10 Things About Me and a Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #219!

10 Things About Me

1. I'm an American expat living with my hubby and 4 kids in South Africa. All 4 kids were born in South Africa.

2. My middle name, Allison, means "truthful warrior maid." That's probably why I like strong female protagonists in fantasy worlds.

3. I grew up in Germany and the States. German is my second language.

4. I left the States when I was 18 and went into missions for 2 years. The year was 1993. I got married and have been living in South Africa since 1995.

5. My eldest child, Jeremiah, turns 21 this year. The rest of my kids are girls. The youngest is Amanda and she's 9.

6. My mom blog is named after her: Amanda's Books and More.

7. I have a travel photography blog: 1camera1mom. This blog helps me to continue appreciating where I live.

8. I'm a volunteer reader at the Blind Institute (now called Kaleidoscope). All the reading I do is recorded in a sound room and is made available for the blind, visually impaired, dyslexic, and bedridden. I read a variety of things like exams, text books, and novels.

9. I have a passion for singing and often lead the singing in the house church that we are a part of on Sunday mornings.

10. I love eating good food like Indian and Asian cuisine. My favorites are curry with naan bread, Asian noodles, and sushi.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on the images to see them at their best.

Do you have anything interesting about yourself

that you'd like to share? Tell me in the comments!

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My Latest Book Reviews:


Elphie and Dad Picture Book
Get the eBook FREE!

Engella - a short story
Get the eBook FREE!




Synapses - a Novella

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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
Instagram

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.co.za/" 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>

Weekend Linky

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

Synapses - a Novella

Synapses
a Novella

by DJ Erfert

About the Book:

Title: Synapses (Novella) | Author: DJ Erfert | Pages: 44 | Genre: Paranormal Suspense | Age Level: Young Adult

Book Description:

Listening to other people’s thoughts can be fatal.

After a horrific car crash robs Gabriella Williams of all her memories, she works to rehab her legs while trying to regain her lost power of speech—and to remember her husband who walked away from the wreck uninjured.

With the help of a top doctor and his experimental speech therapy, Gabriella’s synapses are rerouted, awakening a part of her brain better left alone. Listening to other people’s thoughts can be fatal.

Purchase on Amazon Kindle

My Review

Synapses, the novella, is the first chapters of a new series that Debra Erfert is writing. It's a wonderfully suspenseful quick read. I was grabbed from the beginning. There was complete satisfaction with the ending, although the reader knows that there are still some loose strings with more to come. It made my day and I can't wait to find out more!

Other Books by DJ Erfert:

Window of Time

Two CIA Novellas

Changes of the Heart

About the Author:

DJ (Debra) Erfert

While growing up, going to libraries felt like an adventure filled with mystery and wonder to Debra. The hushed tones invoked secrets, and the dusty, sometimes moldy, smell of paper was the same in each city she lived. Leaving the library with just a single book never happened. Years later, her love of reading turned to a passion for writing stories others might enjoy. She’s an award winning fine artist who lives in a southwest Arizona city with her husband, a retired police lieutenant, where the average summer temperatures are well above 100 degrees--truly hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this novella for my honest review.

Engella - a short story

Engella

a short story

by Paul Ian Cross

About the Book:

Title: Engella (a short story) | Author: Paul Ian Cross | Publisher: Farrow Children's Books | Genre: Science Fiction | Pages: 23

Book Description:

Engella is on a fantastic adventure through TIME and SPACE!

After months on the run - chased by the scary HUNTERS - she has finally found somewhere safe to call home. The problem is - it's not long before her past catches up with her. Will she get away this time?

From the streets of New Shanghai in 2074 to Scotland in 1998, Engella is a sci-fi short story you DO NOT want to miss!

The first short story of The Chronicles of Engella Rhys, a sci-fi book series for ages 8 and over.

FREE on Amazon Kindle

My Review

Engella is a short story about a girl who time travels. She has been separated from her parents by time and has been running for her life from people called Hunters. The characters of Engella and Annys (the woman she meets on the beach) are intriguing. Even though the story didn't tell us much about them, they were still personable. Amanda, my 9-year-old daughter, and I both thought that this short story was exciting and we can't wait to find out more!

About the Author:

Paul Ian Cross

Hello, earthlings! I'm a scientist and children's author based in London, UK.

I work in clinical research (developing new medicines) and I'm also studying for my PhD. I very much enjoy my science career but I also have a real passion for writing stories! I have been writing fiction for nearly ten years. I am developing a series of children's books that are both enjoyable and educational.

