*** BOOK REVIEW: Blaze of Glory ***

File Size: 610 KB
Print Length: 340 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1602648107
Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing (June 29, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0058W0AE6
Text-to-Speech: Enabled

Last year, I had it all. Two jumpers on the show circuit, a lot of wins, and a lot of attention - the good kind. But now I have nothing. My life is circling the drain. The only spark of light that exists for me is my new, forbidden passion. If my stepfather finds out, he will kill me. My twin brother, my only blood relative in the world, has already begged me not to. But I can't help myself. If it can't be horses, it has to be this.
PS: The e-book version of this book is on sale until March 31. You can buy it here.

Review:
“Blaze of Glory” is a very luscious saga with plenty of conflict. This story moved along quickly. Tea and her twin brother Seth live with their step-father; who adopted them when their mother fell ill. They board and train horses as a family business. Tea is a bit stubborn but a very tempestuous 17-year-old. She seems to be determined to put herself in harm's way at times. Whether she is standing up for her horses or her brother, she is a force to be reckoned with. She is at home and the world melts away when she is on her beloved horse, Blaze. Together Tea and Blaze dominate the horse jumping competitions they enter. Tea's life is thrown into turmoil yet again when tragedy strikes. She seems to be in a downward spiral. Then there is Jaden, Her step-cousin back in the picture. Tea quickly becomes confused with her desire for Jaden and her emotions become complicated and unclear. There are some very mature and detailed make-out sessions.
I really liked the way Tea's character is developed throughout the story. It was hard to put this book down. I was constantly pulled in as she slowly made her way through the ups and down of her life to become a confident and amazing young woman. There was only one time I jerked myself willingly away from her story. That was because I saw what was coming and I did not want to be a part of the tragedy that was about to hit. That didn't last long though and I was right back emerging myself in the devastation that befell her in that moment. It is difficult to read with tears in your eyes! With that said I must say the author did a fantastic job integrating readers into Tea's personality and life from her point of view.

Paperwallet - WINNERS

Congratulations! I will be e-mailing you shortly! Please reply me within 48 hours.

Giveaway Link: http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2012/03/giveaway-paperwallet.html

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*** REVIEW: MacVoil Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner ***

I have never given much thought to the products I use in my hair until recently. I admit I normally purchase hair care products based upon the sale price, without considering what is going to be best for the appearance of my hair and the overall health of my hair. After I received a bottle of MacVoil Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner, I began to rethink how I care for my hair.

MacVoil Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner are made with organic botanical ingredients that promote damage reversal from daily styling and the environment, while offering anti-aging and an anti-fade formula. Rich in Omega 3, antioxidants and essential oils MacVoil nourishes hair and restores it to the healthiest state.

I have frizzy hair, which causes me to use a lot of smoothing products. I had chalked it up to genetics or simply having ‘bad hair’. Now I understand that I was not giving my hair what it needs to be healthy.

In the 9 days that I have been using MacVoil Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner I have noticed my hair is shinier, it is smoother, my hair smells fantastic with a hint of rosemary. I have been pleased with the results MacVoil Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner have provided. I love that the shampoo lathers well and leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean without further damaging it. I love that the conditioner leaves my hair feeling smoother, more manageable and moisturized.

Overall, I think this a great product line. If you are interested in nourishing your hair, reversing damage from age, styling and the environment, and using organic botanical ingredients, I would recommend the MacVoil Anti-Aging line without hesitation.

About the Product:
Constant defilement from the weather and pollutants, even deterioration from standard hair styling, strip hair of its natural and essential oils, vitamins & proteins, turning it flat, dry, frizzy and unmanageable. MACVOIL™ ’s Anti-aging products replenish hair returning it to its healthiest & most beautiful state.
MACVOIL™ 's Anti-Aging line begins with the vitamin- and protein-rich macadamia, argan and cypress essential oils, botanicals, antioxidants and Omega-3. These scientifically proven ingredients create a complete hair care system that rejuvenates the scalp and follicle, and encourages new, more resilient growth from the root.

