Spooky & Bright 101 Halloween Ideas--Review and Giveaway!

CountryLiving books has out the cutest little book with 101 Halloween Ideas! It's called Spooky & Bright.
The book is only 7 1/2 x 6 inches, but it sure is chalk full of awesome ideas for Halloween.

144 pages and lots of great illustrations.

3 chapters include:
Wicked-Smart Pumpkins---34 pages of cool pumpkin decorating ideas.

Haunt Your House---46 pages of great decorating ideas for around your home.

Devilishly Delicious Treats---42 pages of just as it says it is. I can't wait to try some of these!

Below are a couple of scanned photos from my book of some of the pages.

Here's the fun part! One lucky Marsha's Spot reader will win their own copy of Spooky & Bright! Just enter using the rafflecopter form below.


Disclosure: I rec'd a copy of Spooky & Bright from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way and any opinions are my own. Sponsor is responsible for prize delivery. This post does include an affiliate link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley--Book Review

Hank Finds an Egg
Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley
ISBN  978-1-4413-1158-0
Published by Peter Pauper Press, Inc.
Hardback,  40 pages


This has to be the cutest children's book that I have ever seen!
When I got it in, I first "read" it to my 16 yr old daughter, who then read it to her boyfriend later.
I put read in quotes because there are no words in this book, only fantastic photos just like you see on the front cover above.

Each time you read it, you tell the story a bit differently.

I read it to my husband.  He thought it was super cute too.
My 2 yr old granddaughter came to visit and I read it to her.   She didn't want to put the book down, she was so in to looking at the pictures and pointing at different things.
I then had my other 5 grandchildren over for a night.  I read the book to them as well.  They range in age from 4 to 12.  Again, they loved it!

The pictures are so crisp and clear and do tell the story well of Hand finding the egg and his adventure of returning the egg to it's mother.

Cute, cute cute!

The author, Rebecca Dudley makes everything that appears in the illustrations-----the trees, the leaves, the ponds, the skies, and the creatures.  Hank Finds an Egg is her debut children's picture book.
You can find out more about her at her blog at http://www.storywoods.blogspot.com

Here is a scan of the back cover as well:

Hank Finds an Egg

Here's a teaser book trailer :)





Disclosure:  I rec'd a copy of the book for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.   Post does contain my affiliate link.

My Fresh Twist Recipe Contest

Enter the My Fresh Twist Recipe Contest by signing up & submitting a recipe and picture of your signature dish prepared with pecans, walnuts, almonds and/or peanuts for your chance to win a trip to New York City and meet Chef Alex Guarnaschelli.

Upload a photo of the finished recipe. This is fun for the whole family. Click the banner above to check out the details and enter.

GRAND PRIZE
One grand prize winner will receive:

A trip for two to New York City including airfare, dinner and accommodations.
Meet Chef Alex Guarnaschelli
Opportunity for Chef Alex Guarnaschelli to sign a copy of her debut cookbook: Old-School Comfort Food
$500 cash

9 SEMI-FINALISTS
Nine semi-finalists will receive:

$100 Visa gift card
A signed copy of Chef Alex Guarnaschelli's debut cookbook: Old-School Comfort Food

WEEKLY PRIZES
Every week we will select five random entrants who will each receive a Fisher Prize Pack which includes:

Fisher Nut Products
A copy of Chef Alex Guarnaschelli's debut cookbook: Old-School Comfort Food

Fear No Numbers by Jose Paul Moretto--Book Review

Fear No Numbers  (How to multiply or divide and always get it right)  by Jose Paul Moretto.


ISBN  978-1-4327-8724-0

Paperback--52 pages.  Also available in ebook format.

Published by Outskirts Press, Inc










When I seen this book in my email with an offer to do a review I wanted to jump on it.   Most of you know that we are a homeschool family.  I only have one daughter left at home and she does not like math at all.  It's what we are struggling with to get enough hours for high school credit.

I received the book in the summer with full intention of making her do math with this book over the summer.  As summer goes, that just didn't work out.
We did just recently finish going through the book.

At first Jasmine hated it just like she hates all math.  Before it was over though, she loved it and was even showing others how it works when they would come over!

In Fear No Numbers we are taught 2 concepts:  The Proof of Nine and the MaXima system.

