Quilts of Love | A SKY WITHOUT STARS by Linda S. Clare – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Spring Fling” Facebook Party!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

In 1951, Frankie Chasing Bear is a Lakota caught between modern and traditional cultures. She wants to raise her young son Harold to revere his traditional Lakota heritage, but she knows he will need to become as a white man to succeed in the world. A barroom fight changes everything. Harold's father dies in a bar brawl and Harold and Frankie move to Arizona to start a new life. Frankie begins a special traditional Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn and prayed into it. An encounter with BIA agent Nick Vandergriff changes everything again. Up until then Frankie never trusted Christians, Her own parents were forced to convert to Christianity at an Indian School.  Vandergriff is a half-Lakota who is also caught between cultures.  Will Nick succeed in convincing Frankie that white men and Christians aren't all bad?  He tries to win her heart but who knows what might happen.

This is a lovely story about a protective mom and her son in Arizona. I enjoyed getting a peek into the unusual life of a single mom back in the 1950's.  The added element of her Lakota heritage makes the book even more fascinating. Frankie Chasing Bear and Harold are great people in their own right and I loved the hope that was injected into the story.  I love how the special Lakota Star quilt and the construction of it is built into the whole storyline just perfectly.  

Don't miss this month's Quilts of Love book, A Star Without Stars, by Linda S. Clare. Linda is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway and joining her fellow Quilts of Love authors, Barbara Cameron and Joyce Magnin, for a Facebook "Spring Fling" party on April 1st.







One winner will receive:



• A Kindle Fire HDX


• Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron


• A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare


• Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 1st. Winner will be announced at the "Spring Fling" Facebook Party on April 1st. RSVP today and connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Barbara Cameron, Linda S. Clare, and Joyce Magnin, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of Scraps of Evidence, A Sky Without Stars, and Maybelle in Stitches and join Barbara, Linda, and Joyce on the evening of April 1st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on April 1st!

Don't forget to enter to win the Kindle HDX in the giveaway below!

 

WhiteShield prevents Coffee Teeth Naturally

Disclaimer: I received a sample of WhiteShield for review purposes.   As always, my opinions are my own.

I love my morning cup of coffee as much as every girl out there.  I am a busy working mama as you all know...sometimes it is a challenge to get moving in the morning. Coffee sure helps.  A large cup as you can see.  On the other side of the coin I work out hard in boot camp and at the gym, I eat a supremely healthy diet and like to look great in the latest styles.  I allow myself a cup of coffee a day and feel no guilt about it. What I do think about a lot is my teeth.  I like white teeth.  Don't we all?  Just go to the local drugstore like RiteAid or Duane Reade....the dental care aisle is just full of whitening products.  They are not inexpensive either.  They involve so much time and work too. If you have professional whitening (I have done this too!) it is even more expensive. I don't have time for that on a regular basis.  I do use those whitening products a few times a year but it doesn't seem to last. That coffee is essentially the culprit.  I know it but there was never any solution. I was always frustrated by stains and discoloration from my morning coffee.

Yup, I love my Sonicare toothbrush and I use a whitening rinse too but I still noticed that my whitening routine was not long lasting.  That darn coffee. I was supremely interested when I heard about a new super easy to use product called WhiteShield that can help prevent stains from coffee. This amazing little product is all natural and made from ingredients that you can find in your local vitamin shop. WhiteShield tells me that it doesn't harm your enamel or hurt your teeth in any way. Pretty much a 2014 dental revolution in whitening protection!  Everyone can enjoy that cup of coffee without stains or discoloration on your teeth, naturally.  One simple WhiteShield packet added to your coffee provides protection with no change in flavor.  You can get all the info on their website here.

I have been able to try out WhiteShield for a few weeks now and I am noticing a difference.  Now my teeth were really pretty good to start since I used a teeth whitener just before testing out WhiteShield.  I mixed a little packet of WhiteShield in each time I enjoyed a cup of coffee and I was impressed that my teeth have stayed very white and clean looking. I didn't notice any change in taste, consistency or flavor of my coffee either.  The packets are very thin and small and I was able to tuck a few into my purse to protect my teeth on the go.  Okay, I admit sometimes I will stop for an extra cup of coffee in the afternoon. So easy to add WhiteShield on the go too!  The company tells me that with continued use it can help whiten your teeth and gently remove stains too.

Whiteshield has told me that it is safe and effective in tea as well but it may currently alter the appearance of your tea...it may look a bit cloudy. They are working on perfecting the formula so that will not occur in future productions.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review of Yacon Syrup: Tastes Great and Has Potential for Aiding WeightLoss

Disclaimer:  I received samples of Quality Encapsulations Pure Yacon Syrup for review purposes.  As always, my opinions are my own.

*Please consult with your physician or health care practitioner prior to adding any supplements to your diet. 

