Gardeners Book Giveaway

I am so excited to host this giveaway with Quarto. My husband and I started gardening a few years ago and have gone from a small deck garden to a huge deck garden and this year we are venturing off the deck to a small patch in front of the house. My husband is really good about retaining information and knows exactly what works for our zone and which side of the house certain plants will do best on depending on how much sunlight exposure it requires.

Included in the Giveaway is:

Growing Herbs

The art and science to grow your own herbs

The herbs in this book provide flavours and scents unlike any other: culinary herbs are a living trove of fresh flavours for any cook, with an almost alchemical power to transform the simplest dish. Herbs can be used as seeds, flowers, or leaves; cooked and eaten themselves or used to infuse a dish or drink. They are popping up in artisan gin, ice cubes and cocktail syrups; in foraged dishes and kitchen gardens of the best restaurants as chefs realise that often the only way to capture that elusive flavour is to have home-grown, freshly harvested herbs on their doorstep. With this book these intense flavours can now be a reality for gardeners and food enthusiasts with any size of garden, from an acre to a window box. Underpinned by the authority of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the expertise of Holly Farrell this book combines practical elements with inspiration and beauty.  Find out how to grow herbs in all situations, how to plant, propagate and harvest, then the 80 most exciting herbs are identified, illustrated and their uses explained. This is accompanied by Jason Ingram's specially commissioned photography for 12 projects which show how to develop a herb garden at the next level and use herbs in the most interesting ways from planting a herb roof to making herbal oils.

I love this book because I am a huge fan of fresh herbs. We started with with oregano, basil, rosemary, mint, parsley and lavender but there are so many others and the book definitely helps me figure out which I should consider for next year. There are some that will help keep mosquitoes away and that is so important in my neck of the woods. Growing Herbs explains how to harvest my own seeds, how to plant for the best results and has great photos and illustrations.

I love the whole feel of this book; the cover, the pages and the photos.  

The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing House Plants

The art and science to grow your own house plants

Which are delicate and which indestructable? - We show how to find the right home for your plants and the right plants for your home. 

KEW GROWING HOUSE PLANTS is a beautifully illustrated giftable gardening reference book, combining exquisite botanical illustrations with practical indoor projects. Readers can discover over 70 life-changing plants and 12 home-transforming projects. Each project is described and illustrated with step-by-step photographs. Starting from the premise that we want to show how to grow the right plant in the right place, we demonstrate the benefits of all common house plants and how to care and curate them in the home. Includes cacti, succulents, bromeliads including air plants, foliage house plants, flowering house plants, house plants for scent and air freshening.

I love this book. Isn't it pretty on my shelf with my Wandering Jew? So pretty. I love everything about it.  

Besides the beautiful photos there are so many helpful hints and a ton of information about plants. What works and what doesn't. The step by step photos are wonderful for those who already have plants or newbies who think they don't have a green thumb. We all have a green thumb. 

New Vegetable Garden Techniques

Essential skills and projects for tastier, healthier crops

This book is ideal for beginners, improvers and those serious about growing tasty, healthy organic fruit and vegetables. It will empower readers to grow food for a family, and help work out how to get the best results. Many books give sowing and growing instructions for a multitude of crops, but few give space to the techniques and tips that make gardening easier and that help anyone to grow healthy, sustainable food.

Some of the techniques are developed from Joyce’s own trials and observations; others are classic techniques that are still useful now. With a bit more detail, and a step-by-step project, a technique becomes much easier to follow and understand.

There’s something here for everyone: whether you grow in a small back yard and want to know how to raise salad in buckets, or if you have a large allotment where you want to improve pollination, or make your own liquid feeds.

The book makes several promises to its readers. Firstly, by following its advice you will grow great fruit and vegetables. Next, the knowledge you gain will save you time as well as money. Third, you'll enjoy the gardening journey and the discoveries made along the way. Fourth, you'll find greener and cleaner ways of doing things, and you'll improve your skills, methods and habits.

Find out how to rotate your vegetables so they stay healthy and well-fed, to preserve choice crops for the freshest taste, to improve the soil organically and sustainably, and to produce home made fertiliser from the leaves of your comfrey crop. 

There is so much information. I can't wait to read through the whole book. I was mostly interested in increasing my crop. We will learn so much from this little book full of colorful photos and easy to follow instructions. 

My husband is interested in protecting what we have during the winter and protecting our veggies from the bugs and birds. We are on the deck so we don't have to worry about deer but we lost two tomato plants to bugs last year and don't want that to happen again.

