Monday, December 31, 2012

The Immortality Experiment by Miriam N. Conde (ebook review)




Promises of immortality and five million dollars lead four innocent volunteers to Dr. Charles Carr’s deadly experiment. The doctor ensures they cannot escape. Charles recruits his only friend, Alex Lucido, to help him in case he gets caught. 

Alex doesn't know about the twenty-four people who have already died from exposure to the experiment, or that an enemy has discovered Charles' dark secret, waiting for the right moment to expose him. Alex just wants to be a good friend, but helping Charles entangles him in a situation he has slim chance of absconding


MY REVIEW

I started reading this one evening and I just couldn't put it down. The story-line is unique and it makes you want to keep reading until the end. I can't wait to read more of this if there is a sequel to it (I hope there will be).

I highly recommend this book.

You can purchase this ebook at amazon.com 

I give this 4 out of 5

                                       * I have received a free copy of this ebook for my honest review*


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Hanna-Barbera: Christmas Classics Collection and Rankin Bass (REVIEW)



Hanna-Barbera Christmas Classics Collection – A dog and a mouse head for the North Pole to deliver a lost letter. Hanna-Barbera superstars lend a helping hand to the world’s friendliest ghost. The greediest boy in the world discovers the magic of giving. What could three such different tales have in common? Hanna-Barbera and Santa Claus, that’s what! Hanna-Barbera assembled its mightiest talents of pen and voice to produce one of its first forays into prime-time animated Christmas specials, A Christmas Story, the tale of Goober and Gumdrop’s quest to save Christmas for one little boy. Dick Van Dyke narrates The Town Santa Forgot, based on Charmaine Severson’s beloved poem “Jeremy Creek” about the confusion created by a gargantuan wish list. Casper’s First Christmas sees Casper facing a Christmas Eve eviction when he receives holiday help from the likes of Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo, Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, Quick Draw McGraw, Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy. This collection includes: A Christmas Story (1971), The Town Santa Forgot (1993), Casper's First Christmas (1979)



Rankin/Bass TV Holiday Favorites Collection – Four family classics from the studio that helped make the holidays magic! The Little Drummer Boy Book II: Starting where the original left off, Book II sends Aaron, the little drummer boy, off on a quest to aid Simeon, crafter of the silver bells. With Greer Garson and Zero Mostel. The Stingiest Man in Town: Rankin/Bass departs from its usual stop-motion “Animagic” process for this line animation adaptation of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. With Walter Matthau, and Tom Bosley. Pinocchio’s Christmas: After Fox tricks him out of a gift for Geppetto, Pinocchio sets out on an adventure to reclaim Christmas. Along the way he meets up with a beautiful marionette and a jolly old man in a flying sleigh. With Alan King. The Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold: A sailor and a leprechaun join forces to reclaim the Christmas gold after a wailing banshee makes off with it, thanks to the sailor’s blunder. With Art Carney and Peggy Cass.

Hanna-Barbera: Christmas Classics Collection and Rankin Bass: TV Holiday Favorites Collection are both available for purchase: http://bit.ly/BuyHannaBarberaXmas & http://bit.ly/BuyRankinBass


MY REVIEW

I was surprised that some of these cartoons I haven't seen before or if I did it must have been when I was a child and do not remember them. I admit that I have always loved watching Christmas cartoons/tv shows and movie and I still do even now at 35. 

Anyways I loved both dvds. Some of the cartoons Ithought were not as good (I didn't really like The Stingiest Man in Town)  but my favourite is  Casper's First Christmas. Funny how I wasn't a fan of Casper when I was a child but I very much loved this cartoon. The quality of the DVDs are pretty good and the sound as well.I know I will be watching this one again next year :)

If you are a fan of older cartoons and just love Christmas cartoons like I do then I think this is one you should get. 

*The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation*


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

FUTURAMA Vol 7 DVD Review

Synopsis:
Crank up the gravity and put your head safely in a jar! It's Volume Seven of FUTURAMA™ – the animated sci-fi comedy from The Simpsons creator Matt Groening.  Crammed with a whole new dimension of extras not shown on TV, this cosmic collection includes 13 bizarre and brilliant episodes involving ancient prophecies, Presidents' heads, robot gangsters, angry butterflies, and of course, sausage-making.  It’s a shipload of futuristic fun!


