July 2014 ~ Amanda's Books and More

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Flowers and Cats with a #WW #Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect
Party Linky #101!

Potted Flowers at the Deaf Nursery,
Worcester, South Africa

Worcester, South Africa has schools, colleges and skills training for both the deaf and blind communities of South Africa. They also cater for other disabilities as well. I am a volunteer at the Blind Institute and have been there for the past four years, working for a few hours every week.

Sheela and Prince snuggling on the couch

Sheela and Prince sleeping under the office desk

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Here's a peek at my latest post

on my travel blog, 1camera1mom

Charly's Bakery, Cape Town, South Africa

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Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter

Facebook

and

Here are the easy rules:

Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Saving Money and #Weekend #Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #91!

I was approached by Cassie, the community manager for Dollar Shave Club, to write a post about "shaving time and/or shaving money." In case you didn't know, Dollar Shave Club ships top quality razors and grooming supplies to their members for a few bucks a month.

I know that saving money is an important topic for a lot of women, so I thought to share on how I "shave money" by managing my fresh and frozen food purchases well.

When I first got married, I thought to do all the shopping for a week or more and that this would save time. Maybe it saves time by not needing to go regularly to the store, but it doesn't save money or the quality of perishable foods. What would inevitably happen is that food would get forgotten in the fridge and perish. Or maybe it wouldn't perish, but the longer the food is kept in the fridge, the more vitamins are lost.

Eat perishable food as fresh as possible by buying less and more often.
Don't over-pack the fridge as food can get forgotten and leave space for leftovers.

How I store fresh and frozen food:

Butternut, Avocado and Oranges

Potatoes and Onions

Open condiments, ripe tomatoes, lettuce,
apples, meat, cheese, yogurt, drinks, etc.

Frozen fish, frozen vegetables,
ice cream, ice cubes and bread

Frozen slices of bread
in the toaster

You can store bread and croissants in the freezer if you aren't eating them right away. Do not store these items in the refrigerator as it dries them out. I have a button on my toaster for frozen sliced bread, but any toaster will do fine.

Meals at Home:

Croissant crisped in the oven with Hickory Ham,
Scrambled Egg and Melted Cheese

Steak with Veggies and Scalloped Potatoes and
a Homemade Red Wine Sauce

Hot Dog and left-over Scalloped Potatoes
from the night before

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Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest

Twitter

Facebook

Here are the easy rules:

Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

This is a blog hop!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Have You Seen My Tail and $25 Giveaway

Have You Seen My Tail

Book Blast and

$25 Giveaway

Have You Seen My Tail? by Kathryn Harper

Here is the latest book blast, coordinated by Mother Daughter Book Reviews, of an adorable picture book titled, Have You Seen My Tail?, by Kathryn Harper with a $25 giveaway.

About the Book

Title: Have You Seen My Tail? (Katie-Jane, Book #2) | Author & Illustrator: Kathryn Harper | Publication Date: July, 2014 | Publisher: Green Cup Publishing | Pages: 36 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8

Summary: Anyone who has ever struggled to accept - or longed to experience - change of any kind will be able to relate to Katie-Jane's second story, "Have You Seen My Tail?" Using rhyming verse, and laugh-out-loud moments, Katie-Jane begins this story feeling bored. She is surprised and shocked as she meets a butterfly, a frog and a snake; who are all struggling to accept the recent big changes in their lives. Different perspectives help all four characters to accept their own situations, and embrace change in the way life offers it to them. "Have You Seen My Tail?" is the second book in the six-part Katie-Jane series, designed to encourage the reader to 'be the very best version of you.'

Sneak Peek

Have You Seen My Tail? by Kathrn Harper - Inside Page

Purchase

Amazon | Book Website

You can also purchase the first book in the Katie-Jane Series, "Am I a Chameleon?" by clicking the book cover below:

Early Buzz About the Book

"Author Kathryn Harper offers insightful questions and answers at the end of the book explaining how she feels about change. I love how these insightful thoughts give the reader a chance to verbalize their own feelings. Like her other books, the illustrations are beautiful and vivid. Each of the animals has a wonderfully rich texture, color, and personality. The Katie-Jane books continue to not disappoint, I look forward to seeing the next books in the series." ~ 5 Star Review, Katherine R., Amazon

"Katie-Jane is a very sweet character in "Have You Seen My Tail?" She helps to explain change in a gentle and unsuspecting way. This is the second book in the series for Author, Kathryn Harper. She writes a relatable story that children all over the world can grasp and understand. " ~ 5 Star Review, Mary Jo P., Amazon

About the Author:
Kathryn Harper

I have always loved to write, draw and create, but my books are inspired by more than my love for their medium.

