*** 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)