I knew there were several secrets to the number 9 in math.  I had NO idea about these systems.  I had fun learning them as well.
I recommend this book whether you are a homeschool family or if your child is struggling in school as a supplement for home.

 

Fear No Numbers: How to Multiply or Divide & Always Get It Right

Interview with the author:
What is your book about?
It introduces proven and fun ways to check one's products and quotients, by using the Proof of 9 System and the Maxima System.

What made you decide to write this book?
In late 2010, the media reported that the status of America's young people had fallen to 25th in math and science, compared to other countries. I want young people to have a fun addendum to what they are currently learning.

How did you get your book published? I self-published through Outskirts Press.

Who would be interested in Fear No Numbers?
Pre-teens and up, who are looking for new ways to become enthusiastic about math.

What differentiates your book from others in the same category?
The book demonstrates simplification of numbers to "single whole numbers".

Do you plan on publishing more books?
For my next book, I want to address/recount my childhood experiences during and after World War II, while staying at successive orphanages in Southern France. Though conditions were harsh; meager food, little resources for shoes and clothing, and even abuse by some of those in charge, we children also experiences times of laughter, discovery, and vindication, especially right after D-Day.

Fear No Numbers: How to Multiply or Divide & Always Get It Right


Disclosure: I received Fear No Numbers from the author for the purpose of this review as well as additional information to share. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.

#BoogieBabesLuvBW Giveaway!!

Welcome to the #BoogieBabesLuvBW Giveaway!!

This giveaway is Hosted by the AWESOME members of the  

The Boogie Babes Saline Ambassador group and a few dozen of 

our blogging buddies!

The Members of BoogieBabes are ~

Stacy from Dnbuster's Place
Kelli from Not Your Average Mom

Ty from Mama of 3 Muchkins
Savanah from Savvy Shopper Central
Melody from Melody's Freebies and finds
Sara from Sweet Silly Sara
Megan from Tilted Urban
Jodi from W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories

As members of this Special Saline Ambassador group (Boogie Babes) it is our goal/duty to tell everyone we know about how great and useful Boogie Wipes, Pampers Kandoo and Puffs Fresh Faces products really are!

The giveaway is Co-Hosted by
Jennifer from Mama Dove on a Box
Barbara from Barbara's Beat
Kimberly from Kimberly's Krazy Place
Lorena from Wam Bam's Corner
Vix from Jared's Little Corner
Meg from Megomania
Rika from thedealmatchmaker

Thanks Gang!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boogie Wipes~ Boogie Wipes are made with saline to dissolve boogies (mucus) caused by the common cold, allergies or otherwise booger-filled kid moments. Extra soft and scented in Great Grape, Fresh Scent, Magic Menthol (for extra stuffy noses), Simply Unscented and Boogieberry, Boogie Wipes are recommended by Pediatricians as a gentle, effective alternative to a dry tissue. Boogie Wipes are available in 10, 30, 45 and 90 count packages. The newest product from Boogie wipes is the Boogie Mist  Gentle Saline Mist.

Pampers Kandoo Line of Kid Friendly products - Handsoap, Shampoo, Body Wash and Hand Sanitizer specifically designed to help children get clean on their own.

• Made with natural ingredients to promote healthy skin and hair
• Mild formulas with no sulfates, parabens or phthalates
• Easy to use pumps and great scents that make kids want to get clean
• Unique bottles that are designed to be fun and easy to use

Puffs Fresh Faces ~ patented and uniquely formulated with Natural saline, 
aloe, and  vitamin E for all your face has to face each day.  
They are available in Fresh scent, Light Lavendar, fragrance free and the scent of Vicks. available in 45 and 15 count packages!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ONTO the Giveaway~ Thanks to our wonderful Hosts and co-hosts, There are 5 Great prize packages available to be won as part of THIS giveaway! 
To enter scroll down and enter via the rafflecopter gadget below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prize package #1~
Pampers Kandoo wash your hands Magic Melon scent moisturizing hand soap, 30 count fresh scent Boogie Wipes, 15 count Puffs Fresh Faces fresh scent wipes, 10 Puffs Fresh Faces fresh scent samples, 10 Puffs Fresh faces samples with a scent of Vicks and 20 $1 off coupons for Puffs Fresh Faces!

