"You're My Woman Because... by Patrick Murphy Review and Giveaway

CLOSED.


And, the winner is:

Congrats to: Jessyca Foster

Summary:

You're my woman because...

...you're there when I need you.

...you're full of surprises.

...you're so hot.

This is a book for a man to give to a special someone in his life. It says in so many ways and in just as many wry paintings that the small stuff is sometimes big.

Original and a bit wild, it has an artfully simple message: I'm happy we connected. Bring her flowers if you will, but give her this little book to treasure.

My Review:

Here is a great mini book or coffee table read to give to that special lady in your life.  With beautiful artwork and heartfelt, and sometimes witty reasons why you love your woman, this book makes a great keepsake.  If you are like most guys, and don't know what to say, let You're My Woman Because... say it for you.  Your wife will melt and laugh each time she reads the book.  

Here are just a few of the reasons given in You're My Woman Because...

...you share your dessert with me.

...you save the slow dance for me.

...you bring sunshine into my life.

...you took a chance on me.

...you opened my heart and made it fly.

What woman wouldn't want to hear the above reasons you love her.  So, if you are looking for the perfect gift to get your lady this year, why not pick this book up today.  And, for a limited time, you can buy it for only $6.95. 

About the Author:

Patrick J. Murphy's paintings have been exhibited at the Agora Gallery in New York, the ArtPic Gallery in Los Angeles, the Higgins Maxwell Gallery in Louisville and the Karen Taylor Gallery in London. He lives in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

BUY NOW: 

This book can be purchased through Red Rock Press for only $6.95.

---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky reader will win a copy of You're My Woman Because...  To enter, please complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, making sure to include your email address, so that I can contact you if you win.  Then, you can enter as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like (also, enter your email address in each additional comment).

MANDATORY ENTRY:  If you are a wife, what does your husband say is your best quality? OR  If you are a husband, what is your wife''s best quality?

EXTRA ENTRIES: (Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

1)  Subscribe to my blog via email (2 entries)

 
2)  Follow me on Facebook (1 entry) 

 
3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

 
4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/.   (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 5 Entries)

 
5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

 
6)  Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below):
 
Enter to #win You're My Woman Because... book @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 2/17)

7)  Like my Fan Page on Facebook! Please include your Facebook name with your entry, so I can follow you back. (2 entries)

 
8) Follow my blog via Networked Blogs (3 entries)

 
9) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day)

Open to US residents only.  Giveaway ends on February 17, 2011 at 11:59PM EST.  I will then use Random.org to choose a winner.  

Disclosure:  I was given a copy of the book to review, in order to provide an honest review.  My views are mine and mine alone.  I was also given a review for one lucky reader.

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"To Mom, I Love you Because..." by Tomoe Sasaki Farley -- Review and Giveaway

CLOSED.

And, the winner is:

Congrats to:  Ruth

Summary:

"To Mom, I Love you Because..." by Japanese artist Tomoe Sasaki Farley,  serves up thirty universal. warm, and amusing reasons, each accompanied by an irresistible illustration, on why children, from six to 60, honor their mothers.

My Review:

If you are looking for the perfect mini book or coffee table read for mom, this book is it.  Just look at the cover (see image above).  I just love the illustrations Tomoe has included in her first book, honoring moms.  This is a great book for a child to buy for their mom, and sit down and read it together with her.  Or, if you want to honor your mom as a adult this Valentine's Day, you can't go wrong with, To Mom, I Love You Because...

Some of my personal favorite reasons include:

...You were my personal driver.

...You gave me strength when I needed it.

...You appreciate who I am.

...You always believed in me.

...You're my biographer

And, here are some more, with their whimsy illustrations:

 ...you made sure I was the warmest kid
in the neighborhood.

 ...you looked like a queen when you
dressed up.

 ...you gave me strength when I needed it.

 ...you made a bath seem like an adventure.

There are 60 reasons in total  -- all, of which everyone can relate it.  Why not put a smile on your mom's face today with this keepsake book, and let her know again, why you love her so.

About the Author:

Tamoe Sasaki Farley was born, raised and educated in Kyoto, Japan, before traveling to the United States to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NY.  Her professional illustrations include those for instructional guides in comic book form.  This is her first book.  Tomoe and her husband, Peyton Farley, live in White Plains, NY.

BUY NOW:  

And, for a steal, this book can be purchased through Red Rock Press for only $6.95.

---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky reader will win a copy of To Mom, I Love You Because...  To enter, please complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, making sure to include your email address, so that I can contact you if you win.  Then, you can enter as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like (also, enter your email address in each additional comment).

MANDATORY ENTRY:  Give one reason why your mom is the best.

