“The Caretakers” Book Review & Giveaway + $20 Amazon Gift Card!

“The Caretakers”, written by Shauna Nosler, is the dramatic story of a family that has experienced extreme loss. The book begins with an intense scene that creates the storyline for the book. Readers are then introduced to the main characters of the book – Caroline (11 years old); Jasper Jamieson, her father; Mitch, her cousin, and Aunt Mabel, Caroline’s aunt. We hear from the characters and learn their perspective about their lives and their family.

The storyline jumps back and forth in time from 1972 to 1987, again from the voices of the characters. When we are introduced to Caroline and Mitch, as well as Caroline’s other cousin Cecil, the author describes how the children spend their summers at The Country House. Caroline has an extremely close relationship with Mitch and their love and friendship is apparent. Caroline and her cousins happen to discover a small white cross, which begins the mystery of who left the cross and why. I don’t want to give away the entire book, but readers are brought back in time and learn who made the cross, why it was made, and who it honors.

Sadly, the family suffers additional loss. Caroline has to cope with gut-wrenching grief at such a young age. Caroline’s father and her aunt help her to cope with her grief and the bonds amongst Caroline, her father, and her aunt are strengthened.

This book was hard to put down. There were moments that truly gripped me and made me grieve for the characters. There is a moment in the book when Jasper Jamieson, Caroline’s father, is considering his life, how he has coped with tragedy and grief, and a particular quote that ended with, “All one knows is there may be no tomorrow”. This quote affected me because it’s an issue I have been thinking about quite a bit lately. There are so many days in which I am just trying to make it through the day and not really “living in the moment”. It’s really depressing to think there might not be a tomorrow….We need to live each day fully, which I admit, I haven’t been doing. Needless to say, I loved this story and it has given me a great deal to think about in regards to my own family members.

About the Author:
Shauna Nosler is a freelance magazine writer turned novelist. She is an avid runner, reader, and above all else a mother. She lives just outside Indianapolis with her husband, three children and chocolate lab Norman. The Caretakers is her first published book.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to give away a paper or e-book copy of The Caretakers to one Tidbits From A Mom reader! In addition, Shauna Nosler has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for a $20 Amazon Gift Card! Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

World of Ink Tour: The Kids of Dandelion Township Review & Giveaway

 The Kids of Dandelion Township, written by Nicole Borgenicht, is the story about new friends who are exploring magic together. They are learning about themselves, their emotions, and their similarities and differences. “All in the context of a child’s day, the kids unravel mysteries of A students, and invent ways to be creative while completing their homework assignments”.

More about the book:
Illustrator: Lisa M. Giffen
Book: The Kids of Dandelion Township - chapter book for kids
Publisher: Create Space
ISBN Number(s): ISBN-13:978-1466466401 (CreateSpace-Assigned)
ISBN-10:1466466405


My thoughts about the book:
I really enjoy children’s books that send a message to children and help them learn about important values and character traits. This book is an easy read for children and the chapters are brief. My daughter, who is eight, can easily read this book.

I thought it was such a clever idea for the author to create a community in which children are able to do as they please with very little intervention from the adults. This gave me quite a bit to think about – what would that be like? I posed the same question to my daughter and she had some pretty funny answers and was thrilled with the idea! The Kids of Dandelion Township and its focus on friendship makes this a great book to include with my students. The pictures, illustrated by Lisa M. Giffen, are sweet additions to the book.

Author Website: www.nicoleborgenicht.com
Illustrator Website: www.lisamgriffin.com
Blog Address: http://lisamgriffin.blogspot.com
Twitter URL: LisaMGriffinArt
Facebook URL:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1175304813
Facebook Fan Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-M-Griffin-Illustration/126529427398885

About the author:

Nicole Borgenicht is a children's fiction writer. Hermost recent picture book is The Bridge published by Publish America. Some ofNicole's other kid's stories have appeared in The Los Angeles Times Kid'sReading Room section, Stories for Children Magazine and LadyBug FlightsMagazine. Additional works comprise poetry and essays, short stories, one actplays or articles in magazines such as Arts and Entertainment Skyline andAmerican Fitness.

