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Friday, January 31, 2014

D is for Dream and My Weekend Blog Hop

Welcome to Make My Saturday Sweet
- Blog Hop #67!


You can link any family friendly
post below on my weekend hop.


The theme this week on
is the letter D.


Today I'm sharing two poems written by me.

You can find them on my poetry blog,


D is for Dream


To Live Your Dream


To live your dream

You can’t look at circumstances
Fear can’t stop you taking chances
You need courage in times of waiting
Not to step back when debating
Don’t look down when you’re going up
Think like a champion in the World Cup
Hold on when you feel you’re slipping
Faith and hope will keep you gripping
A life half lived is not living at all
When others think you’re crazy, just stand tall
Only you can be your true self
It’s not about gaining this world’s wealth
There’s only one of you and one of me
So there’s no room for any jealousy
Live your dream and live it big
Find the treasure, it’s worth the dig
You’re not here just for yourself
So don’t put destiny on the shelf
Live your life to the full
Don’t sit back and be a fool
Here’s your chance, take it now
Don’t keep asking yourself how
If the door shuts, find a window
Aim high, like with bow and arrow
Do the best that you can do
Because there’s nothing stopping you


by Christina A. Morley


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

D is for Different Drum

My Heart is Beating to a Different Drum


Sometimes I feel I’m just bidding time
Waiting for my life to unfold like a rhyme
Waiting for the day to sing a new song
But the waiting is taking way too long


My heart is beating to a different drum
A creative soul can’t fit into a sum
Like a color on canvas never seen before
Waiting for God to open that door
Knocking ‘till my knuckles are numb
‘Till God opens heaven and blesses me some


There are many adventures that I have lived
And many more that God’s gonna give
So, I’m not stopping. My life’s just begun
Into God’s great plans I’ll run


My heart is beating to a different drum
A creative soul can’t fit into a sum
Like a color on canvas never seen before
Waiting for God to open that door
Knocking ‘till my knuckles are numb
‘Till God opens heaven and blesses me some


Can you hear it beating loud and clear?
It’s the sound of hope; faith versus fear


by Christina A. Morley


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

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 two links before yours and leave them a comment to make their "Saturday Sweet"! It's really easy and a fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.


Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

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

Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
  • Link up your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your linked post or on your side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.
Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a blog hop!



Thursday, January 30, 2014

All That Glitters - A Mermaid Tale

Miri Attwater and All That Glitters
(second eBook in the Miri Attwater series)
by E.S. Ivy


My Review:


E.S. Ivy has written a wonderful sequel to Miri Attwater and the Ocean’s Secret in All That Glitters. Ivy’s mermaid stories are unlike any children’s fantasy books that I have read before, because she includes lots of cool information that makes the stories feel possible. Ivy calls it “plausible science.”

In All That Glitters, Miri’s adventures and relationships get even more tangled and exciting. The story moves quickly with plenty of funny moments, especially as Ivy tells the story from an eleven-year-old’s point of view.

Ivy includes plenty of small details like the dazzling coral reefs with the diverse fish and sea creatures that live there. I loved reading about the mermaid pet shop, the green house with plants that can grow without soil, and the bath store. These interesting parts add so much to the story. There’s also a bit about ballet and synchronized swimming.

The Miri Attwater series is for girls ages 6 - 12, but even moms will enjoy reading these books!

You can find out more and also ask questions when you visit the Miri Attwater's World blog.

Purchase this eBook on Amazon

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

to read my review of the exciting first book.



A Little Bit About the Author



Growing up in East Texas, E.S. Ivy preferred her adventures to be in books, where things were nice and safe. Ivy graduated from college with a degree in Chemistry. She learned how to grow a certain type of fern upside down and sideways! She sent some of them up on the space shuttle Columbia and got to see the nighttime launch at Kennedy Space Center in person.

Ivy also worked as a writer and editor of children’s science textbooks. But she got tired of the publishers taking out all of the fun parts.Novels are much more fun. She also likes to craft and has had original crafts published in Family Fun Magazine.

