The Three Lost Kids - #Book Blogger Sign Up

Recently I was introduced to the writing of Kimberly Kinrade. She has this great children's series (ages 6-9) called The Three Lost Kids. The series includes Lexi World, Bella World, Maddie World and the latest The Death of the Sugar Fairy, just in time for Halloween the girls - Lexi, Bella and Maddie are on a mission to save the Sugar Fairy and Halloween. The Three Lost Kids Death of the Sugar Fairy Review

Kimberly Kinrade has a new book about to be released in the series and I am very excited to be part of the Book Tour. This book is just in time for Christmas and will send the girls on another adventure. Blurb and sign up below.

The Three Lost Kids & The Christmas Curse (Book #5)

Christmas everyday sounds like the best thing ever to Bella and her sisters. But when a special Wishing Stone grants her heart's desire, The Three Lost Kids discover the curse hidden in the wish. 

Now they have to stop Christmas no matter what--even if that means ending up on Santa's Naughty List. 

Will the girls learn the true meaning of Christmas and find a way to break the curse? Or will they be stuck in their self-created Jingle Bells Nightmare forever? 

Be part of the Review Blitz! Signs are open and the tour will begin November 26th,2012. Fill in the form to be part of the Review Blitz.

Check out ThreeLostKids.com for more information on each book and resources for parents and kids. 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Pillsbury Chocolatey Crescents #LMDConnector

Every Thanksgiving, Christmas and well any other day that I could get my hands on a roll of Pillsbury Crescent rolls as a kid was a happy meal. I love Pillsbury crescents! Who doesn't? There are many different ways to use them and they are fabulous just warm out of the oven with butter.

I am excited that Pillsbury has added a new crescent to the line of super simple but super tasty treats - Chocolatey crescents! These are a genius idea for people like me who love carbs and chocolate - they are stuffed with delicious chocolate and then drizzled with more.

What a great way to start off the day before sending the kids off to school or how about a weekend morning with some yogurt and fruit.  I know I wouldn't have to ask my kids twice to sit and eat before they are late for the bus.

The kids and I decided we would try them out one night for an after dinner treat. They helped with the rolling them up and helped drizzle chocolate on top when they were out of the oven. I think next time I will cut a smaller hole as we found it a bit difficult to get a nice drizzle. Maybe we will also warm it in a bowl of warm water before using also. Our chocolate was still pretty cool. Other than that they went over well with the whole family! I know we will be adding these to our grocery list often. They are also a great after school snack as they are quick and easy and my kids love to help make their food. 

Of course no photo of them with the chocolate on top because they were consumed way too fast! Have you tried the new Pillsbury Chocolatey Crescents? How do you like them? 

Check out Life Made Delicious for great ideas for all meals and snacks. "Like" Life Made Delicious on Facebook and watch for exciting news and coupons!

 
~*Disclosure – I am participating in the Life Made Delicious Ambassador Program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.*~

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Top 5 Great Alternative Uses For Aspirin - Guest Post

Most people will have been given Aspirin at one time or another while they were growing up. It is
possibly one of the oldest and most widely used 'pain-killers' in the world. Our ancestors used plant
extracts from Willow Bark or Spiraea to treat fevers, headaches and various pains. These plants
contain salicylic acid which is the active ingredient found in aspirin also known as acetylsalicylic acid.

But easing aches and pains is not all aspirin can be used for, some truly novel uses have been
found, that could send you reaching for the aspirin bottle rather than some of the more expensive
commercially available alternatives.

Aspirin for Some Personal Problems

There are not many women, who do not colour their hair these days, but many blondes find that
swimming has an adverse affect on their fair locks. The chlorine used in pools can affect blonde or
fair hair tinting it green. It is possible to restore your hair to its former glory by rubbing a solution of
six to eight aspirin, dissolved in warm water, into your hair leaving it for ten to fifteen minutes then
rinsing out.

Finding that you have dandruff is bad enough but when you start using the special shampoos to
correct the problem you find that they can affect the condition of your hair. Using two aspirins
crushed to a fine powder and added to a squeeze of your normal shampoo, each time you wash
your hair, may help to keep it under control. Rub the shampoo into the hair and leave for a couple of
minutes before rinsing well and repeating the wash with just the shampoo.