Blu-ray & DVD
Audio commentaries on all episodes
Too Good for TV: A Smorgasbord of Deleted Scenes
Alternate Ending for Zapp Dingbat
Christopher Tyng's Big Score: A Jam Session with Futurama's Innovative Composer
Mobius Trip: Infinite Futurama Screen Loops
Futurama Karaoke: Sing Along with Your Favorite Characters



FUTURAMA Vol 7  Blu-ray 
Street Date: 11/Dec/2012
Screen Format: 1.78:1
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD-MA
French 5.1 DD
Spanish 5.1 DD
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
U.S. Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Total Run Time: 04:80:10
Closed Captioned: Yes


FUTURAMA Vol 7  DVD 
Street Date: 11/Dec/2012
Screen Format: 1.78:1
Audio: English 5.1 DD
French 2.0 Surround DD
Spanish 2.0 Surround DD
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
U.S. Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Total Run Time: 05:50:10
Closed Captioned: Yes


MY REVIEW

I am  fan of Futurama but I do only get to  watch it once in a while when I am still awake or when i remember to watch it when it plays on tv .  Anyways, I have watched this entire series on DVD and I very much enjoyed it. It isn't for everyone but both my husband and I love it and we love volume 7. This past season is just as funny has the others and I think just as good as all the others. We had a few laughs. If you are a fan of this show then I think you will love to have volume 7. If you know someone who likes this show this would be a great gift and that is why I have added it to my 2012 Holiday gift guide.

*The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation*

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Finding Gaia by Kimberly Chapman (ebook review)




Wealthy, handsome Jason Truitt appears to have it all: he runs an international conglomerate of environmental businesses and research facilities, he lives in a luxurious mansion…and he can’t die. But his uncanny health and failure to age keep him distanced from normal human life. For over a century he’s been searching for the one other person on earth he suspects is afflicted with the same condition. Like him, she has lived under many different names to keep her immortality secret, so in honour of her supernatural ability to induce plant growth by thought alone, he thinks of her as Gaia.

Finding Gaia, however, is only the beginning, for where he has used his talents toward prosperity, hers have brought loss, isolation, abduction, and unspeakable torture. She will need all that he can give to reclaim her own inner strength and rediscover who, what, and when she is.



MY REVIEW


This book is very well written and got me hooked.It was a little slow paced at first but then it picked up and I really got to enjoy this paranormal romance novel. I think this will be a ebook I will be reading again in the future.

If you like reading paranormal romance books then I think you will love this book.

You can purchase Finding Gaia you can do so at amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, iBooks and Kobo 

I give this 4 out of 5


* I have received a free copy of this ebook for my honest review*

Friday, December 14, 2012

Ice Age Continental Drift on Blu-ray Combo Pack review




Scrat's nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he's been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences – a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

MY REVIEW

I have loved the Ice Age movies since the very beginning and I love this one. It is such a great movie for young and old. The graphics were awesome and the sound quality is as well. If you are a fan of this movie franchise you will absolutely love this one as much as I did.

I highly recommend this.

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation*

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Creative Bio Science 90 Day Challenge

I do not usually do New Year's Resolutions but this year I am because I want to lose a bit of weight and be healthier.

Back in 2004 when I first met my husband I weighed about 118lbs but after a gall bladder surgery and quiting smoking (all in at the same time) I then ended up gaining weight and now I am sad to say I have gained 100lbs since then and I am not happy about it because I am still my hyper self but now I tend to get tired faster than I did before. I know I most likely will never be back to my old weight and I am fine with that but I would be happy just losing 20lbs. That is why I have decided to do the this 90-day challenge and hopefully it is help me lose a bit of  weight.

Next year I will start a 90 day challenge with Creative BioScience. I will be taking Green Coffee Bean Pure Extract to help me since I love coffee. I am am planning to  stop drinking coffee , eat better and do my regular exercise (taking our dog for long walks) and try to fit in a workout a few days per week. I will be posting again halfway through and at the very end to let you know how I am doing and if it is helping or not. Hopefully we will see some good results.