My young nephew Hayden influenced my decision to become an author. I loved seeing his reaction when my sister Michelle first read one of my stories to him!

In my spare time, I love going to new places and I try to have as many holidays as possible. My partner Adrian and I absolutely love Scotland, especially the Isle of Skye. We also recently travelled to the Philippines which is a beautiful country; we can't wait to go back.

So that brings us to now... I'm currently working on several new book ideas. I am now developing my first short story, Engella, into a middle-grade novel. I have five books planned for a brand new series – The Engella Chronicles.

I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Disclosure: I grabbed a copy for free from Amazon Kindle and this is my honest review.

Please Note: The price listed was correct at the time of posting. Please check as this price may change.

Elphie and Dad Picture Book

Elphie and Dad Go On an

Epic Adventure

About the Book:

Title: Elphie and Dad Go On an Epic Adventure | Author: Hagit R. Oron | Illustrator: Or Oron | Genre: Picture Book | Pages: 47

Book Description:

For Elphie, everything is an adventure. But Dad is cautious. Is Dad going to join Elphie on his quest or is the trip to the shop going to be dull and boring?

Join Elphie and Dad to find out!

Elphie and Dad Go On an Epic Adventure is a fun book that addresses kids and parents alike. It shows how you can transform everyday chores into exciting adventures.

My Review:

Amanda and I read the adorable picture book, Elphie and Dad Go On an Epic Adventure. We think Elphie is really cute. Elphie is a young elephant that is learning about his world. He still makes mistakes like running across the road. Amanda told me why it's important to cross the road with a parent or an older sibling.

We liked his epic adventure with his dad. We liked how his dad turned his tie into a headband to get into character. Ordinary every day things became extraordinary. One of the adventures was rescuing a "princess" from a tree. That gave us a giggle.

This is a great picture book for children ages 3 to 7.

Book Text: We rescued a princess.

Purchase the Paperback
on Amazon
FREE on Amazon Kindle

Related Reviews:

Bravo and Elphie

by Hagit R. and Or Oron

Elphie Goes Trick or Treating

by Hagit R. and Or Oron

Bear with Bear
by Hagit R. Oron

About the Mother-Daughter Team:

Hagit R. and Or Oron

Hagit R. and Or Oron are a mother and daughter who love to create, imagine, laugh and have fun together. Their mission is to bring joy and happiness to kids and parents all around the world. How? One picture book at a time.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclosure: I grabbed a free copy of this book from Amazon Kindle. Amanda received a copy of the paperback from the author as a belated birthday gift. I chose to do this promotional post, because I wanted to.

Please Note: The prices were correct at the time of posting. Please check, as they can change at any time.

Cats at the West Coast with Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect

Party Linky #240!

We visited my in-laws for the Easter weekend. They live on South Africa's west coast and have two cats. These photos are of Timmy (the tuxedo cat), Tammy (the tabby cat), and my middle daughter, Samantha. A few weeks ago I asked for prayer for Tammy as she had tick-bite-fever (feline biliary). She has recovered and is her usual cheeky self again.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on the images to see them at their best.

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My latest post

on 1camera1mom:

Fish and Chips on
South Africa's West Coast

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My Latest Posts:

Energy Saving Graph
Math/Science Lesson for Grade 3
and lots of FREE eBooks!

Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure
FREE illustrated eBook for ages 3 to 7!

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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
Instagram

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.

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure

Elphie and Dad go on an

Epic Adventure

About the Book:

Title: Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure | Author: Hagit R. Oron | Illustrator: Or Oron | Genre: Picture Book | Pages: 47

Book Description:

For Elphie, everything is an adventure. But Dad is cautious. Is Dad going to join Elphie on his quest or is the trip to the shop going to be dull and boring?

Join Elphie and Dad to find out!

Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure is a fun book that addresses kids and parents alike. It shows how you can transform everyday chores into exciting adventures.

Bonus – free gift for every buyer: an illustrated booklet with an extra-special-epic-adventure chocolate milk recipe for kids and their dads to make together.

FREE on Amazon Kindle

My Review:

Amanda and I read the adorable picture book, Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure. We think Elphie is really cute. Elphie is a young elephant that is learning about his world. He still makes mistakes like running across the road. Amanda told me why it's important to cross the road with a parent or an older sibling.

We liked his epic adventure with his dad. We liked how his dad turned his tie into a headband to get into character. Ordinary every day things became extraordinary. One of the adventures was rescuing a "princess" from a tree. That gave us a giggle.