Older women and some men, can still get the odd pimple or two even though they are well passed
puberty. A possible solution would be to crush an aspirin into a fine powder and making it into a
paste with a drop or two of water, then applying the paste to the pimple. Leave the paste on for a
few minutes then wash it off with soap and water. It is said to reduce redness and dull the pain. The
procedure may need to be repeated a few times until the pimple has completely gone.

Aspirin as a Laundry Treatment

We all know how hard it is to remove those embarrassing yellow perspiration marks from white
or light coloured clothing when bleaching is not always an option. Soak the affected section of the
garment for two to three hours in a solution of two aspirin crushed to a fine powder and mixed
with half a cup of warm water. Then launder as normal. When aspirin was under pharmaceutical development they could never have envisaged what other uses the tablet would be put to.

Aspirin the Household Helper

A vase of cut flowers add a bright spot to the house and we all like them to last as long as possible.
Friends and family, when you talk to them, will be able to give you a list of things to add to the
flower water to make roses and cut flowers last longer. Putting a crushed aspirin in the water before
placing the flowers in the vase and changing the water every couple of days is a well known remedy.

Today's Guest Post was written by Sophie Banat, MSc graduate in Psychology. Interested in health, beauty and fashion. Tweets @Scramboodle.

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The Three Lost Kids - #BookReview & #Giveaway

Halloween is here and Lexie, Bella and Maddie couldn't be happier. But why does everything feel so different? Fewer houses are decorated and fewer kids are out trick-or-treating. Still, that's not going to stop the three girls from eating as much candy as they can before their parents can stop them, even if that means fighting each other for it.

When they finally discover a haunted house worthy of their favorite holiday, they forget their parents' warnings and go in alone, only to discover that the house really is haunted, and not only that, but they've been transported to a whole different world!

A dying Sugar Fairy in one of the abandoned rooms send them on a quest to find her Sugar Baby and the magic Sugar Flower in order to save her and Halloween. If they fail, Halloween will be gone forever, and they'll never return to their family.

But with Sugar Bug attacks, the Cavity Caves where they must face their deepest fears, and giant gummy bears armed with candy cane swords, the girls aren't sure they'll make it.

Their only chance is to work together, using each of their strengths to help each other. Can they stop fighting over candy long enough? Or will they be trapped in the dying Sugar Land forever?

Purchase on Amazon for $2.99  

About the author

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for children, YA and adults and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal novels Forbidden Mind and Forbidden Fire and her illustrated children's fantasy chapter books Lexie World, and Bella World, all on Amazon.

She lives with her three little girls who think they're ninja princesses with super powers, her two dogs who think they're humans and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner. 

· Website  http://KimberlyKinrade.com 
· Twitter: @KimberlyKinrade 
· IPI Twitter: @IPIAcademy 
· Facebook: /KimberlyKinrade 
· IPI Facebook: /IPIAcademy

  
My thoughts - This is a book geared towards 6-9 year old. After reading it I really look forward to sitting down with my kids and reading the whole series with them. Kimberly's writing is easy to follow with enough descriptions to be able to get to know each character and the scene that is happening but not too much that you would lose a 6 year old in it. It has easy to read words and a great story line for kids especially to read just before Halloween. 

The book follows three sisters, Bella, Lexi and Maddie on their Halloween treat or treating with their parents. Maddie also shares her birthday on Halloween which makes Halloween extra special time. They find not many houses are decorated for Halloween or handing out candy until they find this really decked out house that is spooky. They are invited in and accept the offer even though they know they shouldn't. They then meet the Sugar Fairy who is really sick and needs to rescue her baby in the sugar flower. She sends the girls out to find her baby and bring her back. After doing this they will have saved the sugar fairies and Halloween. Without the Sugar Fairy there will be no Halloween. It was a fun adventure and at the end of the book there are discussion question to talk to your children with. I love that each book has a lesson for the kids to learn from and being able to talk about it with their parents or teacher etc.

Enter the giveaway! Win a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Innovative Online Book Tours. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Hell Town #Book $100 Amazon GC Giveaway!

Hell Town

Members of a paranormal reality show and the small town they investigate become victims of a deadly demon, awaken by a seemingly harmless board game. Will the TV ghost hunters be able to stop the demon and close the portal to Hell, or will they make a fatal mistake that seals the town’s fate?

About the Author

R. Nightshade lives in Hillsboro, Ohio, and is excited to be the fascinating new name in horror storytelling. Her philosophy is that while monsters and bloody ax murderers are fine, truly horrifying stories come from scenarios that could very well be real. Nightshade's works will include stories of the paranormal, and the ever-waging battle between good and evil on Earth. And, she promises to throw in some monsters because they are, after all, the classic staple of American horror.

