DAY 5 of 12 Days of Christmas - The Real Face of Jesus DVD Giveaway

Could there really be a more appropriate DVD offered this holiday season?

Presented by The History Channel and now available on DVD

As the Shroud of Turin is put on public display for the first time in 10 years, new data reveals more than just a flat image embedded in the ancient cloth, but an astonishing, three-dimensional, sculpture-like figure.

Using the principles of physics, cutting-edge digital technology, and the revolutionary CGI process pioneered in Stealing Lincoln's Body, HISTORY brings that image to life, unveiling the most accurate representation ever seen of what many believe to be Jesus Christ.

The 411:

Using high tech 3D graphics, graphic artist Ray Downing has spent years trying to recreate a "very real" image of Jesus Christ.

Researchers head to a chapel in Italy and explain the details of  the Shroud of  Toran which  is 14 feet long and made out of linen cloth. They explain the burn marks and the placement of the body features. The details are remarkable. Taking the Shroud as the starting point the take a picture, place it onto fabric and start mapping out the blue print for resurrecting Jesus' image.

I found the whole documentary very interesting and spent a lot of time reading everything I could on this very valuable piece of history!  Science and religion are a very interesting marriage and this documentary did exactly what I set out to do. Create a 3D image of Jesus.

The end of The Real Face of Jesus is unbelievably moving even thought I know it is only a computer generation. @HistoryChannel

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To Purchase:

The Giveaway: A History Channel DVD - The Real Face of Jesus

The Sponsor: The History Channel

Stocking Stuffer Idea for the Adults On Your List

Originally I wanted the title to read Stocking Stuffer Idea for EVERYONE on your list but quickly realized my kids were only interested in it when I pointed things out to them. They are 6 & 8, what do they know....this book is so adorable and will have your rummaging through your childhood photos to see what you can come up with.


Have you ever thought about recreating one of your favorite childhood photos as an adult? Thousands of people worldwide have been inspired to do just that, and now the best of the best of these amazing photo pairs are in the book "Young Me, Now Me."

The 411:
I have looked at this book at least 5 times in the past week. It is adorable and the corresponding stories sweet. My personal favorite include a grown man laying on the same blanket he laid on when he was a newborn. The same angle, the same sunlight streaming through.

My sisters and I are never all together but I would totally do this with them.

The book has been in my bag since I received it and everyone who looks through it, writes down the title and the website. It is truly a phenomenon.

We all love the effort everyone took in trying to get the exact same facial expressions and clothing. For more on this book, check out the Young Me, Now Me website. By the way, don't blame me if you find yourself spending way too much time there. I couldn't help it either!

Any idea which photo you would reenact?

Brave Irene by William Steig Read by Meryl Streep

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year

Now a Book & CD Set with a recording by Meryl Streep

from the Grammy-nominated William Steig collection

BRAVE IRENE
By William Steig
Read by Meryl Streep

Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker’s daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn’t feeling so well and can’t possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she’s made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace in time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that’s brewing – quite an errand for a little girl!

But where there’s a will, there’s a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicket wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission. Surely, this winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on.

Narrated by the iconic Meryl Streep, this Book & CD Set charms with vivid illustrations, an exciting storyline, and the perfect voice to bring it all together. Also including a read-along track, Brave Irene is the kind of book that children will grow up listening to, and then excitedly read to themselves!

Praise for Brave Irene:
“An extraordinarily eloquent story about love and courage” – The New Yorker

"With sure writing and well-composed, riveting art, Steig keeps readers with Irene every step of the long way." -- Booklist, starred review

“In Brave Irene, Streep’s mellifluous voice transforms instantly from the even-toned narrator to the infuriating wind that tortures Irene.” – Audiofile, Earphones Award Winner

"William Steig’s Brave Irene has the timeless quality of a classic fairy tale." -- Publishers Weekly

"A lovely story, well told and most attractively presented." -- Kirkus Reviews

WILLIAM STEIG (1907-2003) began drawing for The New Yorker in 1930. He published his first children’s book in 1968, and received the Caldecott Medal in 1970. His works include The Amazing Bone, Abel’s Island, Doctor De Soto, and various other Newbery Honor and Caldecott Honor books.

MERYL STREEP is one of the most celebrated and award-winning actresses in the history of film. She holds the record for most nominations for Academy Awards, and has won twice. She also garnered two Emmy Awards, Seven Golden Globes, and six Drama Desk Awards.

Brave Irene is a 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.