Are you a blogger? You can apply to take a Creative Bioscience 90 challenge by visiting: http://www.creativebioscience.com/90_day_contest.html.

Marvel Avengers Battle For Earth (Xbox360 Kinnect Game Review)

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps





Do you have someone in your family who just loves super-hero games? Both my husband and I love super hero games so I jumped on the chance to review this game.  

It plays different than what we are used to when it comes to super-hero games. With this game you are the controller. You kick and move your arms and I have to say it is quite a workout but it is very fun. I have played this a few times since I received it and my legs and arms were sore for a few days. It is fun playing on your own but you can also play with friends as well but I haven't tried playing with a friend (or my husband) because you do need quite a bit of room and my dog gets excited when just one person plays a game like that and he starts jumping around on and  with the person. This is a game I will be playing again in the future.

More info on the game

  • USE MOTION TO FIGHT AS A SUPER HERO - Connect with Kinect - Trigger super attacks with your movements.
  • EXPERIENCE A WIDE VARIETY OF GAME MODES - Co-op, Campaign, Arcade, Challenges, Versus, and Tournament.
  • TONS OF BONUSES TO UNLOCK - Work your way through the battles, you'll unlock unique outfits and collector cards.
  • BATTLE WITH AN ENHANCED FIGHTING SYSTEM - Use Super Attacks, Velocity Boost, Breaker, or Frenzy to beat your opponents.
  • Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth features 20 different characters, including Avengers such as Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor, as well as other fan-favorite Super Heroes and Super Villains from the Marvel Universe.

    Marvel The Avengers: Battle For Earth is rated M for Mature and it is for Xbox360 Kinnect and Ninetendo WiiU. You can purchase this at amazon.com or a store near you that sells video games.

    If you love super-hero games then I highly recommend this game because it is fun and not overly difficult (well it isn't if you put it on easy mode ) but it is still challenging if you are horrible at playing video games like I am . The graphics are pretty good.

    Tuesday, December 11, 2012

    Assassin's Creed 3 video game #AC3Gold



    Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please visit Amazon.com to get your own copy of Assassin's Creed 3, today's Gold Box Deal of the Day! I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.




    As you all know both my husband and I are gamers and we love the Assassin's Creed games. These games are not the kind of games I would usually play but I have so far enjoyed the first two. We both loved the first 2. They are fun but sometimes frustrating. I haven't played the recent one yet but I can't wait to finally have time to sit down for a few hours and play this game. Hopefully I will get my hands on this game and play it sometime this month.

    Here is some info on this game

    The American Colonies, 1775. It’s a time of civil unrest and political upheaval in the Americas. As a Native American assassin fights to protect his land and his people, he will ignite the flames of a young nation’s revolution.

    Assassin’s Creed III takes you back to the American Revolutionary War, but not the one you’ve read about in history books.

    Key Game Features
     
    As a Native American assassin, eliminate your enemies with guns, bows, tomahawks, and more!

    From bustling city streets to the chaotic battlefields, play a critical role in the most legendary events of the American Revolution including the Battle of Bunker Hill and Great Fire of New York.

    Experience the truth behind the most gruesome war in history: the American Revolution.

    Introducing the Anvil Next game engine, the stunning new technology that will revolutionize gaming with powerful graphics, lifelike animations, immersive combat, and advanced physics.

    This game is rated M for Mature and it is available for PS3, Xbox360, PC and Nintendo WiiU.
    By the way
    Assassin's Creed 3 is today's Gold Box Deal of the Day at amazon.com so today (December 11th) is the perfect day to buy this game and Assassin’s Creed for just $33 today only so if you have someone on your long list of people whom you are buying gifts for this game would be perfect for the guy/gal gamers on your list.

    Clever Girls is also giving away 5 copies of AC3 on December 11th via Twitter to folks who RT the following: Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day: Assassin's Creed 3! To buy: http://clvr.li/AC3Gold - RT to enter to win a copy! #AC3Gold

    Friday, December 7, 2012

    Blaze (A Minxes of Romance anthology) ebook review

    Blaze (A Minxes of Romance anthology) by


    Coombethwaite, the lakeside town where passions run deep, is the setting for the stories in Blaze, the first anthology from The Minxes of Romance.
    8 scorching tales from The Minxes of Romance.
    Romance is in the air for Coombethwaite’s retained firefighters, and none of them will escape its heat unscorched!

