Argentina

I took Spanish in high school and out teacher was from Argentina. She showed us pictures and videos of where she used to live and it was gorgeous! I've always wanted to Turismo en Argentina and stay in one of the Hoteles en Argentina or Hoteles en Buenos Aires.

I would also like to visit the Hoteles en Bariloche and take in all the sights. I haven't been able to travel as much as I would like but I'm hoping that will change in the next few years.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by www.exploreargentina.com.

Blog Tour: Capturing Karma by K.M. Daughters

Blurb:

Veterinarian Matty Connors’ visions lead her to homicide detective Brian Sullivan once again despite her resolve to remain anonymous the past four years.  Her official work with the police in California resulted in the brutal murder of her fiancé, and since, a recurrent nightmare she barely survives.  Brian, the reputed ladies man of the Sullivan family, has yet to give his heart to a woman until Matty lays claim to it.  His black-and-white approach to solving crimes doesn’t jibe with Matty’s spooky pronouncements or her reputation for alleged infallibility.  A wild goose chase searching for a murder weapon casts doubt on Matty’s “truths” and threatens their smoldering romance.  Is Brian her nightmare slayer and ultimate truth?  When the puzzle pieces fall in place for Brian, will it be too late to save Matty? 

EXCERPT:

Matilda braved a glimpse in her dresser mirror and assessed the toll nightmares had etched on her face this time. The cut over her eye had scabbed over. Were those dark circles under both eyes from the accident or lack of sleep?
Her finger traced around the scalloped rim of the framed picture of her and Eric. Smiling, carefree, linked together side by side in the blazing sunshine—foolishly in love and unaware that there wouldn’t be a long string of lazy days at that beach in their future. Who could have guessed that three weeks after the picture was snapped Eric would be dead and she would be alone?
Tears welled. Four years, eight months and twenty-two days without you, and I wish I could stop counting. Maybe then the nightmares would stop.
Brian Sullivan’s request had triggered a cyclone of dreams: Eric-haunted nightmares and Brian-laden fantasies. Dreams featuring Brian admittedly caused most of the tossing and turning last night, but she wouldn’t linger on that. If she did, she’d have to acknowledge the heady reawakening of his fantasy kisses, the yearning he stoked in her while defenseless in sleep.
Dreams could be denied and forgotten in daylight. But she couldn’t deny how many times thoughts of Brian had upped her pulse and shot suggestive musings through her brain during her routine yesterday. Why am I letting this happen? Tempting as the man is, I can’t risk the danger.
A red rubber ball bounced against her foot. Clyde clamped his mouth around the ball, lifted it off the ground with a yank of his neck and dumped it again on her foot, demanding her attention.
She stooped and picked it up. “Want to play? Dumb question, right Clyde?”
The Boston terrier cocked his head, trained his screwy eyes at her, dashed out of the room and took off down the hall. Nails clicking against hardwood flooring, Clyde pulled up short, skidded to a halt and turned around toward Matilda, anticipating her toss. Bent halfway out the door, she pitched the ball; he retrieved it, raced back into the bedroom and dropped it on her foot again. The mind-numbing game of fetch continued as Matilda varied the directions she heaved the ball, in the intervals applying her make up and managing to finish dressing. Clyde was Eric’s dog. Eric and Matilda would sit for hours in their backyard in California sipping wine, watching the sunset, and throwing the ball for the then frisky puppy until they both ran out of steam—Clyde always won the fetch “endurance” contest.
“OK, kiddo, time to go to work,” she commanded. 

GUEST POST: Our First Hero

For most little girls, their Daddy holds a special place in their hearts – that’s the case for “The Daughters”.

Our Dad was a paratrooper in World War II. The sparse stories he related about his experiences during the war – usually funny anecdotes that had nothing to do with the grim reality of serving our country, under fire on foreign battlefields – captured our imaginations, instilled an awed appreciation in us for men in uniform, and entrenched our Dad as the ultimate hero in our hearts.