Brave Irene Guided Reading Ppt  

View more presentations from Mandie Funk

The 411:
I had never heard of Brave Irene by William Steig when I received it. We are always looking for new family friendly books to read together. What drew me in instantly was that Meryl Streep was the reader on the audio book and that there was snow on the cover. We are entering winter so this seemed like the perfect book to settle down and read with my kids.

Handsome and I headed into his room for us to read. He looked at it and asked me to read it to him. I started and he settled into my lap. Next thing I know, Goddess comes in too and settles in to listen. Then he read it out loud to me. Lastly he read it along with the audio. The last two reads were on his own. I figured we would read together and than put the book on the shelf like so many others before it.

Honestly, this was confusing, what was it about Brave Irene that made him want to read it three times in a row? I don't know. Maybe it was the pictures. Or maybe it was because he, like Irene, tries very hard and always has. Being a child in therapy since he is two, his mannerisms, scholastic abilities and personality is always scrutinized. His perseverance, like Irene's is to just keep going.

In this book, Irene's mom makes a beautiful dress for a Duchess. Unfortunately she is sick and can't get it to the Duchess, so Irene, being the good girl she is does her best to get it there. She tucks her mother in and heads out into a storm to bring it to her.

No matter how hard the wind pushes Irene she must make it there. She doesn't want to let her mother or the Duchess down. Irene is a people pleaser like most of us. We don't want to be let down. She keep going and in the end, all roads led to something spectacular. If we don't give up.

Putting aside that no mother would allow her child to venture out into a storm to bring a dress to a duchess. And, that Irene could have potentially died by falling off a cliff or freezing to death. Or, the amount of stress put on a child to trudge through the wind, snow and bitter cold without letting anyone down borders on child abuse I think the book is a wonderful read of courage, love and never giving up!

Handsome loved the book so much that he is basing his first school book collage on it! We need to pick up some construction paper today!


To Purchase:

Color Carnival Sunday #7

Hello everyone I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Please leave your link below so everyone can visit you. If you are confused on the new format, please know you are not alone. We took a vote and we are doing away with the voting system. Link away and have a great week!

Here is my colorful submission for this week.

The Senior Center created a moral based on their take on What's In Your Heart for September 11th. They asked that I come down and take a photo that they could send to their screen printer to make shirts and sweatshirts for their fundraisers. It is so colorful and I am definitely going to purchased a sweatshirt when they are done.

Hickory Farms Makes The Holiday Better

First, let me start by saying, that my family has been ordering from Hickory Farms since I can remember in 1973 but they were probably ordering before that.  The catalogs would come in and my mom would dog ear the pages as she ordered gifts for grandparents, great grandparents, family friends and teachers.

The towers were always a favorite because you would get a box of nuts, sweets, savory things like mustards and then cheese and sausage. I am not a big cheese girl but as a carnivore I love meat. 

Recently I was able to revisit Hickory Farms when I had the opportunity to host a Hickory Farms Party. I invited 7 friends and with the use of Clary's home. Every party she comes to at my  house she says, "that was fun, I should have a party at my house" so since I know she always decorates for Thanksgiving I asked if she wanted to host. She being a great friend said yes and together we entertained 6 woman.  

I was surprised when I asked them if they had ever ordered or received a gift from Hickory Farms. None of them had. They all were familiar with the name because there is usually a Hickory Farm store or mostly a stand in the malls but none had shopped. 

Hickory Farms was being generous. We received enough food to feed a small village.  Choosing 1 of each of the boxes we cut up samples for everyone to try. It was the "best" party ever. 

Get woman together to sample food and it's all good. We had a great time, laughing, talking and eating.  Everyone had a favorite; I personally liked the Turkey Sausage and Cranberry Mustard. Who would think that Cranberry Mustard would taste so amazing. It went quickly. The jars are small but it taste good on everything and a few woman talked about how they would love to put it on top of their ham before they cook it for Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy!

Click to enlarge

The Smoked Gouda Cheese was a favorite. Every time we tried something new, someone would chime that "THIS" was their favorite. 

One of my favorite parts of the party was when I opened the basket containing cheese, meats and fresh fruit. I cut up a red pear and at first everyone was all "I'm not a pear person." Until they tried it! When one returned to the room after taking care of the only kid at the party, a little boy 14 months old, she was asked to try it and when she said, "I'm not a pear person" all of them told her she had to try it. She did! Annnnnddd she loved it too!

Anytime Hickory Farms needs someone to do taste tests, they can count on me and my girls, we are in!