    MEMORY’S FLAME by Maya Blake
    A fiery reunion – when Ellie returns after twelve long years to bury her grandfather, the last person she expects to see is her first love, Jake Spencer. One look, one touch and they know memory's flame is as sizzling as ever!

    THE FIRE INSIDE by Romy Sommer
    Fire fighter Sam Redfern is used to being seen as just one of the boys. Until TV talent scout and celebrity Ryan Morgan shows up in Coombethwaite and starts to make her feel very much like a woman. A woman with needs.

    A SMOULDERING ATTRACTION by Suzanna Ross
    Shelley Fox is finished with all things romantic. So is Harrison Reid - until he meets Shelley and realises he might easily be persuaded otherwise.

    LOCKED INTO LOVE by Catherine Coles
    Journalist Cassie Parker returns to Coombethwaite with her dream in tatters—the last thing she needs is to rely on her ex for anything but on her second day back she needs hunky fireman Ben Spencer to release her from handcuffs!

    HOT, BOTHERED AND BEWITCHED by Jodie James
    All alone on her birthday, Wiccan vet Seraphine conjures up more than she bargained for when she casts a Halloween love spell. Five minutes later a knock on the door heralds the arrival of handsome fireman Isaac Quinn, complete with a stray black cat. Is it just coincidence, or has Mother Nature answered Seraphine's request with lightning speed?

    LIGHTING LOVE’S SPARK by Sally Clements
    Primary school teacher Annabel Jackson knows flirting with the parents is a no-no, but when single father Daniel Walker arrives at Coombethwaite Primary in full fire fighter garb clutching an axe, how can she resist?

    WORTH THE RISK by Tara Pammi
    Baker Annie Bennett has always stood on the sidelines while life passed her by. And it has brought Annie nothing but loneliness. With the New Year coming in, Annie decides it's time to come back home, risk her heart with the man she's always loved. Will her risk pay off or will Marcus never see her as anything but his best friend?

    A KINDLING ROMANCE by Lorraine Wilson
    Stressed out lawyer Polly Minton felt trapped in her city job and now she's trapped again, this time in a Lake District chimney; hunky fire fighter and local landowner Drew Reynolds has problems of his own but will he be the one to set her free in more ways than one.


    MY REVIEW


    WOW!! This ebook was fantastic . Usually when I read books like this there is a story I do not realy like but I have to say I have loved every short stories in this one. If you are looking for a sexy and romantic book look no further. You will love this one as much as I did.

    You can purchase this at amazon.com

    I give this 5 out of 5
     

    * I have received a free copy of this ebook for my honest review*





     

    Monday, December 3, 2012

    Two greats books for those who love dogs and cats

    Do you have a dog or a cat?Or just lover dogs and cats ? If you do you will absolutely love these 2 new Chicken Soup For The Soul books. As most of you know I have a dog (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle) and I have a cat so when I received these books I couldn't wait to start reading these and I am glad I did. Just like all others Chicken Soup for the Soul books this one is full of fantastic stories. These books would be great to give as a  gift this Holiday season.
     
    Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can't Believe My Cat Did That!

     
     
    101 Stories about the Crazy Antics of Our Feline Friends
    We all rejoice in the simple absurdities, funny habits, and crazy antics of our cats. They make us smile every day, but sometimes they really outdo themselves. You will love reading all the heartwarming, inspirational, and hysterical stories in this book. We know after reading the stories you'll say, "I can't believe a cat did that!"
     
     
    Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can't Believe My Dog Did That!
     
     
     
    101 Stories about the Crazy Antics of Our Canine Friends
    We all rejoice in the simple absurdities, funny habits, and crazy antics of our dogs. They make us smile every day, but sometimes they really outdo themselves. You will love reading all the heartwarming, inspirational, and hysterical stories in this book. We know after reading the stories you'll say, "I can't believe a dog did that!"
     
