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Monday, November 25, 2013

Baby Jaxon Nostalgia

I seriously can not believe that my little guy is four years old.  Today is just a stroll down memory lane.
(Sorry about the lack of quality in the pics, they are all scanned.)  These are all from Jaxon's first year.

We meet for the first time.


First kisses.


Enjoying our first days together.






You were my favorite present.


Snuggle time.


You were such a happy baby.










You had some funny expressions.




Mommy loved spending time with you.




We had some fun firsts.

Easter

Pumpkin patch

Pirate shirt

Razorback hat

I am so blessed.





Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha

The SockKids Meet Lincoln - A Book Review and Blog Tour






About the Book

Title: The SockKids™ Meet Lincoln
Authors: Michael John Sullivan and Susan Petrone
Illustrator: SugarSnail
Publication Date: August 14, 2013
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 40 (print)
Recommended Age: 3 to 8
Summary (Amazon):
Where do our missing socks go? Readers find out in our children’s series, The SOCKKIDS. We follow the Socker family through many adventures; from encountering the slobbery mouth of the family dog to meeting Santa as he comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve to helping a fireman save a baby to the most shy Socker going to the school dance for the first time. Thanks to the time-travel opportunities afforded by the spin cycle of the washer, they learn about some of the most important humans in the world. Children two and up and their parents will be drawn to the diversity of the family and the universal and timeless lessons they teach: don’t be afraid of new experiences; treat others as you would like to be treated, and of course, beware of the spin cycle!
 

Purchase


 Amazon Buy Button

Review

I love the concept of this book.  Everyone loses socks in the dryer and this book puts a creative spin on those lost socks by having them come alive and have adventures.  The story introduces the Socker family and follows Stretch as he travels back in time and ends up on the foot of Abraham Lincoln.  I think the story is definitely for younger children.  My 4 year old loved the pictures and thought it was funny that socks could talk.  I did have to explain President Lincoln to him.  He was good with just knowing the President was a very important man with great ideals.  Stretch meets President Lincoln's other sock and learns how the President treats all people equally.  This series is going to be fun to continue sharing with my son.  


The Buzz

"I love the creativity of the story as well as the many lessons that can be discussed after reading this, including President Lincoln and what he stood for. (I enjoy books that allow you to start a dialog with children who read them, and this book does not disappoint.) The book is easy to read, which makes it appealing because children can read it with an adult or on their own. I even giggled a few times while reading this, and any story that can put a smile on someone's face has my approval!." ~ 5-Star Review from ksen, Amazon
"A unique, well written, highly creative story, bringing socks to life in this sweet tale of a family of socks who time travel through the washing machine. Laundry never sounded so colorful and fun, with the added bonus of teaching children about history in an amusing, loveable and magical way. Intertwining well developed characters, plus a real historical figure (Abraham Lincoln) in a story that will not only introduce children to this president, but also teaches them what Lincoln stood for, and the lessons that will resonate with adults so they may be able to share this time in history with a young child (children) in their life, creating reading memories they will always treasure. The SockKids is beautifully illustrated, colorful and the cute Socker images will bring a smile to your face, and the dialogue is sure to elicit laughter from both the reader and the child. " ~ 5-Star review from Selena Robins, Amazon
"The SockKids Meet Lincoln is a fun way to introduce young kids to an important historical period and figure. The tone is lighthearted yet informative--perfect for the target age group. I found myself chuckling along too! I've always wondered where my socks went when they disappeared..." ~ 5-Star review from A. MacLean, Amazon
"This is an adorable story with a wonderful message. I loved the illustrations, so colorful, every child will love these pictures and love this story. We all have lost socks in the washing machine and how cute to picture them talking to each other. I also loved the journey to Lincoln and how it didn't matter to him what color the socks were, his didn't match, a hidden message which you will have to read the story to find out what all that means. I hope to see many other wonderful sockkids adventures from Mr. Sullivan. I would give this more than 5 stars!" ~ 5-Star review from Cynthia A. Springsteen, Amazon
 

About The Authors: Michael John Sullivan & Susan Petrone

Michael John Sullivan
MICHAEL JOHN SULLIVAN
Michael John Sullivan is the creator of the SockKids. Constantly searching for his socks, he wondered whether the missing foot comforters had found another pair of feet to warm. Before his interest in socks, Sullivan started writing his first novel while homeless, riding a NYC subway train at night. Sullivan returned to his subway notes in 2007 and began writing Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness (Simon & Schuster, Gallery Books imprint). Library Journal named Necessary Heartbreak one of the year’s best in 2010. His second novel, Everybody’s Daughter (Fiction Studio Books, 2012) was named one of the best books of 2012 by TheExaminer.com. Sullivan has written articles about the plight of homelessness for CNN.com, The Washington Post.com, Beliefnet.com, the Huffington Post, and America Online’s Patch.com service.