Each woman was handed a box to take with them which completely floored them. I loved the Facebook messages about the party especially when one was telling me she was already cutting into her cheese and sausage. 

Looks like Hickory Farms made some new fans and I was able to give a box to my UPS guy who delivered them and many others every year. My grandparents and in-laws also received boxes. It was the best review ever. 

Click to Enlarge

DAY 1 of 12 Days of Christmas - Put Inkoos On Your Christmas List

That's right people, we are starting early, I am too excited to wait any longer. Plus, I always worry that people won't get their prizes before the holidays and that adds to my stress.  Soooooo to relive my stress and get this party started, let's goooooooo.........

The 411

We received our Inkoo and mini Inkoo last week and my, my was Goddess chopping at the bit to get her hands on them. 

I took this picture before the kids got home from school on Friday. She asked if she could play with them and I told her she would have to wait until tomorrow we had a busy night. The next day we did a leaf raking thing with the Cub Scouts and Daisy at a church near by and then I had to race Handsome back home to change for his soccer game. I knew it was killing her but told her when I got home we could open them.

When I got home, I was told her first tooth had fallen out.....aggghhh I missed it. She was so happy to pose with her newest friends.

See the missing tooth???

She got started on her Inkoo right away. She is such a good sharer and asked if she could draw on the big one today and than let Handsome draw on it tomorrow. Funny, I was going to give it to her since I know she likes art better than he does. We will let him do it too to see if it is something he likes!

The little one she decided should go to her good friend Ava. We owe her a Birthday Gift so this is perfect. Can't wait to see what Ava thinks!

Here is Goddess hard at work on her masterpiece.

We finally put our Inkoo into the wash and were amazed. The colors come off right away. The white Inkoo is still very white. Only his foot looks a little different as I suppose his little flat bottom foot insert slipped a little but the kids could care less. He he can't stand on his own but they never had him standing anyway.

In MY HONEST OPINION:

The colors aren't as dark as they make them out to be. The Inkoos come with 3 markers and they are quite light. We haven't tried different waterproof markers because honestly, the kids love it just the way it is. I am curious though. BUT, any toy that kids can use over and over again is so worth it to me.

Holiday Wishes Review

The 411:

I was a big Buffy The Vampire Slayer fan so seeing Amber Benson "Tara" in another role was exciting. Amber Benson plays Danni Hartford a party planner who spends her off time looking for a sister she hardly remembers having except for a photo of her and another little girl.

Britney is the daughter of Danni's clients. A spoiled rich girl who wants for nothing but a horse of her very own. Rachel is an orphan shuttled from house to house who only wants a family to love her.

After being mistreated by her foster siblings on a horse farm, Rachel makes a wish the same time Britney and Danni do while looking at a star on a Christmas tree. The girls bump into each other and Britney and Rachel switch bodies.

It's Freaky Friday turned into a holiday movie with an extra. The script is weak and the acting just OK but this is a Christmas Movie and in the end who doesn't love to watch movies about Christmas at Christmas time?

Ruby Tuesday - Clary Blooms

For some reason, I seem to take a few pictures of flowers when I am a Clary's house. It's funny because it's not like she has a ton of them but she does get flowers as gifts.

These were spotted during a Hickory Farm Party that I was hosting at her home for some friends. They are pretty cute with their reddish hues.

Click photo to enlarge. Head over to Ruby Tuesday for more red toned photos.

The Whip by Karen Kondazian

ABOUT THE NOVEL

The Whip is inspired by the true story of Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst (1812-1879) who lived most of her extraordinary life as a man in the old west.

As a young woman in Rhode Island, she fell in love with a runaway slave and had his child. The destruction of her family drove her west to California, dressed as a man, to track the killer.

Charley became a renowned stagecoach driver for Wells Fargo. She killed a famous outlaw, had a secret love affair, and lived with a housekeeper who, unaware of her true sex, fell in love with her.

Charley was the first woman to vote in America in 1868 (as a man). Her grave lies in Watsonville, California.

The 411: 

I finished this book last night after starting it just the night before. Who would have thought you could make a book about a stage coach riders back in the 1800s and make it interesting. Wow, it is not only interesting but any book that forces me to research deeper in the main topic of the book is at the top of my list.

The better part of my morning was spent researching more information on Charley Parkhurst the most famous stage coach driver. Upon her death when neighbors came to prepare "his" body, it was established that he was in fact a she and that she had given birth at one time. Born Mary, Charley ended up in an orphanage when her father remarried. She left when she was 12. She wore a patch over one eye and was refer as One Eyed Charley or according to another website, cockeyed Charley or Mountain Charley. 

