a few significant differences, but I'll let you discover those for yourself by reading the book.

I'm always amazed at the ingenuity of fantasy writers because my mind just does not think that way.  Andrea included many very creative elements in her book, like the glowing blue ring fingers, bears with human hands, mud bubbles, and more.

In my opinion, the Key of Kilenya is perfect for the younger YA reader.  It's a story full of adventure and twists and turns.  As a mother, it's refreshing to know there are authors writing fantasy, like The Key of Kilenya, that is not dark and depressing.  And now that I'm done with it, I can't wait to turn it over to my son.

If you'd like to learn more about Andrea Pearson and her upcoming books in this fun series, please visit her website.

The Key of Kilenya can be purchased here.

Deal of the Day!

What's at the bottom of your purse, backpack or laptop bag? Probably everything but the kitchen sink! Today's deal eliminates the "fumbling around your purse trying to find your lipstick/lotion/bandaid" problem!  

 

PAK (Personal Accessories Kit) comes LOADED with all the must have essentials that YOU need.  

Each PAK comes stocked with personal-care products and first-aid accessories, all designed to fit inside convenient kits sized for suitcases, gym bags, and purses. Available in three sizes and two colors, the PAK can carry myriad grooming trinkets, each slotted into its own retaining loop to prevent clutter, spillage, and inter-accouterment mingling.

  

 

More than 30 items come in the largest PAK ($50), from tweezers and nail clippers to bandages and a set of five miniature toiletry bottles. The vessels come prefilled-with body mist, hair spray, lotion, hand sanitizer, and breath spray-but boast screw tops and wide openings for easy refilling with your favorite products!  

   

The midsize mini PAK ($40) stows 23 goodies, and the wallet-sized micro PAK ($30) holds 16 on-the-go essentials. All three models feature a transparent window, perfect for displaying a driver's license or a wallet-size snapshot!  

 Today's Deal of the Day: $25 for $50 at thePAKstore.com

Click here to make a purchase or learn more!

That means you can SNAG these MUST have kits for 50% off! These are PERFECT gifts for the holiday season...from your hard to buy for mother-in-law, to your babysitter...everyone NEEDS a PAK of their own! And with three different sizes, there is a PAK for everyone!

*Deal will end 9/30/11 at 11:59pm MST

*Offer valid only to address in the U.S.

*Refill (RePAK) items not included in promotion 

*Shipping not included
*Texas Residents 8.25% sales tax at checkout

Book Review: Hang 'Em High

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Authors' Website: http://www.tristipinkston.com

About the Book:

When Ida Mae Babbitt receives an invitation to visit her son Keith's dude ranch in Montana, she's excited to mend their broken relationship, but not so excited about spending time with cows. Arlette and Tansy go along with her, ready to take a vacation that does not involve dead bodies or mysteries of any sort - one must have a break from time to time. But it seems a no-good scoundrel has moseyed into Dodge City and is bent on causing all sorts of trouble for the ranch. Unable to keep her curiosity in check - especially when it seems her own son is the most likely culprit - Ida Mae decides to investigate. Can she lasso the varmint and get him to the sheriff in time?

My Review:
First of all, for those who don't already know, a cozy mystery is a book involving a crime solver (generally a woman) who is an amateur sleuth.  It usually takes place in a small setting where the suspects know each other, and with characters you could envision as neighbors or friends.  The amateur sleuth is a likable character who is usually not taken very seriously.  Cozies are often written in a series, giving the reader time to fall in love with the characters.  Tristi Pinkston has accomplished all of this and more in her Secret Sisters mystery series.

Hang 'Em High is the third book in the series.  It's a fun read as Ida Mae and her cohorts, Arlette and Tansy, visit a Montana dude ranch.  In no time at all, they're sleuthing around trying to solve a mystery before it's too late.

The reader can't help falling in love with these little old ladies and their hilarious antics as they unknowingly gets themselves into difficult situations.  The book is humorous, and I found myself chuckling throughout the entire thing.  Hang 'Em High also includes some tender moments between Ida Mae and her son, Keith.  I think this is what made it my favorite book in the series so far, as it added depth to the story.

Tristi Pinkston is an outstanding author.  She has a well-developed voice and is an expert at characterization.   Throw in her amazing sense of humor, and you'll wish her stories extended far beyond the last page.  But lucky for you, there are two more books in the series which will be published soon.

Hang 'Em High can be purchased online at Deseret Book or Amazon.

Tristi is seriously one of the most talented people I know.  Not only is she a succesful author, but she's the mother of four beautiful children whom she homeschools, a cheerleader (no, not the short skirt and pom-poms kind) and friend, and the most awesome editor around!  I know because she was mine.  If you are a writer or know one, please read the details about Tristi's contest below.  She's giving away an amazing prize.

Contest Details:

To celebrate the release of Tristi's eighth book, she's holding a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered into a drawing for a free manuscript evaluation, done by Tristi Pinkston Editing http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com In fact, you can leave comments on all the blogs participating in this virtual book tour! Go to Tristi Pinkston's blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com for a list. The deadline is October 5th at midnight MST. If you win and you're not a writer, you can give this evaluation to a friend.