I have a free e-book of The Kids of Dandelion Township to give away to one Tidbits From A Mom reader!  Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

“Get Famous” Mom Bloggers Resource Review & Giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

When I began blogging a year and a half ago, I knew nothing…zilch…nada. It’s been an amazing process over the past year and a half - I have learned a great deal from the wonderful people I have met online, from social networking sites, and from experiencing it for myself. However, it hasn’t been an easy process necessarily and I know that I am not done growing. As so many other mom bloggers do, I want to do so much more with my blog. Regardless of what I have learned so far, there is much left to learn. Lisa Cash Hanson from Mompreneur Mogul shares her blogging tips with us in the Get Famous Mom Bloggers Resource. The full title of the book is Get Famous: The Greatest Resource for Mom Bloggers on the Planet. This is a fantastic e-book for bloggers, both new and seasoned.

The content of this e-book crosses the continuum from the blogging basics to how to make serious money with your blog. It answers ALL the major questions to help people get started on the right path. In addition, it provides a wealth of information on how to take your blog to the next level. Lisa Cash Hanson’s style of writing makes this e-book an easy read and I love her sense of humor. I SO wish I had had this a year ago. It would have made life a lot easier and I could have made that much more progress in less time. Regardless of what I have already learned, this book taught me so much more. For example, there are chapters on “How To Get Media Exposure” and “How To Write A Press Release”, which are totally new topics for me. I also really appreciated the “Mega Resource Page”, which provides an extensive list of resources for people looking for products to review, sites that will pay for you to blog, and more.

Lisa Cash Hanson is a great resource for bloggers and I appreciate her time in creating this e-book to help other bloggers. I loved hearing her input and tips. As a mom, she knows what it is like to balance caring for a family and home with creating a business with blogging. Lisa was recently nominated for the Top 25 Mom Tech Blog. If you would like to vote for Lisa, you can click HERE. You may vote once per day.

About The Author

"Lisa Cash Hanson was recently Featured on Yahoo! Shine with over 31 million viewers. Her Blog Mompreneur Mogul has been nominated for Circle of Moms Top 25 Tech Moms-2012. Lisa teaches women how to make money blogging and encourages them to be the most amazing bloggers on the planet. She's an influential mom blogger who shares blogging tips that will rock your bloggy world. "

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to host a giveaway for a free e-book copy of Get Famous. Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Book Review & Giveaway: The Snow Child

Jack and Mabel have moved to Alaska in 1920 to escape the heartache of losing a baby. They struggle to cope with this loss while establishing their farm and simply put food on the table. On the night of the first snowfall, Jack and Mabel impulsively create a snow child. The next morning, the snow child is gone. However, there are tracks leading away from the spot within the snow. Within a couple of days, a little girl appears who is wearing the hat and mittens that had been placed on the snow child. Jack and Mabel develop a relationship with the little girl, named Faina, and ultimately, come to love her as a daughter. The Snow Child, written by Eowyn Ivey, is the story about Jack and Mabel’s love for Faina and what they learn about her.

I was drawn into the mystery of this story right from the beginning. I was intrigued by Faina’s character and couldn’t wait to learn more about her. Was she the snow child that Jack and Mabel made? If not, who was she and how could she survive in the Alaskan wilderness all by herself?? I tried to imagine myself living in the middle of nowhere in Alaska in 1920 and couldn’t relate to the hardship of Jack and Mabel, let alone Faina! Losing two babies myself in the past, I could relate to Jack and Mabel’s intense grief and how they quickly felt the need to care for Faina. This is a wonderfully written story that will keep you glued to the end.

The Snow Child may be purchased on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.

About the Author: Eowyn LeMay Ivey was raised in Alaska and continues to live there with her husband and two daughters. She worked for nearly ten years as a reporter at the Frontiersman newspaper, where she won several awards. She is now a bookseller at an independent bookstore in Alaska.

I have three copies of The Snow Child to give away! Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Book Review & Giveaway: Fit Moms for Life

Until recently, I was the epitome of “burnout”. Working full-time, taking care of the kids, cooking, cleaning, etc. became too much. My husband came to my rescue with the cooking and has been tremendous, but that was still only one piece. I needed to recover my energy and take life “by the horns” again.

My husband and I are now on a determined mission to get our bodies and our minds as healthy as possible. We have been eating healthy for some time now, but the exercise department was completely lacking. I often excused myself from exercising because I didn’t “have the time” or “it’s too late to exercise after the kids go to bed”. I had to come to the realization that this time after the kids go to bed is the only time that I can exercise and I need to embrace that time. However, I need to make the most of the short period of time.