In The Whip, author Karen Kondazian takes some liberties with the story and mixes in some fiction with the real story of Charley for a wonderful ride that actually feels very real.  Whether Charley had an accomplice at the orphanage who kills people she loves, I am unsure. If Charley loses her eye because of a horse accident, I don't know....what I can tell you is that The Whip, makes perfect sense. I can completely imagine that life as Charley Parkhurst was lonely however she was the first woman to vote! Well, it was as a man but whatever. You will love the story of Charley Parkhurst. Would love to see someone make this a movie which in my head, I have already cast Hilary Swank!

Great book!

For more information on The Whip, visit the website.

To Purchase: The Whip

Gracie's Gift by Andrea Trosclair REVIEW

Summary
Gracie awakens the morning of her birthday party excited and ready to celebrate! Her excitement quickly turns to frustration as she notices a "bow" sitting beside her beautiful party dress. Why must she always have these BOWS in her hair? Why does her mommy INSIST on them? As the story unfolds, Gracie's mother explains that you don't see presents wrapped without BOWS. Do you? Relating to her precious child as her own "gift"- She celebrates her blessing from God by placing a bow in the hair of her sweet child each day. As Gracie realizes that these special bows are not to annoy her, but to celebrate her mother's love & affection for her- she proudly wears them for all to see!!

.

The 411:
We received this book on Friday and have read it five times since than. As someone who lost her mom at 12, having a daughter was something I wanted in the worst way because I felt I missed out on a Mother/Daughter relationship. When I was pregnant and found it I was having a boy, I was so excited. The girl thing never came up. The love I felt for him was instantaneous. I loved him as soon as I knew he was coming. When I got pregnant again, I convinced myself that it was another boy. I would be the best mom of boys I could be. The excitement of giving my son a brother was strong.  When I heard the baby was going to be a girl. I cried, well sobbed is more like it. The reason, I always told myself and anyone who would listen that if there was a GOD, he would give me a girl. It was my validation! She is always told that I know there is a GOD because he gave me her.

Andrea wrote the most beautiful book about God's gifts. In this case, it was a girl. The bows I put in Goddess' hair was something I did without thought. I never realized I was dressing "my" gift. My beautiful gift.

Our children, boys and girls truly are gifts from God! Andrea put into words what millions of parents think every single day.

Moms, will love this book forever. What a beautiful gift to give to your daughter regardless of her age!  Gifts from God deserve a gift from Andrea, complete with adorable artwork by Sean Geautreaux. Goddess and I, love this book!

I just spent 10 minutes searching for a photo of baby Goddess with a bow. Unfortunately, I don't have time to plug in the External Hard Drive, this is the youngest picture I can find in the new computer archives.

There was always a bow. We still do them, only now she has a little more say and likes her hair down!

My Gift From GOD!

My Extremely Busy Life

Wow....where do I start?
Life is crazy busy.  In no particular order, just shooting from the cuff..

There is the kid's schedules:
School (get them ready, lunches, snacks, drop off, pick up)
Soccer (two times a week)
Cub Scouts (once a week
Daisys (once a week where I am a leader with another mother)
Maria's Space
4 Social Media Clients
Book Reviews
Christmas Shopping
Life
Husband
Friends
Family


Product reviews
Facebook
Twitter
Cleaning
Shopping
Laundry
Help in the Library at the School
Photography
and my journalist job for a neighboring village where I run their webzine as of August when they lost their newspaper (40% of my week).

All but the social media jobs are volunteer

There are times I can barely take a breath before I am flying to the next task. I know this is the life of most people but what bothers me the most is how much of life I am missing. There is barely time to take a breath and really see the world around me which at times is probably a good thing at times.

Thursday I headed out to do some prospecting. Finding more clients is time consuming and while I am getting more comfortable with it, it is still something I am unsure of. While prospecting, I headed to the Senior Center to take a photo for them of their collaborative moral that I forwarded to a local shop where it will eventually end up on t-shirts and sweatshirts to make money for the Senior Center. On my way to another prospect I received a Facebook message from someone telling me the location of the movie set for the day. (Yup, there is another movie being filmed close by). I headed there, parked and waited. I got myself on the set of the movie on their first day of filming two weeks ago and interviewed the Associate Producer! Got to watch five scenes being filmed. Very cool! This time, I was able to chat with the associate director. She was awesome! We hung for about 40 minutes talking about life, the movie, the area, her family....it was amazing.