If you are like me, you probably have not heard about yacón syrup yet.  I just recently found out about this interesting supplement that is very popular in South America.  It has been increasing in popularity in the United States and in Europe for a few really good reasons. The syrup is natural and comes from the roots of the yacón plant.  I was surprised to hear the yacon plant is indigenous to the Andes and was actually eaten by the Incas for thousands of years.  Yacón is a popular food in Peru.  It has a high level of nutrition, and many people swear by its healing abilities. 

Yacón syrup is sweet and tastes good.  It contains an indigestible polysaccharide also known as FOS (a form of fructose called fructooligosaccharides) that makes yacón act as a prebiotic.  If you aren't aware, pre-biotics promote the growth of good digestive tract bacteria.  Studies have shown that having the right digestive tract bacteria balance can help promote weight loss.  

The 10 Key Benefits of Yacón

1. Potential for weight loss
2. Can reduce waist size 
3. Ultra-low in calories
4. Functions as a pre-biotic which can improve the health of digestive tract
5. Prebiotic effect can boost immunity
6. Strong digestive tract health can be associated with weight loss
7. Studies indicate that it does not cause blood sugar changes
8. Amazingly sweet and tastes yummy
9. Can easily be used to replace sugar in cooking
10. Clinical study shows efficacy

Yacón can be used as a sweetener.  Think about it:  you can sub it into almost any recipe that calls for sugar.  The great part about this is that you can fulfill that desire for something sweet without going overboard.  I am a super healthy eater and you know I spend a lot of time working out and have for years but I still love my sweets. It is always a challenge. I don't like using those chemical fake sweeteners either.  Yacon syrup lets you have your cake (a small portion, c'mon!) and eat it too....and still lose weight.  It tastes like a light version of molasses.  I love molasses so I think yum!! Even the venerable Dr. Oz was impressed with the 2009 study that showed that yacón consumption leads to weight loss and a decrease in waist size.

I was interested to read the 2009 clinical trial completed with the Yacon Syrup.  It was a small group of patients but the results were compelling. Dr. Oz had real reasons to be excited.  There was significant weight loss among the women in the yacon syrup group versus the placebo group. The study was double blinded as well which means that no one (including the doctors or patients) knew who was receiving placebo versus yacon syrup.

 

Are you thinking about trying to incorporate Yacon syrup into your diet after reading more about it?  Are you looking for a brand that is made in the U.S.A.?  Quality Encapsulations has a 100% U.S.A. made Yacon syrup that you can purchase on Amazon. As you know, Amazon is one of my favorite places to shop.  I have tried the Yacon syrup and I have to say it tastes good. I have used it in my coffee and also tried it as a dip for sliced apples.  

Quality Encapsulations has some additional yacon syrup recipes on their website and they even have a recipe contest currently available with a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate for the winning recipe. So....get cooking and baking and be creative!

I will keep you updated on the weight loss element for the Yacon syrup....I think it is only fair to be using it for 30-60 days to see the results. I just got it this week so I can say I feel good, it tastes great and I will continue to use it.

You can follow them on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest updates too.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Leather Charm Bracelet Spring 2014 Must Have Accessory Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  I received a leather charm bracelet for review purposes.  As always, my opinions are my own.

I recently received the most adorable leather charm bracelet from Penny Auctions Canada.  What a beautiful idea for a Valentine's Day gift or anytime present to someone special.  Leather charm bracelets just like this are the hot gift of the season all year long. 
There are tons of styles to choose from.  They have bracelets with multiple strands adorned by silver alloy charms too. I love how they are fastened together by two steel clamps which looks super modern.  Each bracelet includes a lobster claw clasp and back chain, making it fully adjustable to fit almost any wrist size.  Think about how these modern and stylish bracelets can totally transform your Spring and Summer 2014 wardrobe without breaking the bank. Ton of styles to choose from too!

Penny Auctions Cancada sent me this adorable aqua blue and white love knot and anchor bracelet (below) that I just adore. I have been wearing it all week and it has stayed on very securely.  My tween has been pining for it but I claimed it for my own first.  Maybe I will have to buy her one and my nieces too--this is so perfectly trendy they will think I am the most Fashion Mama and Aunt--as usual!

 

The leather charm bracelets are crafted from a variety of materials including leather, alloy, wax linen cord and suede.  All the elements come together to create a colorful and modern look that is perfect for this year's fashions. Choose the looks you like and buy several to mix and match for your own personal look.  They are priced very reasonably too, $12-16.00 depending on the style and adornments.  There is even a buy-it-now option for the auctions on their site.

You have to take a peek at Penny Auctions Canada Daily Deal auctions where you can find products you love at amazing prices. Everything from beautiful jewelry, fashions and home products. Almost total steals you have to see them to believe them! Use the special promo code Tomoson25 at checkout and you will receive 25 FREE bids with a 25 bid pack purchase. You also receive 5 free bids (no purchase necessary) when you first sign up. A sweet deal for Valentine's Day.

You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 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.