PS: You can buy this set for $60.00 USD. Also, you can follow the company through Facebook and Twitter.

* Review by Sara.

*** REVIEW: Promgirl.net ***

There is one night every young woman dreams of and older women reminisce about... Prom night! Yes, that enchanting evening that follows weeks (sometimes months) of planning and preparation. The most important preparation task facing young ladies and parents is usually finding the 'perfect dress'! It can be a daunting and frustrating task. Shopping at conventional malls can become overbearing, expensive and unimaginative. Shopping for the perfect dress should not be like a dreaded trip to the dentist, but what is the alternative?

Shopping online can be a satisfying experience for everyone. Not only can you find hundreds of dresses to choose from, but it can save on the pocketbook as well because traditional store mark-ups are not involved.

If fashion and affordability is what you want then Promgirl.net is exactly what you are looking for! This online fashionable site is filled with the latest designs and trends in formal attire that will satisfy all your needs. Find the perfect dress that fits your own unique style and you can start by looking through the party dresses available. Not enough? Then look through their formal dresses and I am sure you will find the one that will have your angel floating across the floor on her special night!

Choosing the right dress is still not easy. Your individual style and personality are important factors to consider. What looks fashionable on models still may not be the fashion choice for the unique prom personality you wish to highlight. This season black is out. Jewel tones and bright colors are in and set the stage for a magical evening. Here comes the hardest part for all you Dads out there ...turtle-necks are not the fashion choice for your baby girls! I am sorry to tell you that.

If you are not used to shopping online, Promgirl makes it a little easier with their 2012 Guide to Choosing the Perfect Prom Dress or Formal Gown. Here you can find several tips to make your dress shopping an enjoyable experience.

I found the entire site an enjoyable experience myself. It was very easy to navigate to the prom dresses and chosen color choices for our own Prom Angel (is she really that old?). After perusing the site on my own, I honestly was still dreading our joint venture of finding the perfect dress! Imagine my surprise when our dress-hunting adventure turned out to be painless. Within an hour we had the choices narrowed to three. The final choice... well we will keep that a secret for now. I will tell you it is very fashionable and fit into the pocketbook very well.

The overall appeal of shopping at Promgirl is fantastic. I will definitely agree that there is a party dress for everyone. The one dress that is a perfect pairing of design and personality!

* Review by Debbie.

The Daily Devotional Series - WINNERS

Congratulations! I will be e-mailing you shortly!
Giveaway Link: http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-giveaway-daily-devotional-series.html

* If you don't receive my e-mail, please comment here or send me an e-mail:
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#41 MAIL ALERT :)

I won these cute rings from Love, Erica. They are great! Actually, I won the heart ring, but she is so kind that she also sent me another beautiful ring. They fit to my finger very well. And I also really love the high-quality gift box. I will wear my rings anytime I go out :)

*** REVIEW: EdenFantasys #9 ***

This post contains links to an adult site. Please go on reading at your own discretion.

What's your favorite color? Mine is black. I don't know how to exactly define it, but I'm in love with black color. Yes, it's really a passion for me. My wardrobe is 90% full of black colored clothing; of course there are other pastel colors too, but black is the dominating one :)

As I'm a symphonic metal singer, I always choose black tops, bottoms and dresses to wear on the stage. And I love corsets! They really fit what I do regarding the music style. I'm a little plus size woman, so they also make me look very good and sexy! It's very important to feel comfortable and self-confident while singing on the stage and it really affects your performance. If you are sure that you look good, then you sing better. And I really adore what EdenFantasys offer in their clothing section. Yes, they don't sell just sex toys; they have all kind of products for every taste. Look at those beauties below. Don't you crave for buying them?

Black Tesa`s classic corset = $37.99
Black side-zip corset = $44.99
I want them sooo badly!

* All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I will be provided with a gift card.

