2016/11/21

The Asian Slow Cooker by Kelly Kwok - Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway

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The Asian Slow Cooker cookbook provides great new flavors to try in your slow cooker. These simple and delicious recipes will have your favorite Asian dishes waiting for you right when you get home.

With the press of a button, you can make authentic dishes that are healthier and tastier than their restaurant counterparts.

You’ll experience a wide variety of flavors; choose spicy, vegetarian, noodles or rice.

There are even recipes that have 5 ingredients or less. Extra long day? Kelly’s fuss-free one-pot and skillet recipes will have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less?and with only one pan to wash, cleanup will be a breeze.Whether you’re in the mood for General Tso’s Chicken, Pad Thai Noodles with Chicken, Beef Chow Fun, Panang Curry, Mapo Tofu or Tom Yum Hot and Sour Soup, you can have fast, delicious meals every day of the week the easy way.

Review:

I received a copy of this cookbook for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Asian cuisine is one of my favorites! I jumped at the chance to review this cookbook. I thought what better way to fit tasty new recipes into our lives than trying them in the crockpot?! So far it has been quite the success.

The recipes are easy to follow, require fairly standard ingredients, and are generally quickly put together. The first recipe we tried was the Orange Beef. Huge hit with my boys! They gobbled it right up. I knew then we had a keeper.

It's great for a couple or family. The recipes don't make a huge amount. She also gives tips with each recipe. And the photos of the food are wonderfully done. There's such a wide range of flavors and styles of dishes that this will become your favorite go-to Asian cookbook!

Enjoy!! We certainly are!

Buy it on Amazon

Bio: Kelly is the blogger behind Life Made Sweeter. She is a self-taught baker and specializes in Asian cuisine. You can often find her in the kitchen dreaming up tasty new dishes that are quick and easy to make for her family. She enjoys using her slow cooker and adding a fun and healthy twist to many classic favorites.

Follow Kelly on her social media!

Facebook.com/lifemadesweeter/

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2016/10/23

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White - Book Review

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.
Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

Review:

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a great story! I have not read the others in this series, but this stood alone well. I did not have any issues with not having read any of the other books. Lady Ella is an outstanding character as is Lord Cayton.

I really enjoy reading stories with adventure and a bit of romance. I love knowing all that's going on and getting into the characters' story lines. Like Lord Cayton... How many of us can relate to not being able to forgive ourselves for past mistakes? Or Lady Ella who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. I was captured entirely by her spirit though. Even with all that has happened, she remains positive and sunny. Oh for more people to take things as they come and keep such an upbeat outlook!

I truly look forward to reading the other books in this series. I expect I will enjoy them just as much as A Lady Unrivaled. The author does a superb job with character development and story revelations. Such a joy to read a fun story like this!

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna has a slew of historical novels available, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com

2016/10/15

Oakes Farm - Family Fun Review

Are you in for some serious fun!! Be warned, this will be a photo heavy post. I ended up taking photos of just about everything. Oakes Farm has so much to offer families for a day together. My boys absolutely loved every minute we were there. I highly recommend going!

You have a wristband for your day there so running out to your car is not an issue. Just keep that band on! As you walk through the barn after purchasing your bands, the farm opens up before you. Off to your left is the hayride and to the right are two of the corn mazes, and directly in front of you is tons of fun! Gemstone mining, slides, pedal carts, a sweets/ice cream shop, and so much more! The boys' favorites are the slides and the pedal carts.

When you pay your admission, you can also go ahead and pay for pumpkins at the hayride. They give you a ticket for each pumpkin. It's fairly priced at $5.50 each no matter the size. As I mentioned the hayride is to your left as you walk in. I would definitely do that first. If you don't you could possibly end up waiting in line for quite a while. So first thing, go on the hayride to the pumpkin patch to get your pumpkins. And once you're back you can go put them in your car so you don't carry them around all day.

If the hayride is not your thing, it is a bit dusty but short, the good folks there have pumpkins at the barn for purchase along with mums also grown right on the property. They're beautiful!

You'll also see as you walk in, the main barn is also a gift shop. They have fun toys for kids as well as handmade goods like pottery and soaps available. They don't leave you to starve, there's a grill right there offering burgers and fries and such, Pappy's Fry Shack which also has corndogs, fries, and funnel cake fries(!), and Granny's Sweet Shoppe. They have homemade fudge, a drinks cooler, and ice cream!

If you're feeling froggy and want an ice cream to share, get the hot fudge cake! Holy moley!!! We were so excited I forgot to take a photo of how yummy it looked.... Here's the aftermath:

They have three corn mazes to pick from as well as a kids' hay bale maze. Next to the hay bale maze is a corn box that has, you guessed it, feed corn for the kids to play in. There's the petting farm area where you can feed the goats and meet the famous Doug the Goat.