     
    These two books are available now in bookstores near you.
     
    *I was given free copies of these books*

    Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas



    This extra long collection of 121 Christmas stories will warm readers’ hearts and spread the wonder of the holiday season with its tales of love, joy, and awe. A great holiday gift.
    Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas will delight readers with its stories about the joy, wonder, and blessings of the holiday season. This special collection is filled with joyful, heartwarming and merry stories about holiday traditions, family, and goodwill that the whole family will enjoy. Most of these stories originally appeared in a limited edition book called Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Christmas.

    You can purchase this book online and in bookstores near you

    Saturday, December 1, 2012

    Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days on Blu-ray (giveaway)




    Everybody’s favorite wimp, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), is back for three times the fun in the latest film based on the super-popular book series! When Greg’s dad (Steve Zahn) threatens to send him to military school if he doesn’t stay out of trouble, Greg finds all-new ways to land himself in the doghouse! For starters, Greg’s in over his head when he pretends to work at the swanky country club where Rowley’s family has a membership. Things don’t go much better on a father-son camping trip with the Wilderness Explorers, and then there’s the Heffley’s new dog, Sweetie, who fetches even more trouble for Greg in this hilarious family film!




    THE GIVEAWAY



    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Monday, November 26, 2012

    Formats of the Future/Ice Age Continental Drift


    The Extraordinary Family Adventure Floats to Blu-ray™ 3D, Blu-ray™ and DVD on December 11



    Ice Age: Continental Drift will be releasing on special 3D and Digital Download formats, and this feature will aim to be an informative guide for parents on the advantages of utilizing these new formats with their families. We'll discuss benefits such as the stunning visuals on the 3D version, and easy viewing access on any iPad or tablet.



    Sub-zero heroes Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon a high-seas adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they try to reunite with their herd. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.



    Highest Quality Images
     
    The special 3D format for Blu-ray provides the highest quality images out of any other 3D format on the market. It comes in the specific format known as “format packing” in which the original content does not lose resolution when viewed in 3D. This means that you are watching the clearest image possible every single time you watch the movie.

    Home Theater Experience
     
     
     
    You don’t need a fancy home theater built into your home to get an incredible home theater experience. The special formats allow you to simply watch the movie in your living room and have it look just as it would on the big screen. This is great for quiet family movie nights as well as large gatherings and slumber parties.
    Mobile Viewing
     
     

    A convenient feature of the special formats is that they make your viewing experience mobile. It is now possible to watch Ice Age: Continental Drift anywhere you go! This is perfect to take in the car for long family road trips. Also, parents can watch the movie while they wait for their child during a dentist’s appointment or soccer practice.
     
    De-clutter Your Home
     

    A small yet important benefit to the Digital Download format is that it allows you to de-clutter your home by not having a physical DVD or Blu-ray copy to store. Once the movie is on your computer, you may watch it on multiple platforms if you have a gaming console such as the Play Station 3 or a media streamers box such as Apple TV. Additionally, you can contribute to living a green lifestyle by “going digital” which the Ice Age gang would fully appreciate.


    Ice Age Continental Drift on Blu-Ray Giveaway






    Ahoy, matey! Blue Sky Studios unveils a brand new chapter in one of the most successful film franchises of all time. Bringing together the visually epic and the emotionally powerful, ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT sets sail on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on December 11, just in time for the holidays.

    Sub-zero heroes Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon a high-seas adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they try to reunite with their herd. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

    Showcasing the coolest cast of all-time, ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT, stars Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge), Denis Leary (“Rescue Me”), Queen Latifah (The Secret Life of Bees), Seann William Scott (Planet 51), Josh Peck (“Drake & Josh”), and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead). Joining the familiar Ice Age family for this newest franchise installment are some of the entertainment world’s brightest talents including Jennifer Lopez (“American Idol”), Aziz Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”), Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), Wanda Sykes (Monster-in-Law), Heather Morris (“Glee”), and hip hop sensations Nicki Minaj and Drake.