Ivy now lives in the hills of Central Texas with her husband and three kids. And – because there’s a rule that all pets have to be a type of critter that mom is willing to catch – a dog named Topaz.


E.S. Ivy exploring Miri Attwater's world


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Whales, Pink Shells and More, Plus a W.W. Blog Hop

Picture Perfect Party Linky #75

Click on the images to view them larger.

Red Sail

Amanda and a Yacht

Pink Sea Shells and Amanda

Southern Right Whales close to shore and
sisters walking on the beach

Ladybug on a Book and
Potted Plants

Pink Flowers, Neighbors' Dogs and
Amanda

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

Here's a peek at my latest post on 1camera1mom

Jeremiah and Jessica (brother and sister)

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

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

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
and
Follow on Bloglovin

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:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.



Friday, January 24, 2014

Candid Answers and My Weekend Blog Hop

Welcome to Make My Saturday Sweet
- Blog Hop #66!


You can link any family friendly
post below on my weekend hop.

Today I'm answering two
Friday word prompts.

The theme this week on
is the letter C.

C stands for the Creativity that I put into my blogs. I strive to be Candid in my writing and I’m very Capable as an author. I love to include plenty of Color. I also include my own photography and thereby Create Captivating Content. I hope you find my posts Catchy and will want to return Continuously.

C stands for Consider the Lilies Poetry. Poetry by Christina Morley; Capturing life’s experiences. The Calla Lily is in my header. It was also in my Captivating wedding bouquet.

Wild Calla Lilies, South Africa
I use my Creativity to design Cheerful and Colorful jewelry. I will also be introducing a more Calm and elegant range soon. My shop is Called Alli Flair and is on Etsy.


Jewelry by Alli Flair


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

The sentence to finish on

We can either be traditional or non-traditional in the way we do things; I...

…often find myself doing things in a non-traditional way. I decided to follow my heart and get married and continue serving the Lord as a missionary, rather than go to college to earn a degree.

I chose to live in a country that was new to me.

As a Christian wife, I don’t believe that my husband is the only leader in our home, as the traditionalists often teach.

After having one boy and then a girl, I didn’t stop there. Just last night, one of the teachers at the high school was amazed when she heard that I had four kids.

We don’t attend a church of a specific denomination. We belong to a house church that is non-denominational/inter-denominational and if the group gets too big, we might have to find a building.

My kids have the space to discover their passion and to follow the path that suits them. They don’t have to get rich to be successful; they just have to lead fulfilling lives.

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

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 two links before yours and leave them a comment to make their "Saturday Sweet"! It's really easy and a fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.


Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

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

Follow on Bloglovin

Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
  • Link up your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your linked post or on your side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.
Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a blog hop!



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Diane Cantrell Book Blast and $100 Giveaway

Welcome to the Diane Cantrell
Book Blast and $100 Giveaway!

About the Books

Riley's Lost Tooth
Riley's Lost Tooth by Diane Cantrell
Riley's Lost Tooth
Title: Riley's Lost Tooth
Author: Diane Cantrell
Illustrator: Heather Castles
Publication Date: February 16, 2010
Publisher: Brown Books Publishing Group
Number of pages: 24 Recommended age: 4+

Summary:

Oh no! One of Sunday's very favorite humans, Riley, has lost her tooth! But where did it go? How did she lose it? Why does no one besides Sunday seem to care? It isn't long before the tooth fairy steps in and tries to teach the pups all about growing up. Join Sunday and her two puppy-pals, Precious and Mr. Lee, as they try to hunt down . . . Riley s lost tooth!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Author Website


Book Trailer for Riley's Lost Tooth




Good-bye, Baby Max
Good-bye Baby Max by Diane Cantrell
Good-bye, Baby Max
Title: Good-bye Baby Max
Author: Diane Cantrell
Illustrator: Heather Castles
Publication Date: February, 2008
Publisher: Bridgeway Books
Number of pages: 32 Recommended age: 4+