EXTRA ENTRIES: (Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

1)  Subscribe to my blog via email (2 entries)

 
2)  Follow me on Facebook (1 entry) 

 
3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

 
4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/.   (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 5 Entries)

 
5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

 
6)  Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)
Enter to #win To Mom, I Love You Because... book @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 2/17)

7)  Like my Fan Page on Facebook! Please include your Facebook name with your entry, so I can follow you back. (2 entries)

 
8) Follow my blog via Networked Blogs (3 entries)

 
9) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day)

Open to US residents only.  Giveaway ends on February 17, 2011 at 11:59PM EST.  I will then use Random.org to choose a winner.  

Disclosure:  I was given a copy of the book to review, in order to provide an honest review.  My views are mine and mine alone.  I was also given a review for one lucky reader.

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Valentine's Day Gift Must Haves

If your husband is like mine, when it comes time to buy a gift for Valentine's Day, he doesn't know what to get.  So, usually I will receive the standard card, flowers and chocolate.  If only he knew what we really wanted.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing products and services that would make great Valentine's Day gifts.  Not only will you have a chance to win these great gifts, but you can also print out the review or company website and leave it where your husband can see it.  A little subtle hint works wonders.  And, as an added bonus, many of the products and services I will be highlighting will have coupon codes to use.  So, if your husband is frugal, like mine, he will be happy to know he will save $$$, while getting you a gift you truly want.

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The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz Book Review

Summary: 

Beauty is sometimes found in the most unlikely places.
George Jacobs and his childhood sweetheart were just kids living in small-town Levy, SC, when the train brought the evil to town. Now eighty years later, George and Maggie are married, living out their remaining days in Harmony House where time moves slowly--Maggie can no longer communicate her love and George can hardly remember their past. But when a large package arrives and an old stranger moves into Harmony House, their past won't remain at bay any longer. Like it or not, George must now remember things from long ago in order to set himself--and his sweet wife--free. But George isn't sure how many lives were affected by the stranger in Levy . . . or why life must come full-circle now when he's running out of time.

The Inheritance of Beauty is an entrancing story about beauty and age, about the blessings and curses of each, and how the true beauty of a person never fades.

Source: (Book Sneeze)

My Review:

4 stars out of 5 –

Nicole Seitz has done an excellent job with this book.  The story is told through the eyes of her characters – Magnolia, who is a mute, her husband, George, who is frail and insecure, Annie, their caring caretaker and Joe, the lonely prodigy.  The reader, through Seitz’s words, is able to differentiate between each character, and feel they are witnessing the plot as it unfold and relieve each of the character’s past.  I love how Seitz writes in the Southern dialect and makes this book feel like a good ‘ole Southern story of love.  

This book is full of encouragement, faith and shows the true beauty of a person.  Each of the characters learn to overcome the many ups and downs that an average person goes through in their life.  Seitz’s work shows that even though we each go through hardships in life, that we must face them head on, in order to make things right and see the true beauty in people.  The Inheritance of Beauty is truly an inspiration book, and tugs at your heart strings.  If you are looking for a good book, where you relate to the characters, this is the book for you.  

About the Author:

Nicole Seitz is a South Carolina Low country native and the author of The Spirit of Sweetgrass as well as a freelance writer/illustrator who has published in numerous low country magazines. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism, she also has a bachelor’s degree in illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design. Nicole shows her paintings in the Charleston, South Carolina area, where she owns a web design firm and lives with her husband and two small children.

Disclosure:  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

                            

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What Have I Done For Love?

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I am in search of the perfect greeting card for my husband.  This year is even more special, as we are celebrating the first year with our daughter, Savannah.  My husband and I have been together for over 13 years, and met in college.  We were voted college sweethearts, and are happy were we are today.  We live in our dream home in Connecticut, with our 3 rescue dogs and beautiful little girl.  What more could we ask for?

I remember back in college, I would send my husband, Enrique, poems I wrote, as well as some of my favorite poems, so show how much he meant to me, and how in love with him I was.  One of my favorite poems is by Pablo Neruda, and was featured in one of my favorite movies, Patch Adams.  If you are not familiar with this poem, it goes like this:

XVII (I do not love you...)

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Do you have a favorite poem of love that you have read or wrote yourself? 

What have you done for love? 

Do you have any crazy stories? 

So, to show my husband how much I love and cherish what we have, I will be looking for the perfect greeting card and will be including this poem in it, as well as write a poem just for him.

This Valentine's, why not take a look at Tiny Prints selection of Valentine's Day cards.  They offer greeting cards, Valentine’s cards for kids, and a host of Valentine’s Day stickers and gift tags!  Click here and see Tiny Print's everything Valentine’s Day page on their site, making it easier for you to find what you're looking for.  I have narrowed it done to a few favorites, and will be placing my order this week, so I have the cards just in time for Valentine's Day.

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What Does Valentine's Day Mean to You?