Purchase Hell Town on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Smashwords 

Follow on: Website | Facebook | Twitter

The author will be giving away a $100 Amazon gift card. Fill out the form below to enter to win a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written in part with a Promotional Book Tour. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Personailze Your Gear with SwaggerTag #Review

We are now a month back-to-school and what has your child miss placed or lost? We have been lucky and so far - one water bottle and A came home with one shoe that wasn't hers but looks like hers.

We don't label everything because the kids are pretty good at knowing what is theirs and hanging on to them but I do like having labels on lunch bags, backpacks and I am thinking shoes and coats.

Recently I was introduced to SwaggerTag's on Twitter. Karen the owner and I began tweeting and realized our cottages growing up were almost next to each others. From there we talked about SwaggerTag and I had a chance to look at them first hand.

Karen Walker launched SwaggerTag in January of 2011. I am sure you are thinking "What is SwaggerTag?" it is a personalized identification tag that is concealed to keep privacy when you have your bag out. I love the idea as sometimes I really do not feel safe with a name splashed on the kids backpacks or my luggage with my address there for everyone to see. SwaggerTag has your information concealed on the inside of the tag. If you lose your luggage the finder can open the tag to see the information.

They are water, wear and impact resistant, come in 6 bright colors and can be customized with your favorite photos. They are manufactured using a non-toxic, food-grade plastics. Each pack comes with 3 cables ties that are easy to attach.

Many uses for them golf bags, bicycles, electronics, totes, luggage, backpacks or sports bags and really whatever you can think of that you could try.

Don't have or want a photo in it? Just have the kids draw a picture or put in a color piece of paper. There are endless opportunities in making these tags your own.

They can be purchased online at SwaggerTag.com for $3.99 US/CAD.

Follow SwaggerTag on Twitter @SwaggerTag and "Like" them on Facebook.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Swagger Tags. I received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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5 Healthy Eating Tips For Kids - Guest Post

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your child is to teach them all about
healthy eating: how to have a balanced diet, enjoy food and also how exercise can help them to stay
fit and healthy. Following these tips will help keep your little ones diet healthy and give them the
energy they need to face those long days of school and play!

Start as You Mean to Go On!

It's a much-uttered phrase amongst parents that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day".
And it's true. The human body needs fuel to be able to function as it should just as a car needs
petrol or diesel. Energy levels are particularly low after a full night's sleep, so it's essential to make
sure your kids re-fuel with a healthy breakfast when they wake. Try a good balance of carbohydrates
and protein: cereal with milk; fruit and yogurt or toast and egg are all great choices for a healthy,
filling breakfast.

Have Fun with Food

At home, say goodbye to TV dinners and eat as a family around the table whenever possible. Take
the opportunity to talk with your children about their day and mealtimes will become a special,
family event. The great news is that, if your child sees you eating new or different foods, they are
likely to try them for themselves! Similarly, try to get your children involved in cooking. Whether
it's helping to prepare a meal or baking biscuits at the weekend, little ones will be excited to try
foods that they have made. Making shapes or pictures with food (e.g. funny faces) can make food or
snacks more fun and will appeal to your child.

Variety is the Spice of Life

To ensure your children get all the vitamins and minerals their body needs, it's vital to make sure
that their diet is varied. No one food contains everything a body needs for good health, so eating
a diverse range of foods will help to get the balance right. When it comes to fruit and vegetables,
colour is a good indicator of the nutrients they contain, so a lovely colourful plate is a good sign! You
should be aiming for a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (a child's portion is
around the size of his or her fist) for good health. Why not take your child shopping and allow him or
her to choose some unusual or exotic fruits to try.

Keep Moving!

Whether it's cycling, ball games, swimming or just running around play area surfaces, children
should be encouraged to move more! This will help them to burn off excess energy, help to
condition their muscles and keep their bodies fit and healthy. Urge your children to move away from
the television or games console and get moving. It's loads of fun and of course, mum and dad can
join in too!

Choose Clever Snacks

Young children have small tummies so are unable to eat huge amounts in one sitting. Therefore,
healthy snacks can be given to keep energy levels topped up between meals. Chocolate, crisps and
cakes etc should be offered only as occasional treats. Wherever possible, encourage your children to
opt for healthier snack choices: small sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruits and cheese
with breadsticks or crackers are all great snacks for kids.