He sent us our first Valentines, and every Valentines Day thereafter, we received another card from him, signed, “your first Valentine.” He adored our mother, and even to sheltered little girls (who he intended to protect from lustful males forever) he modeled the romantic love of a man for his woman.

Daddy died when Pat was 19 and Kathie was 15. Shoveling snow after a freaky Easter snow, he halted before he finished the driveway and weakly made his way back inside. Three terrified females: Mom, Pat and Kathie, watched helplessly while the paramedics carried him to the ambulance. Eleven days later, he lost his ultimate battle against acute leukemia.

Mom was only forty-four years old when she lost her first and only love. She never remarried. For her, after him, no other man compared - a sad, but gloriously romantic influence on her daughters.

All our romance novels explore and celebrate the healing power of love, and our characters overcome loss and grief in pursuing their “happily-ever-after”.

We take after our dad in our love of language and the written word, and the craft of writing itself. He penned children’s stories, so story-telling runs through our veins. Our father, Michael Lynch, inspired us to write about unforgettable heroes who capture their ladies’ hearts.

K.M. Daughters, in addition to the autographed copy of AGAINST DOCTOR'S ORDERS for a randomly drawn commentator (as well as the tour host with the most comments), will be giving away charms to randomly drawn commenters-- two sterling Chamilia “Sisters” charms and a Claddagh charm (fitting for a Sullivan Boy) that fit Pandora style bracelets.

Valentine's Day Gift Idea: From The Studio by Sandra Magsamen

Sandra Magsamen is the artist behind the From The Studio line that is sold exclusively at Walmart.

Her ceramic plaques are artsy and they serve a very important purpose, they tell someone how you truly feel. Sometimes it is hard for me to find the words to express how I feel. When I saw these different plaques, I knew that Sandra had somehow managed to put my feelings into words. Not only are the sayings heartfelt, they are also beautifully designed and include beaded hanger, so they can go in any area of your house. They cost $15 each. If you are interested in a custom plaque, those cost $20 each.

The key chains have endearing messages on them that are also the perfect way to show someone you care. I like to have things that have a positive affirmation and remind me about the good things in life. I think that's why I love to have my home (and key rings) that are pleasing to the eye and also serve a purpose.

Coffee is a girls best friend. Well, coffee is my best friend. I need the caffeine pick me up in order to start my day. Sandra's mugs are great for coffee because they aren't too big or too small. They are the perfect size for my morning brew. I also love the style and meaning that is etched on it.

The teddy bear had to be the softest stuffed animal I have ever laid my hands on. It would make a great gift for a loved one.

Visit Sandra's blog.

Disclosure: I received products from this company so that I could write an honest review.

Angel and Apostle by Deborah Noyes

THE SCARLET LETTER by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a legendary classic. If you are like me, you can't help but wonder what happens to the characters after such an incredible first novel. ANGEL AND APOSTLE tells the story of Pearl who had to endure a lot of humiliation because of her status as a bastard child. Pearl grows up and marries her close friend Simon's brother. Simon is blind but he is the only one that is able to fully understand who Pearl is and loves her unconditionally. Pearl knows that there is more to life than black and white, sometimes in order to live life to the fullest, you have to think in shades of gray.

Deborah is a writing genius whose knack for writing becomes apparent in the first few pages. It's pretty hard to live up to the standards when writing a sequel to a timeless romance novel but Noyes carried through with shining colors!

Book Information:
Angel and Apostle by Deborah Noyes
Unbridled Books
9781932961294
304 pages
$14.95 US


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book so that I could write an honest review.

Valentine's Day Gift Idea: Kind Notes

Looking for something different to give to your significant other this Valentine's Day? Look no further! KindNotes has you covered. The jar's are handmade and absolutely gorgeous. The best part is that you have the option of customizing your own. You get to choose the:

container

filling

envelopes

ribbon

messages

If you would like one that is already made, you can choose from three different collections:

Ready-Made

Special

Completed

The jars are absolutely gorgeous! Each day you can reach in a pull out a little envelope that contains a special message just for you.

Disclosure: I received products from this company so that I could write an honest review.