Great books for yourself or as a gift ALSO...remember to enter for a chance to win a set for yourself.

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compassionate was offered.

She's So Cold - A True Story About A Murder Case That Focuses On WHY Miranda Rights Are So Important

She's So Cold: Murder, Accusations and the System that Devastated a Family (June 2019; https://donaldmcinnis.com) — a gripping true story of California’s Crowe Murder Case.

When 12-year-old Stephanie Crowe was found stabbed to death on her bedroom floor on Jan. 21, 1998, the Crowe family’s nightmare had only just begun. In the weeks to follow, her brother, then 14, and two of his friends were charged with her brutal murder. Two of the boys confessed following hours of psychological manipulation. 

Follow the court room proceedings as criminal defense attorney Donald McInnis exposes the police tactics that produced the false confessions, including lies about the existence of evidence and the abusive use of a computerized truth verification test. 

You don’t think this could happen to your child? Neither did the three families whose lives were devastated. 

To help protect children from abusive police tactics and prevent further miscarriages of justice, She's So Cold offers new Miranda rights warnings, modified so children can understand them, and a Children’s Bill of Rights for minors being investigated by the authorities. 

The 411:

WOW! Wow! Wow! This book took me 2 weeks to read and I was never so angry. So unjust. Such a piss me off. Not because of the writing or because the book was a disappointment. Completely the opposite. The tactics used by law enforcement and attorneys to get a conviction can devastate a family and I pray many read this. We should all know our rights although hopefully we will never be in a situation like this it is good to be aware.

This murder mystery is fact! It happened. A young girl was murdered in her own home. 3 boys were questioned including her own brother. Families were split up and torn apart, friendships questioned and the boys were left to question their own saneness. All of this to close a case in what law officials thought was an open and shut case.

Without giving too much away the book is fascinating. Reading the questioning chapters angered me and made me feel so sorry for the boys who are so young themselves.

If you enjoy mysteries you will love this. If you want to see why we need more people like Donald McInnis working for us, you will enjoy this.

Thankfully the book doesn't spend much time on the devastating loss of the young girl and focuses on the boys or this would have been a harder read. Mr. McInnis does a wonderful job of laying out the facts without prejudice. He simply states what happened.

Fascinating read!

To Purchase:



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary book for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Starting Our Back To School Clothes Shopping For My New High Schooler

My daughter graduated 8th grade this past week. She is not as excited as some are to go to high school because she is smart enough to know it is the fly by years and before you know it you need to go to college, get a job and things change. I am also smart enough to know that I need to prepare myself for the dreaded back to school shopping necessary at the end of the summer. Since I take the summer off I am starting little by little and so far we have two pairs of socks. Yeah, I know it is a small thing but she wears socks daily and you have to start somewhere. 

We got two pairs of Ozone Design socks. They are socks but they are art too and since she is an artist this was the way to go. Ozone Design - The Art of Socks is woman owned/run and includes sheers, knee highs, over the knees, novelty, mens, dress and florals among others. Our eclectic styles have been in editorial spreads for Vogue, NYLON, Interview and worn on magazine covers by the likes of Gigi Hadid.

We share many articles of clothing so I am excited to eventually wear these socks to work. My preschoolers are going to love them. 

How cute are they? 

She really loves the barbed wire socks.

Ozone Socks are pretty spectacular and they have something for everyone. There novelty socks are definitely eye catching but their flower socks are OMG..stunning.

Shop until July 4th and get a 25-45% off plus free shipping on orders over $20. Visit them now so you don't miss out. We ordered these for my son.

The socks are well made and very comfortable. BUT so eye catching that I would love them even if they weren't.

Follow Ozone Socks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date. 

My Beach/Pool/Park Bag Essential

You’re on your summer vacation, relaxing at the beach and your baby is fussing! A red-faced, crying baby can put parents in a panic! Baby Magic wants to help parents and babies everywhere feel cool, calm and collected with the help of its brand new products- perfect for summer!

I have been carrying baby wipes in my bag since the kids were born 16 years ago. There are so many uses. .We use them to take sand off our feet before we get in the car. Wipe our shoes off from dirt at the park. Clean our hands. Wash our face. Take sunscreen off before getting dressed at the beach or pool and hello...let's talk Porta-Potties. Why is there never toilet paper in them?! 

• 3-in-1 Wipes:

• 72 Count; About 1.5x more wipes than competitors
•  For use on face, hands, and body
•  Suitable for sensitive skin
•  pH balanced 
• $3.49

Baby Magic’s Multi-Purpose Hydrogel Patch and 3-in-1 Wipes will clean up and cool down your baby in no time. No more fussy baby = happy and relaxed parents all summer long! Find more info on Baby Magic’s summertime must-haves below.