Today's Guest Post was written by Sophie Banat, MSc graduate in Psychology. Interested in health, beauty and fashion. Tweets @Scramboodle.

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Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil #Review

I am sure everyone has heard of Palmer's Cocoa Butter formula for stretch marks. Did you know they also offer a Skin oil? Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil that now comes with a NO MESS pump is designed to help all kinds of skin problems, from stretch marks, scars to regular moisturizing and lip care!

Very versatile skin care product not just for women. I was super excited to be ask to try out this great formula as I have used the cocoa butter in the past and love it. I am also a skin oil kind of gal especially in the winter months as I find my skin dries out very fast and my hands are a mess.

This winter I will combat dry skin, lips and feet with Palmer's Skin Therapy oil. The new no mess pump really helps to give a little oil at a time and not just come rushing out with pour type bottles. It is especially helpful when using on your face and lips.

Replace your face cream with Skin Therapy oil as it prevents the development of wrinkles and provides extra stretch for the skin. Even out dark and dry spots on hands and feet and soften those hard calluses. Dry lips use a drop to moisturize and soften your lips.

Other uses for this great all purpose skin oil - use it to smooth your hair, helps with tangles and makes styling easier. This one we have tried and love as my daughter has straight fine hair and hates to have it brushed because of tangles. This has given us some quick and easy mornings with less tangles and ouchies.

Did you know that you can also use Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil in your bath to condition your skin, use it to remove eye make-up,nail care - by conditioning, moisturizing nails and cuticles and don't forget to use after shaving your legs for nice soft legs. Also an anti-aging skin support to help improve and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

You can find the Palmer's skin care line in most pharmacies and Walmart. The Skin Therapy is a get price at under $25 a bottle.

I fully recommend trying this great product out. It has helped my son's scar on his forehead by fading it quiet a bit. It is recommend to use 3 times a day on stretch marks and scars but we try a least twice a day and when I can get him to use it. Remember he is a boy and 6. I have a hard time using it on my skin around my dog though as she loves the taste. She wont leave my skin alone and I love the smell! I used it one evening and then later got in shower and after could still smell the oil on my skin. It has a very light aroma but it is very pleasant.

Don't forget to Like Palmer's Canada on Facebook and Twitter @PalmersCanada

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Palmer's. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Destiny Unveiled #BookTour Begins! + Glveaway!

Destiny Unveiled

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Gabriella's coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.



Purchase Book 1 of this series, Destiny, for only $.99 on Amazon. Purchase Destiny Unveiled on Amazon.

About the Author

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.

Follow the author Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads




Prize - signed copy of Destiny & Destiny Unveiled, two boxes of incense, a crystal point and a few dessert rose stones.

Fill out the form below to enter to win. Open US/ Can Ends October 14 a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written as part of a book tour with Promotional Book Tours. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Cabin Cooking - Cookbook #BookReview

Cabin Cooking - Rustic Cast Iron and Dutch Oven Recipes by Colleen Sloan

150 recipes for Dutch oven and campfire cooking, including breads, breakfasts, side dishes, soups and stews, main dishes and desserts

Colleen Sloan is a self-described "outdoor gal" who has been cooking in Dutch ovens and outdoors for much of her 70 plus years. She has written 7 or so books and teaches the art of Dutch oven and rustic cooking at sports shows and events all over the western U.S.

Gibbs Smith

Available: 01/20/12
5.74 x 8.43 · 176 pages
9781423622475
CDN $14.99

You can find out where to purchase Cabin Cooking on Raincoast Books.

This is a fabulous book if you love home cooked meals, the typical meat, potatoes and veggies types. Are you heading out to the cabin this fall for a nice getaway or some hunting? This would be a great cookbook for beginner cooks and even the seasoned cooks. The recipes are layout in a nice simple page layout with nothing over the top and very pleasing to the eye. I like these kinds of cookbooks are there really are no right or wrong way for your food to look when it is done. Unless you totally burn it beyond recognition. I am sure we all have done that at one time or another.

The book has little icons at the top of each recipe to tell you if you need a dutch oven, frying pan, stove, coals etc. The introduction to the book has fantastic information for first time dutch oven users and may even teach something you may not have already knew about preparing the dutch oven. 

Make breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even desserts with this cookbook. Don't have a dutch oven? No problem most of these recipes can be made in the oven or on the stove top with regular casserole dishes or pots and pans.