500 Business Cards

THE WINNER IS SAM!!

Designing your own Business Cards Online with UPrinting is so simple! They have a user friendly system that keeps you updated with your order and even allows you to review a proof before it is sent to be printed. I can't believe how easy it is to Print Online! I was totally satisfied with the whole experience.

- 500 Business Cards for One (1) Winner
- Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)
- Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
- Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing
- Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
- Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

The prize will be mailed out by the sponsor

GIVEAWAY ENTRIES HAVE CHANGED!
LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL ENTRY.
(EXAMPLE: if it says +5, leave 5 separate entries)

ENTRIES:

Leave all entries in one comment or separate comments:
+1 for commenting
+1 for following this blog
+1 for following me on twitter
+5 for sharing this contest -make sure you leave the link in your comments (on your blog, -sidebar counts, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) THIS CAN BE DONE ONCE A DAY
+1 for following my other blog It’s My Life.
+1 for friending me on Facebook here.
+1 for grabbing my button and placing it on your sidebar - leave link or your this entry does not count.
+2 for following my girl Krista's blog

*Current friends/followers receive the extra points as well - just make sure you remind me in the comments*

**Must leave an email address in comment or must be visible in blogger profile**

Winners will be chosen Feb. 15th and notified via email. The winners will have 48 hours to send me their mailing info or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I will be receiving 500 business cards for hosting this giveaway.

Yoohoo & Friends

Yoohoo & Friends is a virtual world that is geared specifically for children between the ages of 5 to 12. The characters are based on animals from all over the world. Kids will learn about different animals and their habitats by going online and playing games or watching the animations.

My nephew is one of my favorite people in the whole world. I get giddy like a child every time I open a box and see something that I know he will enjoy. Last week I went over to his house and pulled out the Yoohoo & Friends plush animals and handed them to him. He picked up each one, looked up and smiled at me after each one. He kept touching them because they are so soft. His favorite was the one that had sound. He carried it around with him for about an hour and then he picked up the two keychains and went around the house clipping them on different things. He even put them in a little truck and drove them around. It was so cute! He even brings them in the car when him and my sister go somewhere. They were a big hit and would make a perfect Valentine's Day present for your little ones.

One of my readers will win a random selection from the YooHoo & Friends line (five inch plush animal) and a keychain.
Open to residents of the US and Canada
The prize will be mailed out by the sponsor

GIVEAWAY ENTRIES HAVE CHANGED!
LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL ENTRY.
(EXAMPLE: if it says +5, leave 5 separate entries)

MANDATORY ENTRY:
You must visit Yoohoo's site and then leave a comment telling me which one is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

Leave all entries in one comment or separate comments:
+3 for following Yoohoo & Friends on Twitter
+1 for following this blog
+1 for following me on twitter
+5 for sharing this contest -make sure you leave the link in your comments (on your blog, -sidebar counts, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) THIS CAN BE DONE ONCE A DAY
+1 for following my other blog Readaholic.
+1 for friending me on Facebook here.
+1 for grabbing my button and placing it on your sidebar - leave link or your this entry does not count.
+2 for following my girl Krista's blog

*Current friends/followers receive the extra points as well - just make sure you remind me in the comments*

**Must leave an email address in comment or must be visible in blogger profile**

Winners will be chosen Feb. 15th and notified via email. The winners will have 48 hours to send me their mailing info or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received products from this company so that I could write an honest review.

The Devil In Merrivale by Jackie Griffey

You thought high school was hell, but it's nothing compared to being a teenager in Merrivale. When the body of a local teen, Denise, is found savagely butchered, the town is shocked. Things become even more strange when the town sheriff finds out about a clique that's determined to raise hell. Literally. Devil worship is the in thing and the sheriff is forced to look deeper into this cult. What he finds is more terrifying than he could have ever imagined.

I was sucked in to this book and it was impossible to put it down. It's one of those thrillers that sinks it's teeth into you and life outside of you and your book ceases to exist. Jackie knows how to tell a story and keep a reader entertained! I hope she has more books in the works!

