Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Daven Says

Over this past weekend, we made a family trip to Target to buy Bubby some pants. It turns out that ALL of his 4T pants are too short, and that no matter how hard I try, he's not going to stop growing. Although daddy and Daven didn't last very long in the clothes section before going to look at toys, we were treated to a little gem. 

We walked past the shelf with packaged underwear: "Wow, check out this underwear!  Look at those ninja turtle ones!  Look at those!  (I can't remember exactly what the next design was)

Wait for it...

"Oh, look at THOSE!  They have frozen characters on them!  Mommy, aren't you so jealous?  Aren't you jealous of those frozen underwear?!"

Yes buddy, yes I am. Sadly, they do not make Elsa and Anna underwear in mommy's size. No Olaf on my undies...



Thursday, October 9, 2014

Daven Says

We watch a little Disney Jr. in the morning before school. Usually it's Mickey Mouse Club House while I have my first cup of coffee and he has his milk or juice.

This morning he comes up on the couch and shoves a handful of stuffed animals on me. "I'm the daddy and you're the mommy and these are our babies. "

"Honey, protect our babies. I'm going to shoot Clarabell. "

What?  I guess she DID have it coming with all of those nursery rhymes...


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Daven Says

What's one Halloween movie that can be watched every year without getting old?  For me, it's Hocus Pocus. (Although I'll admit to being a fan of Halloweentown as well). In years past, I've always scurried to catch it a few times on ABC Family. But this year - everyone give my husband a round of applause - he ordered the movie for me!! (Thanks, boo)



My plan was to watch it with my friend and coworker, Samantha while Daven and her son, Conan were over to play. I picked up Daven early yesterday since I only worked a half day and told him in the car what we would be watching that night. 

"Hocus Pocus?  Wouldn't it be funny if it was Hocus Tookus?"

I laughed. Where does he come up with this stuff?  At which point, he repeated it a good ten times. I couldn't help but think that this must be the title of an adult version of the film, where the three sisters...ew. Hocus Tookus - definitely not what Disney had in mind!

Also, I'll go ahead and note that I had to ask Adam how to spell tookus. Yep, that happened. 


Thursday, September 25, 2014

Daven Says




"Mommy, mommy!  Do I look like Jesus now?"

Because if church daycare has taught him anything, it's that man + headband = Jesus. 

And what is it exactly that he has around his head?  Oh, you know, just a piece of weed eater string!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Book Review: Who We Were

 "...sometimes memories of the past are hardest to part with" 
- from book description on Goodreads

I was so excited to be one of the privileged people who got to read Christy Sloat's new book before its official release date.  This is her first book-writing experience in the genre of contemporary romance for YA, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

Who We Were officially releases on September 15



Sadie is attending summer school - by choice.  While most teens are there to make up for slacking off the previous school year and failing, Sadie wants to get ahead so that she can begin taking college credit during her senior year.  The class that she needs is at a different school than she attends, and the peers that she meets there will shape her summer into something much different than she could have ever thought.

This book has so much hurt hidden between the pages.  I wanted to reach through the pages of the book (OK, you caught me - I was reading on my iPad mini) and shake some sense into one of the characters.  I don't want to write any spoilers, so I won't go into detail.  But just know that this book is more than just a typical romance.  

Friendship.  Football players.  Parties.  Twins.  

On a bit of a side note, I just want to applaud Christy Sloat for not taking the "true love waits" approach to teen romance.  It irks me to no end when reading a YA novel and the main characters rush to get married so that they can stay pure, or only kiss once - I know that people will disagree with me on this, but I think that view point is simply unrealistic.  Once upon a time I was as big of a prude as the come, but lets be realistic; teens show affection. 

Alright, stepping down from my podium now.

The last page of this book gave me all the feels.  In a good way, though.  Who We Were is so different from her other books, which really goes to show how Christy Sloat can capture audiences across multiple genres.  I'm so thrilled to be a part of helping celebrate her release and can't wait to see what she writes next!