Prize package #2 ~ 
30 count Boogie wipes fresh scent, full size bottle of Pampers Kandoo Detangler, 10 samples of Puffs Fresh Faces fresh scent, 10 samples of Puffs Fresh Faces with the scent of Vicks and 20 $1 off coupons for Puffs Fresh Faces!

Prize package #3~

45 count Puffs Fresh Faces fragrance free wipes, 10 Puffs Fresh Faces samples fresh scent wipes, 10 Puffs Fresh Faces samples with a scent of Vicks and 20 $1 off coupons for Puffs Fresh faces!

Prize package #4~

90 count tub of Boogie Wipes fresh scent, 10 samples of Boogie wipes fresh scent and 10 50 cent off coupons for Boogie Wipes!

prize package #5~

90 count tub of grape Boogie Wipes, Pampers Kandoo detangler, Pampers Kandoo Clean your body Body Wash, 5 samples of Puffs Fresh Faces with a scent of Vicks, 5 samples of Puffs Fresh Faces fresh scent, 5 samples of Boogie Wipes fresh scent, 10 $1 off coupons for Puffs Fresh faces wipes and 5 50 cents off coupons for Boogie Wipes

Also, EACH of the follow pages have prizes ranging from 
samples to Gift cards!

Winning entries will be verified before prizes are awarded.

Giveaway ends 9/24.
OPEN to USA AND CANADA

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogger Opp~ #BoogieBabesLuvBW

** Free & Paid Options **

You will receive a Free Twitter "entry" for posting an announcement.

You can chose not to post an announcement and pay $5 via paypal or Amazon GC.

Additional Links $2 each~ Facebook and Pintrest

or

$4 each~ Email Subscribe, RSS, FeedBurner, Daily Vote, Daily Comment

Co-Host spots are $10 via paypal or Amazon~ 

Co-host get a TOTAL of 5 links and a link back in the HTML

Open to US and Canadian residents!

Hosted by:  

The Boogie Babes Saline Ambassador group

#BoogieBabesLUVBW

Members are 

Stacy from Dnbuster's Place

Kelli from Not Your Average Mom

Ty from Mama of 3 Muchkins

Savanah from Savvy Shopper Central

Melody from Melody's Freebies and finds

Sara from Sweet Silly Sara

Megan from Tilted Urban

Jennifer from Mama Dove on a Box

Jodi from W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories

Prizes are ~Boogie Wipes, Kandoo and Puffs Fresh Faces Products both full size and samples also gift cards will be given away! **#of gift cards TBD depends on how many bloggers sign up as co-hosts.



SIGN UP HERE



sign up will end ~ 9/5 at NOON CST

Giveaway will go live ~ 9/10 at 12AM CST

and end 9/24 at 12AM CST



Have questions or comments please email Stacy @ Dnbuster@dnbustersplace.com

all host fees and extra link fees are being used to purchase the 

gift cards that the hosts will give away.



disclosure~ NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY to be a part of this giveaway.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, pinterest, twitter, Boogie wipes, Kandoo OR Puffs Fresh faces.

Prize fullfilment is via the Hosts listed above

Mega Swag Bucks Day!

Friday is almost here, which in the Swag Nation means: Mega Swag Bucks Day!

 

There are so many great ways to earn bonus Bucks, making this Friday an Extra-Mega Swag Bucks Day. Here are 3 easy ways you can grab bonus Bucks:

1. Friday is the last day of our High School Rivalry -- the winning high school gets 25 SB awarded to everyone who has contributed at least 1 SB.
2. Speaking of high school, this weekend is the last chance to collect all the High School Collector's Bills & the bonus. Our University Bills (and a new bonus!) begins Monday the 26th.
3. There is still a week left in August, meaning you can get DOUBLE SBs when you take Swagbucks' Email Surveys. It's easy to get relevant surveys straight to your email (and 2X the payout to boot!).

Shopkick's "Blue" Friday - Earn Extra Rewards and Save on 8/23

Shopkick, the free shopping rewards app, has named tomorrow (8/23) “Blue” Friday – meaning extra kicks and deals, many exclusive, across partner stores!