Summary: Mrs. B's class excitedly awaits the birth of three baby chicks. When Max is unable to crack open his shell, the children's loving teacher assists them in expressing their feelings of loss and planning a special good-bye.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Author Website


The Buzz


Riley's Lost Tooth: "The book is well written and the illustrations are beautiful. The book will definitely appeal to all children (including children at heart like this reviewer) and their parents / grandparents / elder siblings and other care givers. The book is strongly recommended as a good gift that is educational and also entertaining." ~ 5 Star Review, S.V. Swamy, Amazon

Good-bye Baby Max: "[Good-bye, Baby Max] is a tender story about death, a tough topic for young children. Kindergarteners eagerly await spring and the hatching of the class' three chick eggs. But one chick, Max, dies. What ensues is a gentle exploration of grief and its many expressions -- from tears to songs to artwork. At the end, the surviving chicks' peeps encourage the children to embrace the living without forgetting the dead." ~ Michele Siuda Jacques, Detroit Free Press



My Review of the Books

Riley's Lost Tooth

This book, written in rhyme format, is a source of good fun with whimsical illustrations. The dogs are the main characters and like most dogs of loving homes, they are very protective of Riley, the grandchild. There is a tooth fairy in the story too. Reading this story to kids is a great way to introduce them to the idea of losing their first teeth, especially if they are having any fears.

This story couldn't have come at a better time. Amanda, my 5-year-old, had a loose tooth last week and I could see that she was a little nervous about the idea of it hurting. We didn't pressure her, but we did try to encourage her to wiggle it. A couple of days later, she helped it come out all on her own and was so excited about her achievement.

I asked Amanda what pages in the story were her favorite. She liked p.6 (this was my favorite too as Sunday, the dog, has such a cute expression) and pp.9-11 the most.


Good-bye, Baby Max

This book will help children deal with the loss of a pet or loved one. It is also written in rhyme format, but reads less like fiction and more like real life. The children in Mrs. B.'s class are eagerly awaiting the hatching of three chicks. The chicks have the cutest names too. The chick named Max struggles to exit his shell. The next day the kids are told that Baby Max didn't make it.

The teacher, Mrs. B., is very sensitive to the children's feelings and gets them to express their loss in creative ways. They need time to say good-bye. They also discover that while they are morning the loss of one baby chick, the other two chicks are alive and well and can be enjoyed. Life goes on.

Amanda hated the idea of the little chick dying, but she enjoyed the story very much. I asked her which pages were her favorite and she said that pp.5,8,10 and 11 were hers.

The illustrations captured the feelings and the settings well. My favorite illustration was page 5 with the angle of the faces looking down at the eggs.

About the Author:
Diane Cantrell
Diane Cantrell
Diane Cantrell

Diane Cantrell began her career in education teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Transitional First Grade. She also worked as a counselor providing assistance to parenting teens in a local school district. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Diane has provided therapy for adults, families, and children in agencies and private practice settings. As part of her private practice, she offers parent training to her clients and to parents in local schools. Diane is presently writing and publishing children’s books as well as provides counseling services to adults and children in her private practice, Life Designs Counseling.

Diane’s time at Fort Sam Houston I.S.D. provided inspiration for Good-bye, Baby Max. The book, which is based on a true story, describes how Ms. B helps her kindergarten class cope with the loss of a classroom pet. At the time Diane wrote the book she was working with many children who were experiencing a great deal of loss in their lives. Her hope in writing Good-bye, Baby Max was that the story would help parents, children, and other caring professionals begin talking about losses rather than responding to their losses from a state of fear. Her second book, Riley’s Lost Tooth, was written for her granddaughter, Riley as a Valentine’s Day present. Mr. Lee, and Sunday are main characters in the book as is Precious, who died before the book was written.