Pre-order your copy on Amazon

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Murder Mystery Tour with Laura Nance

Author Lara Nance presents

Name Your Poison: A Murder Mystery Tour

Name your poison cover (1)

 

Lara Nance has created a BRAND NEW story and YOU get to be a part of it !

Have you ever been to a Murder Mystery Dinner? Have you ever wanted to be able to read and then share with the author what clues you're picking up on as the story goes a long?

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!


How it works:

Head over to Lara's WEBSITE each day where you can read the daily portion of the story. Then head over to her FACEBOOK page to get the clues. You can then enter the rafflecopter each day with the answers to the clue from FACEBOOK to WIN. The final story ( on September 8th) will lead you to the clue for the murder weapon, answer correctly and you'll be entered to win the GRAND PRIZE. DAILY PRIZE three mystery book autographed GRANDPRIZE 1st: $50 gift certificate to Amazon or B&N plus my three mystery books. 2nd: $25 gift cert. to Amazon or B&N 3rd: $10 gift cert. to Amazon or B&N
PLUS everyone who enters will receive a FREE digital copy of
Name Your Poison

ABOUT Lara Nance:

cropped new pic of me - retouchedLara Nance grew up and lived in many cities throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres, but the basis of all of her stories is a great tale of entertaining fiction that will take you on an adventure of imagination. Smart stories that make you wonder, and live the romances you dream about. She writes for her readers, hoping to give them an enjoyable escape among the pages of her books.

So, if you're ready to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you've come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales to paranormal stories and sizzling romance, she's willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, along with a touch of romance here and there.

Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories. Lara loves to weave interesting true historical tidbits into her fiction which invite the reader to explore further after the novel is finished.

Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkies, Belle and Bruno.

WEBSITE/ FACEBOOK/ TWITTER


LARA'S WORK:

Paranormal

THE BESTSELLING NOVEL MEMORIES OF MURDER(GEM SEIRES BOOK 1)

coverWhen Maeve McKenna renounces her witch powers and accepts a low-key nurse practitioner position at a Virginia retirement community, the last thing she expects is a suicide her first day on the job. As the town's sexy sheriff, Paul Sutton, starts looking into the tragic death of his father's friend, Maeve can't help but get involved--with both the case and him. Their informal investigation unveils an old journal that connects the ruins of a nearby asylum and long-forgotten cemetery with the shiny new retirement community's memory unit--and Maeve's Alzheimer's patients. Maeve senses a sinister presence in the old asylum, calling to the patients, but in order to stop it from killing again, she must first conquer some demons of her own and reclaim the magic she's denied herself.

AMAZON


Steampunk

Revenge of the Mad Scientist

covernew Revenge 6x9A steampunk adventure with a touch of romance. When Lady Arabella Trunkett’s father, the Lord High Minister of Urbannia, is kidnapped, suspicion points to the mysterious country of Gandiss and the world is thrown into political upheaval. But Arabella is convinced the more sinister nation of Carabarras is to blame, urged on by a mad scientist seeking revenge. She sets out on a dangerous airship adventure across numerous exotic locales to rescue her father before war breaks out. Not only is she faced with danger from mysterious assassins, slaver traders and air-pirates, the fickle hand of fate adds an additional complication to her trials. Unfortunately, the captain of the only airship available for charter is a man who left her at the altar. For eight years she's wanted nothing more than to see him dead. But now he's her only hope.

AMAZON


Paranormal Romance

Draculaville

Discovery Kindle CoverNot your typical romance, and not your average theme park... When advertising executive Talia Quinton takes on the unwelcome job of promoting the country of Romania, she has no idea it will involve rescuing a real vampire and being thrust into a conflict among warring vampire factions in New York. She and her rescued vampire, Drake, must fight for their lives to protect their growing love for each other and escape capture in time to present Talia's campaign to the Romanians. For she's groomed Drake to become Dracula, the spokesperson for a multi-billion dollar project to build an adult fantasy them park/resort in Transylvania called...DraculaVille.