It must have been divine intervention that I was approached to do a review for “Fit Moms for Life: How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay your Kids”. This review could not have come at a better time. Written by Dustin Maher, “Fit Moms for Life” showcases the success stories for over thirty mothers that have lost weight and gotten fit by following Dustin Maher’s advice. This book discusses the do’s and don’ts of dieting and exercise but also some major points that many people are not aware of, such as:
Traditional Cardio Doesn’t Lose Fat

• You Can’t Work Out to Compensate for Poor Eating
• See Results 9 Times Faster With Burst Training
• Learn ONE Exercise That Shrinks a Waistline WITHOUT diet changes
• Burn Fat While You Sleep
• A Healthy Environment Equals A More Fit Family

I have reviewed several types of diet books and this is the first diet book that I have found that really speaks to me as a mom.  Dustin Maher is motivational and does an excellent job explaining health, the basics of dieting and exercise, as well as teaching moms to focus on improving their whole self.  Maher provides food suggestions and discusses how you can teach your child to be a healthy eater as well.  The exercises that are taught in the book are easy to do and I love the fact that they can be done from the comfort of my own living room.

I like the fact that the success stories of so many women are incorporated throughout the book.  These ordinary women were able to achieve amazing goals, so why can't I?  I know that I don't need to lose weight, but I do have my own health and fitness goals.  I do have the goal of toning my muscles more and gaining overall strength and I believe this program can help me achieve this goal.  Whatever your goal may be, I think this book is certainly worth the read.

More about the Author:
Dustin Maher is a speaker, blogger, boot camp owner, and personal trainer. He has appeared almost 100 times on TV and has helped transform over 5,000 moms both in persona and through his 28 workout DVDs. He is the creator of Fit Moms for Life communities that are being formed around the world. Dustin’s mission is to empower and build up a community of one million moms by the end of 2015.

I am pleased to be able to host a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to win a copy of Fit Moms for Life.  Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Book Review & Giveaway: Girl Land

I am no different than any other mother raising a daughter. I hope and pray that my daughter will grow up to be a strong, independent, well-adjusted woman. There are so many days when she the things she does and the comments she makes bring me back to my own childhood. Times are drastically different nowadays, but then again, many things are the same. For example, the whole world of technology instantly changes the manner in which children experience the world and shape who they are. However, in talking to my students everyday, they often complain about the same exact things I complained about so many years ago.

Since I am so interested in learning about other people and why people are the way they are, I was really interested in reading Girl Land, written by Caitlin Flanagan. Flanagan defines Girl Land as the period of time when a girl leaves childhood and enters womanhood. Girls experience tremendous physical, emotional, and social changes that shape who they become as women. Flanagan discusses how Girl Land has vastly differed from generation to generation. She discusses the following in detail in terms of what girls face: dating, menstruation, diaries, sexual initiation, and proms.

I found this book fascinating. I really enjoyed reading about the history behind dating in our culture, how menstruation was taught over the years, the social-emotional purpose of diaries for girls, and how proms came to be a custom. Sexual initiation is a topic that I knew more about with respect to our culture and how sexual behavior has been viewed in the past and how it is viewed presently. I felt this book was engaging - Flanagan discusses events from her own life that bring the reader in.

Girl Land has given me a great deal to think about with respect to my own daughter. I know that my daughter is going to be entering the most confusing, emotional time of her life and I want to be able to help her through it and provide support. Obviously there will be mistakes along the way because no parent is perfect, but I want to be able to understand her world and how she views it. I imagine this can only help.  I strongly recommend reading Girl Land if you are the mother, grandmother, or aunt of a young girl.

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to host a giveaway for Girl Land. Three lucky Tidbits From A Mom readers will win their own coy of Girl Land. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

World of Ink Book Tour: Good Table Manners Made Easy by Maryann Sawka

I have a student that I work with that displays extremely poor table manners. He chews with his mouth open, talks while he is eating, and opts to use his sleeve and the back of his hand instead of a napkin, to name just a few. I am constantly providing table manner tips to him; however, they do not seem to be having an impact. I also work with many students on autistic spectrum and they need life skills books read to them that provide concrete information about how they are to behave.