Some recipes included in the Cabin Cooking Cookbook are Hamburger Cabbage Rolls, Campfire Mushroom Burgers, Whipped Peanut Butter Pie, Cowgirl Apple Pie Cake, Breakfast Potato Boats, Dutch Oven Bacon and Eggs and so many more great recipes. Most of the recipes have a small ingredient list and are easy to find or already on hand ingredients. I give this book a 5 star!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. We received the above mentioned cookbook for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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ReVamp Book Tour Begins! US Giveaway only

Revamp

FOR THREE DAYS, IT WAS DARK. News reporters scrambled. This was the biggest story to come along in weeks. They called it a blackout. The last one was in New York City in 2003, but this one was different, special, because the grids in six major cities across the country had been fried, kaput, see-you-next-Sunday. Everyone with some jurisdiction blamed each other, and when there was no one left to blame, terrorism rode in on its gallant steed. It was the media’s fault. They were so busy stuffing fanatical Muslims with a penchant for Allah and decapitations down the American citizen’s throat, that they never saw it coming. I guess I shouldn’t be too hard on them. They were partially right. It was terror after all, but a whole new kind. And when the lights came back on, things had changed. The dark had brought us visitors.

Kindle / Paperback Follow on Blog / Facebook - Author - Book / Twitter / Goodreads - This book is also available for FREE on October 3&4!

Follow the Tour Enter to win Open US ONLY a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written in part of a Promotional Book Tour. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Autumn/ Winter Celebrity Hairstyles - Guest Post

You’ve only got to look to the celebs this year to see the latest style trends. Bored of the same old hairdo day-in, day-out? Surprise everyone at work with a different style every day, and why not try out these winners which are fashion musts this season?

The Beautiful Bun

Think less school-teacher, and more sophisticated glam, the beautiful bun is always in fashion. From Cameron Diaz to Kirsten Dunst, celebrities love this look because it gives them a fab lift to their faces, without having to bother too much with their hair. Here’s how:

1. Put your hair neatly into a ponytail.
2. Twist your hair and spiral it into a bun shape.
3. Pushing through the base, use a spin pin to hold your style, then do the same for the top.
4. Unless you want a dramatic (and hard to pull off) severely slick-backed bun, soften the look by loosening the front of your hair so it frames your face.

Pump Up The Volume

For a busty, sexy hairstyle, get some volume in your hair.  Cheryl Cole has pioneered full-bodied locks and this can be perfect for you too. Great for a night out, it’ll surely grab everyone’s attention.

1. Dampen your hair and detangle it.
2. Blow-dry until 80% done, use a round brush to create volume.
3. Divide 2 inch sections of your hair and wrap it around the brush.
4. Blow-dry down the hair and pay particular attention to your roots.

Curls

We can’t remember when curls went out of fashion, so if you’ve been perfecting your technique at home, you won’t be sad to hear that curls are very much in this season. An exceptionally feminine look, if your curling practice needs a little more work, we’ve got some top tips on how you can achieve this pretty hairstyle:

1. Wash and towel dry your hair.
2. Get your hair 80% dry with your hairdryer.
3. Take 2 inch sections of your hair and wind them around a round brush and blow-dry, running the brush down to the roots of your hair. A barrel curl should begin to form.
4. Use the cold setting to set the style, once you’ve got rid of excess moisture.
5. Fix any unwanted strands in place with hair fashion jewellery.

Chignon Knot

We’ve been on the lookout for a classic and stylish do which we can wear to work, and Angelina Jolie has recently brought the chignon knot to our attention. It’s pretty simple to do, but leaves a gorgeous finish:

1. Get yourself a chignon pin to fasten the hairstyle in place.
2. Gather your hair behind you and twist into a bun shape.
3. Insert your pin into the bottom of your bun.
4. Lift your pin upwards and then twist downwards for this lovely knot.

The Ponytail

Even Taylor Swift has taken to wearing this hairstyle usually attributed to school girls, but done right, a ponytail can be glamorous. Don’t believe us? We show you how:

1. Add a little hair oil and scoop back your locks into a low ponytail.
2. Fix with an elastic band.
3. Separate your ponytail in two and wrap one section around the hair tie.
4. Hide the end underneath and fix with a bobby pin.

Guest Post by Sophie Banat, MSc graduate in Psychology. Interested in health, beauty and fashion. Tweets @Scramboodle.

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