As a child I was selective mute. Both my struggles and my breakthroughs are a source of inspiration toward creating Katie-Jane and her stories.

I grew up in the UK, after living in Johannesburg between the ages of two and five. Today I live in Wanaka, New Zealand, with my two gorgeous children and partner, Simon. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to call this place home, where an adventure can begin every time we step outside.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: August 21, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Kathryn Harper and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Anniversary and #WW #Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect
Party Linky #100!

It's my 100th W.W. linky party

and our 19th anniversary today!

To see more recent photos of our

family, visit my About Page.

Some of the info. needs

updating, like Jessica is

now 16 years old.

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Here's a peek at my
latest post on 1camera1mom.
That's Table Mountain in
the background.

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Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter

Facebook

and

Here are the easy rules:

Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Flight of the Mite and $25 Giveaway

Flight of the Mite

Book Blast and

$25 Giveaway!

Title: Flight of the Mite | Author: Grayson Smith | Illustrator: Alana Kyle | Publication Date: 2013 | Publisher: Peppermint Toast Publishing: Independent | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 | Reviewed by: Renee and Dominic (Mother and Son)

Information About The Book: A tale of wonder and imagination, Flight of the Mite is a children's read-aloud picture book, written by Grayson Smith and illustrated by Alana Kyle. As a tiny mite stares in wonder at the nighttime stars, she becomes certain that if she were only able to travel to them, she would meet a world of wondrous creatures. She determines to build a flying contraption, and through persistence, ingenuity, and wise counsel, journeys to the nearest star. There she encounters the Others of her dreams and finds herself on an adventure where she learns that her imagination is her most important tool! This story of imagination, courage, and determination is perfect for the little mite in your life! Flight of the Mite is the first book published by the independent small press, Peppermint Toast Publishing, out of New Westminster, British Columbia. Peppermint Toast Publishing strives to work with emerging authors and artists towards the high-quality and environmentally-friendly publication of children's picture books and literature, in profit-sharing partnership with local charitable organizations.

Purchase

Peppermint Toast Publishing is happy to be contributing $3 from the sales for each copy of Flight of the Mite sold, going to help sick kids get better at BC Children’s Hospital. Visit their Online Store to purchase your copy!

Peppermint Toast Publishing | Amazon (Canada)

The Buzz About the Book

Mother and Son Review by MDBR: "Flight of the Mite is a delightful, rhyming picture book featuring an adorable little mite who dreams big as the main character; a magical story underscoring the importance of imagination in children's development; and absolutely gorgeous and whimsical illustrations. I highly recommend this book to children ages 3 to 8 and I think it would be a great choice for reading aloud to children in a classroom or library setting."

"This is our new favourite story to read and will be a book that we will be keeping to pass down to future member of our family." ~ Raincity Parent

"This wonderful piece of children’s literature is well crafted and appropriate for children and adults, the message is clear, embrace diversity, ones weakness may actually be strength. The most interesting and entertaining part is that there is a consistent rhythm and rhyme to the story, keeping the powerful message light and playful." ~ Active Lee Dadding

" I have read the sweetest story!...The combination of these two talents [i.e., the author and illustrator] working together has left us with a sweet rhyming story about a little mites big imagination." ~ Moments in Mommyland

"I recently received a new children’s book to review called Flight of the Mite. So of course I went to the best critic in the house – my 4 year old son[...]. We sat down to read the story together and discovered a delightful tale about imagination and discovery... The illustrations are delightful and [my son] insisted that we stop to discuss some of them along the way. There was more than one “wow!” over a picture of the mite climbing a dandelion." ~ Prenatal to Parenting

About the Author:

Grayson Smith

Grayson Smith was born in Alberta, but attended a boarding school in Germany for 11 years. After high school, he attended SFU, where he obtained a degree in Criminology and met his beautiful wife, Linda. Throughout university, Grayson wrote stories when he should have been paying attention in class. After completing his degree, he became a police officer, and still enjoys that job thoroughly. As of 2012, Grayson gets to re-envision the world through the eyes of his baby son, Josiah. Writing is a wonderful way for Grayson to express the silliness and vagary that simmers beneath his well-practiced outer layer of respectability and professionalism.