With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I wanted to take a few minutes and share what Valentine’s Day means to me, and hear back from you. To some, if you don’t have a “Valentine,” then usually Valentine’s Day is just another day, or a day you dread, as you watch other happy couples snuggle. For others, if you are fortunate to have found that special someone, then Valentine’s Day is a day to show that special someone how much they mean to you.


I was lucky enough to find my special someone over 13 years ago, while attending college. We were total opposites, and from 2 different backgrounds – but, we clicked, and have been together ever since. This past year, we welcomed our daughter, Savannah Rose, and are now journeying down a new path a family, and will be able to experience things through our daughter’s pure eyes.

I remember back in elementary school, we would make homemade valentine’s, or by the boxed valentine’s to hand out during the classroom party. We would sit and wait to see how many valentines were left in brown bags we had at our desks. After the food and games, we would race back to our seats and start opening the cards. Popular cards were those of cartoons or movies during that time. Or, if you were lucky, a lollipop or candy was attached. Ahhh, the good ole’ days – without a care in the world. Now, as an adult you either love or hate Valentine’s Day. Which one are you?

Well, in honor of our first Valentine’s Day as a family, I will be stopping by Shutterfly to make personalized cards to send out to loved ones, as well as save a few in our daughter’s scrapbook, to show her first Valentine’s day. These are just a few options that I am looking at in regards to cards.

You can find a larger selection of cards here, as well as options for personalized gifts here. While you are at it, why not take a look at their beautiful keepsake boxes. I already have one for Savannah, were I am keeping trinkets and mementos that I will share with her as she gets older.

Do you have a special Valentine’s Day memory? How do you spend Valentine’s Day? I’d love to hear back from you all and hear your special stories of love.

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Stacey DeGrace of Simply Subtleties Feature Friday -- Review and Giveaway

CLOSED:

Congratulations to Jolee.  She was the lucky winner of the flower charm.  I will be contacting you via email regarding your prize.

Thanks everyone for entering and following my blog.

On Monday, I had the pleasure of introducing you to Stacey DeGrace of Simply Subtleties.  If you missed her interview, please check it out here.  Stacey creates some amazing handmade jewelry and charms, and I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you.  In addition, Stacey has kindly created a flower charm for lucky reader to win.  Rules on entering this giveaway are at the end of the post.

If you haven’t had a chance to stop by Stacey’s Etsy shop and check out her amazing pieces, what are you waiting for?  Out of all Stacey’s charms, I am drawn to her “Time and Hope” charm. 

There have been so many people in my life that have gone through cancer, including myself (2 years cancer free!!!), and this would have been the perfect gift to give them.  If you know someone who is battling cancer or another debilitating disease, why not buy this for them and show them you care.  It will truly be a piece they will treasure forever.

Stacey’s love of animals shows with the varied selection of animal charms, which include cats, dogs, birds, horses, fish and even paw prints.

If you are looking for a gift for your mother, be sure to check her to “Mom’s Favorite” glass charms.  You can select from: Youngest, Oldest, Middle and First Born.  

The best part about these soldered glass charms is that they vary in price between $12.99 and $14.99.  So, you are getting a handmade original for an amazing price.

In addition to these glass charms, Stacey also offers purses, bags, pillows, holiday items and photography through her Etsy site.  Horse lovers and dreamers, take a look at this beauty for only $55.00:

Stacey is continually adding new creations, so make sure you add her Etsy site to your favorites and check back often.

And, now for the giveaway…  Stacey is offering this soldered glass flower charm to one of my lucky readers. 

Here’s how you can enter:

Mandatory Entry:
First visit Stacey's Etsy store and let me know what your favorite item is.  Then, leave a comment below, along with your email address, so I can contact you if you win.

Extra Entries:

For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment on this post for each extra entry, with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, blog comment link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.), along with your email address, so I can contact you if you win.

1) Add Simply Subtleties to your favorites in etsy, then comment below (1 entry).

2)  Follow me on Facebook and leave the following comment on the wall (2 entries):

I entered the flower charm giveaway! Enter before Jan. 21 to win this handmade piece! http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/

3) Become a follower to this blog via Public Google Friend Connect (sign up on left side bar).  Be sure to leave your id in your comment. (3 entries)

4) Follow @rmccoy1234 and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

I entered the flower charm giveaway @rmccoy1234! Enter before Jan. 21 to win this handmade piece! http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/

5) Enter any of my other giveaways (leave a comment with the name of the giveaway you joined, 1 entry per giveaway you've joined).

6)  Comment on any of my other blog postings (leave a comment below with the name of the post you commented on, 1 entry per blog post comment ).

7) Sign up via email to receive RSS feeds from Inspired by Savannah (sign up on right hand side). You need to confirm subscription via email.  Once you have done this, comment with your email address (3 entries).

8) Like my new baby product, SoothEaze on Facebook and leave a comment here telling me you did, along with your Facebook id (4 entries).

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

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