Book Information:

The Devil In Merrivale by Jackie Griffey

Zumaya Enigma

9781934841846

December 2009

262 pages

$14.99 US

Visit Jackie's website.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book so that I could write an honest review.

Who Owns The World by Kevin Cahill and Rob McMahon

Interesting bits that can be learned from this book:

--Only 15% of the world's population lays claim to landownership, and that landownership in too few hands is probably the single greatest cause of poverty.
--Queen Elizabeth II owns 1/6 of the entire land surface on earth (nearly 3 times the size of the U.S.).
--The Lichtenstein royal family is wealthier than the Grimaldis of Monaco.
--80% of the American population is crammed in urban areas.
--The least crowded state is Alaska, with 670 acres per person. The most crowded is New Jersey, with .7 acres per person. --60% of America's population are property owners. That's behind the UK (69% homeownership)

These numbers are unbelievable! I had never really given much thought to this subject but now that I see the numbers, it's astonishing. This book can be a bit dry in places but overall it is an interesting piece of information.



Book Information:
Who Owns The World by Kevin Cahill and Rob McMahon
Grand Central Publishing
9780446581219
1/29/2010
384 pages
$15.99/$19.99

Visit the website.



Hachette has given me permission to give away 5 copies of this book
Open to residents of the US and Canada
Cannot mail to a P.O. Box
The books will be mailed out by the publisher

GIVEAWAY ENTRIES HAVE CHANGED!
LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL ENTRY.
(EXAMPLE: if it says +5, leave 5 separate entries)

ENTRIES:

Leave all entries in one comment or separate comments:
+1 for commenting
+1 for following this blog
+1 for following me on twitter
+5 for sharing this contest -make sure you leave the link in your comments (on your blog, -sidebar counts, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) THIS CAN BE DONE ONCE A DAY
+1 for following my other blog It’s My Life.
+1 for friending me on Facebook here.
+1 for grabbing my button and placing it on your sidebar - leave link or your this entry does not count.
+2 for following my girl Krista's blog

*Current friends/followers receive the extra points as well - just make sure you remind me in the comments*

**Must leave an email address in comment or must be visible in blogger profile**

Winners will be chosen Feb. 15th and notified via email. The winners will have 48 hours to send me their mailing info or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book so that I could write an honest review.

Review: Elvis 75 Anniversary Box Set

In celebration of Elvis's 75th Anniversary, Sony Legacy has released an Elvis 75 - Good Rockin' Tonight box set. The set includes 4 CD's that hold a total of 100 songs. I grew up listening to Elvis with my parents and I can still remember how I felt when I would see him on TV. Mom would be playing a movie and once I caught a glimpse of Elvis's face, I would drop whatever I was doing just to stare at the screen. Music is more than just sounds, it invokes emotion and I don't know if there has been anyone more capable of speaking to my soul than Elvis. This is a must have for all fans.

Disc 1 includes hits from 1953-1957

Disc 2 includes hits from 1958-1962

Disc 3 includes hits from 1963-1969

Disc 4 includes hits from 1970-1977

This set includes hits like:

All Shook Up
Jailhouse Rock (one of my personal favorites)
Hound Dog
Love Me Tender

Check out the full title list here.

Visit Elvis's website.

Disclosure: I was provided with the 1 disc version of this CD so that I could write an honest review.

Original Sin by Allison Brennan

Moira hasn't had an easy life. After being possessed by a sadistic demon and witnessing brutal murder, she is now searching for her mother, Fiona. Having a hell raising mother hasn't been easy for Moira, but she isn't letting that stand in her way. Moira is determined to stop her mothers evil deeds at any cost. The problem is, her mother is using the seven deadly sins to her advantage. Will Moira be able to stop her mothers destruction or will mankind cease to be?

My heart about beat out of my chest when I was reading this. I think I forgot to breathe while reading a few pages too... The suspense was electrifying and I felt like I was right along-side Moira. If you like the "on the edge of your seat" then you will like this book.

