The Stray by Sherry King - Awesome Holiday Gift Idea for Readers of The Paranormal

Can the wrong dog be the right man?

The Stray, a Paranormal Romantic Suspense Novel by Sherry King, was released by L&L Dreamspell in September 2009. 

For years, Chanah has avoided the peculiar danger that sex represents for an empath. Other women might at least say stop if something hurts, but her empathy brings her along for every ride. If he likes it so does she.

The regrets come later.

All men are dogs, she tells herself, until the day the stray she’s feeding reveals himself as Nick, a splendid shapeshifter.

This handsome monster may be the one man Chanah cannot resist.

Can she come to terms with her unresolved past and embrace an unlikely future while evading a murderer with a grudge?

The Stray by Sherry King was released in September 2009 – Distributor – Ingram

ISBN 978-1-60318-132-7 – A Paranormal Romantic Suspense Trade Paperback - $15.95

– Page Count 220.  Learn more at www.lldreamspell.com

In a Nutshell: Perhaps you prefer the werewolf in a world full of Vampire lovers. If you ever wondered what it would be like to be with Sam Merlot (True Blood) or Jacob Black (The Twilight Sage), well baby, Sherry King is going to tell you. 

The main characters, Chanah and Nick are hot together. I thought Chanah to be an interesting character and appreciated her humor. She has moxie that chick!  Nick is hot and I couldn't help picturing Taylor Launtner while reading it. The shapeshifter premise is something I have read a lot of lately, and The Stray has a nice balance of paranormal mixed with romance and suspense.  I loved it. There was some hot scenes that make this not so much for young adults but lovers of romantic paranormal will love it. 

The Stray Excerpt: You're the Dog!

"I'm done for dead. Lights out for sure dead."

"You're not dead."

The beautiful male voice sounded halfway between relieved and amused. Chanah stiffened. She lay half across a lap. Someone known and safe, but for sure she never heard that voice before. A jack-hammering headache. Chanah's eyelids parted just a little, then wide and wider. The man ... no shirt ... or pants.

Are we doing the deed? The usual context for naked men--not that she'd seen any since Tommy, the trigger-tail skunk pimp.

It didn't seem she'd forget a guy like this. Lean, long muscled, uh, blond, a yummy side of beef, and she hadn't even seen a face yet. Urges Chanah long ago learned to ignore raised their hands to heaven and shouted "Amen!" at the feel and smell of him. He had an aura sweeter than a Jilbert's Yooper Mud Slide Sundae. Familiar. Where? When? On the floor in the hall and head hurt.

Her whole body stiffened like a gillnetted steelhead.

This butt-naked man knocked her out--and she lusted after him? My rat-attract radar strikes again. No wonder MZ says I have bad taste in men! She drew back an arm and punched him a good one. Her knuckles stung, and she struggled to stand.

He blinked and released her. Smooth as God's grace he stood too and backed up one step. "Don't be afraid."

Oh, God. In the movies, the murderous creep always said that just before he tortured someone, or ate them. Chanah's foot struck something hard--a hammer on the floor. She didn't know how it got there, but she put her foot on the handle. Pick it up and slam him with it.

His eyes followed her gaze and took in the hammer. "You don't need that. I won't hurt you."

Chanah's gut told her to believe him, but she had questions, including the most--most obvious: "What might you be doing in my house without your clothes on?"

The grin changed his rather triangular face. Chanah noticed his ice-blue eyes and dark blond lashes. She knew those eyes. And that gold-blond hair with sun bleached white tips.

Check out Sherry's other books here.

Blue Monday - The Latest And Greatest

This Blue Monday, I am posting a photo of my latest and greatest necklace to date. I absolutely love this necklace and can't stop looking at it.

This upcoming weekend, I am part of a pre-holiday extravaganza with 4 other entrepreneurs, and will be trying to sell this baby along with 90 of my other pieces. It will be hard to part with this beauty but heck, I create with the goal to sell so it has to go.