The main maze this year is Doug for President. Very fun idea! They even got him a new red, white, and blue collar! This year they have the Trail of Blooms. Gorgeous sunflowers!

Kids have the best time... They can rope "bulls", play in the two sand pits, jump on the two giant air pillows, swing on the tire swings, play tetherball, climb a hill, ride the pedal carts, roll in giant hamster wheels (huge corrugated pipe), sit on an old tractor or giant rocking chair, or slide to their hearts' content! There's also gem mining if you so choose.

There are small tents set up along the side of the corn maze where you can have a birthday party, get your family together, or just sit and enjoy. The farm also has a permanent pavilion as well as a larger tent all with tables and chairs. They certainly take care of their customers! The staff at Oakes Farm are all wonderful. Everyone we met was very friendly and willing to help. The owners did an outstanding job with the folks working there.

If you have an afternoon or a day you want to do something with the family, go to Oakes Farm. You really get a lot of bang for your buck. One admission gets you in to do almost everything. It is well worth the drive to Corryton, TN to visit Oakes! The $1 off admission coupon (Keyword: Oakes Farm) is good through Oct 30!

2016/09/09

Hidden Trails by Bonnie R Paulson - Book Review

When a desperate cowgirl faces the loss of her childhood home she loves beyond reason, a pauper-turned-Prince from her past returns and whips her problems from devastating to heartbreaking. Can they ever accept their hidden potential or are they destined to ride through life alone?
The only thing Stephanie wants is stability in a life where she doesn't lose everyone and everything she loves. When her older brother lists the only home she’s ever known because he needs the money to save his wife, Stephanie has to do something, anything, everything to protect her home – and her family.
In rides Drake, Stephanie's brother-in-law and Stephanie's long lost dream. He's back with money and charm. Everything Stephanie wants, Drake is hell bent on taking away.
If they can't work together, they might lose more than just land and family. They might lose their one chance at love.
Grab this heart-wrenching tale and get lassoed into everlasting love.

Review:
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. These are my own thoughts on the story.

I enjoyed this story. It has well-developed characters and a great plot. I was able to just jump right into it with no problem.

I like stories written from third person so we know all that's going on. The characters Stefanie and Drake you end up just wanting to shake some sense into! They both let pride get in their way of being together. It's so frustrating but that makes for a good story-line.

No one wants to lose a loved one and the stress of it coupled with the heartbreak can scramble our thoughts. Throw in a past that was less than exemplary and you get a lot of folks with their heads on crooked. The Montana Trails series is a great set of novels. And even though this is the 4th book, it stands alone quite well. I look forward to many more from Bonnie Paulson!

Amazon / Nook / iBooks

About Bonnie R. Paulson

Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and give every romance the genetic strength to survive. Bonnie has discovered a dark and twisty turn in her writing that she hopes you enjoy as much as she has enjoyed uncovering it. Dirt biking with her family in the Northwest keeps her sane.

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September 6

2016/09/07

Save on admission for Fall Fun at Oakes Farm!!

Oakes Farm is an amazing place to experience Fall fun! Enjoy the 9 acre corn maze, hayride out to pick the perfect pumpkin and lots more. Fall is simply fantastic at Oakes Farm, so join us for a day that will provide a lifetime of memories! We're becoming famous for our maze designs, which are works of art when viewed from above, and a challenging life-size puzzle when you are inside them.

General Admission includes admission the the corn maze, a hayride (extra charge for a pumpkin) and all of our Back 40 attractions which includes giant slides, bounce pillow, bounce pad, kiddie maze, pedal car race track, giant sand play area and much much more! Fun for all ages and any occasion including groups, field trips and birthday parties.

Located 12 miles north of Knoxville, TN. Oakes Farm is a wonderful place for both the young and the young-at-heart to enjoy a truly unique outdoor experience at a very affordable price.

Readers, you get to save on your visit!

$1 off General Admission (Keyword: Oakes Farm) to Oakes Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch... East TN's Favorite Fall Attraction!

Valid for up to 19 guests.

2016/08/17

Angel Hero: Murder in Paradise by Lizbeth Hartz - Book Blast

Dazzled by open-hearted Hawaii firefighter Vic Lazzarini, dispatcher Lizbeth is puzzled by his friendship with Jaku Cardoza, a little man who thinks he’s something big. Liz shakes like a palm frond in the trade winds when Jaku corners her in the alarm room and pummels her with sadistic stories. Gentlemanly Vic couldn’t be more different, and she dreams of romance with this Prince Charming she’s found after too many frogs.