*** BOOK REVIEW: Iris and the Dragonflies ***

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (July 26, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1450581188
ISBN-13: 978-1450581189
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces

Iris, a feisty, solitary, eleven-year-old girl prefers being down by the creek near her house more than anywhere else in the world. School is nothing but a joyless prison and uninterested in her classmates she spends each day gazing out the window, waiting for the dismissal bell to ring. Her only friends are the dragonflies who flit through the shoulder high bulrushes growing along the creek's banks. Iris discovers the dragonflies are more than they appear to be and that she is the key to resolving an age-old battle between light and dark, good and evil. She has the ability to unleash the power of the Earth to restore the balance that has been lost. This however is not what the Solaris have in mind. They are the world's most powerful Evil and Iris is the only one who can stop them! Will Iris and her friends be able to win this battle? Iris and the Dragonflies is empowering, and a must read for all girls.
PS: You can follow this book's page on Facebook.

Review:
The title suggests that this book is about a person called Iris and dragon flies, and yes they do feature in the book, but I would describe the book more about an Irish adventure. The child Iris gets taken there by her family to see her grandmother and has a big adventure. The book has dragons, ghosts, the must have nasty man and lots of mystery.
I initially started reading the book with my daughter as I thought being about a little girl it would be suitable for her. It didn't take long for my older son to over hear some of it and he decided to join us, so I had let him catch up. They were both hooked on the story line and the characters instantly. I was asked constantly to read more until all too soon it was over.
Their response to it "this is a story full of adventure that is suitable for all ages and both boys and girls".
It is easy for them to comprehend, yet interesting enough for an adult to be gripped by it. The writing style is not too complicated for them to understand but it does challenge them enough to ask questions. The writer draws you in with a good descriptive writing style.
I would give this book a 5 out of 5 and highly recommend it to anyone with children in the 9-12 age group.

* I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

#40 MAIL ALERT :)

I won this ribbon necklace from Namira through Puerto Rico Etsy Team blog.

*** REVIEW: Wholesale Costume Club ***

I always have trouble finding a costume for Halloween. I want something that’s cute and comfortable yet not expensive! I recently came across WholesaleCostumeClub.com. I had the opportunity to pick a costume from their website and they had so many adult costumes for women, it took me a while to pick one out! After looking through several categories, I decided to check out the bug costumes – I’ve never been a bug before so I thought it would a fun thing to try! I ended up choosing the lady bug costume which comes with a polka dot top with attached wings and a cap with antennae.

Shipping was very quick (less than a week!) and I tried my costume on as soon as I got it. I look a little silly but that’s what Halloween’s all about!

I love this lady bug costume! It’s comfortable, sturdy (the material is very thick) and it really does make me look like lady bug. The little antennae cap is very cute and it really completes the look. It is a one size fits all costume… I like the fit although I do wish it was a little bit longer.

I added a black shirt and black pants and I looked just like ladybug! – Last Halloween I tried to do a homemade costume and nobody knew what I was supposed to be so it’s nice to have a costume that actually makes sense. I’m super excited to wear this out on Halloween this year and I’m thinking I’ll get a lot of compliments.

If bugs aren’t your thing, Wholesale Costume Club has a ton of other costumes for adults! They have fairies, witches, animals, superheroes and more. They’re all reasonably priced; my ladybug costume is less than $20 which is fantastic as costumes can get expensive. If you have a big family, $50 costumes can really add up!

I’m so ready to dress up like a ladybug this year thanks to WholesaleCostumeClub. I love their costumes and their prices. It’s a great place to get a costume for you and your whole family!

About the Company:
If you are looking for a cheap costume, go to a thrift shop, but if you're looking for a quality women's costume at an unbelievably low price then shop at Wholesale Costume Club. Wholesale Costume Club sells women's costumes and plus size women's costumes at the lowest prices on the internet.

* Review by Megan.