Oh yeah, see me? There I am in the silver pieces, well my lens anyway.

I wish you a very happy morning.

How To Be Famous - 5 Winners - 7th Day of Christmas

 On The 7th Day of Christmas, Maria's Space gave to me a book by Spencer and Heidi!

Yes, that is right, Heidi and Spencer have written a book about how to be famous. Who else to do tell us how to get famous than two people famous for being famous?

    Product Description

From braving the wilds of Los Angeles to the Costa Rican jungle, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have learned a thing or two about reality...television, that is. But while dominating the airwaves and tabloid covers every week may look like all fun and mind games, Speidi is here to tell you: becoming wildly famous requires hard work and a no-fail blueprint for success. Now, for the first time ever, Heidi and Spencer invite you behind the scenes as they reveal the ten-step plan that took them from nobodies to notorious! You will:

• Learn how to say I hate you without opening your mouth--Heidi's exclusive tutorial
• Increase your capacity for evil with Spencer's "Villain-o-meter"
• Discover why getting and talking about plastic surgery is a must
• Unlock the secrets of celebrity couple math (e.g. Speidi > Heidi + Spencer)
• Mesmerize the media with outrageous behavior
• Bow down to the power of the paparazzi

...and much, much more!

With Heidi and Spencer as your personal coaches, you, too, can transform yourself into a red-carpet-ready superstar!

If How To Be Famous: Our Guide to Looking the Part, Playing the Press and Becoming a Tabloid Fixture was indeed written by Heidi and Spencer, this proves that they DO NOT take themselves so seriously. They know that they are famous because of playing the "I am important card" and that the paporattzi and the public buy into it.


This is hardly a book I would want a teenage girl to read. This book is meant to be strictly tongue in cheek. However, I do feel some teens will take Heidi's advice very seriously and think they have to play the part of silly, party girl to get attention. Heidi also acts out How to Say ‘I Hate You’ Without Saying a Word in her “Guide to Playing the Bombshell” chapter.


If we read the book for entertainment value it is just that, very entertaining.


Anna from Hachette Book Group has bestowed on my readers a chance to find out How To Be Famous.

To Enter, Fill Out The Form Below before Dec 10th at Midnight:

For Extra Entries:

*Subscribe to my newsletter

*Follow my blog

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment) for three extra entries (Enter 3 separate comments)

*Add me to your blogroll and provide the link

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.



*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook

*Subscribe to Chotskies, my other blog

*Email 2 friends and CC me

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

*Post my holiday button on your sidebar.

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m203/mgagliano500/christmas-1.jpg"/></a><br />

Disclaimer: I received no payment to write this review. The words are all mine and I was not forced or asked to write anything you read here. In my opinion, a blogger review is the equivalent of me talking to my friends and family in my daily life, about a product I either love or don’t. All the opinions throughout my posts are strictly my own.

Sunday Stealing: The Tell Me About Yourself Meme

1. When is your birthday? In August

2. Where were you born? In a hospital 

3. Where do you live now? In a house

4. What is your heritage? Italian but I always say I am American!

5. Tell us about a weakness. My kids

6. What's a goal that you'd like to achieve? Getting through this meme. 

7. What is the most overused internet phrase? LOL

8. What was your first thought this morning? They are up already?

9. When do you usually go to bed? When I am tired.

10. Do you smoke? If not, did you ever? I am smoking but I have never smoked. bwhahahaha

11. Do you like your current relationship status? Sure, we get along and generally like each other.

12. Do you (or did you) get along with your parents? It is hard to say. My mother died when I was 12 and dad left when I was 14. I get along with him as much as I can considering I have seen him only 5 times in the last 20 years.

13. How often do you drink alcohol? I am not much of a drinker. Probably average a drink every 3 months.

14. Have you ever tried drugs (that weren't prescribed)? Never did. I prefer to always be in control of myself and my actions.