But a grisly crime in the gentle rain of a Hawaiian Valentine’s Day morning shocks her out of her fantasies and plunges her into the greatest struggle of her life. Liz knows one wrong move could snuff out her life quicker than she can say, “Fire Department. Are you reporting an emergency?”

This is a true story. Names and descriptions, dates, and places were changed to protect the innocent.

Buy on Amazon

"I spent 14 of my 36 years with federal civil service employed as a dispatcher for two military fire departments on Oahu. My true-crime memoir Angel Hero grew out of that experience. I live with my fiancé, Barry, in lush Manoa Valley above the University of Hawaii."

Follow the Author http://www.authorlizbethhartz.com/

www.kwillbooks.com/lizbeth-hartz

2016/08/16

Eva and the Monster who Stole all the Hugs - Children's Story by a Kid!

Dumbest Thieves, Thugs, & Rogues by Leonard Birdsong - Book Excerpt and Giveaway

Dumbestthieves,thugs, and rogues book tour

NEW thieves thugs rogues cover draft 1 (2)

The Professor has delighted in telling you stories from his first two book series, Dumbest Criminal Law Stories and Weird Criminal Law Stories. Now he writes for fun and your enjoyment in his latest, Professor Birdsong’s Dumbest Thieves, Thugs, & Rogues.

These stories are some of the best from around the world and should bring you many good laughs. For instance:

A thief in Phoenix just released from County jail on drug charges ran laps around the jail celebrating his freedom, then tried to carjack a truck belonging to the jail.

The Miami man arrested for stealing a corpse from a casket at a funeral home. An Orlando bandit who broke into a convenience store by bashing in the front door with his head.

The awkward thief who burglarized an Albuquerque home only to be confronted by the 66-year- old wife and her 70-year- old husband who held him at gunpoint in his car loaded with their household possession until police arrived.

The San Jose thug who confessed to murder by cutting out the middle man and presented himself to the Santa Clara County jail with his confession.

An impatient Wendy’s drive-thru customer in Chicago, so hungry he opened fire on another driver who tried to cut in front of him;

The thug who was sentenced to a year in jail for trying to sell a backpack of dirty socks as marijuana.

The Norwegian prisoner gone rogue who used a surfboard to escape from an island prison.

A Frenchman suspended from his job with pay for 12 years who sought compensation of $500,000 because he claimed his career was ruined.

And so many other stories about dumb thieve, thugs, and rogues that will make you laugh out loud.

Excerpt-

MINNESOTA: Those must have been some really big pants! A suburban Minneapolis man managed to walk out of a store with a 19 inch TV shoved down his pants. He also had a remote control for the TV, power cords and a bottle of brake fluid in his pants. Eric Lee King, 21, was caught when a police officer saw him drop a box of candy in the parking lot. The officer realized that King was walking strangely and at the same time he was trying to hold up his pants.

MINNESOTA: The headline to this one could have read” “This crime was jug of bull.” A bandit stole $70,000 worth of bull semen from a farm in LeRoy. It appears that a storage unit in the farm’s milking parlor was left unlocked, allowing the still at large thief to swipe the valuable material. Perhaps it was an inside job.

MISSOURI: Perhaps he was really paving his highway to heaven. A man apologized for building a patio out of the gravestones of dead war veterans. The unidentified homeowner in Ozark County said he got the gravestones from a nearby landfill after they were abandoned by a local monument maker. “I was just making something out of nothing. Ninety percent of them are broken. They were never in a cemetery,” he said, adding that he plans to dismantle the patio.

NEW JERSEY: A really creepy and desperate school bus aide. A former school bus aide accused of taking lunch money and bagged lunches from preschoolers in the town of Millville has now also been charged with stealing cash from the bus driver. Rosa Rios, 33, was charged in March with additional theft and robbery counts. Police report that the new charges came after Rios had been earlier caught on a surveillance camera rummaging through students’ backpacks. She was originally only accused of stealing money and food from the 3-to-5-year-olds she was supervising in January and February.

Buy it on $2.99 Amazon or Free with your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

About the author:

Professor Birdsong received his J.D. from the Harvard Law School and his B.A. from Howard University. He teaches law in Orlando, Florida. After graduation from law school he worked four years at the law firm of Baker Hostetler. He then entered into a varied and distinguished career in government service. He served as a diplomat with the U.S. State Department with various postings in Nigeria, Germany and the Bahamas. Professor Birdsong later served as a federal prosecutor. After leaving government service, and before he began teaching, Professor Birdsong was in private law practice in Washington, D.C.

Find Pfr Birdsong on his website and on Twitter @Prof_Birdsong, on Literary Addicts and Goodreads.

Professor Birdsong is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner. Fill out the widget below to enter.