 • Multi-Purpose Hydrogel Patch:

• Perfect for relieving discomfort from sunburn, rash, fever and overheating
• Pouch contains two rectangle, customizable patches
• Helps restore rough, extra-dry skin
• Dye-free, paraben-free, & steroid-free
• Pro-Tip: Mom (and dad!) can use to soothe adult skin woes, as well, making these patches a dual threat!
• $3.49

 I seriously need to get more of these. They are great!!!!! I am always uncomfortably hot and definitely think these were help me this summer. 

Pet Grooming Kit PLUS

We have 3 cats and have tried embracing the hair issue with one of our long haired beauties but it is sometimes unbearable. Her fur is white and long. When your husband comes home telling you that people are picking long white hairs off his suit at work you know you have to do something.

The set comes with 5 pieces: 

Double Sided Grooming Glove. So whether you are left or right handed you can wear it. It has an adjustable wrist band and 259 bristles. My long hair cat loves it and while there was still hair flying around, the glove collected so much hair. She really hates being brushed but feels like she is being pet so allows us to groom her. I love this most of all.

Self Cleaning Deshedding Brush which my Siamese cat loves. He has had hip problems in the past so we are usually gentle with him. He doesn't love being brushed and since he is short hair we don't do it often. He loved this brush most. You simply push a button on the back which collapses the bristles for easy cleaning.

Oddly enough my grey tabby didn't love the other brushes but does love being brushed with the Shampoo Brush. I guess it massages her. She will come over the moment she sees it.

The kit also has 2 fur removal brushes. 1 full size and a travel size. It comes in a handy self cleaning sleeve so once you use it just put it in the sleeve to remove the hair.

 

To Purchase: Based on the price each piece is about $6.00. While I think that is high for some of the pieces, having them all and knowing that each cat likes something is a win.

 

Dumbo Done Tim Burton Style

A Disney Legend for a New Generation Comes Home On Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Movies Anywhere June 25

DUMBO, the grand live-action adventure from Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, which expanded on the beloved animated classic and sent spirits soaring, prepares for a landing on June 25. Fall in love again with this heartfelt story when it swoops into homes on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD and Movies Anywhere, and physically on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD - with never-before-seen bonus features, deleted scenes, bloopers and more!

The 411:

Disney's Dumbo done by one of my favorites Tim Burton is definitely different than what I grew up on. I loved it but I know a few who were bored by it however I think they are also the few who aren't in love with Mr. Burton's adaptation of Willy Wonka as well which I LOVED as much as the original. 

This live-action adventure while different than what we remember in the cartoon vision is great in it's own right. Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) returns from the war after his wife passed away sans one arm. How can he be the star of the failing circus? Danny Devito as circus owner Max Medici and a ragtag of circus performers are the heart of the movie but OMG baby Dumbo. CUTE!  

For me the movie isn't about a flying elephant but a family trying to regroup after loss and the newborn elephant that helps them. 

If you are worried it will be too dark for kids it won't be and HOW could you not love that Beetlejuice/Batman himself (Michael Keaton) also stars in this movie. 

The movie has heart and I loved the colors of the movie. It is dark without being gloomy. Bright without being garish. 

To Purchase:




Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Can You Even Believe Honey, I Shrunk The Kids Came Out 30 Years Ago?

Today families can celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney's Honey, I Shrunk the Kids by streaming the beloved backyard adventure on HBO NOW. The iconic film hit theaters on June 23, 1989 and blew up to become a family classic for generations to come.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids follows Rick Moranis as the quirky inventor Wayne Szalinski and his temperamental shrinking machine. When the Szalinski kids and their neighborhood friends accidentally shrink themselves, they have to navigate their way past a pet dog, a bowl of cheerios, and giant backyard ants to get the attention of their parents and return to regular size before it’s too late.

Below are a few GIFs highlighting the retro special effects and iconic moments from the original film. If you plan to include the anniversary in coverage, we would love if you could mention that the film is available to stream on HBO NOW.

3 Tips For Helping Children Embrace Their Unique Selves

Some small children don’t care what anyone thinks about them.

If they want to sing at the top of their lungs, they sing at the top of their lungs. If they want to wear a silly hat, mix-matched socks or gloves on a hot day, they do it – with no regard for how others might judge their eccentricities.