Two and a half extra hours this week I helped out one of my clients by watching his office so he could go to an appointment.

Today we headed out as a family (with a little protesting from our largest male) to rake leaves for the sponsoring church of the Daisys and Cubs in the area. I was there as a mom, Daisy Leader and Photographer for the local webzine.

Next week I hope to get in touch with the town's mayor to see if there is any possibility of getting a stipend. Nothing major, enough to pay for the website.

Ahhhh....I am tired just writing about it.

ANNNNNDDDD...Goddess lost her first tooth while I was out today! She is so happppyyy.

Mostly this has been written for me and the kids in the future. If ever they wonder what I was up to, here it is in black and white. PEACE OUT!

When The Shadows Begin To Dance by Yamara Cruz

When The Shadows Began To Dance: A fiction book about African Culture, orisha religion, spiritual cleansing, ancient wisdom, self-development, Brujeria, egguns, and Shamanism (Volume 1)

The shamans believed that in time of turmoil, a person’s soul shatters into a dozen pieces. People are not equipped to deal with the full impact of a traumatic event, so parts of them break off and hide in the underworld, or what modern day psychologist would call the subconscious parts of the mind. The soul is incomplete and is unable to function without it’s lost pieces. So it becomes dysfunctional and susceptible to the external pressures of the world.

Shadows are the lost pieces of the soul. They are the suppressed thoughts and emotions that want to work they’re way out. Nelly Reyes is a young girl who has suffered abuse, mental illness and neglect. She struggles to string back the pieces of her soul. She needs to become whole again to stop the cycles of abuse that have plagued her mother Luisa and grandmother Maria. She needs to find the inner strength to stop her brother Ali from a life of violence and crime. It is only after she understands the awesome power of the Orishas and allows herself to be guided by her ancestors that she is able to destroy Nico, a cruel dark man who preys on the weak. When The Shadows Began To Dance is a story about overcoming the difficulties of mental illness and a shattered soul.

What I Can Tell You:

In my personal opinion this is a great book and while there were a few times I was confused by the story and had to re-read passages as the story bounces from reality to Nelly's reality. I read it in two days and from the first sentence was drawn in. It was a book I would have liked to read with a reading group to discuss along the way. It was interesting and although I originally wondered how I would review a book on a culture that I know nothing about, I am eager to learn more. There were terms used that I needed to look up afterward because I was hungry to know all I could.

There were times my heart broke for Nelly, our main character and how hard life was for her and how history was repeating itself. The sadness of her life and having to live on the run, changing homes, never feeling safe just made me want to cry because we all know too well that this is a reality for many children. There were also times I found myself wanting to thrust my fist in the air and say, you go girl.

My personal favorite moments are when Nelly's spirit guides are with her, or not!

So worth the read! Very original work from for a debut author.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy for my honest opinion.

Holiday Gift Idea - Nicktoons MLB for Xbox, Wii, and DS

Nicktoons MLB
Price: $29.99 (DS)/$39.99 (Wii & 360)
Ages: Rated E
Platforms: Xbox 360 with Kinect capabilities, Wii, DS

Description: The epic showdown that fans of America's favorite pastime have been clamoring for is on! For the first time ever, an all-star roster from Nickelodeon's Nicktoons series will take on the best of the best from the MLB, delivering not only an unforgettable baseball gaming experience, but also the first to fully take advantage of Kinect for Xbox 360. Nicktoons MLB features a dugout full of Nicktoons characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, ZIM, Dudley Puppy, Fanboy, Chum Chum, and Ren and Stimpy, along with more than 300 real-life players from all 30 Major League Baseball teams.
http://www.2kgames.com/2kplay/

The 411:

We are a house of big gamers. Handsome is at the top of that ladder and if he can ever find a job playing games for money, we will be very happy. He loves his games! We all enjoy sitting around and either playing together or cheering each other on. 


When we started up Nicktoons MBL I was excited to play because my daughter's 9 year old Jewel just got it for her DS and loves it. She enjoys baseball but says her favorite part of the game is picking her favorite characters.  Handsome said the same thing. When I asked him what he loved the most about it, he said, "I love picking the characters. It was funny seeing Sponge Bob and Fan Boy and Chum Chum." 

We have the game for XBox 360 and hear that with Kinnect which we don't have, it is really fun. Maybe one day.

First you choose your teams, then your starting pitchers. We mostly use Sponge Bob or Patrick because they are our favorites. Next you pick the rest of your team. My shortstop is always Ren from Ren and Stimpy! I love him!  Last, pick your stadium.