AMAZON

Dealers of Light

New Dealers cover for Kindle

A malevolent group of Light-Dealers have surfaced in Cara Collin's hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Led by an ancient Aztec demon, the "Takers" are torturing and murdering their way to world domination. As the horror spreads, Cara-who has the ability to send "Light" into others to augment healing-receives a special power from a patient making her a crucial weapon in stopping the Takers. But, she must figure out how to use the gift before the Takers make her their next target. When mysterious Rolf Van Harding shows up in town with information that may help her, she's torn between joining his quest and running for her life. When she discovers he's a powerful, ancient Light-Dealer she fears their growing passion will be a weakness-a weakness that could allow the Takers to murder the last remaining Light-Dealer capable of stopping them.

AMAZON


DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE SERIES OR ANY OF LARA'S WORK ON

AMAZON



ENTER BELOW TO WIN
GGEditingBadge.v3

Monday, August 18, 2014

Cover Reveal:Raven Legends Saga Book 2


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Presented by:
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Join our mailing list for hot book news and stand a chance to win one of four Amazon GC - http://eepurl.com/ZnJir

Cover Reveal



covergifTitle: Raven
Series: Legends Saga # 2
Author: Stacey Rourke
Audience: NA Paranormal
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Formats: E-book and Paperback  
Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing
Cover by: Najla Qamber Designs
Editor: Melissa Ringsted
Expected Date of Publishing: Sept 22, 2014









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An infamous love, destined nevermore,
For death could not claim, the enchanting Lenore.

Cursed by the malevolent spirit of the Headless Horseman, Ireland Crane ventures to Manhattan in search of a way to break her soul crushing bond. Instead, she discovers the lines between fact and fiction are blurring once more. Croaking ravens. Telltale hearts. Could the works of Poe be coming to pass with handsome Wall Street Midas Ridley Peolte as their unwilling target?

She walks the Earth, a plague on mankind,
searching for he, her rotted heart doth pine.

Together, the two unknowingly release a dark force death itself could not tame. Surrounded by the unrelenting violence and mayhem they’ve unleashed, Ireland feels her control over the Horseman slipping. Before the beast within consumes her, she and her crew must follow the clues of the dead to right a centuries’ old wrong. Will it be enough to sate the Horseman’s appetite?

Hell hath no fury like a ghoul scorned.

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ravenfull
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authorgifThe Gryphon Series is written by Stacey Rourke. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of this series as well as other literary projects. The Gryphon Series is available wherever fine books are sold.


Contact Info: Visit the author at www.staceyrourke.com
Twitter @Rourkewrites

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Author's and their Books - http://www.luciigrubb.blogspot.co.uk/
Book 2 Book - http://book2book.ca/
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Dalene's Book Reviews - http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Kirke Writes - http://elizabeth-kirke.blogspot.com
Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog - http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/
For The Love of Books - http://ftlobblog.blogspot.com/
Fuonlyknew ~ Laura's Ramblins And Reviews - http://fuonlyknew.com
G the Book Diva blog - www.gthebookdiva.com
iHeart Books by MiLo18 - https://iHeartBooksbyMiLo18.blogspot.com
Little Red's Book Reviews - http://littleredsbookreviews.blogspot.com/
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My Paranormal Book Review - http://myparanormalbookreview.blogspot.com/
Nay's Pink Bookshelf - http://nayspinkbookshelf.blogspot.com
On Writing and Riding - http://marlenemoss.blogspot.com
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Pretty Girls Read Books - http://opinionatedperson.wordpress.com
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Shayna Varadeaux Books & Reviews - http://shaynavaradeauxbooks.blogspot.com/
The Violet Hour Book Reviews - http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Undercover Book Reviews - http://undercoverbookreviews.blogspot.com/
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What Shall We Blog About Today? - http://kenowinsky.blogspot.com
XterraWeb ~Books & More~ - http://goo.gl/V508bx

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Author Love: KE Osborn

I've got to get caught up!  I really enjoyed the first few books in the series and need to read the rest. Curl up with a hot cup of coffee and settle in for a hot read ;)



#TrustMeTrilogy #JustFriends by #KEOsbornAuthor

Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy (Ranging from 99cents to $2.99)
Jeni Taylor has major trust issues, which stem from an abusive ex partner and an absentee father. She believes if you don't date then you can't get hurt. Simple as that. That's until she runs into Aiden O'Connell.  A wealthy, intriguing, sexy as hell and totally swoon worthy businessman. 
Will Jeni, be able to move her trust issues aside when Aiden, her new love, is charged with embezzling from his father's company?

Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy (book #1) 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0G6JRW
Love Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy (book #2) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GMCILB0
All of Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy (book #3) 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IYKBJCG
Complete Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy (book #3.5)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LU9H490

Australian born Katerina Barrett, decides to follow her dreams and move to the United States of America to attend AMDA College in Los Angeles, to further her music and acting career. A cocky, self absorbed and arrogant Will Sanders, catches her attention. Through a turn of fortunate events they are both chosen to play the lead roles in an up and coming new indie movie. Their relationship blossoms as does their fame, turning their world upside down and leaving them asking, are we ‘just friends’?

Just Friends? by K E Osborn ($1.99)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KR8L1BM

Please note: these books are for mature audiences 18+. They contain explicit language and sexual content.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Book Review: Constructing Marcus


http://www.amazon.com/Constructing-Marcus-Danielle-DeVor-ebook/dp/B00EVS384W


Synopsis (via Goodreads)

Sixteen-year-old ghost hunter, Emma Hoffman thought that moving into an old Victorian was going to be awesome– ghosts galore.

Much to her delight, she discovers that the house is haunted—not by a ghost, but by a construct (a spirit created to be a servant). As she gets to know Marcus, the construct, he asks her to help him avenge his maker and find her killer. Emma’s not too sure this is a good idea, she’s a ghost hunter after all, not a detective, but she agrees to help him anyway.

While trying to discover more information about the killer, Emma begins to have feelings for Marcus- feelings she isn’t ready to admit. Then the sorcerer who killed Marcus’s maker shows up at Emma’s house with an insane plan to capture Marcus and absorb his power- Emma isn’t having it. Marcus is hers.

When the killer performs a spell that begins to steal Marcus’s life force, Emma risks losing him. It’s a race against time for Emma to figure out how to stop the sorcerer and his spell before Marcus fades away and disappears from her life forever.

I love a good paranormal story. Jeepers creepers, let's read!  DeVor doesn't disappoint, with her twist on a haunted house. I found myself rooting for Emma from the very beginning. A teenage girl moving to a new town, she has to start from the beginning. Lucky for her that school hasn't started yet, because she's got her hands full at home. 
In addition to the everyday teenage woes, Emma has to cope with a distant father who is a doctor and a fragile mother with an eating disorder. Even though she's got more than enough to deal with, her curiousity propels her to learn everything she can about Marcus. 
I enjoyed reading this book and hope that this ends up being a series. If so, I've got some ideas about what's going to happen next - and I need to know if I'm right!  If you're looking for an engrossing summer read, pick this one up!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Daven Says

We really need to get outside. Between my knee and the rain, we've been stuck inside most of the past few days. 

Daven is going bonkers in the living room, insisting we play hot potato. Since he's wearing his ninja turtles shirt, it's only natural that he'd play with the persona of a ninja. 

And then he said this to me: 

"Oh, it's ON, big girl!"

Cracks me up!

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Daven Says: When Boys Play Barbies

What do you do when you're a boy playing with a sweet , Barbie mansion?  You keep it real. 

While the other dolls are driving convertibles and getting ready for a night on the town, Daven's doll (a shirtless Justin Beiber doll, complete with hand- drawn scars) is focusing on more basic tasks. 

"Ok, I'm going to go poop!" 

"Uh, ok. Thanks for sharing..." was the reply his on-again, off-again girlfriend responded. 


Sunday, May 25, 2014

Book Release Day - Crane




Title: Crane (Legends Saga Book 1)

Author: Stacey Rourke

Release:  May 26, 2014

 

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21911337-crane?from_search=true

 

Synopsis:

 

The Horseman is unending,

his presence shan’t lessen.

If you break the curse,

you become the legend.

 

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.

 

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

 

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.

 

But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?

 

Author Bio:

 

RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel

Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012

Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013

Stacey Rourke lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.