About the Illustrator:

Alana Kyle

Alana Kyle was born and raised in the Lower Mainland. As a small child, she was sweet, quiet, and frequently lost inside her own head. Ever since she was young, she was motivated by her love of artistic creativity and attention to detail, and remains captivated by storybooks and imagination. Alana attended and graduated from Emily Carr University of Art + Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and also obtained a three-year diploma of Illustration and Design from Capilano University. She works as an illustrator and graphic designer, and lives in Coquitlam.

Links to More Information

Peppermint Toast Publishing

Twitter | Goodreads

Facebook (Peppermint Toast Publishing)

Facebook (Flight of the Mite)

$25 Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: August 19, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Grayson Smith and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, July 18, 2014

Books and Giveaways with a #Weekend #Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #90!

Book Reviews from this past week:

What If...?

What If...? is about a girl in the 7th grade who is navigating the choppy waters of middle school without a mom. She hopes to find a wife for her quirky dad who will make them both happy. Visit the link to grab a Free Copy (electronic) and enter to win $100!

Jack the Boogey

Jack the Boogey, a delightful bedtime story and picture book for kids who are afraid of the dark. Visit the link and enter to win $25!

Samantha's latest book review:

Samantha Morley

The Boulton Quest Series

The Boulton Quest Series is an exciting adventure and mystery series for ages 9 and up. Visit the link to find out Samantha's thoughts on Books 1 and 2. If you leave her a comment, I'll pass it on. I'm sure she'd appreciate it!

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Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest

Twitter

Facebook

Here are the easy rules:

Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

This is a blog hop!

What If? Book Blast and $100 Giveaway!

What If...? Book Blast

and $100 Giveaway!

Title: What if...? | Author: Jessica Barondes | Publication Date: January 7, 2014 | Publisher: Sense and Sensability Press | Pages: 145 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother)

Summary: Life is complicated for the average tween, but try being the smallest girl in 7th grade and navigating the choppy waters of middle school without a mom. Such is the plight of Penelope “P” Ziegler, until she decides to take matters into her own hands and find a wife for her hopelessly quirky dad. Despite Dad’s objections, P is sure—with all her heart—that there’s a woman out there who will make them both very happy!

FREE BOOK

You can grab your FREE COPY (electronic) of What if...? by Jessica Barondes from July 18 to 22, 2014 from Amazon. Just click on the book cover below.

The Buzz About the Book

"What if...? is a bittersweet and sometimes comical tale of a tween girl, P, who must come to terms with the loss of her mother as she navigates the world of dating, puberty, school, and friendships. P will absolutely warm your heart and the ending is guaranteed to leave you teary-eyed. While I sometimes felt that the themes were more appropriate for teens, I also came to realize that tween girls will also really enjoy reading about the world that they are just on the cusp of entering. *shudder* Ages 10+." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"What a treat to fall in love with a character from the first second you begin to read her story. P has wit, charm, pluck, charisma--and a lot of things to learn. I totally loved her voice, world, friends and the many ways in which she drove her father Georgy insane. Full of laughs and love this charming book is a wonderful read--no matter what your age." ~ 5 Star Review, Blue, Amazon

"This is a charming and delightful read from start to finish, filled with characters you really care about, especially the unique girl "P" at the center. You don't have to be in this age group or life situation to relate to the sweet and heartfelt story about wanting the best for those you love. It's timeless and inspiring and may bring a tear to your eye!" ~ 5 Star Review, Susan A., Amazon

"Witty, intelligent and edgy coming-of-age book for girls (and parents!). This little book is a real gem. I bought it for my nieces too in hopes that they will appreciate their moms more! (and give their dads a chance to be a true hero, like the dad in this book!) I would bet that school libraries, teachers, parents and girls will rate this book a favorite for years to come." ~ 5 Star Review, Louann B., Amazon

"I was absolutely enchanted from the first page. This book made me cry! It was delightful. The story so sweet and the characters endearing and so real. By the time I got to the end, I just wanted to burst out in applause. This book is a joy to read at any age but perfect for the "tween" reader." ~ 5 Star Review, Jen W., Amazon

"Both my 11-year old daughter and I loved this wonderfully written book. Charming and exciting from beginning to end, this book is a real treasure." ~ 5 Star Review, Susan L., Amazon

About the Author

Jessica Barondes

Jessica Barondes grew up in La Jolla, California and now makes her home in Los Angeles with her husband Ben and their teenagers Jonah and Ellie. Jessica is also a screenwriter whose credits include Little Secrets, Lucky Seven, and Wish Upon a Star, a Disney Channel classic, which was a winner at the Heartland Film Festival. Jessica is currently working on several new movie projects and is an associate producer of the new family film Cowgirls n' Angeles: Dakota's Summer.

Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: August 16, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Jessica Barondes and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Boulton Quest Series - Young Adult Fiction

About the Books

Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys

Book 1 in the Boulton Quest Series

Title: Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys (Boulton Quest Series, Book 1) | Author: N.D. Richman | Publication Date: April 10, 2013 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 201 | Recommended Ages: 9+

Summary: * Honourable Mention, 2013 Hollywood Book Festival Awards *
One troubled, the other trouble
One regrets, the other hates
One builds, the other destroys
Their parents are kidnapped in a home invasion and Christopher and Michael must unite or die in their quest to find them. Adventure turns to mystery when the brothers follow a hunch leading them over the Pacific Coast Mountains, across the ocean, and to a fortified island where they fight for their lives with tragic results.

Samantha Morley's Review (age 13)

Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys

I have to admit, from a girl’s perspective, I was a bit wary of this book, though there was no reason for me to be! It was absolutely delightful and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. It's the exciting journey of two brothers who are searching for their parents. Along the way they find many friends as well as enemies. Chris, the older brother, just wants to protect his younger brother, Michael, who doesn't turn out to be the little brother Chris envisioned him to be. As their journey takes them further and further from home's sweet caress, their bond grows stronger and they learn to enjoy each other’s company. Ladies, don't worry! There is some slight romance in this book, suitable for us hopeless romantics. I thoroughly enjoyed this little piece of perfection and I can't wait to read more from its exceptionally talented author.

Buzz About “Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys”

“The author has linked the sub-plots along with the main plot very well, making the story flow. The characters are smart and they will impress readers with how they overcome obstacles with a lot of skill. The theme will interest children and all the adventure and mystery will give them a lot of excitement while reading. The other characters also lend good support to Christopher and Michael and make the plot interesting. An enjoyable story and very effortless story telling that makes it an engaging read.” ~ 5 Star Review, Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

“There’s quite a lot to like about this book, starting with the unpredictable nature of the adventure plot. It unfolds in a cinematic way that’s interesting, and the misadventures of the brothers are good for a laugh. The second part I really enjoyed was the characters of Chris and Michael. Their bravery and skill should hopefully empower young people to read more books, develop more skills, and be nice to their peers. The writing, throughout the thriller portions of the book, was very effective.” ~ AIA Reviewers, Amazon

“As a story to get teenage boys reading, and to keep them reading, this book does a great job.” ~ Jayem, Amazon

Sinners, Survivors and Saints:

Book 2 in the Boulton Quest Series

Title: Sinners, Survivors and Saints (Boulton Quest Series, Book 2 | Author: N.D. Richman | Publication Date: April 22, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 160 | Recommended Ages: 9+

Summary: Christopher and Michael become multi-millionaires and their greed endangers Katherine’s life. While Christopher, Michael and Thomas are racing to rescue her, Robert Cain’s army steals the mysterious machine and his frightening intentions become clear. Can Michael beat his inner demons? Will Katherine lose the will to survive? In this exciting sequel to Brothers, Bullies and Bad the future becomes clear, and it seems things can only get worse.

Samantha Morley's Review (age 13)
Sinners, Survivors and Saints
This second installment of the Boulton Quest Series starts off with Michael swearing that he will have his revenge on the death of his adoptive mother. Things are going well, besides the fact that Michael is still having weird dreams. Chris, Michael, Katherine and her brother, Thomas, are working on a way to give Mr. Cain what he deserves. They think it has something to do with a certain machine the boys’ parents had been working on that Mr. Cain has an interest in. As the story progresses, the kids find themselves searching for their friend Katherine who was captured after storming out of the house from an argument with her mother. Really interesting story, still flabbergasted with all that knowledge on computers and hacking. A good read, but I preferred book one.

Purchase the Books

Amazon (US) | Amazon (CAN) | Amazon (UK)Barnes & Noble | Chapter Indigo | Smashwords

About the Author:
N.D. Richman

Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and getting into trouble: What a great way to grow up! One of my favourite memories is sitting on the handlebars of my brother’s bike, my dog on my lap, as he careened down the steep mountain trails above our home in Kamloops, BC. My brother and I had caves, tree forts, frog filled ponds, and cactus patches to play in, and sling shots for protection. Somehow I survived my childhood and proudly moved on to fatherhood. My children, Christopher, Michael, Thomas, and Katherine, kindly donated their names, characters, and ideas to the Boulton Quest series of books.