Handsome quotes:
The graphics are incredible. 
I felt like I was at a real ball game.  
It is fun picking the characters
I think I want to play baseball
The showdown is pretty cool
It is so much fun.



Handsome insisted on this video, it's kinda long but.....well, he insisted.

Look for this game on my Holiday Gift Guide.


To Purchase:
2KPlay
Amazon

The Big Bang Theory And The Soft Kitty Song - Pop Culture Apparel!

It's official! Stylin Online, the largest online pop culture apparel retailer, has released the much anticipated “Soft Kitty” singing plush toy and t-shirt combo from CBS' ratings-busting The Big Bang Theory (items also sold separately). In one unforgettable TV moment, Sheldon teaches Penny lyrics to a song his mom sang him when he was sick. The infectious song instantly became viral sensation and fan favorite!

The officially licensed Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty t-shirt was released earlier this year and quickly became a top seller. Now this 100% cotton screen-printed shirt, offering soft stretchy form-fitting style, is available separately or together with a brand new Soft Kitty plush - one that sings the ever-popular "soft kitty song" featured in the classic episode. Just press the paw and Soft Kitty will sweetly sing the tune - “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr” - just like on the show.

Fully 10-inches long, this grey and pink plushie is the perfect size to snuggle with. You will be hard pressed to find a cuter plush toy or more in demand pop culture collectable combo this season!

The 411
We cannot get the Soft Kitty song out of our head. Goddess and I sing it all the time. When we first opened the box and I pressed the button, she was like, what is that???? After the 4th time she was like, "ugh, could you please stop that!?" Eventually we realized that we LOVE the song. It has become our go to song! The cat is really cute and since my nieces and I are fans of the show, I am thrilled to be able to get the cat and the shirt for the both of them. It makes a great gift even if you aren't a fan of The Big Bang Theory. If you aren't, you really should give it a try. It is a smart show!

Handsome asked that I use him on this review instead of his sister, I am happy to oblige.

Combo Women $44.99:

http://www.stylinonline.com/baby-tee-big-bang-theory-soft-kitty-combo.html

Combo Men $44.99-$47.99:

www.stylinonline.com/t-shirt-big-bang-theory-soft-kitty-combo.html

Soft Kitty Plush Toy Alone: $29.99
www.StylinOnline.com/softkitty

Soft Kitty Girls Shirt Alone $18.88:

http://www.stylinonline.com/baby-tee-big-bang-theory-soft-kitty.html

View video of the Big Bang Theory episode with song here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIp77PUvLTE

About Stylin Online
Based in Memphis, Michigan, StylinOnline.com is the Internet’s largest retailer of pop culture apparel, including comics, TV, movies, sci-fi, horror, anime, cartoons, Disney, video games and music. For a virtual tour of the warehouse with CEO James Stylin visit http://www.stylinonline.com/info.html . For more information about the online store visit http://www.stylinonline.com. Meet Stylin Online fans on Facebook at http://www.StylinOnline.com/facebook.

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12 Ways to Handle Holiday Stress

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

Wherever You Go
by Heather Davis

A poignant story about making peace with the past and opening your heart to love. Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. But she has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, trying to get close to Holly—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. As their uncertain new relationship progresses, the past comes back to haunt Holly and Jason. Her Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side?

The 411 By Maria:
Holly lost her boyfriend Rob in a car accident that almost took her life. Her mom works hard and is never home and she takes care of her younger sister. You would think with a near death experience, the loss of a boyfriend and play mom to her younger sister would be enough but nope, her mom moves her grandfather into the house because his Alzheimers is getting worse. Rob's best friend Jason takes in interest in Holly and eventually she starts leaning on him. He is from a well to do family and she isn't sure that his feeling are real, if she should be feeling something for him or if he is just taking care of his friend Rob's girlfriend.

Jason comes from a well to do family and misses his friend Rob.

Rob, can only be seen by poor Grandpa Aldo who everyone thinks is seeing things. Rob isn't sure why he is still here and is hoping Aldo can help him figure it out. He didn't see the light and isn't sure how he feels about his friend and Holly getting closer.

This story is an interesting concept and I enjoyed the way the story is told from three different perspectives; Holly, Jason and Rob. A different character takes the lead in each chapter. Nicely done!

The story of Rob watching life go on without him and wondering why he was left here was depressing at first. The scenes of him watching his parents go through his room to pack his things with his mother breaking down into his shirt was hard. As a mom it was something that hurt my heart.