Book Information:
Original Sin by Allison Brennan
Random House Publishing Group
9780345511676
January 2010
464 pages
$7.99 US

Read an excerpt.
Visit Allison's website.



One of my readers will receive a copy of this book
Open to residents of the US and Canada
The book will be mailed out by the publisher

GIVEAWAY ENTRIES HAVE CHANGED!
LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL ENTRY.
(EXAMPLE: if it says +5, leave 5 separate entries)

ENTRIES:

Leave all entries in one comment or separate comments:
+1 for commenting
+1 for following this blog
+1 for following me on twitter
+5 for sharing this contest -make sure you leave the link in your comments (on your blog, -sidebar counts, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) THIS CAN BE DONE ONCE A DAY
+1 for following my other blog It’s My Life.
+1 for friending me on Facebook here.
+1 for grabbing my button and placing it on your sidebar - leave link or your this entry does not count.
+2 for following my girl Krista's blog

*Current friends/followers receive the extra points as well - just make sure you remind me in the comments*

**Must leave an email address in comment or must be visible in blogger profile**

Winners will be chosen Feb. 14th and notified via email. The winners will have 48 hours to send me their mailing info or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book so that I could write an honest review.

Original Sin by Allison Brennan

Moira hasn't had an easy life. After being possessed by a sadistic demon and witnessing brutal murder, she is now searching for her mother, Fiona. Having a hell raising mother hasn't been easy for Moira, but she isn't letting that stand in her way. Moira is determined to stop her mothers evil deeds at any cost. The problem is, her mother is using the seven deadly sins to her advantage. Will Moira be able to stop her mothers destruction or will mankind cease to be?

My heart about beat out of my chest when I was reading this. I think I forgot to breathe while reading a few pages too... The suspense was electrifying and I felt like I was right along-side Moira. If you like the "on the edge of your seat" then you will like this book.

Book Information:
Original Sin by Allison Brennan
Random House Publishing Group
9780345511676
January 2010
464 pages
$7.99 US

Read an excerpt.
Visit Allison's website.


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book so that I could write an honest review.

Press Release: Pampers

Pampers has completely redesigned its Cruisers diapers with no sacrifice in performance. They are the brand’s 1st diaper for the best players in the world™ – babies! The new PampersCruisers with Dry Max helps lock wetness away up to 12 hours, making this their driest diaper ever. The new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max officially hits shelves in March!

For the first time ever, babies will have their gold-medal moment too this Olympic season by sporting their own high performance gear – Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max. To celebrate the launch of the brand’s first-ever high performance diaper, Pampers has outfitted Team USA athletes and their families, with branded Team USA Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max as they head to Vancouver for the Olympic Winter Games.

Although these Team USA diapers are not for sale, starting tomorrow morning January 29th parents everywhere will be able to request a free sample three-pack of Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max on Pampers.com. If the sample sent includes a diaper stamped Team USA (randomly inserted in select sample packs), their baby will win a year’s supply of Pampers diapers!

For many Olympic athletes, bringing home a medal is not just their dream – it’s their family dream. And as such, Pampers is working with two medal contender athletes – 2006 Olympic gold medal speed skater, Chad Hedrick and 2007 World Skeleton, Noelle Pikus-Pace - as they and their families prepare to “go for gold” at the 2010 Olympic games.

Blog Cleaning

I have cleaned up my blog a little bit and just wanted to let my lovely readers know about a couple of important points:

1) Giveaway entries have changed once again (I have decided to make the list smaller so that I can keep up with them easier) - they will be listed on each giveaway

2) If you would like to have your button added to my blogroll (left sidebar, under IMPORTANT POSTS) in exchange for placing my button somewhere on your blog, please email the code to bjhopper(at)me.com and I will add it

Blog Cleaning

I have cleaned up my blog a little bit and just wanted to let my lovely readers know about a couple of important points:

1) Giveaway entries have changed once again

2) If you would like to have your button added to my blogroll (left sidebar, under IMPORTANT POSTS) in exchange for placing my button somewhere on your blog, please email the code to bjhopper(at)me.com and I will add it

Button Roll