I was so excited to hear about the book Good Table Manners Made Easy, written by Maryann Sawka. I have students that would benefit immensely from reading or listening to a book on table manners, which is not a book that I have found in the past. Good Table Manners Made Easy is a book that comprehensively discusses table etiquette in a way that people of all ages can understand. The illustrator, Amy Rottinger, provides colorful illustrations to support the Sawka’s main points and give much needed visuals to individuals, such as my student. Numerous topics are addressed, including hygiene, conversation, and even what to do with your napkin when you need to excuse yourself from the table for a moment.

Regardless of the fact that I am an adult and believe that I display proper table manners, I found it interesting to learn a few facts. For example, I was not aware that there are two different positions for placing your silverware on your plate that indicate whether or not you have finished your meal. Sawka taught me about the “Resting Position” and the “Finished Position”. I will remember this the next time that I am out to eat!

This book will be a great resource to use with my elementary students as well as with my own children. It is comprehensive, yet brief enough to hold the attention of a child.

More details about the book:
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN Number(s): 978-1-61244-046-0
Genre of Book(s): Children’s, Self-Help, Etiquette
Publication Date(s): 2012

More About the Author:

As an educator and parent, Maryann has always embraced the notion that good manners are stylish and timely in every situation. She founded Charming Manners, a training company that educates all ages in the quest for civility and self-confidence. Maryann introduces good manners with a fun, engaging approach that makes the pursuit for knowledge an enjoyable experience. She resides in southwestern Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. Learn more at www.charmingmanners.net.

Good Table Manners Made Easy can be purchased from the following sites:
www.halopublishing.com
www.charmingmanners.net
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

As part of this book tour, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to host a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to win a copy of Good Table Manners Made Easy!  Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Book Review & Giveaway – An Invisible Thread

An Invisible Thread, written by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski, is the true story of how a chance meeting between an 11-year-old panhandler and a business executive changes the lives of both individuals for the rest of their lives. Laura Schroff, a New York advertising executive, passes Maurice on the street as he is asking for money. She decides to turn around and she asks to take the boy to McDonald’s for lunch. This lunch then leads to weekly lunches and ultimately a lifelong friendship. Maurice is a young boy who comes from a drug-addicted family and is essentially taking care of himself. This book tells their story and how two people from completely different worlds are able to build a strong relationship and learn from each other.

An excerpt from the book:

“Excuse me lady, do you have any spare change? I am hungry.”

When I heard him, I didn’t really hear him. His words were part of the clatter, like a car horn or someone yelling for a cab. They were, you could say, just noise—the kind of nuisance New Yorkers learn to tune out. So I walked right by him, as if he wasn’t there.

But then, just a few yards past him, I stopped.

And then—and I’m still not sure why I did this—I came back.”

My thoughts on the book:

I have included this book in my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide because it is hands down one of the best books I have read this year. I was glued to the book. My heart tore for Maurice’s living conditions and the manner in which he needed to care for himself. I was in awe of Laura Schroff’s caring and nurturing heart and the fact that she integrated Maurice into her family. This book reminded me very much of the movie “The Blind Side”. It is simply an amazing story and I am strongly encouraging people to read it. I know you will love it as much as I do.

More about the authors:

Laura Schroff is a former advertising executive who has worked with several major media companies, including Time Inc. and Conde Nast. Born and raised on Long Island, Laura was part of the advertising team that made USA Today a successful national newspaper. Before helping launch three of the most successful start-ups in Time Inc. history—InStyle, Teen People, and People StyleWatch—she was also the New York Division Manager at People magazine. Laura has also been the New York Ad Manager at Ms. magazine and Associate Publisher at Brides. Laura loves spending time at her condo on Long Island and visiting with her family in New York and Florida. She lives in New York City with her feisty poodle Coco.

Alex Tresniowski is a writer living and working in New York City. He has been a senior writer for People Magazine since 1998, writing numerous cover stories and focusing on human interest, crime, and sports. He is also the author of six books, including 2005’s The Vendetta, a true crime story that was purchased by Universal Pictures and used as a basis for the 2009 Johnny Depp movie Public Enemies.

I am so pleased to announce that I have one copy of An Invisible Thread to give away to one Tidbits From A Mom reader! Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Book Review & Giveaway: See Mix Drink

I fully admit that I am no bartender.  I know very little about alcohol, with the exception of what I like and do not like.  However, there are drinks that I really enjoy and yet - I don't know how to make them!  I rely on others to make them for me.  I have discovered a book entitled "See Mix Drink", written by Brian D. Murphy, that has become the ULTIMATE drink reference for me!  I have been raving about this book to family and friends since I received for numerous reasons. 