    Overflowing with treasure for the whole family to enjoy, ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT 3D is filled to the bow with bonus material including an all new coloring app with enhanced Blu-ray features, interactive features such as “Party with a Pirate!” mode, sing and dance along songs, music videos, deleted scenes, exclusive featurettes, and more! In addition, fans can watch the film in sign along mode with American Sign Language interpretation from actor Sean Berdy (“Switched at Birth”).


    THE GIVEAWAY


    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    The Bloody Mary Club by Debbie Dyke (book review)



    A Fiscal Thriller Set in Historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Stock market meltdown. United States housing bubble. Global financial crisis. Chief executives cooking the books. Who can you trust for financial advice? Gina Van Story, a savvy 40ish investment advisor to the rescue. She can spot a trend on the market and jump on it like a cat. She dreams of grabbing the bull by the horns and is on the hunt for one final big score. Gina and her three best friends form the Bloody Mary Investment Club and come face-to-face with corruption in a David and Goliath struggle when their stock portfolio turns deadly…literally. Over made-to-order Bloody Mary cocktails at historic Gadsby’s Tavern, Gina takes her friends under her wing and teaches them the ins and outs of the stock market. Trouble begins when, following Gina’s bullish advice, they become majority owners in the local bank and then stubbornly turn down a lucrative buyout offer. Not only will money and greed challenge their friendship, they will have to get smart fast and figure out how to turn the tables on the charmingly seductive, yet evil, banker who wants control of their stock by any means necessary – including murder!

    MY REVIEW

    What a great book! It is fast-paced and got me hooked from the very beginning. I read this book on a cold and rainy evening/night and I am glad I didn't have any plans because I just lots track of time and I just couldn't put this book down. If you are into mystery novels I think you might enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book.

    I give this 4 out of 5

    If you want to purchase this book you can do so at amazon.com

    *The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation*

    Thursday, November 22, 2012

    Lotto Lucy (A James Bay Novel #3) by Kathleen Irene Paterka (ebook review)



    Winning the lottery: $70 million
    Mending family relationships: Priceless


    When James Bay journalist Lucy Carter wins the lottery, good fortune seems guaranteed. But even $70 million in cold hard cash can’t help Lucy when it comes to dealing with some cold hard facts. No amount of money will buy back Grandma's mind nor buy Lucy a reprieve from a strained mother/daughter relationship.

    After a twenty year absence, Lila’s suddenly back in town. Lila says she’s moved to James Bay to keep an eye out for her daughter Lucy… or is it Lucy's money that Lila has her eye on instead? When an auto accident forces mother and daughter together to live under one roof, even a luxurious 4,000 square foot condo seems like a tiny bungalow, and Lucy suddenly has her hands full with a whole new set of problems she never expected.


    MY REVIEW

    I have now read all 3 books in this series and I have to say it is one of the best series of books I have had the chance to review. This book is very well written and will have to hooked from the very beginning. I am sure I will be reading this book again in the near future and if there are any other books in this series I will be reading them.  I highly recommend this book (and this book series).

    I give this 5 out of 5

    If you want to purchase this book you can do so at amazon.com.

    * I have received a free copy of this ebook for my honest review*

    Wednesday, November 21, 2012

    Ipad Mini Giveaway Event

    I do not usually post these giveaway events but it is getting close to the holidays and I know many of you would love to win a iPad Mini  ( I know I  do) so I figured I would take part of this and let my readers know about this giveaway since it is such a awesome prize. 

     

    iPad Mini Giveaway Event

    Please take a moment and visit our sponsors: Coupon Pro and Penny Auctions Canada!

    Coupon Pro is your daily money-saving blog for the hottest freebies and coupons from top brands. We want to help you save the most on everyday items your family needs. Join us today!
    Penny Auctions Canada is an online auction website that lets you buy awesome products for  pennies!
     

    The iPad Mini has a beautiful display, powerful A5 chip, FaceTime HD camera, iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording, ultrafast wireless, and over 275,000 apps ready to download from the App Store. The iPad mini is an iPad in every way, shape, and slightly smaller form. Easy for on the go with that same great Apple power punch!

    Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Indoor Camping Tricks


    Relive your summer this December 18th with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy





    Everybody’s favorite wimp, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), is back for three times the fun in the latest film based on the super-popular book series! When Greg’s dad (Steve Zahn) threatens to send him to military school if he doesn’t stay out of trouble, Greg finds all-new ways to land himself in the doghouse! For starters, Greg’s in over his head when he pretends to work at the swanky country club where Rowley’s family has a membership. Things don’t go much better on a father-son camping trip with the Wilderness Explorers, and then there’s the Heffley’s new dog, Sweetie, who fetches even more trouble for Greg in this hilarious family film!



    Greg has to learn how to camp with his dad as a summer activity, and for this feature, we will give kids and families tips on how to bring the fun of camping indoors for wintertime. These will include, how to make s’mores in the oven and the best way to build a tent inside.



    S’mores 101


    S’mores are one of the yummiest camping treats and can be easily made indoors. First, gather the classic ingredients: graham crackers, Hershey’s milk chocolate, and large, fluffy marshmallows. Place a couple pieces of chocolate on one half of the graham cracker. Next, heat the marshmallow. You may heat the marshmallow over the stovetop or in the oven as an alternative to roasting over a traditional campfire.



    For stovetop: Turn flame to high heat. Place the marshmallow on a skewer and hold above the flame until toasted.

    For oven: Set to broil on high. Place a plate on the oven rack in case the marshmallow falls off the skewer. Hold skewer in the oven until marshmallow is toasted.



    Once toasted, place the marshmallow on top of chocolate and stack the other half of the graham cracker on top. Now eat and enjoy!





    Pitching a Tent




    Why sleep in a boring old bed when you can build an awesome indoor tent? There are several different ways to pitch a tent, some being simple while others a little more complicated. Here are a couple suggestions of different ways to do it!



    Rope and Sheets: Tie a rope to two large, stable pieces of furniture that are a good distance apart. Make sure the rope is tight. Drape a big sheet over the rope, making certain that the ends touch the ground. Place a stack of books on the bottom of the sheet to hold the tent in place.
     
     


    A-Frame: If you want to build a legitimate indoor tent, the A-Frame is a great DIY project for the family. You will need whitewood moulding, a popular dowel, a drill, measuring tape, a pencil, fabric, thread, elastic, and scissors. First, you build the frame with the wooden materials and drill. Then you make the cover by sewing the elastic on the fabric to loop it onto the frame.



    Movie Marathon

     

    One of the perks to camping indoors is that you can have a movie marathon of all your favorite camping films. The best way to view them is to set up a projector on a large blank wall so the movie fills the whole space. Or even better, project the movie onto the ceiling! That way, you can lay back and relax. Some camping film favorites are Stand By Me (1986), The Parent Trap (1998), Heavyweights (1995), RV (2006), and of course, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.


    Fun & Games
    Every great campout includes games and silly activities. Our top picks for games are good ol’ playing cards, Catch Phrase, and Charades. Another fun camp tradition is to tell ghost stories. Turn out the lights and set a lantern in the middle of the circle to create a spooky ambiance. Make sure everyone gets a turn to share his or her favorite urban legend. But don’t make it too scary!

    The Simpsons Season 15 on DVD Giveaway (US and Canada Only)


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    Enjoy hours of laughter as TV’s longest-running scripted show when The Simpsons S.15 comes to Blu-ray and DVD on December 4th! The season 15 discs are jam packed with special features including a special introduction from series creator Matt Groening, deleted scenes, an animation showcase, sketch galleries, and unique, Blu-ray only bonus episodes. Additionally, you can re-watch episodes featuring some of the best guest stars to date, including J.K. Rowling, Simon Cowell, and Glenn Close.


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    The Good Life for PC and Mac review



    The Good Life is a free roaming simulation set in a visually stunning 3D tropical environment. Play an intriguing combination of game play styles; part ship simulation, part time management, part tycoon and 100% fun. A villa ashore, your own yacht, a stunning sunset, sandy beaches and see-through waters. Live the life you always dreamed of on your way to becoming the area’s top dog.