15. Have you ever gone skinny dipping? If yes, do tell. Well, I cannot remember a time when I didn't have clothes on while swimming although I would like to try.

16. If given the choice, how would you like to die? Sleeping

17. What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a nurse now I want to be a Playgirl photographer when I grow up.

18. Have you ever been dumped? Oh sure, this one time, in band camp, this guy dumped me right on my ass.

19. What's on your pizza? Pepperoni

20. Have you ever shoplifted? Yes, I was about 8 and it was an Archie comic book. I felt so guilty that I brought it back to the store and put it back. Unfortunately, I was caught putting it back and had to explain the whole thing which was what I was trying to avoid in the first place. 

The Sky in Monochrome is Still Beautiful

The Winners

The Winner of the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Sound of Music is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

15 - Renee

Timestamp: 2009-11-29 12:53:31 UTC

You can see my review of the CD here.

If you have a Sound of Music fan on your list, this is a wonderful edition to their collection.


The Winner of the USB drive from  Wholesale Keychains is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

3 - David Johnson

Timestamp: 2009-11-29 13:22:56 UTC

Thank you to everyone who entered.

To the winners, I have emailed you this morning. If you do not receive an email from me, please email me directly with your mailing address. You have 48 hours to respond or another number will be selected.

Reminder: Every giveaway on this blog are for the US or Canada unless otherwise indicated.

A Goddess Moment

While waiting for my son to come out of school the other day, Goddess and I were waiting in the car. She likes to come sit in the front while we wait and this day she had something to say about Princesses'.

"Mommy, sometimes princess make this face when they are locked up."

Me: "when they are locked up?"

"Yes when the bad person locks them in a tower."

Me: "oh (trying not to laugh), yes I guess they might make that face."

"And sometimes the sing a song."

Me: "what kind of song?"

"I don't know something that makes the animals come or makes people sad."

Too cute.

Umm....we don't watch a lot of Disney movies but now I am wondering where she got this from.

The Love Revolution Audio Book-3 Winners - 6th Day of Christmas

 On The 6th Day of Christmas, Maria's Space gave to me 7 CD's Full of Love!

This month thanks to Hachette Book Group, I received The Love Revolution by Joyce Meyer, a 7 CD set read by the author's daughter.

Full Description

Joyce Meyer is not satisfied with the status quo. She believes that we each need to become a revolutionary and practice love every day. And if Joyce has her way, the revolution will spread - person by person, house by house, town by town, until the old culture of selfishness and greed gives way to a new culture of concern for others.

The book is a revolutionaries' manual, a hands-on primer for bringing the Golden Rule to life in the twenty-first century. Meyer starts out by giving some stunning statistics. Right now...210,000 children will die this week because of poverty; 640 million children do not have adequate shelter; every day, 3,000 children are abducted into the sex-trafficking industry; every day, 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes. She goes on to say that although crisis is global, the solution is local. We can't solve the world's problems, but that isn't a reason to remain idle.

LOVE REVOLUTION focuses on personal behavior on the local scale. It's not just a call to action; it is a call to being: being the person who goes out of your way to encourage someone who's out of hope; being the one who smiles at a stranger; being the one who is willing to do something for nothing. The paradox: when we do something for nothing, what we often get is something far greater.

This book, audio or whatever you prefer is a must read for everyone. I am of the belief that everyone is basically good. We tend to see it more around the holidays everyone tends to be on better behavior. People are more willing to go out of their way for others, but really it isn't so hard.

I remember once while having lunch with about 10 co-workers; we were being led to our table. The waiter walked over a coat, then the 4 people behind him in my party did also, I bent to pick it up and told the person sitting where the coat was, that their coat was on the floor as I handed it to them. Everyone raved about how nice I was through the first 5 minutes of lunch. It really seemed like nothing to me but I remember it even today. Why was it such a big deal? Because unfortunately, most people don't take the time to go out of their way for others.