First off, I was impressed with the quality of the book.  See Mix Drink is a hardcover book comprised of quality paper and bright colors.  The beginning of the book contains educational content regarding important "Bar Essentials", or tools of the bar (i.e., shaker, muddler, different types of glasses, strainer, etc.), as well as the different kinds of alcohol.

There are eight chapters of drink recipes:

• Brandy
• Champagne
• Gin
• Rum
• Tequila
• Vodka
• Whiskey
• Liqueurs

Each drink recipe has two full pages of information.  Included are the correct pronounciation of the drink, a "snapshot" of the drink which colorfully labels each ingredient and how much is used, a description of the drink, suggestions for the occasions when the drinks are best served, estimated preparation time, proportions and calories, and text and visual instructions.
I am a visual learner.  My favorite cookbooks are those that include photos.  I feel they are easier to follow and it helps remove the stress when I am attempting to prepare something new.  See Mix Drink is a visual reference guide that lays everything out for you and instructs you in the process.  I love the fact that so much practical information about the drink is provided, but I am absolutely thrilled with the color coded visual representation of the drink.  This makes it so much easier for me!

I have included See Mix Drink in my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide because I believe it is a great gift for those non-bartenders out there (like me)!  Many people host holiday parties at this time and wouldn't it be nice to be able to impress your family and friends with your drink-making abilities?

More about the author:
Brian D. Murphy is a cocktail enthusiast, designer, and recovering investment banker who lives in Minneapolis, where he can frequently be found mixing drinks for friends and family. His favorite cocktail is the Old Fashioned.

I am so happy to tell you that the The Hachette Book Group has offered to sponsor a giveaway of TWO copies of See Mix Drink! Please see the details of the giveaway below:

Buy It: See Mix Drink can be purchased on Amazon.

Win It: Two winners will each receive a copy of See Mix Drink.

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment letting me know your favorite alcoholic beverage and leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Tidbits From A Mom publicly on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway reviews on my blog and leave a comment and let me know which review you commented on. (2 entries)
3. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. (1 entry each)
4. Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)
5. The following may be tweeted daily: (1 entry each day)

#Win a copy of See Mix Drink!  Ends 12/11! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/clqxb37

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 11, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post.  I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review & Giveaway: Froggy Boots Go With Everything

My son has recently discovered his love of books.  He is proud of himself that he can say enough words to communicate to us what he sees.  "Froggy Boots Go With Everything: is a board book that instantly grasped my son's attention.  Written by Jill Zabkar Martin and illustrated by Kristen Gaede Van Mourick, "Froggy Boots Go With Everything" is about a boy, his love for his froggy boots, and how he wears them during every part of his day.  A small frog accompanies the boy throughout his day and can be found on each and every page.  My son laughed continuously while we read the book!  He thought it was so funny that the boy wears his froggy boots in every picture.  He repeated over and over, "Shoes! Shoes!" because he doesn't yet say "Boots". 

Personally, I adore the illustrations.  The pictures are sweet, colorful, and funny. I think it is so clever of the author to include the frog throughout the course of the boy's day and include him in every illustration.  I also loved the fact that the last page of the book includes a list of objects that the children are asked to go back and find.  This is a nice touch to have the child interact more with the book.  This book has now been included in my son's book basket of favorite books!

Thank you to The Cadence Group for allowing me the opportunity to review this book and for sponsoring a giveaway!  One winner will receive a copy of Froggy Boots Go With Everything!  Please read the details of the giveaway below:

Win It: One winner will receive a copy of the Froggy Boots Go With Everything.

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment letting me know you wish to win and leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Tidbits From A Mom publicly on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway reviews on my blog and leave a comment and let me know which review you commented on. (2 entries)
3. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. (1 entry each)
4. Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)
5. The following may be tweeted daily: (1 entry each day)

#Win a copy of Froggy Boots Go With Everything! Ends 12/6! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/6t9tw7g

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 6, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post.  I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Ultimate Recipes ebook - 5000 Recipes - Giveaway!

Sponsored by Tomoson.com




In recent years, I have viewed cooking as a chore. It was a chore I took no pleasure in, most likely due to the fact that I had no confidence in my abilities. I am happy to say that my feelings about cooking have completely changed this year. My daughter and I began cooking together and cooking no longer seemed like a chore. My time with my daughter is a blessing! I began looking forward to our meal planning and the time we were spending together in the kitchen. This new interest in cooking influenced a new addition for me – cookbooks! Yes, I now have a very full baker’s one! It had a great deal of empty space in the past!