When Diane is not involved in writing or listening to people’s stories, she enjoys being with her husband, Rich, and their two dogs, Sunday and Mr. Lee. Diane and Rich live in San Antonio, Texas.

Website | Twitter


* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $100 AmazongGift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice)

Contest runs: January 20th to February 19th, 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, Diane Cantrell 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.



MDBR Book Promotion Services

Disclaimer: I was given both books for free in pdf format in exchange for my honest review. You can find my thoughts and opinions (and that of Amanda) under My Review of the Books.


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Collages and a Blog Hop

Welcome to Picture Perfect Party Linky #74

This is where all family friendly blogs can link
their Wordless Wednesday (with or without words)
on my blog hop below.

Today I'm sharing more collages of photos
that I took of our family at the beach
over Christmas time here in
South Africa.

Hubby took the photo of me wearing a black
and white striped shirt. Somehow he managed
to make me look slimmer than I am. :)

Click on the images to view them larger.






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


Here's a peek at my
latest photos on 1camera1mom.



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

Check out my new store
called Alli Flair on Etsy and
here's the story about my shop.

I would also love for you
to like my Facebook page.

Jewelry by Alli Flair

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

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

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
and
Follow on Bloglovin

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:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Princess Madeline Blog Tour and Giveaway

Princess Madeline and the Dragon
Blog Tour and Giveaway

Princess Madeline and the Dragon - Tour Button - 3 Kirstin Pulioff


About the Book
Title: Princess Madeline and the Dragon
(Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #3)
Author: Kirstin Pulioff
Publication Date: November 26, 2013
Publisher: Caliburn Books
Number of pages: 135
Recommended age: 10+

Summary

After a season of battle and rebuilding, the Kingdom of Soron is exhausted. With the return of the exiled wizards, the Spring Faire, and her upcoming wedding, Princess Madeline is looking forward to a peaceful season of celebration. When the mysterious green dragon reappears, threatening the kingdom and the king, Princess Madeline and Prince Braden won’t rest for long. Faced with this incredible new danger, Princess Madeline and Prince Braden must find a way to lead their kingdom and secure their future. Can they find the answers hidden within their mother’s cryptic messages from the past, or will the dragon destroy everything they hold dear? Follow Princess Madeline as she embarks on a dangerous new adventure to save her kingdom and her family.

My Review

What I liked about the book:

In Princess Madeline and the Dragon, Kirstin Pulioff creates an imaginative tale that will encourage kids to read and enjoy it.

With the final episode of the Princess Madeline trilogy, we are swept up into the excitement of an event that happened in the history of Soron, the kingdom that is ruled by Princess Madeline's noble father, King Theodore. This piece of the puzzle plays an important part in Princess Madeline and the Dragon.

In the history books, dragons existed, but when Madeline is born, dragons had not been seen for many years. Then, suddenly, a green dragon mysteriously appears and shatters the peace in Soron. Madeline's deceased mother has left prophecies that are full of riddles and need to be figured out and understood. Can the people of Soron trust Elias, the head wizard, and the other wizards under him enough to accept their help?

In this third book, Madeline's relationship with her twin brother, Braden, is met with challenges, especially as her young feminine intuition and wisdom are questioned. Sophia, Madeline's childhood friend and her brother's x-girlfriend, has an important role to play too. Her character becomes more defined through the difficult decisions that she has to make.

The final episode is pact with many attributes that make a story great. The plot thickens from one book to the next and the third book keeps one's mind guessing and wondering. The puzzling pieces come into clarity as the story unfolds. There is adventure, magic, relationship difficulties, challenging moments that build character, and more. I would recommend the Princess Madeline books to kids around the ages of 9 to 14.

What I didn't like about the book:

I came across several typos in all three books, like this one on page 14 of Princess Madeline and the Dragon, "Sometimes out hearts act quicker than our minds" (emphasis added). Normally I don't comment about typos, but there were quite a few in the first two books, so I thought it should be mentioned.