The Love Revolution by Joyce Meyer is about that, making a difference! This is a great addition to your book or Audio collection and highly recommended by, well ME! There you have it. Since it is my blog.

For More information or on how to get involved with The Love Revolution, go to their website here.


To Enter, Fill Out The Form Below before Dec 8th at Midnight. This is US and Canada Only.

For Extra Entries:

*Subscribe to my newsletter

*Follow my blog

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment) for three extra entries (Enter 3 separate comments)

*Add me to your blogroll and provide the link

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.



*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook

*Subscribe to Chotskies, my other blog

*Email 2 friends and CC me

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

*Post my holiday button on your sidebar.

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m203/mgagliano500/christmas-1.jpg"/></a><br />

Disclaimer: I received no payment to write this review. The words are all mine and I was not forced or asked to write anything you read here. In my opinion, a blogger review is the equivalent of me talking to my friends and family in my daily life, about a product I either love or don’t. All the opinions throughout my posts are strictly my own.

A Goddess Moment

We picked this cute little Skelkitten up at Target after Halloween. I love hitting the sales two days after the holiday when everything is up to 75% off. Goddess had wanted this kitty before Halloween and I told her I would get it eventually. I snagged it for $3.00 and she was so happy. The face? Well, it is a Goddess face. She is an actress in the making.

We were at the library and one of the librarians asked her, "did you get that kitty for Halloween?"

Goddess replied, "nope, we got it from Target."

Hahahaha...Target, if you are listening, we are spreading the Buzz.

Self Portrait Sunday - Nov 29, 2009

If you are new to the meme, welcome. To find out why I began Self Portrait Sunday, see my first post here.

The rules are simple. Just post a picture of yourself linking back here. Hope to see your beautiful faces.

Ever wonder what you look like when you take a picture? Here is what I look like!

Chop Socky Chooks DVD Giveaway- 5th Day of Christmas

 On The 5th Day of Christmas, Maria's Space gave to me a DVD for my family!

Chop Socky Chooks is a video that will entertain you and your little ones. My kids and I got to review one a few months back and we thought it was funny. If you have to watch kid shows, it might as well be something you can enjoy too.

To Enter, Fill Out The Form Below before Dec 6th at Midnight. This is US and Canada Only.

For Extra Entries:

*Subscribe to my newsletter

*Follow my blog

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment) for three extra entries (Enter 3 separate comments)

*Add me to your blogroll and provide the link

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.



*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook

*Subscribe to Chotskies, my other blog

*Email 2 friends and CC me

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

*Post my holiday button on your sidebar.

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m203/mgagliano500/christmas-1.jpg"/></a><br />

Disclaimer: I received no payment to write this review. The words are all mine and I was not forced or asked to write anything you read here. In my opinion, a blogger review is the equivalent of me talking to my friends and family in my daily life, about a product I either love or don’t. All the opinions throughout my posts are strictly my own.

Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta Rocks!

Thanks to Mom Central I was sent a box of Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta to test on my family.

Usually anything that has "smart, healthy," or "good for you" doesn't always taste so great. That is not the case here. I made it as the box stated and it was perfect. I added a very light, white cheese sauce over it and then added it to another recipe I reviewed. They were perfect together but more on that later.

Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta states that they are an excellent source of fiber and calcium, with lower calories and fat than traditional white pasta. They also claim to contain no sodium, preservatives or cholesterol. I can tell you this..I don't see a reason to eat another pasta. Ronzoni has always been my families pasta. It is what I grew up on and I can still eat it without the guilt.

Ronzoni Smart Taste is available in Spaghetti, Thin Spaghetti, Penne Rigate, Rotini and Elbows. Ronzoni Smart Taste is available at retailers nationwide. Each 14.5-ounce variety is $1.69.


Head over to Ronzoni's Site for a rebate of $4.00 when you purchase Smart Taste and a movie. You can also get $1.00 coupon here.