Aldo, Rob and Holly were my favorite characters. Holly is a strong role model for girls and I liked when she finally stood up to her mother and left the house but not before telling her mother that everything was OK but she would have to come home because Holly was leaving Aldo and her sister sleeping. Her mother needed to smacked into reality and it helped her reinstate her relationship with her father Aldo. Aldo telling her he just wants her to "really see him" killed me.

The book ran the emotional mile (life, death, aging). We had a selfish mother, a selfless daughter, a fighting grandfather (he was a pistol when he was there), a "real" friend in Jason who was there for Holly when she had no support from anyone. He was someone she could lean on and poor Rob who had to come to terms with his life and the way he was living it in order to cross over.

Overall, well written.

Tuesday Takes - Home Reflection

Wish I could say that is my home but it is not, just a home I passed by one morning on my way somewhere else. The mist and the reflections made me stop the car and take a shot! It looks like glasses. I really love the naked trees creating all those lines in the water too.

Weekend Clean Up

This weekend we headed out with the kids for a community clean up. Cub Scouts and Daisys along with their parents, picked up garbage that had found its way onto some of our walking trails.

My sister and I are big with community service and I want to say that this is in part from watching our parents give even when they had none. It may also be from our moving so much as children that now that we have finally taken root in a community, we want to help however my husband this week just told me I have always been like this. He knows me for 20 years so I am happy to hear this because I was thinking it may be because I wanted my kids to learn about community.

Here are some shots from the day for Ruby Tuesday

And to sign off....the kids at the end of the day were smiling so I know dragging Handsome with us was the right move.

Sunday Photos

My seltzer with a lime and lemon twist. Ahhhh...refreshing.

Ventured upon a movie set last week. Always fun to see when you are driving by. This film is being shot by Ash Christian.

The simple things for me will always revolve around my little family of 4. Just being with the kids and my man make me so very happy. We don't have to do anything special, just being together is enough. This is what I remember as a kid too. The bad stuff is there but I have to remind myself of it. The stuff that really sticks around are the good things. My parents didn't have much but when we were together we had everything. This is exactly what I hope my kids bring away from their childhood.

Color Carnival Sunday #6

Hello everyone. I didn't put up a new Color Carnival because someone posted and I didn't want to mess it up for you.

Happy Friday. Please leave your link below so everyone can visit you. If you are confused on the new format, please know you are not alone. We took a vote and we are doing away with the voting system. Link away and have a great week!

Young Adult Author Builds On The Idea "Keep The Reading"

I completely support this movement and agree with the author. Keep your kids reading, share books and read what they love.

For Readers Who Cut Their Teeth on Vampires
Maturing Kids Need Something More To Chew On

Good parents try to stay plugged into their kids’ lives, and nowadays – for parents of    teen girls, anyway – that’s likely to mean reading the Twilight vampire series by Stephenie Meyer and tuning into the hit teen TV drama, The Vampire Diaries, on The CW.

With the fourth in the series, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, opening in movie theaters Nov. 18, there’s plenty of bloodlust building, but how to keep whetting that appetite for books? As teens outgrow the high school drama and simple romance of adolescent fantasy fiction, they need something with the same allure – and a little more substance – to keep them reading.

Bravo to those 30-, 40- and 50-something parents who want to continue hanging with their kids, even if it’s only in the pages of books. Many of these adults have become vampire literates, though by now they’re hankering for something a little more substantive than Type 0 fantasy.

Paul Dorset, a father of five girls and boys ages 13 to 27 years old, says it’s important to keep kids reading – even if they’re 20-something “kids” – and when parents and children can talk about the books they’re sharing, that’s better yet.

“Kids have a short attention span these days,” he says. “It takes a really good book to get them focused. You really have to encourage kids to read.”

Dorset is the author of seven books, including fantasies for younger children and how-to's for adults. However, he says it’s that middle ground of readers – ages 16 to 30 – that need special attention. In their world, the written word is all texts and Tweets, which can contribute to a short attention span and inability to absorb more complex written material. "Young people trying to get jobs need to be able to do the short and sweet – and the longer and more complex," he says.


As a pioneer in the computing world (he was writing classified code for the British government in the late 1970s and early ‘80s), Dorset has an unusual insight into what clicks, literally, for young readers – and their parents.