Somewhere along the line, though, most children long to fit in and begin to worry that their differences make them stand out – and not in a good way. So, they try to conform to what they perceive their peers or society expect from them.

“Unfortunately, in the process they begin to hide what makes them unique instead of embracing it,” says Jennifer Lynch, an educator, child advocate and author of the children’s book Livi and Grace (www.jenniferlynchbooks.com).

“They become embarrassed or sad about their differences, maybe feel that people think they are strange, and that other kids won’t like them or won’t play with them. And in truth, other children sometimes will bully a child who is seen as different.”

Lynch has served as an advocate for children in the court system, foster care and treatment facilities. In working with those children, many of whom are abused or neglected, she says, you often have to help them overcome their insecurities about their differences.

“It’s important for them and all children to believe in themselves,” she says. “They need to understand that different is okay. It’s our differences that make us special.”

This message is so universally important, Lynch says, that it became the theme of her children’s book, which is based on her daughters and their distinct personalities.

“My two girls are so unlike one another that it’s almost shocking,” she says. “It made me think back to the children I encounter in the court system who say they dislike or even hate themselves because they feel different from their peers or their siblings.”

Lynch says some of the ways parents or other adults can help children include:

Remind them that differences make people special. While it’s natural for children to long to fit in with their peers, Lynch says, it’s also important for them to understand that their individuality is what makes them unique. “Differences are interesting and life enriching,” she says. “Part of the message is that you should appreciate the diverse traits in everyone you know, and also appreciate what makes you special.”

Talk to them about the ways in which they shine. “Kids like talking about themselves,” Lynch says. “So get them involved in a conversation about what they are good at. Maybe that is sports. Maybe it is writing. Maybe they make good grades or they are a good big brother or friend. Whatever their special talent is, explore it with them so they know that there is something they do well.”

Encourage them to help other kids feel good about themselves. Young people can feel empowered not only by embracing their differences, but also by providing support and being a friend to others who are different.

“When you help a child pick out positive things about themselves,” Lynch says, “they begin to focus on that, not the hurtful things that weigh so heavy on their hearts and minds.”

About Jennifer Lynch

Jennifer Lynch, author of the children’s book Livi and Grace(www.jenniferlynchbooks.com), is an educator and child advocate who serves as a guardian ad litem, a person appointed to represent a child’s interests in a court case. She has worked as a special education teacher for an elementary school and as a preschool teacher. In addition, Lynch created the You Are Good brand of T-shirts and other products for sale and for donations. Thousands of the shirts have been donated to children and teenagers in the system. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University. 

Summer Reading Giveaway - The Big Book Adventure (5 Classics) Ends 7/4

I am thrilled to host this giveaway of 5 books from Silver Dolphin and Canterbury Classics that are perfect for kids and parents alike this summer!

Your winner will receive The Big Book Adventure by Emily Ford and illustrated by Tim Warnes, and four Canterbury Illustrated Classics highlighting the stories featured in The Big Book Adventure: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass, Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales, The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales, and Peter Pan. ARV $69.95.

About The Big Book Adventure: Journey back through childhood classics like Peter Pan, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and more in this adorable picture book about the joys of reading!

There is nothing like a book to take you to places you’ve never been. Best friends Foxy and Piggy can’t wait to tell each other about all of their adventures in reading! Flying over Neverland, swimming with a mermaid, joining in a mad tea party, soaring on a magic carpet—old classics come to life in the eyes of two little readers who can’t believe what they’ve seen. Journey back to old favorites and experience the magic all over again in this adorable picture book about the joys of reading!

The Canterbury Illustrated Classics feature a cloth-bound cover with a full-color illustrated plate and beautiful foil stamping, and color illustrations throughout that bring these beloved tales to life.

I am a big believer in making sure kids continue to read through the summer. My kids and I usually pick one big book that they have never read before and read it together. I love spending time with them and listening to them read. We all take turns and talk about each section or chapter depending on the subject. Sometimes it is to check for understanding, talk about how it relates to our lives or just something we find interesting. Reading with your kids is one of the best things you can do with them. 

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was offered to host this giveaway

Who Remembers The Banana Splits? This Is NOT The Banana Splits From Our Childhood And I Cannot Wait To See It!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hanna-Barbera's Bingo, Fleegle, Snorky, and Drooper Star in an All-New Horror Movie

The Banana Splits Movie

 Available on Digital August 13^th 

On Blu-ray^TM Combo Pack and DVD August 27^th 

BURBANK, CA (June 18, 2019) – One banana, two banana, three banana, GORE! The cult-favorite animal rock-band from Hanna-Barbera’s 1968 The Banana Splits Adventure Hour variety program is back with a blood-spattered vengeance! Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings you The Banana Splits Movie, an original feature-length film on Digital on August 13, and on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on August 27, 2019. The movie is priced to own at $19.99 SRP for Digital, $24.98 SRP for Blu-ray Combo Pack ($34.97 in Canada), $19.98 SRP for the DVD ($24.99 in Canada).