    The story
    Like so many, Derek Hales is fed up and is dreaming about ditching the nine-to-five lifestyle. When he learns that his late uncle made him the sole heir of “Carpe Diem Boats”, a boating company on the tropical complex of the Jo Jo islands, he doesn’t hesitate for a second. A new life awaits ! After a long voyage, he and his striking girlfriend Michelle Joyce finally arrive at their destination, enjoying the beautiful sunrise, with a Boating Company of their own. Compared to the dull office life, this new life looks much better. Finally but suddenly, life is good !





    Features:

    • With an array of luxury vessels at your disposal, take on various missions across ultra-realistic tropical waters, in order to make your fortune.
    • Experience vast, beautiful tropical locations, with more than 50 harbours and dozens of diverse places to explore.
    • Become an adept skipper and progress across 6 different ship types.
    • Realistic weather conditions and 24hr day/night cycle.
    • Seek treasures in the deep, rescue people from drowning, avoid pirate attacks and become rich and famous!
    • Use your earnings to build your commercial empire - buy and sell properties in this tropical paradise – progress from sun beds, beach houses and bungalows, to restaurants, villas and even hotels.
    • Play against 9 other NPC ‘Skippers’ who compete for business against you – become the best skipper, earn more money and become the ultimate tycoon of the JoJo Islands!
    MY REVIEW


    Well this is not the usual kind of game I play but I figured I would try this game anyways because you just never know .

    I played this game for an hour and I already got stuck in the game and  I had issues controlling the boat. I am not a big fan of games that you use the keyboard to control and  I think this game would have been better with a game controller instead of using the keyboard.

    The graphics are pretty good. The sound though is pretty good with realistic sounds.

    If you are into these kind of simulation games you might like it but for me it wasn't my cup of tea.

    *The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation*

    Tuesday, November 20, 2012

    Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (on Blu-Ray) Review




    Keanu Reeves (The Matrix) and Alex Winter (The Lost Boys) star in this outrageous comedy about two ditzy dudes from San Dimas, California. Bill (Winter) and Ted (Reeves) spent so much time forming their rock band, The Wyld Stallyns, that they're flunking history. A guardian angel from the future, Rufus (Carlin) come to them with a bodacious solution: a time traveling phone booth to take them into the past to learn from history's most influential people. Their journey turns out to be a blast...but will they learn enough to pass their class?



    MY REVIEW

    Well Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is finally on Blu-ray. If you have not seen this movie yet I suggest you see this because it is such a fantastic funny movie.
    I have seen this movie often since it first came out back in the late 80's and it is one of my favourite comedy movies.
    I found the movie not loud enough and ended up turning up the volume a little higher than usual but other than that it is pretty good quality. The bonus features were a little boring to me but some of you might find them interesting.

     I think if you liked this movie before I think you should get this on Blu-ray.

    You can purchase this movie online and in stores now.


    *The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation*


     
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    Monday, November 19, 2012

    Just Dance 4 for PS3 (review) #CleverJD4



    Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps

    First off I have to say that this is not the kind of game I would usually play because I am horrible at dance but dancing is fun and it is fantastic to relieve stress and I was going through the end of a long deployment so I very much needed something to help me with the stress and excitement of my husband coming home so that is why I picked this game to review and I sure am glad I picked it because this game helped get rid of some of the stress.



    First dance I did was Call Me Maybe by Carly Ray Jepsen. I actually did this song twice because the first time I did it my dog got in the way so my score wasn't so great but the second time I had a good score.


    Next one I tried was What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction . I only did this one once and I got a great score!


    I have played this game a few times during the past 2 weeks and I have to say this game is super fun and the entire family  can play this one because there are song for young and old from Jailhouse Rock  to Call Me Maybe.

    I also tried Just Sweat and I must say I did work out a sweat and it was super fun doing it so I didn't mind. I did the 10 minute one because I am out or shape but I could have done the longer ones because I found 10 minutes was all the difficult so I think next time I play it I will challenge myself a little bit.

    This is a fantastic game to have out and play with family and friends  this holiday season because it will help burn off a lot of the calories from all the yummy food you will be eating.  You can play this game solo or with up to 4 players.


    You can buy this game for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and Wii U in store and online  like Amazon.com.

    Follow them on Twitter: @justdancegame

    I highly recommend this game.