This is a great picture book for children ages 3 to 7.

Amanda's Birthday Gift

Amanda received an Elphie key chain as a birthday gift from Hagit and Or. It was really sweet of them to think of her. Her gift arrived a month later than expected, because our postal system is really slow.

The other day Amanda's school bag went missing, but it just got moved by accident. Some of the kids have similar bags, because of the school uniform, so we have added her new key chain to help it not get mixed up with another child's bag.

In the last photo she wasn't wearing her uniform to school, because it was a civvies day. Since it was Easter recently, she wore her Easter ears too. 😉

Related Reviews:

Bravo and Elphie

by Hagit R. and Or Oron

Elphie Goes Trick or Treating

by Hagit R. and Or Oron

Bear with Bear
by Hagit R. Oron

About the Mother-Daughter Team:

Hagit R. and Or Oron

Hagit R. and Or Oron are a mother and daughter who love to create, imagine, laugh and have fun together. Their mission is to bring joy and happiness to kids and parents all around the world. How? One picture book at a time.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclosure: I grabbed a free copy of this book from Amazon Kindle. Amanda received the Elphie key chain as a birthday gift. I chose to do this promotional post, because I wanted to.

Please Note: The price was correct at the time of posting. Please check, as it can change at any time.

Energy Saving Graph with Weekend Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #218!

Do You Use Free Online Education for Your Kids?

It's been a while since I accessed free online educational sites for Amanda. Then, about a month ago, I heard of an excellent online educational site for kids called Education.com. It has different activities for Math and Reading from Pre-K to Grade 5. There is a free membership option and a couple of paid options, which are explained on the Description and Pricing page.

Amanda's favorite subject at school is Math. Education.com has colorful games and coloring multiplication worksheets to teach math in an engaging, low-stress manner that generates excitement. Check out the Math Resources page and see for yourself!

I was given a free activity to try at home with Amanda. It's a Household Energy Consumption Activity for Grade 3 that teaches Math using Data Collecting, Multiplication, and Graphing.

Here's the introduction that grabbed my attention:

Chances are, you find yourself saying it to your kids all the time: "Turn off the lights!" As energy costs rise and households continue to look for more ways to cut back, why not involve your third grader, too? Here's an activity that gives your third grader a chance to pull out her addition and multiplication skills to help your whole family take a good look at what those lights really do use up. Then, challenge your third grader to use the data to create bar graphs. What does it take to make those numbers go down?

The activity had guidelines and steps to follow, but seemed to be missing some nuts and bolts. I had to do research online to find out some necessary information. I also decided to change the activity to suit us better. You can follow our version below.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on the images to see them at their best.

What is a Watt?

A Kilowatt Hour (kWh) is a unit for measuring energy. This is what you pay for when you buy energy from the local utility company. It is, as its name suggests, one kilowatt of power used over a period of one hour. A light bulb is typically 60 watts; leave it on for an hour and you have used 60 watt hours, or .06 kWh. Source: Blog Homebug

To explain this concept to Amanda, I compared the idea of measuring energy to a ruler for measuring length. Amanda took the example further and compared it to a clock measuring time. Now she knows that we can measure energy too!

We are no longer using the standard 60 Watt bulbs in our house. South Africans have changed over to the energy saving 11 Watt bulbs. Amanda went around the house counting all of our lights and then we did the comparisons. I let her work out the math with a calculator when she needed one and I asked her word sum questions, so that she had to think the steps through herself.

The cost of electricity in our activity is in South African rands. You can go online and find out what it costs in your area.

This is what we concluded:

60 Watt Light Bulb
4 hours a day
30 cents a day
22 light bulbs about R7 a day
22 light bulbs about R50 a week

11 Watt Light Bulb
4 hours a day
.06 cents a day
22 light bulbs about R1.50 a day
22 light bulbs about R10 a week

How much money do we save a week?
R40

In the graph we used centimeters. Our biggest number was R50 a week, so we measured 25cm as our longest line (every half a cm equals R1). Hubby helped us with the graph. Overall, it was a good learning experience for all of us.

Disclosure: I was given the free activity, which is free for everyone, and this is my honest opinion.

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FREE eBooks!

Clean Indie Reads Spring Giveaway!




Epic Worlds 2.0 with 80+ Authors
FREE eBooks April 19th - May 19th

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

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
Instagram

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.co.za/" 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>

Weekend Linky

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.