Book Review: Terra Vonnel & The Skulls of Aries

Terra Vonnel and the Skulls of Aries, by DC Akers

"Terra Vonnel and the Skulls of Aries; a thrilling high-seas adventure seen through the eyes of seventeen year old pirate Terra Vonnel, better known as the Sea Vixen. The roguish, yet charming girl has finally found one of the legendary Skulls of Aries, the greatest mystery known to man. With time running out she must now steal the remaining Skull from her vicious vampire nemesis, Count Dragos, and travel to Mount Aries to unlock the Gate of Monticule, which holds the Orb of Time. But what the Sea Vixen and her valiant crew do not know is something waits for them in the shadows of Mount Aries- something so unimaginable that no one has lived to tell about it. Full of excitement, the Skulls of Aries is an epic, breathtaking voyage packed with suspense-filled adventure, sword-clashing action, mystery and unforgettable characters!" 

Book Review

The title character, Terra Vonnel is a teenage pirate. It happens, I guess. This is a fairly quick moving book, and doesn't mess around giving overly wordy details about things. Definitely an adventurous book!

Daughter S (13 year old) says: "I loved this book, but it was short. It was interesting and would like to read the rest in the series."

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: Haven - A Stranger Magic (Book One)

Haven - A Stranger Magic (Book One), by D.C. Akers

"Sam Dalcome thinks he is so completely average that no one ever notices him. Until he discovers a mysterious stranger outside his home. Bewildered, he tries to uncover the stranger's intentions. But Sam is sidetracked when he and his friend Travis discover a secret passageway deep in the town's quarry that leads to a hidden cavern. What they uncover next will not only change their lives forever, but will uncover the first clue to a deadly Dalcome family secret. Sam finds himself drawn into a world of mystery and magic he never knew existed, which brings him closer to a destiny he never knew was possible."

Book Review

This was a nice book, aimed towards young adults and teenagers. The main characters Sam and Sarah are easy to relate to and kept my interest through the entire book. I look forward to reading the next one! 

My daughter, who we will call Daughter S, is 13 years old, and also read this book. In her own words, she says: "I loved this book, I read it in two days. It could have been a little longer, though. I am a huge fan of fantasy books. I hope the 2nd book comes out soon. I even want to see the movie if one comes out.". 

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.

Free Cat or Dog Toy!

    

Ohhh, free cat (right) or dog toy (left).....I signed up for it, didn't have to join anything (although I did join their newsletter). Six to eight weeks, I will let ya'll know!

http://www.playstrdata.com/signup/

Photos are from the website, Play Street. 

Daily Entry Sweepstakes/Contests

Here's a nice list of some DAILY sweepstakes and Instant Win Games going on right now! Be sure to read any rules and what not, some sites require you to join their newsletter/club. Also, as I am not a sponsor of any of these games --I am only sharing. 


$65K in Gold from Dial   

Room Mates - Wall Decals 

Sun Maid Raisins - Digital Tablet 

Michael's: The Mortal Instrument Giveaway

Target Take-Off : Disney Planes Instant Win

Hot Tamales Candy - Hot Slots  (you can spin this thing all day if you want)

Purina 20 Days of Prizes

M & M's - We win, You win.

Ipad from Teacher Created Resources

Little Debbie Sweepstakes


Good Luck!

School Shopping = Success!

I don't like school shopping. It's expensive and I end up getting hostile at my own kids, when I really want to yell at the school district for expecting parents to buy so much. Copy paper, for example. However, I have successfully completed shopping for my kids and...still have a couple dollars left to buy food for the week. Yay me! 


Here's a few things I did to be stingy save money: 

1. Shop for supplies during the 'Tax-free Holiday', if your state has one.  This may not sound like it will save you a ton of money, and to be honest-it doesn't. But, in my world: it all adds up! So, I got the basics (paper, folders, pens, notebooks) from Wal-Mart for under 50 dollars, and tax free! And frankly, some states/cities taxes are crazy high! 

2. You don't have to buy 5 packs of notebook paper, 4 glue sticks, and 24 pencils right now! There is nothing the teacher or the school can do to force you to bring any bulk amount of the supplies to school. Buy one pack now, and send a note to the teacher to let you know when the class/your child needs more. (See #5)

3. If you truly can not afford something, talk to the teacher, counselor  or principle - most schools have enough supplies to supplement what you can not afford to purchase all at once. Often, schools can also refer you to a charity that may be able to help. 

4. Coupons and dollar stores are your friend. There is no reason to pay more than $1 for a pack of notebook paper, or a pack a basic black ink pens. Wal-Mart has fair prices this time of year, but don't forget the dollar stores - they often have sales too! Add coupons to the awesome sales, and you can get some items pretty close to free. Oh yeah - FREE! 

5. Ohhhh, did I hear sale? In about a month...all these lovely school supplies will be on CLEARANCE!! Stock up! Folders do not last forever, and filler paper goes quickly! As soon as it's on sale, buy it (if you can). It's also a good time to buy backpacks, those lovely zippered binders, and lunch boxes! Last year I got the fancy character folders, regular prices $1.50 - for 25 cents! 

6. Resale shops. I swear by them for clothes for kids. Yes, I know...used items can be yucky. But, clothes can be washed...and paying $3 for a pair Arizona Jean Company jeans...makes this mommy super happy. 

7. Don't worry...be happy. Seriously--you can give yourself a migraine or an ulcer or something stressing over things. Relax...it'll be okay! 

You could also try some of these great giveaways: 

Load 'Em Up Back to School Giveaway 

Mystery Box (sponsored by Office Depot)

Teacher Created Resources- Ipad 

Dollar General - Golden Star Rewards  (instant win, gift cards)

The Crafting Chicks Mega BTS Giveaway

Or, perhaps you're looking to give back a bit? Try Elmer's Bag it Forward

 http://bagitforward.org/

That's all for now, take care!

Ooo it's fun to be obsessive...isn't it?

It's true, I've become slightly obsessed ...with contests, raffles, instant wins, giveaways and sweepstakes. Oh..and coupons. Gahhhhh give me coupons. $1 off something I never use!?!? Huzzah!!! I can't help it,  it gives me something to keep me from sitting on the roof of my house, judging the birds with disdain.  

With that said, I'll be sharing my finds, and wins and all kinds of good stuff here. In addition to that, I will try to get back to crafts...I have a room full of stuff collecting dust...even...the....glitter....:o , and we can't have that!!


One final note....

Admit it, ....you sang that last bit. Muahhhh ha ha! 

Hey there!

It's been about a year since I posted anything....yeah...it's been a boring year. I once again forgot I even had a blog, after a couple months of having nothing of value to blog about. However, I have learned ...as many of us do...you don't actually have to have anything USEFUL to say when you blog! 

So let's catch up! 

Most everything is the same, to be honest. The only thing that has changed is that I am not an college graduate...and I have my associates degree, after a very long 2 years. But...woo hoo!!!!

I'm rather proud of myself, even if it is just an associates degree.