Updates soon!

I've taken some time off and caught up on some things offline (and school). But, I hope to get caught up on some things for The Lounge...I have soooo much to post about! 

Book Review: "If I Should Die Before My Dog", by Joe & Cathy Connolly

If I Should Die Before My Dog, By Joe and Cathy Connolly

Description: "A thought provoking check list for dog lovers, who unfortunately and with much sadness can no longer take care of their dog. This book will assist those who want to prepare for their dogs future in an easy to use format that will guide them through the process of telling the "story" of their dogs life, for their pets "Next Guardian". None of us can predict the future, but in the event situations arise such as death, health impairment or left with no other choice but to give them up, this book will be there to assist your beloved pet with the transition from one home to another." (Book Page @ Amazon.com) 

Book Review

Many people overlook the importance of a pet, until they have one of their own. We take on a responsibility to take care of animal for their entire life....but, what will happen if you can no longer take care of that pet? If you should die,.....what will happen to your pet? Does it go to a family member? Will that family member know what your pets favorite food is,..what to do if your pet gets sick..their favorite toy? 

"If I Should Die Before My Dog" answers those questions by giving pet owners the chance to tell the dogs side of the story, when they are no longer able to do so. This book is specifically focused on dogs-- and every detail that his or her new owners may need to know. 

The illustrations are lovely, and the details are well thought out and sweet. This book is set up in simple 'fill in the blank' form style, and is very easy to understand (even more so if you have ever owned a dog...or any pet). Categories include "commands I know", medical history, grooming, and "my bad habits", just to name a few. 

For more information about "If I Should Die Before My Dog" by Joe & Cathy Connolly visit the links below: 

View a preview and/or buy the paperback at Amazon - HERE. Or the Kindle version - HERE.

Visit the authors - GoodReads   -  Facebook   

Give me Everything Tonight (Video)

Pitbull :  Give Me Everything - ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer

Product Review: Qoileez!

Product Review: Qoileez!

http://qoileez.com

These little things are called, Qoileez...what are they? Well, they are little twirly plastic things, of course! 

"Made out of stretchy plastic rubber ~ you can put 'em in your hair to update your favorite style. Put 'em on your pencil to add some fun. Does someone you love knit? They're sure to be a hit!  There are so many great ways to use Qoileez!" 

Ages 3 and up!

They are stretchy, and pretty ...so here's what we did with them: 

Very cute little things!! 

Get yours at : http://qoileez.com

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

Book Review: SUNSET DREAMS (MOTIVATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK)

SUNSET DREAMS (MOTIVATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS), By Suzy Liebermann

Description 

"SUNSET DREAMS
is a motivational picture book created for your inspiration and daily meditation. Dream about paradise! Featuring beautiful tropical sunsets and motivational quotes.
RELAX and INDULGE in the beautiful sunsets of the world." (Amazon Book Page) 

Book Review

It's tricky to give a book review on a book that only has pictures...I admit. These photos are just stunning, including sunsets from beaches to sky shots. Each photograph, with a inspirational phrase! 

A lovely set of photos, to look at on a cloudy day! 

Find it at - Amazon.com: Sunset Dreams, by Suzy Liebermann

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

Book Review: Spirit of Lost Angels by Liza Perrat

Book Review 

Spirit of Lost Angels by Liza Perrat. 

Description: 

"Her mother executed for witchcraft, her father dead at the hand of a noble, Victoire Charpentier vows to rise above her impoverished peasant roots. Forced to leave her village of Lucie-sur-Vionne for domestic work in the capital, Victoire suffers gruesome abuse under the ancient régime of 18th century Paris...." 

"As Spirit of Lost Angels traces Victoire’s journey, it follows too, the journey of an angel talisman through generations of the Charpentier family. Victoire lives in the hope her angel pendant will one day renew the link with a special person in her life. 
Amidst the tumult of the French revolution drama, the women of Spirit of Lost Angels face tragedy and betrayal in a world where their gift can be their curse." (Amazon.com Book Page). 

Note: I have edited the description, however --if you read the full description on either Amazon or GoodReads (or anywhere), there are SPOILERS, so beware! 