We had the opportunity to review the Ultimate Recipes ebook 5000 recipes last week. This ebook is just what its name implies – it’s the ULTIMATE recipe ebook! When I originally opened the ebook, the first words that came to mind were, “Oh my goodness!” There are so many mouth-watering recipes which I knew instantly that my family would love. I began making a brief list of the recipes that I want to prepare in the upcoming weeks, including Apple Pie Coffee Cake, Chicken Divan, and Apple Glazed Pork Roast. With my husband traveling so often now, I have a real interest in using my crock pot on a regular basis. 470 crock pot recipes! Let the meal planning begin!

The Ultimate Recipes ebook 5000 recipes contains recipes from the following categories:
1000 Atkins Diet Recipes
101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes
101 Recipes For The Deep Fryer
111 Egg Recipes
120 Lip-Smacking Good Jam Recipes
300 Chicken Recipes
470 Crock Pot Recipes
65 Tried And True Traditional Amish Recipes
Cat Head Biscuits And Garlic Fried Chicken
Cheesecake Recipes
Chocolate Recipes For Chocolate Lovers
And Many More .....

There are so many recipes that I do wish that a Table of Contents was included in each of the recipe files. There are several that have a Table Contents and some that do not. It would be a huge time saver for me to know exactly what page I need to go to.

Included within the ebook is The Complete Library of Cooking: A 5 Volume Set Covering Everything You Need To Know About Cooking. This is an enormous reference guide to cooking. I needed this! This volume set provides an immense amount of information about food and preparation. My goal is to not only learn to cook a variety of foods, which this ebook is certainly going to help me do, but I really want to learn about cooking as well.

I laughed to myself when I thought about what this ebook would look like if it were printed. It would take up my entire baker’s rack! Personally, I love the fact that recipes are contained in an ebook and therefore, take up less space. However, I do like to print out the recipes I use most often so I can easily pull them out when I am ready to cook. I do not like to keep my computer near the kitchen – God forbid something gets on the keyboard!

Now, I have great news!  You can win your own copy of the Ultimate Recipes ebook!  Please read the details of the giveaway below:

Win It: One winner will receive a copy of the Ultimate Recipes ebook - 5000 Recipes!

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment letting me know what category of recipes from above interests you the most and leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Tidbits From A Mom publicly on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway reviews on my blog and leave a comment and let me know which review you commented on. (2 entries)
3. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. (1 entry each)
4. Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)
5. The following may be tweeted daily: (1 entry each day)

#Win the Ultimate Recipes ebook - 5000 Recipes!  Ends 12/4 ! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/72rgyoj

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 4, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.


*Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Book Review & Giveaway: Daria Rose and The Day She Chose

I love finding stories for children that emphasize making good choices, being confident, and overall, encouraging positive character development. I wish I had had books such as these as a child – I could have really used them! I feel as though one of the best things I can do as a mom and counselor is to find books that children will connect to, find meaningful, and hopefully keep in mind for when they are in a similar situation.

Daria Rose and The Day She Chose, written by Yvonne Capitelli, is the story of Daria Rose. Daria Rose is experiencing many different feelings as a result of schoolwork and her interactions with peers. After a conversation with her mother and receiving wonderful advice, Daria Rose approaches each day with courage, determination, and confidence. As a result of Daria’s commitment to making smart choices and making up her mind for herself, she is able to change her outlook on life and benefit academically and socially. 

This is a fantastic book that captures the insecurities that children, whether boy or girl, experience every day. I am constantly saying to my daughter and students, “Make good choices”. This book, although fiction, is a great depiction of the benefits that a child can reap from focusing on making good choices as well as keeping a positive frame of mind. The illustrations are beautiful and the book overall is extremely high quality. This book is filled with meaningful advice for not only children, but for adults as well. I love the fact that towards the end of the book, Daria Rose proposes five questions that she can ask herself, including:

• What do I want to happen?
• What do I need to do to make it happen?
• What am I afraid of and what is the worst thing that can happen?
• Whom could I ask to help me?
• Will my decision make things better? 

These are seriously questions that I can ask myself on a daily basis! I am looking forward to sharing this book with my students. There are so many important ideas, concepts, and feelings that can be discussed. 