*** REVIEW: CorsetChick ***

Today, I would like to present you a really great company called "CorsetChick". As you can understand from the name, this company is specialized in corsets for any size from small to 6X large! So, you don't need to worry; if you can't find a suitable plus size corset for you, I'm sure you will find it here. I picked the Steel-Boned Black Halter Underbust Corset (size XXL & $39.99 value) for review as I'm a little plus size woman (hmm, a little, yes, not much) :P

This has high quality heavy steel boning for ultimate shaping. Corset has steel busks closure in front, straps, and laces in back for proper fit. Comes with matching g-string.

I must warn you that these sizes fit a lot smaller than usual. The company notified me about it before picking the item. However, although I chose a size bigger than my original size, it is again a little small for me. Fortunately, the corset is adjustable, so it wasn't a problem for me as I could make it larger with the help of the satin ribbons on the back (you can see on the photo). The clasps can be a little difficult to piece together at first, but it's just a matter of getting used to it. After all, I fell in love with the quality of this corset top. The fabric is very soft, the steels are tough, but don't give discomfort, the straps are comfortable and don't irritate the armpits. And the most important thing is that it looks very beautiful (and even sexy) when you wear it. Maybe you don't notice it on the photos, but it really is! I definitely recommend this company to you, and they are very quick to ship!
PS: They also sent me a matching g-string with the corset; I don't wear g-string, but maybe sometimes in the future or soon :P

My Favorite Three From the Shop:
- Corset with Long Gothic Skirt = $65.99
- Lovely Burgundy Taffeta Style Corset = $24.99
- Silver Lace Corset Dress = $39.99

About the Company:
Sexy corsets and hot plus size corsets. Pick out a corset top and a skirt, to make a sexy corset dress! We love offering the best prices to give you the largest variety of corsets. From leather corsets, steel boned corsets, bridal corsets, all the way to under-bust corsets, CorsetChick is the place to go!

VISIT IT: http://www.corsetchick.com (Website)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/CorsetChickcom/245496888815411 (Facebook)

OFFER: 10% off all items on site. Promo code: 10offsale

BUY IT: If you are like me, you will feel above the clouds when you visit this site. I'm sure the hours will pass while browsing the products. Besides the corsets, you can find costumes, lingerie, shoes & boots, sleepwear, hosiery. I wish I had them all :)

* I received the abovementioned free item for an honest review.

*** BOOK GIVEAWAY: Lemons and Lavender *** (CLOSED)

Paperback: 275 pages
Publisher: Viva Editions (March 13, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936740109
ISBN-13: 978-1936740109
Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 7.2 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces

Author Billee Sharp shares her freecycling, budget-savvy, barter-better wisdom in this step-by-step handbook for revolutionizing spending habits and reclaiming quality of life. Lemons and Lavender is an inspiring and instructive guide to living the handmade life by consuming less and creating more. Practical and profound, this handy how-to covers every area of life and offers easy-to-do tips, recipes, and advice for saving money and the planet. Learn how to ditch your lawn and raise organic vegetables, cook healthy meals for pennies, cure minor maladies from the kitchen cabinet, save big dollars with small repairs, and eco-clean your house with lemons and lavender. With this guide, families can live more joyfully and far more creatively, all on a dime.

About the Company:
Viva Editions are books that inform, enlighten, and entertain. The very name, "Viva!", is celebratory. And while Viva Editions is a line of books that are as fun as they are informational, the intention behind Viva is very serious—these are books that are truly helpful and intended to enhance people's lives. Viva Editions was founded at a pivotal point in time, as the stock market plummeted, the economy softened, and businesses tightened and cut back. Viva focuses on expansion, courage, and joy in life. In short, Viva is about the very best in the human spirit.
PS: You can also follow them on twitter.

BUY IT: You can buy this book for a discounted price of $11.35 on Amazon.

WIN IT: One (1) winner will win a paperback copy of "Lemons and Lavender" by Billee Sharp. (Value: $15.95 USD)

GIVEAWAY WINNERS! PLEASE CHECK HERE!