 

Author Pic:

 

Social Media Links:

 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthor

Website: http://www.staceyrourke.com

Blog: http://www.diaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.com

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5309409.Stacey_Rourke

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Rourkewrites

 



 

Excerpt:

 

Chapter One:

 

If his wife hadn’t let her ass grow to the size of a sofa, Vic wouldn’t have to cheat. Shrugging his navy blue sport coat over his shoulders, he stepped forward, allowing the hotel room door to shut behind him with a soft thump. A smug smile curled across his face, his chest puffing with pride at his own prowess—thanks in part to those spiffy little blue pills his doctor prescribed. The heels of his wing-tipped loafers clicked against the cement stairs, one impeccably manicured hand running along the handrail as he descended. The rusted metal rail squeaked its protest under the faint touch. Taking its suggestion, he retracted his hand.

Why he humored Karma by letting her drag him to this dive every week, he had no idea.

Her firm little apple bottom isn’t that great, he mused to himself, snorting a quick, dry laugh.

Of course it was. She made good money with it at the Sugar Shack down by the airport. Grinding to R&B’s raunchiest hits, while clad only in a sequin thong. She was a sweet, albeit naïve, girl that believed if she stroked Vic’s … ahem, ego just the way he liked, she would someday find a fat rock on her finger and the title of Van Tassel behind her name. Hence her insistence on the flea bag hotel. She had

flipped her bleached blonde waves, batted those ridiculous fake eyelashes, and pouted that she couldn’t be seen as the “other woman” by the same crowd she would soon be rubbing elbows with. As if he would ever let that happen. Karma’s airbrushed nails and hooker heels would never fit into his world. After all, in Tarrytown the Van Tassel name meant something, and not because of the stupid legend the residents of the small glen of Sleepy Hollow mercilessly clung to. No, as one of the founding families they helped build this town. Meaning, here, he might as well be a Rockefeller. A fact he reveled in and would never tarnish with outward displays of his cheap conquests … no matter how well she could wiggle.

Vic crossed the parking lot, lit only by one humming street lamp, with a wide, jovial stride. As he shook his keys from the pocket of his slacks, thumbing the button to unlock the doors, his phone buzzed from the breast pocket of his Armani shirt.

Snatching it from its resting place, he tapped to answer. “Yello?”

“Don’t you sound chipper for someone working late?” Yvonne slurred, the only hint he needed that she’d already cracked open tonight’s bottle of wine.

“Why shouldn’t I be chipper?” he playfully asked, turning to glance back up toward the room Karma had rented. A flash of her blonde locks appeared from behind the stained drapes. He raised his hand in a casual wave, but couldn’t tell from this distance if she returned the gesture. “I just finished showing a multi-million dollar estate that the buyers are very interested in, and now I get to head home to my loving wife.”

“Yeah, right,” Yvonne openly scoffed, her voice muffled by her glass as she took another sip. “We’re the friggin’ Cleavers. Hey, Cassidy is at the mall. I need you pick her up on your—“

Vic jerked his head to the right, in the direction of the neighboring gas station. Between the normal ebb and flow of rushing traffic, he heard the distinct snap of hoof beats pounding over pavement. “What kind of idiot would bring a horse out this close to the highway?”

“The highway? Where the hell are you, Victor?”

A moment ago the drum of the approaching rider had been coming from the south of him, Vic was sure of it. Yet somehow, without so much as a faltered step, it shifted to the north. “Stopped for gas, that’s all.” Vic paid little attention to the lie rolling off his tongue as he rose up on tiptoe and craned his neck to peer into the darkness.

“Oh!” Her momentary flash of accusation was all but forgotten at the exciting prospect of fresh booze. “Are you near Gordon Bleau’s? I need a bottle of Amaretto.”

Vic stifled a cringe at the thought of his wife’s mixed drink induced wandering hands. If he wanted to fend off an overly Botoxed hag that reeked of booze, he’d go visit Nana at the home. Her old biddy friends loved him, and putting in his time there helped secure his spot in her will. “I’d love to, pet, but I’d hate to keep Cass waiting.”