I was so impressed to learn that a portion of the proceeds of each sale of Daria Rose will be donated to the Children's Cancer Society and the CFIDS Association of America.

More about the author:
It has been a dream of Yvonne Capitelli's to write children's books that build character. Her passion is to inspire young children to make good choices and realize the power they have within. She wants all children to know that they must take control and create their own happiness through how they act and react to different situations. Daria Rose books will inspire then to make good choices, have strong self-esteem, build confidence, courage, strength, determination, friendship and good values. They will be inspired to be thoughtful and thankful.
Thank you very much to Yvonne Capitelli for providing me the opportunity to review Daria Rose and for also agreeing to sponsor a giveaway! One Tidbits From A Mom reader will receive a copy of Daria Rose and The Day She Chose. Here are the details of the giveaway:

Win It: One winner will receive a free copy of Daria Rose and The Day She Chose.

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment below and let me know who this book is for.  Please leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Tidbits From A Mom publicly on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway reviews on my blog and leave a comment and let me know which review you commented on. (2 entries)
3. Visit Daria Rose Books and come back here and leave a comment about something you learned or read. (1 entry each)
4. Follow Daria Rose Books on Twitter
5. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. (1 entry each)
6. Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)
7. Share this giveaway on your facebook page and leave me the link. (2 entries)
8. The following may be tweeted daily: (1 entry each day)

#Win a copy of Daria Rose and The Day She Chose!  Ends 11/28! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/c4nguet

9. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
10. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on November 28, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post.  I received a free book for the purpose of this review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review & Giveaway: Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back - A Tale About Telling the Truth

I think one of the most frustrating issues for parents to deal with is dishonesty. We try to teach children that their situation or problem would be handled much more easily if they are honest up front. Most often, we speak from experience. We remember what it was like to get caught lying as a child, the anxiety associated with it, and the consequences we received as a result. However, children develop bad habits, are afraid of getting in trouble, and/or are so desperate for others to like them that they will lie – “whoppers” and little white fibs.

Parents across the world are pulling their hair out on a daily basis because of their children’s (and other adults’ for that matter) dishonesty. Reading storybooks with your child is one strategy that can be used to help teach children the impact of the choices they makes and the consequences of those choices.

“Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back: A Tale About Telling the Truth”, writte by Howard Binkow, is a fabulous book that addresses the issue of honesty. Howard B. Wigglebottom is a young bunny that develops the unfortunate habit of lying to friends and family. The expression of “having a monkey on his back” is taught to students as Howard feels the weight growing and growing until he can’t stand it any longer.

This book is a great discussion starter and I will be using this with my students in grades one through three this year during my lessons on honesty. The book does a wonderful job pointing out why Howard lies; for example, to keep his friend from getting into trouble, for attention from his peers, to keep from getting into trouble himself, etc. The illustrations are adorable as well. I think that it is fabulous that the author includes lesson suggestions and discussion questions at the back of the book, which can be used for parents as well as teachers.

Howard B. Wigglebottom is a character in a whole series, which includes the topics of bullying, listening, and dealing with problems. The We Do Listen Foundation’s website is located at www.wedolisten.com. Their website includes free animated books, educational games and activities, songs, lessons, posters, e-cards, and other resources. It is full of information!

Howard Binkow has been generous to offer one Tidbits From A Mom reader the opportunity to win “Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back”! Please see the giveaway details below!

Win It: One reader will win a copy of Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back: A Tale About Telling the Truth.

Mandatory Entry: Please visit the We Do Listen Foundation and come back here and tell me what other Howard B. Wigglebottom book you would like to own.

Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Tidbits From A Mom publicly on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway reviews on my blog and leave a comment and let me know which review you commented on. (2 entries)
3. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. (1 entry each)
4. Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)
5. Share this giveaway on your facebook page and leave me the link. (2 entries)
6. The following may be tweeted daily: (1 entry each day)

#Win a copy of Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back: A Tale About Telling the Truth! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/cwf5vr6

7. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
8. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on November 21, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post.  I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Giveaway: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

I wrote a review about The Secret of the Sacred Scarab last month.  You can read my review here.  This is an action packed adventure that your child is sure to enjoy!  Not only is a fabulous story, but it is full of educational information as well. 

I have one paper copy to give away to a lucky Tidbits From A Mom reader!  Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.