His newest book, New Blood: Melrose Part 1 (http://pauldorset.blogspot.com), draws from his 30-plus years in Information Technology. Toss in a little paranormal activity (a graduation from vampires) and Da Vinci Code-style intrigue and you’ve got something older teens, young adults and their parents can sink their teeth into.

“I wouldn’t recommend it for my 13-year-old, but it’s perfect for my 16-year-old,” he says. “Even my 22-year-old loves it, and the guys like it as much as the girls.”

Dorset, a British native who lives near Seattle, Wash., says it’s important to give young adults books that offer readers something to chew on intellectually without being overly graphic, something that both parents and their young adult kids can have fun with and talk about – without blushing.

How does one do that? Hit on the themes affecting all of us today: layoffs and corporate reorganization; technology and the looming shadow of “big brother;” ambition and its costs.

“Add to that mystery, the paranormal culture and two people who must never get together and you’ve got lots of layers for any adult, or young adult, to peel back,” he says. “The more things that happen, the more you uncover.”

That should keep young people perpetuating a declining skill: reading.

To Purchase: 

About Paul Dorset

Paul Dorset is a 51-year-old father of five who has worked as a computer consultant for more than 30 years. His previous publications include fantasy novels for ages 12-plus and how-to books for adults. He incorporates his extensive experience in computers – and his insightful perspective on the possibilities therein – in novels that include layers of contemporary intrigue, romance and mystery.

The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD Giveaway

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be released onto DVD and Blu-ray today! I know for some this is a bittersweet ending to the sage but we have a way to make it all better.

In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

The Giveaway: A Copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

The Sponsor: Warner Brothers

*Open to US only.

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for 

Warner Brother who provided the giveaway product.
I received no monetary compensation.

The Adventures of Rodger Doger Dog Review & Giveaway

This three adventure picture book follows the adorable Rodger Dodger Dog as he meets a new friend, saves a stranded fish and battles the dreaded flea.

The 411:

I truly love reading with my kids and always look for books that hold their attention and are fun to read for me. This is one of those books. Rodger is an adventurous dog and after Rodger gets in a fight with a cat he feels really bad. Thankfully he and the cat became friends.

My kids loved hearing about Rodger as he helped a fish and saved the day! Everyone loves a a hero!

My son loved reading this book to us every night. We loved that each page had fun color photos and short sentences. The book is written in rhyme which is always fun to read out loud which is probably why Handsome loves reading it out loud.

To Own: If you order from the Rodger Dodger Dog website you can request a signed copy.

*Open to US only.

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for 

Stories For Children Publishing
who provided the review and giveaway product.
I received no monetary compensation.

HBO Family Presents: A Child's Garden of Poetry + A DVD Giveaway

From the Emmy Award®-winning producer of the Classical Baby series comes an all new special designed to give young viewers an introduction to the world of poetry. A Child’s Garden of Poetry is a magical mix of lyrical animation, poems on screen, and live action scenes, featuring some of the world’s greatest poets – from William Shakespeare to Langston Hughes. The special includes voiceovers by award-winning actors Claire Danes, Carrie Fisher, Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Jeffrey Wright, as well as recordings by renowned poets E. E. Cummings, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Carl Sandburg. It also includes heartfelt recitations of poems by real-life kids, who offer their own insights on the place that poetry plays in their lives. Contemplative, inspiring and full of heart, A Child’s Garden of Poetry will transport you and your child, and plant the seeds for a lifelong love of words.

The 411:

Reading poetry to my children is something I have been doing since they were babies and was so happy when I learned that their school is really into poetry and having kids display their work. When I heard that HBO Family and The Poetry Foundation collaborated to present A Child's Garden of Poetry, I was thrilled.

Like songs, poetry is something that really speak to people on an individual basis. There is a feeling you get when you hear a poem or a song which to me is really poetry to music.

This presentation takes some of the best poems and puts them to animations. My kids and I adored the visuals accompanied by voice overs of some amazing performers like Dave Mathews, Claire Danes, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Liam Neeson and others make this a great DVD for kids and adults. My children especially loved the clips of kids reciting their favorite poems and what the poems mean to them. As children do, they are candid and speak from the heart. Truly an adorable DVD.

My personal favorite was The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost read by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Loved it!

Children and adults will love watching the poems come to life!

Another great moment is all the children painting to a poem by E.E. Cummings.

Poetry Booklet download of poems featured in this DVD. My children loved reading along with the book.

*Open to US only.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary DVD for the purpose of this
review. All words and opinions are my own.
I am hosting this giveaway for 

HBO who provided the review and giveaway product.
I received no monetary compensation.