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Ronzoni Pasta and received a sample of Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate."

Color Carnival - A Necklace

I seriously love this necklace. It goes with everything. The beading took me forever and the pendent is just wrapping paper that I had a sample of.

The Most Beautiful Dogs in the World-Camera Critters Saturday

I was heading into the supermarket for some Thanksgiving shopping on Tuesday when I spotted these guys sitting in a nearby truck. I stopped, started walking again and turned back toward the truck. Reaching in my bag to find my point and shoot which is always with me, I asked the driver who was reading the paper if it would be OK if I took their picture. He said it would be fine and started telling me about all the awards they have for best dog! The dogs are father and son, the son is in the foreground. They were massive, beautiful and sweet. The driver told me to feel their ears. It was an odd request until I felt their ears. If they were my dogs, I would tell everyone the same thing. They must be about 3 inches thick with fur. Aren't they beautiful?

We Have Some Post Thanksgiving Winners....

The winners of Sins of the Flesh are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

64 - Erma Hurtt
81 - Marcy Strahan
3 - Beth Melito
45 - Patrick Mabrey
8 -  Lauren S

Timestamp: 2009-11-27 14:23:40 UTC

The winners of the Sunsweet Giveaway are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

115 - Donna M. Clark
31 - Jessie C
81 - Renee T
5 - Raelena
55 - Cathiem

Timestamp: 2009-11-27 15:13:17 UTC

Just a reminder, all of Maria's Space giveaways are for U.S. or Canada only unless otherwise stated.

Glade Holiday Candle Collection Review & Giveaway-4th Day of Christmas

 On The 4th Day of Christmas, Maria's Space gave to me a Glade Candle That Smells Sweet!

Thanks to the Family Review Network I was able to participate in a sweet review for  Glade^® Candles Holiday Collection. The Limited Edition Collection is incredible.


The Glade Candles Holiday Collection captures the warmth of the holiday season, adding that extra little touch to transform your home into a haven for family and friends. The collection is offered in Apple Cinnamon and limited-edition Bayberry Spice. Seasonal designs of falling stars or festive gift packages adorn the red or green candle holders. The collection features new, refillable Glade Scented Oil Candles decorative glass holder; refillable Glade Scented Oil Candles tins; and Glade candles 4 oz. jars. 

The manufacturer suggested retail price for the Glade^® Candles Holiday Collection is:

·         $3.49 for Glade Scented Oil Candle tin

·         $3.49 for Glade Scented Oil Candle decorative glass holder

·         $3.49 for Glade Scented Oil refills available for the tin and decorative glass holder varieties; contains four refills

·         $3.49 for Glade candle 4 oz. jar 

I received two oil candles from Glade to try out. It is so simple, you take the candle out of the package, place it in the tin and light it. The candle becomes a liquid and when the oil burns off, the candle goes out.

A neighbor had stopped by to drop mail off that was delivered to their home accidently. I had lite the candle about 15 minutes earlier and placed it on my counter. When I opened to door he said, "ummm..that smells so good. Is that an Illumination or a Yankee Candle?" I was like, "nope, it's Glade." I felt like the woman in the commercial.

It is so true though. Why spend $10-25.00 on a candle when Glade for so much less gives you exactly what you are looking for?

Thanks to Glade I am able to give one of these candles away to a lucky reader. Glade is going to surprise the winner so I have no idea which one you will be getting but you can't lose with Glade.

Please let me know which candle fragrance you prefer by heading over to  Glade^® Candles Holiday Collection.


To Enter, Fill Out The Form Below before Dec 8th at Midnight:

For Extra Entries:

*Subscribe to my newsletter

*Follow my blog

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment) for three extra entries (Enter 3 separate comments)

*Add me to your blogroll and provide the link

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.



*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook

*Subscribe to Chotskies, my other blog

*Email 2 friends and CC me

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

*Post my holiday button on your sidebar.