Get 200 walk-in kicks for visiting participating partner retailers: Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, ExxonMobil, Macy's, Old Navy, Sony and Target.

Additionally, deals live on Blue Friday include:

·         American Eagle Outfitters

-          15% off your entire purchase

·         Aerie

-          15% off your entire purchase

-          All Bras $20

·         Sports Authority

-          $10 off $50 or $20 off $100

·         Macy's

-          “Wow Pass” - extra 15% off

·         Old Navy

-          All Jeans on sale

-          All Uniforms on sale

·         Crate & Barrel

-          15% off sofa, sectional & sleeper sale

·         Wet Seal

-          All jeans: Buy One Get One $10

-          Flats & sneakers: Buy One Get One 50% off

-          Graphic tees: Buy One Get One 50% off

Kicks can be redeemed for in-store gift cards, song downloads, movie tickets, hotel vouchers, Facebook Credits to play games online, donations to charity and more.

***Shopkick is a free app available for down load on the iphone or android devices.  If you aren't already using shopkick, click HERE to get started today!*** 

Disclosure:  This information was provided to me by Atomic PR to pass on to my readers.  The links however, are my referral links.

5 Tricks To Creating Intricate Crochet Mosaics – Just By Using Basic Stitches

Video Tutorial on CraftDaily.com, Led By Crochet Artist Lily Chin, Provides Step-By-Step Instructions.

Lily Chin, named a “Master Knitter” by Vogue Knitting International, has designed knitwear for magazines and yarn companies for nearly 25 years. She has worked with designers Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, and Isaac Mizrahi. Her work has been on the backs of celebrities and super models, from Racquel Welch and Vanna White to Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. She is the author of several bestselling books on the subject, and is also is the reigning champion fastest crocheter in the world. Lily enjoys teaching others her craft and has hosted classes from New York, where she lives, and around the world. 

With Fall quickly approaching, what could be cozier than fending off the brisk chill in a beautifully-designed sweater or blanket crocheted with your own hands? Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crochet artist, it’s easy to create a complex-looking fabric using just basic stitches. A step-by-step video tutorial on CraftDaily.com shows anyone how to use the Mosaic Crochet technique to incorporate beautiful colorful patterns, while helping you improve your skills and make you a pro at mosaic designs. 
With an easy-to-follow teaching style, crochet artist Lily Chin walks you through the steps of creating designs that spring to life with color. "Mosaic crochet is a technique that looks complex, but it’s really easy to do.” insists Lily. “It’s based on the principles of mosaic knitting, where only one color is worked at a time, and in essence you do stripes of two rows of each color." 
Lily’s techniques make even the most elaborate patterns a breeze. Here are some of the tips and techniques that she reveals in her Mosaic Crochet video tutorial:

• Work Down: Unlike knitting, which brings color upward, a crochet mosaic brings the color down through the stitches to create the pattern. 

• The Ripple Effect: Beautiful patterns made up of zigzagged V shapes, also known as chevrons, can be achieved through using the most basic stitch. Double up to reverse direction and create a ripple.

• The V Stitch: For a more intricate mosaic pattern, just add 2 stitches. While the basic technique only uses one stitch, the V stitch requires three stitches to create bold forked patterns.

• Change Up the Basics: By alternating the basic techniques, the mosaic pattern can be changed dramatically to create stair steps patterns, quilt-like spinning squares, pinwheels, and basket-weave patterns. Depending on the types of yarn and needles used, the scale can range from tidy designs on a small pillow to larger patterns on a big blanket.

• Punch Up the Design with Color: Learn how to create a mosaic effect with up to three colors, working one color at a time and crocheting downward to cover the rows of color.

To view the entire Mosaic Crochet video tutorial, log on to CraftDaily.com.


Disclosure:  This information was sent to me by F&W  Media for the purpose of sharing with my readers.
 

Swagbucks High School Swag Code Extravaganza!

This just in: Swagbucks is having a Swag Code Extravaganza to celebrate High School week! from 5am to 8pm Pacific Time there are 10 codes total - get them all and you'll get 50 Swag Bucks in total! Check out the handy dandy schedule of events so you don't miss any of the fun!

If you haven't joined Swagbucks yet, click HERE to join me in earning gift cards for your time online - I've earned $260 from Swagbucks and you can too - it's free and simple.