Susan Petrone
SUSAN PETRONE
Susan Petrone’s short fiction has been published by Glimmer Train, Featherproof Books, The Cleveland Review, Muse, Conclave, and Whiskey Island. Her first novel, A Body at Rest, was published in 2009 (Drinian Press). Her short story, Monster Jones Wants to Creep You Out (Conclave,2010) was nominated for a 2011 Pushcart Prize. She also writes about her beloved Cleveland Indians at ItsPronouncedLajaway.com for ESPN.com’s SweetSpot network. In addition, she is a regular contributor to Cool Cleveland.com.
 

Book Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

 

The SockKids™ Meet Lincoln Blog Tour Schedule (2013)

November 5
November 6
November 7
November 8
November 9
November 10
November 11
November 12
November 13
November 14
November 15
November 16
November 17
November 18
November 19
November 20
November 21
November 22
November 23
November 24
November 25
 

*** The SockKids™ Meet Lincoln Blog Tour Giveaway ***

SockKids Grand Prize Blog Tour

Prize: There will be a Grand Prize consisting of a $25 Amazon gift card (or PayPal cash) + a SockKids t-shirt. There will also be four secondary prizes consisting of a SockKids t-shirt. Contest runs: November 5 to December 2, 11:59 pm, 2013 Open: Worldwide How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The Grand Prize winner and secondary winners will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winners will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors Michael John Sullivan and Susan Petrone and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway


MDBR Kid Lit Book Promotion Services - Button FINAL

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Thankful For Our Furbabies Linky and Giveaway #lovefurbabies

Thankful For Our Fur Babies Hop Hosted by Cheap Is The New Classy and Saving More Than Me {11/16-11/30}


Please visit our hosts:
Cheap Is The New Classy and Saving More Than Me

I am giving away a package for your favorite pup.  It is all about pampering and fun.



My giveaway is valued at $28 and includes:
1.  "Keep Calm and Bark On" food dish
2.  Hedgehog plush toy
3.  I Heart Pet Head Dirty Talk shampoo in spearmint and lemongrass
4.  Full Moom 100% human-grade chicken strips
5.  I Heart Pet Head Mommy & Me nail polish in Love Red

Just complete the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.  Open to U.S. and Canada only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now, go visit all the other giveaways via the Linky below:



Cheap Is The New Classy Linky

Christmas Owl by Angela Muse - Book Blast


The Christmas Owl is a sweet book with a wonderful message.  My four year old son and I enjoyed reading it together.  The artwork is beautiful.  This book would be a great Christmas gift for all the little ones on your list.



About the Book

The Christmas Owl by Angela MuseTitle: The Christmas Owl Author: Angela Muse Illustrator: Helen H. Wu Publication Date: November, 2013 Publisher: Independent - 4eyesbooks Number of pages: 36 Recommended age: 3+  

Summary

A Barred owl becomes injured and must ask others for help. He promises to give back to those who have a generous heart and he is true to his word. Also check out Lil Glimmer, The Nutt Family: An Acorny Adventure, The Pig Princess, The Bee Bully, Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play, Cactus Charlie, Suzy Snowflake and Monsters Have Mommies by this author.
 
 

Book Trailer

 

Purchase

** You can download a copy of "The Christmas Owl" for only 99 cents from NOW through to November 14, 2013 on Amazon!! **

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (99 cent Kindle Book)

 

About the Author: Angela Muse

[caption id="attachment_14776" align="alignleft" width="200"]Angela Muse, Author Angela Muse[/caption] I was born in California to a military family. This meant that I was the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard always trying to make new friends, but I discovered I had a knack for writing. I began writing poetry in high school and really enjoyed expressing myself by using pen and paper. After becoming a Mom in 2003, I continued my storytelling to my own children. In 2009 I wrote and published my first children's book aimed at toddlers. In 2012 I am set to release several more children's books. Check out what I'm working on by visiting my children's book blog. Writing is such a wonderful creative process and I look forward to sharing more of my stories with lots of new little readers!

Website | Facebook | Twitter


* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *
Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: November 12 to December 11, 11:59 pm, 2013 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway
MDBR Kid Lit Book Promotion Services - Button FINAL

Monday, November 4, 2013

Tuna Salad Lettuce Wrap Recipe #TeamTuna

I am a member of Crowdtap and was given a sample of Starkist's new Ranch Tuna Creations to try.  Here's what I made:

Ranch Tuna Creations, mayo, shallots, black olives and celery.

Mix and serve in a lettuce leaf.

Added Tabasco at the last moment, yum!
So easy and yummy!  One pack of Ranch Tuna Creations by Starkist, mayo, shallots (or onions), black olives and celery.  I also added salt, pepper and Tabasco on top.

If you would like the opportunity to try new products before anyone else, go here:  Crowdtap.

Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha