Where's Her Hair? And #WW #Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect
Party Linky #110!

Samantha gets a haircut

I took this photo at the hairdresser to
try and show how much was taken off.

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If you love gardens, then you'll enjoy

my latest post on 1camera1mom.

Amanda when she was four

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My latest book review:

Lovable Lobo and $100 Giveaway!

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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+

Pinterest 

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:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

My Entrance and #Weekend #Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #100!

The front of my home

This week has flown by. I can't believe that it's already time to host my weekend blog hop. Today marks my 100th Make My Saturday Sweet!

Friday night is Jeremiah's "Prom." Here in South Africa it's called the Matric Farewell Dance. When you enter your last year of high school and when you graduate, you are called a matriculant. Both the year and the school year is nearly over for my kids.

Saturday night, Samantha is attending her grade 8 ball. She's the one posing for me on the bridge to our front door. She turned 12 when I took that picture and in a couple of weeks, she'll be 14.

Samantha on the bridge

The painting of the calla lilies was designed and painted by me. It's the first painting you see when you enter my home. I was in a hurry to get it done, so I kept it fairly symplistic. Sometimes I think of reworking it - it certainly needs help.

The passage to the kitchen and the rooms takes a bit of a turn. This is how we decided to decorate a tricky section.

Related post:

Home Decor 4

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Lovable Lobo

Book Review

and

$100 Giveaway!

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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:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a blog hop!

Lovable Lobo and $100 #Giveaway!

Lobo Book Blast

and

$100 Giveaway!

Lobo Goes to the Galapagos

About the Book

Title: Lobo Goes to the Galapagos (The Adventures of Lovable Lobo) | Author: C.L. Murphy | Publication Date: August 27, 2014 | Publisher: Peanut Butter Prose | Pages:32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 7

Summary: Lobo returns in this adventure, sweeter and a bit salty this time. This lil' wolf pup finds that there's nothing like a little sea air to bring out the best in him and his unlikely tag-alongs. Take a trip to the Galapagos with Lobo and his right-hand raven, Roxy, as they help an injured, new feathered friend return home. Lobo faces some fears and witnesses the joy that comes from helping others in this "birds of a different feather DO flock together" tale.

Book Preview

Purchase

Amazon | iTunes

My Review:

I read this delightful story to my daughter, Amanda, and we enjoyed it immensely. We both thought that Roxy's dialogue and the name of their new friend (blue-footed booby) were quite funny. Amanda's favorite part was when the blue-footed booby brigade flew Lobo back home to his forest. We also got a quick geography lesson with a bit of humor too. In fact, we Googled images of the Galapagos after reading the story. I think this is an excellent story for children.

The Buzz

"Who knew geography and learning about animals could be this much fun? Lobo Goes to the Galapagos is my new favorite children's book and is highly recommended. " ~ Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite

"While Ms, Murphy's uniquely whimsical and vibrant illustrative style is perfectly suited for the wild, tropical feel of this colorful book, and easily captures young readers' attention, there is also a subtle, quiet beauty to the storyline's overarching themes of friendship, trust, perseverance, and goodwill. Lobo's tenacious and giving spirit are delightfully captured in this fifth installment of puppy-fueled fun. In fact, it's sincerely so easy to fall in love with "Lovable" Lobo that I'd happily follow this well-meaning, big-hearted, wolf pup to the very ends of the earth!" ~ 5 Star Review, Indie Author Girl, Amazon

"What an adorable story! I read this to my nephew and he couldn't stop giggling at the silliness of Roxy as well as Lobo's cute friends Bobby, Sunny, Coconut and Sandra. The author was very clever in portraying a tale of friendship, adventure and excitement that is sure to enthuse young minds around the world." ~ 5 Star Review, Gina D., Amazon

About the Author:

C.L. Murphy

While new to the children’s book writing and illustrating scene, C.L. Murphy (Cathy) has been doodling her way through life since she won a school wide poster contest in the third grade. She’s had the pleasure of working as an artist in residence, creating cartoons and painting murals with the children at local elementary schools. She adores the wonder and curiosity of young children.

She feels that creating picture books is something that she was destined to do, after years of filing away so many ideas, while raising her two sons. She is a member of SCBWI.

She lives amongst the wildlife in an enchanted forest in the beautiful Oregon wilderness with her husband and menagerie. She has always appreciated nature and animals have always played a major role in her life. The inspiration for the Lovable Lobo character came from a wolf that she raised for over 14 years.

Check out her book series and discover that you, too, will find Lobo lovable.

Book Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

$100 Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize (winner's choice)

Contest Ends: October 23, 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. The 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 a 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 C.L. Murphy 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

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.

My Garden and #WW #Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect
Party Linky #109!

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My Latest Series

Boutique Hotel - Part 1

on 1camera1mom

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My Latest Book Review

Dragon's Rival

by H.L. Burke

***************************

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+

Pinterest 

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:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Home Decor 4 and #Weekend #Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #99!

My Living and Dining

Room Decor - Part 4

When adding art to your home, it's a good idea to mix less expensive pieces with more expensive pieces. None of the art in our home is very expensive, but, obviously, the "mass produced" items are less expensive and the "hand-made" items are more expensive. The people who visit your home will never know the difference when your pieces are tastefully chosen.

Related Posts:

Home Decor 1

Home Decor 2

Home Decor 3

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My Latest Book Reviews

Romantic fantasy adventure stories

Book Two:

Dragon's Debt

and Book Three:

Dragon's Rival

*********************

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:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a blog hop!

Dragon's Rival

Dragon's Rival by H.L. Burke

Book Three in The Dragon and the Scholar

About the Book

Having abandoned his friends and family and taken to the skies, Ewan hides himself in the Wilderlands, away from humans. However, an unexpected attempt on his life and a warning from another dragon lead him to suspect that not all is right in Regone.

Ewan returns to his homeland to attend his brother's wedding and discover the source of the bounty on his head. Once there the dragon prince finds that Ryan of Westshire has been using his absence to court the Lady Shannon.

With unknown forces working to undermine his brother's throne and his own heart torn between his love for Shannon and the desire to see her happy, Ewan must choose once and for all. Is he a dragon or a man?

Purchase on Amazon

My Review

Dragon's Rival has been my favorite book in the series so far. This third book is full of romance, interesting characters and a gripping plot. For example, Will is an intriguing new character in the story. He's young, resourceful and inquisitive, but who is he really?

Shannon desires motherhood, but what will it cost her? What will Ewan, the dragon prince, do when he faces death? How will Donovan respond when he realizes just how dangerous it is to seek the truth? How will Ryan respond when he discovers that his father, King Riley, has been keeping a secret from him? 

I think everyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure and romance will enjoy this book thoroughly. However, I don't recommend it for young readers, because marital bliss (sex) does feature in the story in a tasteful manner.

My review of Book One: Dragon's Curse

My review of Book Two: Dragon's Debt

ABOUT H. L. Burke

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

For information about H. L. Burke's latest novels, author news and events, or to contact the writer, go to the H.L. Burke author website.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy for my honest review.