 Book Review

I love these kinds of books, set back in a time I can only imagine. I like reading about a more simple time, although this book is far from simple! Spirit of Angels takes place in the 1700's, during the time of Marie Antoinette and her legendary...activities. But the book is not about her, instead it is about a young girl named Victoire and her very eventful life. I loved Victorie as a character from the very start; sweet, innocent and hopeful.....I knew it wouldn't last. *sigh* This poor girl literally endures every horror imaginable throughout this book. I wanted to hug her and hide her in my closet!! 

I had a hard time putting this book down, I just couldn't wait to see what happened next. Towards the middle of the book, a bit closer to the end--the book gets a bit more political, and kind of 'preachy', which I don't mind...but a little goes a long way. Aside from that, the book was awesome. The main characters had each their own personalities, some good...some not so nice, as in life.  It was interesting to see a character change and grow from childhood to adulthood based on her situations. Lot's of history and factual events to keep the book moving forward and still seem relevant when so many unbelievable things happen to our lovely Victoire. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys period pieces, romance and suspense, historical romance/historical drama. 

*sigh* ..I want a part two!!! 

Find this book at: 

Amazon.com: Spirit of Angels

and 

GoodReads

A note: This is not a book for kids! You really do follow Victoire through some adult situations, none of which are G-rated. 

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

Testing...

This is a test...

because the last few days...

.......nothing is posting right!!!

Don't panic, though ....this is only a test. 

Product Review: Gevalia Signature Blend

Product Review: Gevalia Signature Blend Coffee 

Perhaps you've seen the commercials on TV with this handsome fella -

He's pretty cute...even if he holds his coffee cup like my grandmother. 

The sample in the mail came from Walmart.com, not Gevalia. It's a single serve cup, or a K-cup for the Keurig® K-Cup® brewer.

 I do not own one of those fancy single cup brewers, so I simply made a single cup of coffee in a regular coffee brewer. 

Empty the contents of the little cup into the filter, add one up of water...and brew. Works just the same. 

The coffee smelled so good! When it was done brewing, I added my cream and sugar (as I always do)...and the final product was rather yummy. 

I don't normally go for specialty coffees, as I am not very picky.I don't like paying a ton of money for coffee...I drink my Foldger's and move on. But, if that handsome blonde Swedish guy tells me to drink this stuff...I'm ok with that, too. As long as I have a coupon. 

Quaker Review - Oatmeal Squares Cereal & Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

 

Quaker Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies     &    Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal

First up, the cookies. They taste good, the peanut flavor is not over powering at all. I don't really taste much oatmeal, although I notice that it is there, and the cookies are kinda dry. 

 *note* The package does say "crispy cookies"...so that may account for the dryness. 

The cereal...Oatmeal Squares. These are similar to a shredded wheat type cereal, but these are more dense. They soak up the milk really well, though! There is a hint of brown sugar, which adds just a tiny touch of sweetness. It really is just a HINT, as this cereal has very little flavor over the oatmeal. 

They are good, if you like shredded wheat type cereals, but are rather plain.  

Quaker Product Review: Real Medley Multigrain Fruit and Nut Bars

Quaker 

Real Medleys Fruit & Nut Bars

I got to try the Peach Almond Multigrain Fruit and Nut Bar. 

Also have

Apple Nut Harvest 

and 

Cherry Pistachio

And...in oatmeal form, too!! 

These are really, really good. There are fruit chunks and actual whole nuts. See the picture?!! These are also not your typical granola bar, these are not at all dry or crumbly. You can taste the fruit, and the nuts!! 

I highly...insanely ....recommend these!!

I recieved this item to sample from the Quaker Back to School box at BzzAgent. 

Sweepstakes Listing!!!

Sweepstakes/Contests  Listing 

As always, I am not affiliated with these in any way--just sharing. 

Milk - Free Milk by the Minute

Jen's Blog - Popcorn Factory Kits (3 winners)

Black Forest Gummies - Year Supply OR $500 gift card 

Win $5k from Campbell's 

Earth's Best - Seasame Street lunch boxes, and snacks 

Alex Toys Sweepstakes - 60 prizes in 12 days 

Kittery Trading Post - Pair a Day Giveaway - Binoculars

Ipad Giveaway 

AT&T - Classroom Trivia Sweeps   

Win $5k from DenTek 

Rubbermaid - various prizes

Cuisinart Sweeps - various prizes: gift cards, sandwich grill, debit card, foor processor. 

McCormick Grill Mates - various prizes 

Nabisco 'Big Snack Conference' (IWG)