The Banana Splits Movie will offer a new take on the classic characters. The film follows a boy named Harley and his family as they go to a taping of The Banana Splits TV show, which is supposed to be a fun-filled birthday for young Harley. But things take an unexpected turn — and the body count quickly rises. Can Harley, his mom and their new pals safely escape?

“Get nostalgic and horrified all at the same time while watching the trippy 60’s characters in this all-new tale about fear, power, and an oversized puppet rock-band,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WBHE, Vice President, TV Marketing, Family & Animation. The Banana Splits Movie is a throwback to a fanatical children’s series with a horror-genre twist — and we can’t wait for the band to get back together for a new generation of fans!”

The Banana Splits Movie stars Dani Kind (Wyonna Earp) as Beth, Finlay Wojtak-Hissong (The Kindness of Strangers) as Harley, Romeo Carere as Austin, Steve Lund (Street Legal, Schitt’s Creek) as Mitch, and Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries, A Series of Unfortunate Events, War for the Planet of the Apes) as Rebecca. The beloved Bingo, Fleegle, Snorky and Drooper are voiced by Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes Cartoons, Woody Woodpecker, UniKitty!). The film is written by Jed Elinoff & Scott Thomas (Raven’s Home, My Super Psycho Sweet 16) and directed by Danishka Esterhazy (Level 16) with music by Patrick Stumph (Fall Out Boy, Gnome Alone). The movie is produced by Blue Ribbon Content in association with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and SYFY. The Banana Splits Movie will make its broadcast debut on SYFY later this year.

Here is the trailer:

https://youtu.be/oVUVViaeXUo

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

·     Banana Splits: Behind the Horror

DIGITAL AND BLU-RAY COMBO PACK SPECIAL FEATURES

·     Banana Splits: Behind the Horror

·     Terror on Set

·     Breaking News! The Banana Splits Massacre

DIGITAL

The Banana Splits Movie will be available to own on Digital. Digital purchase allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital movies and TV shows are available from various digital retailers including Amazon Video, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu and others. A Digital Copy is also included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs for redemption and cloud storage.

BASICS

Digital Release: August 13, 2019

Blu-ray/DVD Release: August 27, 2019

Order Due Date: July 23, 2019

Blu-ray and DVD Presented in 16x9 widescreen format

Running Time: Feature: Approx. 86 min

Enhanced Content: Approx. 15 min

UNITED STATES

DVD

Price: $19.98 SRP

1 DVD-9s

Audio – English (5.1)

BLU-RAY

Price: $24.98 SRP

1 Blu-ray + 1 DVD + Digital Copy

BD Audio –DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 – English

CANADA

DVD

Price: $24.99 SRP

1 DVD-9s

Audio – English (5.1)

Subtitles – English

BLU-RAY

Price: $34.97 SRP

1 Blu-ray + 1 DVD

BD Audio –DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 – English

Subtitles – English

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

About SYFY

SYFY is a global, multiplatform media brand that gives science fiction fans of all kinds a universe to call home. Celebrating the genre in all its forms, SYFY super-serves passionate fans with original science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and superhero programming, live event coverage and imaginative digital and social content. The brand is powered by SYFY WIRE (www.syfy.com), the premier portal for breaking genre news, insight and commentary. SYFY is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Blue Ribbon Content

Formed in 2014, Warner Bros. Television Group’s Blue Ribbon Content (BRC) develops and produces live-action series for digital platforms, tapping the creative talent already working at the Studio while also identifying opportunities for collaboration with new writers and producers. In addition to live-action programming, BRC produces animated content and also experiments with emerging platforms such as virtual reality. Live-action BRC programs include digital feature Daphne and Velma for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, comedies Beerfest and JoJoHead for CW Seed, SpringHill Entertainment’s basketball documentary series Best Shot for YouTube Red and the following upcoming projects: the second season of the UNINTERRUPTED comedy Now We’re Talking, Golden Revenge, and the feature-length comedy Good Girls Get High. Animated BRC programs include Constantine: City of Demons and Freedom Fighters: The Ray for CW Seed, as well as Ginger Snaps for ABC Digital.