I felt that there was one too many pep-talks (rallying speeches) that came across as repetitive.

Also, when King Theodore is in a lot of pain after experiencing severe burns, it seems that he has enough strength and good lungs to pound things and shout. When he does this later in the story, the author mentions how it pained him to do so. I think this information should have been mentioned the first time. Bad events shouldn't be down-played, not even in children's fiction. They can be carefully worded to keep the material age appropriate, but they must be mentioned in a way that is believable and true to the story-telling.

More Buzz About The Book

"The story is engaging on many levels, as is Pulioff's writing, but on this occasion I was mostly drawn into the action and the mystery as how to prevent the worst from happening. This is great entertainment and should do well across a wider age range." ~ 5 Star Review,ChristophFischerBooks, Amazon

"Kirstin Pulioff has saved the best for last. 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' is the final instalment in the 'Princess Madeline Trilogy'. I thought the first two books were finely wrought stories, but this novel surpasses its predecessors. Prophesies, family tragedies, magic and - of course - dragons, combine to produce a tale that is an instant classic. Written with a great deal of charm, 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' will not disappoint Ms Pulioff's young fans. I look forward to seeing where next her imagination will take this natural storyteller. " ~ 5 Star Review, Diogenes, Amazon

"Princess Madeline and the Dragon is an exciting and thoroughly satisfying final chapter in this fantasy/adventure series. As she did with books one and two, the author has created a fantasy world in a rich medieval setting that we can believe in--and want to visit, over and over...Along with adventure, a sweet romance, and a theme that centers on the power of love, you may find a surprise or two! If your tween or teen loves princesses, brave heroes and fairytales of daring-do, they shouldn't miss this one!" ~ 5 Star Review, Ally S., Goodreads

Purchase

Princess Madeline and the Dragon by Kirstin Pulioff

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords


About the Author:
Kirstin Pulioff
Kirstin Pulioff
Kirstin Pulioff

Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in Oregon, and enjoys being a stay at home mom. When she’s not writing, she is busy with her kids and church.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Goodreads | Amazon Author Page


Princess Madeline and the Dragon Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

January 13
January 14
January 15
January 16
January 17
January 18
January 19
January 20
January 21
January 22
January 23
January 24
January 25
January 26

* $25 Blog Tour Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card

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

Contest runs: January 13th to January 31st, 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, Kirstin Pulioff 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.



MDBR Book Promotion Services

Disclaimer:
I was given a free pdf copy of the book to review.
All opinions stated under My Review are my own.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Make My Saturday Sweet - Blog Hop #65

It's the weekend and time to do some blog hopping!
I'm participating in two Friday blog hops and you can
join mine by linking your favorite family friendly
post in my linky below on Make My Saturday Sweet.

Today's topic on Friendship Friday is the letter "B"

B stands for Blog.
I have more than one Blog.
My blogs are:


My favorite Book Review:

I have had the pleasure of writing
a number of book reviews, but one
of my favorites is Jewels by Julia.

My Best Post:

There's more than one, but I wanted to
share one with you today and that is
Inspirational Quotes on Living Your Dream.
I wrote it a while ago, Sept. 2012, but it's
still one of the best.


B also stands for the Beautiful jewelry that I'm selling on Etsy, called Alli Flair.


Jewelry by Alli Flair

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

Finish the Sentence Friday

The sentence to finish this week is:
"I once saw the biggest..."

...building in the world. It was at night and we had just flown in to the Dubai Airport from the United States. It's named the Burj Khalifa and rises 828 m (2,717 ft) into the sky. We were given (complements of the airline) a few hours to shower, eat and sleep at a hotel on our way back home to South Africa. That sticks in my memory better than seeing the lights of the biggest building in the world.


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

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 two links before yours and leave them a comment to make their "Saturday Sweet"! It's really easy and a fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

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

Follow on Bloglovin

Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
  • Link up your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your linked post or on your side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.
Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a blog hop!