A hot, snorted breath heated the exposed skin of Vic’s neck, tickling down the collar of his shirt. He spun, his heart pounding painfully in his chest, and pressed his back to the car door. Chills raced up and down his spine, electrifying his entire body. Nothing. There was nothing before him but that lone buzzing light and the seedy motel. “Damn it! Punk kids!”

“And they have a horse?” Yvonne’s giggle morphed into a hiccup. “You better watch out, Vic. It could be one of those lesser known equestrian gangs.”

The lightning that flashed on the otherwise calm night was the only omen Vic needed to spur him into action. Throwing himself off the car, his trembling fingers fumbled with the door handle. Behind him, metal hissed free from leather. Slowly—with a cold, hard fist of dread clenching his gut—his head swiveled.

“Oh,” he said with a nervous lilt of laughter to the ominous symphony of black before him. “That’s … good. You got me. I really believed for a sec—”

Vic’s anxious, cracking plea morphed into a scream as the figure pulled back. The blade of their arched sword gleaming gold under the yellow-hued light.

Victor’s hands raised in the only defense he could offer. “No! Noooo!”

He sucked in one last gasp as metal winged through the air.

“Vic? Victor!” Yvonne screamed, panic clearing her alcohol induced haze. “What’s happening?”

The only response she received came in the form of a ghostly whinny … followed by a soft thump. Her shrieks were muted as the phone tumbled to the ground—right next to Vic’s still rolling head.

 

Book Trailer:

 

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Qf2TqC57oqY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

Buy links (Links will NOT work until the book is LIVE):

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?keywords=Crane Stacey Rourke

 

Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/search?keywords=Crane Stacey Rourke

 

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search?keywords=Crane Stacey Rourke

 

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Crane-Stacey-Rourke?store=allproducts&keyword=Crane Stacey Rourke

 

Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Crane

 

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-gb/Search?Query=Crane+Stacey+Rourke

 

Giveaway:

 

<a id="rc-81aa7855" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa7855/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>

 

Direct Link:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa7855

 

Friday, May 23, 2014

Fairy Garden Starter Kit

Last weekend Daven and I went to a birthday party for a special little lady. Lainey's birthday kind of snuck up on me, and I didn't prepare enough to crochet something for her. But I knew that she loves playing outside, and thought of a way to create an activity for this spunky two year old to do with her parents. 

All of the materials came from crafting items that I already had at home, although if you're starting from scratch, many great things you can grab from The Dollar Tree. 

Whether you are welcoming fairies, gnomes, trolls, or other mythical creatures to your yard, I think a "garden" is a great activity!



This particular kit contained:

Marbles
Flat marbles in varying sizes
Plastic jewels
Buttons
Seashells
Sea glass (I actually made this, but you can buy it in craft stores)
Plastic playmates 
Pixie dust (glitter)
Rocks (for landscaping, from a hardware store)
Decorative sticks (for decorating potted plants and gardens)
Crocheted fairy pillow


I crammed it all into a spare terra cotta pot, and added ribbon. 









A sandbox is a perfect spot to play, even if it doesn't have sand in it yet ;)





Lainey's daddy wasn't afraid to get in on the action. 






What else would you add?





Thursday, May 15, 2014

Moon Sand

Here's where I found the basic recipe for the moon sand:


http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2014/05/watermelon-moon-sand-recipe.html



The silly blogger app won't seem to let me post a link. So that's frustrating. 

This blog has an endless supply of sensory activities and crafts. Their mixture is definitely more pleasing to the eye, since they started out with colored sand whereas we used good ole sandbox stock. They also used a packet of Kool aid to help color and scent the mixture - the only kind I could find this morning was th giant can from Sams Club I got last year for camp summer. Since that kind already has the sugar mixed in, I was afraid to use it. Instead, we used food coloring and extract - Daven picked peppermint. 

So if you want to try it for yourself, here's the recipe:

4 cups sand
2 cups cornstarch
1/2 - 1 cup water (add in a bit at a time until desired consistency)
Kool aid packet, food coloring, or any smells you want 



My birthday cupcake :)