If you won any giveaway on my blog and haven't received your prize yet (within a month period after I notified you about your winning), please comment here or send me an e-mail!
annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo (dot) com

*** BOOK REVIEW: Dead As Dutch ***

By Rich Docherty
Published: March 01, 2012
Words: 72151 (approximate)
Language: English

Stan Heberling is having a rotten day. Of course, zombies and a demented hermit with an itchy trigger finger can ruin any guy’s day. All he wants to do is finish his senior film project "Letter 13", but stumbling upon the long, lost buried treasure of legendary gangster Dutch Schultz has messed up his plans big time. Not to mention his frustrations with prima donna actor Bryce and the constant complaints of his teenage sister Dana helping out on second camera. Fortunately, Stan’s smokin’ hot female lead Keisha is as easy going as she is easy on the eyes and brainiac sound man Irv a supportive ally. But Stan is feeling the pressure as he only has the weekend to get his movie in the can and, so far, his well-honed plan has imploded into a comedy of errors. And that’s before the squirrel stew and an ax named Bad D and finding out about a curse that unleashed the undead mobsters. Who said being a director was easy?

Review:
Director Stan Heberling’s well laid plans to complete his Senior Film Project in one short weekend were quickly dissolving into oblivion. After all, he had cast the audacious Keisha, and the self-proclaimed martyr, Bryce, as the lead actors in “Letter 13″. Even traveling to the film location in the Catskill Mountains proved that the film’s goals were in jeopardy. Mishap after mishap befall the young film crew even before they find a strange and mysterious locked chest protruding from the riverbank. Could this be the long lost and cursed treasure of the devilish gangster Dutch Shultz? The course of their predicament disintegrates further when after becoming lost in the woods, Stan and his gang cross paths with a backwoods yokel who seems to like shooting everything that moves. Add to that it seems a batch of hideous zombie gangsters is chasing them. The situation might make one wonder if they will ever make it out of the woods ALIVE! It does seem possible they may become the victims of a cursed treasure. Librarians with librarian degrees may want to look into purchasing this book for their collections.
I found it to be quite interesting the way the author wove each character’s background into the story. It allows you to integrate yourself into their lives as well as their adventure. The interlude’s of ‘character breaks’ serves to not only build solidarity between the reader and the characters, but it also leads to you anticipate the chaos and mayhem that you know (and expect) will follow. Although this book is really geared more towards teens and young adults, I found it to be quite enjoyable. If I were to tell the truth, I would have to say that I even laughed at some of the comical drama between Stan and the other characters. I believe Rich Docherty has richly combined humor, horror, and fantasy in his debut novel “Dead as Dutch”.

* Review by Debbie.

I Can't Understand; What About You?

Yes, I can't understand. Let me explain what I mean. I see that when some bloggers host giveaways, they don't accept the campaign/giveaway bloggers. They want only people who rarely enter giveaways with a blog which is far from the giveaways. Why? Yes, maybe some people follow the blogs because of only giveaways, but this may be the vice versa. I gained lots of good followers and friends thanks to these giveaways, and these people make my day!

I never put such an obligation in my giveaways. You have the right to enter these giveaways and win something like everyone. It's a beautiful thing. You are human, and they are human too, there is no difference. Maybe you spend hours entering giveaways or not, you are all equal in this blog. So, don't hesitate to enter the giveaways on my blog. You are all welcome :)

#39 MAIL ALERT :)

I won these GK hair samples from a local giveaway by KozmoKolik.

I won this beautiful steel bracelet from a local giveaway by C-Bellle. My mother wore this today when she met her friends.

Destiny - WINNER

Congratulations! I will be e-mailing you shortly! Please reply me within 48 hours.

Giveaway Link: http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-giveaway-destiny.html

* If you don't receive my e-mail, please comment here or send me an e-mail:
annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
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