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m203/mgagliano500/christmas-1.jpg"/></a><br />

Happy Thanksgiving to My Readers!

Fresh Organics - Organic Baby - 3rd Day of Christmas Giveaway

 On The 3rd Day of Christmas, Maria's Space gave to me, something for my sweet baby!

Thanks to The Family Review Network, I was able to participate in a review campaign for Fresh Organics, Organic Baby Products.

My son has severe exczema and always has, we have to be extremely careful with what we put on his skin. This is especially important during the colder months. He is suffering terribly right now because I ran out of his laundry detergent and used the one we use for the rest of the family. His skin looks as uncomfortable as he feels. I rushed his detergent and hopefully with much cream we will get this under control.

I realy wanted to try Organic Baby on him last week, if this wasn't truly a great product we would know right away.

We used the shampoo/body wash and the bubble bath. We are always hesitant to use a bubble bath even though he loves it. Why cause him more discomfort just to have bubbles? He loved that he was able to have a bubble bath and suffered no extra discomfort. We have found our bubble bath for sure.

What is great about these products is that they are all natural.

Shampoo & Body Wash
Organic Baby Conditioning Shampoo and Body Wash is gentle enough to use on the most delicate skin and hair every day. Our hypo-allergenic, all-in-one formula is made from a special blend of organic oils, soothing emollients and mild cleansers to thoroughly clean and condition. Now there's no more tears or tangles at bath time - great for skin and hair of all ages.

Ingredients:
aqueous infusion of organic white tea, organic aloe vera gel, decyl glucoside (plant derived), sodium cocoamphoacetate (plant derived), vegetable glycerin, wildcrafted organic shea butter, polyglyceryl-4 caprate (plant derived), organic papaya extract, organic chamomile extract, vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin C,  grapefruit seed extract, polyhexanide, botanical fragrance (plant derived).

Bubble Bath
Our hypo-allergenic, all-in-one formula makes bath time bubbly fun.  Our tearless formula, with essential oils of organic lavender and sweet orange, makes luxuriantly fragrant bubbles that dissolve both tension and grime. Make bath time a delightful ritual of relaxation for the whole family.

Ingredients:
aqueous infusion of organic chamomile, organic aloe vera gel, sodium cocoamphoacetate (plant derived), decyl glucoside (plant derived), vegetable glycerin, amino acid (plant derived), organic lavender essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), polyhexanide, grapefruit seed extract.

For the adults with sensitive skin; fear not my friend, Fresh Organic will take care of you with their Men and Women products

Thanks to Family Review Network and Fresh Organic Baby I am allowed to offer one of my readers the chance to try the Shampoo/Body Wash, Bubble Bath and a Travel Pack Gift Set of their best baby products.

To Enter, Fill Out The Form Below before Dec 10th at Midnight:

For Extra Entries:

*Subscribe to my newsletter

*Follow my blog

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment) for three extra entries (Enter 3 separate comments)

*Add me to your blogroll and provide the link

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.



*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook

*Subscribe to Chotskies, my other blog

*Email 2 friends and CC me

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

*Post my holiday button on your sidebar.

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m203/mgagliano500/christmas-1.jpg"/></a><br />

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe-Audio Book-3 Winners-1st Day of Christmas

 On The 1st Day of Christmas, Maria's Space gave to me, An Audio Book About Marilyn.

Ok, I know it's a stretch but you should always be singing that line as you would the 12 Days of Christmas. You know...

Marilyn Monroe has been on of the most beloved and interesting celebrities since I can remember. I doubt there will ever be another like her. I have read many books documenting Marilyn's life. This was the first audio book though. I loved it! It is a well written, documented account of the women that was born Norma Jean. 

Beside the well known information about Marilyn and her relationships with the Kennedys, there is an underlying hint of mental illness that details Mariilyn's demons. Also, the author gives us a glimpse into the women who shaped Marilyn as a child. This was by far my favorite part of the CD set. We are all products of our upbringing in one way or another and Marilyn had 3 very important women in her life, her mother, her guardian and her foster mother.

I find Marilyn to be very interesting and iconic of a time in America. Hollywood was glamourous and mysterious and so was the women.

From Hachette's Book Description:

Full Description

From New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular American culture. When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn's world and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told...until now.

The audio book is available to purchase anywhere audio books are sold but thanks to Hachette Book Group, I have 3 to give away.

To Enter, Fill Out The Form Below before Dec 8th at Midnight. This is US Only!

Marilyn used to say, 'it is better to be unhappy alone, than unhappy with someone" What is one of your favorite quotes?

For Extra Entries:

*Subscribe to my newsletter

*Follow my blog

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment) for three extra entries (Enter 3 separate comments)

*Add me to your blogroll and provide the link

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.



*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook

*Subscribe to Chotskies, my other blog

*Email 2 friends and CC me

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

Disclaimer: I received no payment to write this review. The words are all mine and I was not forced or asked to write anything you read here. In my opinion, a blogger review is the equivalent of me talking to my friends and family in my daily life, about a product I either love or don’t. All the opinions throughout my posts are strictly my own.

This is a test

Test post

"What are Your 5 Favorite Holiday Activities to do with Your Kids?"

Twitter Mom's is asking the question: What Are Your 5 Favorite Holiday Activities To Do With Your Kids?

1- My favorite thing to do is called 25 Days Of Christmas. I read about it before having kids.  I knew that once I had children it was something that would be fun. Basically, I wrap all our Christmas books and movies and put them in a basket. As the kids get older baby Christmas books and movies will make way for other books or movies. I also put a new ornament in the basket for the tree. Starting December 1st, we draw a name (there are only 2) and let that kid pick the first gift. They alternate nights. They open the gift and we either read or watch the book or movie. It makes Christmas last instead of ending in one day, plus we spend quality family time together. It is my hope that this is something they will continue with their own families.

2-I love taking them to have the picture taken with Santa. It is something I always knew I would do when I had kids. We go early in the season and early in the day. Usually we are the first on line. The kids talk to Santa, we take a picture, walk around the mall, throw pennies in the fountain, look at the puppies, have lunch and head out before 5:00 p.m. traffic.

3-We drive around looking for decorated homes. We love all the lights at night and stop and gaze until we feel we saw it all.

4-Heading out to see my in-laws and my sister is a highlight of our holiday.

5-Baking cookies with my sister-in-law and the kids is one of my kids favorite activities. When Aunt Marta comes everyone is happy.




Watch Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure Dec. 6 on NickelodeonFavorite Holiday Activities with Kids

"What is your Black Friday plan of attack this year?"

Well, for me...that means staying far, far away from the stores. The prices are never low enough for me to decide to leave the safe, warm confines of my home to brave the masses.

But, that may have more to do with the fact that I don't have a shopping thing. In my early twenties I lived with two other girls who LOVED shopping. They are the people advertisers work for. They love sitting together, planning their shopping agenda, slowly milling around the malls, trying things on, laughing and talking about clothes and more, having lunch, shopping some more, getting a $6.00 coffee and braving the traffic out of the mall. That is so the opposite of me.

I prefer shopping when the stores open, during the week when everyone else is sleeping, working or at school, getting what I need and flying out of there in record time. I shop for bargains but do it throughout the year. Yes, the prices on Black Friday can be inticing but that is what is so great about the internet. Anything I can get at the stores can be found online.

This year, I will be checking out the deals at Target as soon as I wake up on Cyber Monday. However, I believe that the deals keep coming long after Black Friday. While Black Friday may be a great thing for some, it is a day I prefer to stay away. Don't look for me the day after Thanksgiving. I will be sitting at home with my family enjoying some time with them.

To find out with everyone else is doing this Friday, be sure to head over to Twitter Moms (that's me) and let us know how you spend the day after Thanksgiving.