Harlem GlobeTrotters Exclusive Summer Camps

Now everything awesome - kids, basketball, teamwork, and having fun – comes together at destination awesome: Harlem Globetrotter Summer Skills Clinics, the ONLY clinics coached by stars of The Harlem Globetrotters!

Everyone loves The Globetrotters, the stars who always put smiles on kids’ faces. At Globetrotter Summer Skills Clinics, our stars coach kids in limited size groups and bring laughs, encouragement and high fives for everyone! Globetrotters direct, motivate, inspire AND entertain, keeping it inclusive and fun for ALL boys and girls, aged 6-12, of ALL skill and experience levels. Each session is $59 and includes a free ticket voucher to see the Globetrotters live in 2014!  But you can save $10 with promo code USFAMILY! Code is valid through 5/31.

Each child will receive: 

• A free ticket voucher (valued up to $40) to see the Globetrotters during their 2014 World Tour
• Autographs and photos with the stars!
• Official Globetrotter certificate of completion with a personalized Globetrotter nickname

Clinic Locations: http://globi.es/GlobetrotterClinicsUSFAMILY

 (These are just the clinics - the games for your tickets are in 200 cities)

Save $10 on registration! Enter the Coupon Code USFAMILY on the cart page after completing your registration  http://globi.es/GlobetrotterClinicsUSFAMILY

Read More

What's worse than a Nigerian Scam

What's worse than a Nigerian Scam? An American Scam

Everyone gets those annoying emails, telling you about a long-lost relative in Nigeria or Timbuktu. The relative, whom you never heard of, has left you millions of dollars. Of course, they need your bank account information to transfer the money. Some suckers (people) do fall for these scams. I seen cases on the news and court shows. There was one case, where the woman received a fake check in the mail to cash into her bank account. She then, would keep part of the cash and transfer it back to whoever she got it from. She didn't have a bank account and used her friend's account to cash the check. The friend thought the check was legit but got hit multiple times by the scam. He sued her and won.

Today, I get a text from a dude, I long forgot about. He said he missed me (yet, did not choose to call me or text me on a regular basis).

The conversation went like this:
Dude: Hello Baby, How are you doing?
Me: Im fine. Who is this?
Dude: This is so and so from that website...forgotten so soon
Me: between kids therapies and blogging, probably
Dude: oh ok babe
Me: so How are you
Dude:Im good. miss you huhn
Me: that's sweet. what's on your mind? (this means I want to know what's on your mind. What are you thinking? Except sex of course or asking me for money).
Dude: On my mind? (Are you clueless? I did ask of course. Did you forget what your last text said?)
Dude: I like wanting to be home so I can kiss you (Kiss me? Don't we need to meet first? Don't even know what you look like?)
Me: No, not that
Dude: talk to me babe (at this time, I was texting my youngest son's therapist. she sent me a referral for a neurologist. i called and got kalen an appt in August).
Me: What do you want to talk about?
Dude: Our boy needs your help babe (Our boy? I don't know you. We don't have mutual friends. My BS meter goes up, way up)
Me: With What? (curiosity sinks in. )
Dude: he'll be needing some money and can't get that across to them from here to the states. Can you do this for us
Me: NO
Dude:why?
Me: A) I am broke. B) Not sending money to anyone I don't know.
Dude: Which one of the two do you want me to take? (Ok, I guess he thought He could choose A or B. In my mind, I thought he wanted one of my kids at first, I was ready to pounce on this man, I have not met).
Me: Sorry but the answer is both
Dude: This is a personal issue between a father and son. he just want to pay for his project fee and I can't do anything. Is this too much to ask?
Me: well the best I can do is pray for him
Dude: you didn't even care to ask how much he will be needing (Let's see Paypal balance 0, other debit card 0, other debit card (0). How would he like 0.00? Still would not send to someone I really don't know. Don't know him. Don't know the friend. Not sending money overseas. Do I have close friends online? Yes. Have I ever sent money or gifts to an online friend before? Yes. Did I send it overseas? No. Did I feel pressured to send the money? No.
Me. Don't matter. I don't have it. I have a limited income with two special needs kids. and the oldest is almost out of diapers.
Dude: thanks... (Last text and now I am blocking)

Wow. I know everyone is on hard times. I don't mind helping if I got it, but this was a little bit too far. A)I don't know this dude that well online or in person. B) I don't know his friend or his friend's son. C) I don't send money overseas, unless it's my sister. She in Paris or near it for the summer. D) I don't like being pressured after I say no. If this makes me careless and uncompassionate, I guess so. If you want to help your friend, don't text random people to ask for help. That will off-center, (if that's the right word) people. Sell your stuff. Work a little overtime. Sell some sex (not endorsing this, but.....). Edit some papers. Put an ad on CL offering to do housework or babysitting.

I do support Autism Speaks, Breast Cancer, the people that sends the Big Red Box, Easter Seals, and people, who I am personally moved to help. I have done things for people, which no one knows about, because I don't need to brag or uplift myself. Sometimes What  I do, don't need an audience. I don't even always need a thank you. A friend needed something. I had the resources to send it to them. I sent it. The end.

Read More

Kroger Indulge without the guilt Bzz Agent Campaign

I received a coupon for free yogurt smoothie bars, in exchange for review from BzzAgent. I bought the  triple berry yogurt bars. The smoothie bars also comes in strawberry banana. The products are low-fat and sugar free. I went to Krogers a week or two ago. I had to pick up a few other things for review as well. The yogurt bars did not make it past 24 hours. The whole family enjoyed them, especially my nephew (vegetarian and allergic to gluten), great-niece, niece, youngest son, and myself. In fact, there was a fight over the last yogurt bar. I got the last one and shared it with Kalen and Riah (son and great niece). When it was over, I took the stick and wrappings to the trash. I got followed big time by two big babies, wanting more. Yeah not a good look for me. One was crawling and trying to hold my leg, and the other was fast walking behind me. I had to give them another popsicle (another brand) from the freezer to calm the youngins down. I definitely will buy again, when I go to Krogers again.

Read More

BedHead Review by BzzAgent

I reviewed Bedhead by Tigi, in exchange for review from BzzAgent. Since, I do not have hair, I tried the product on the rest of the family, which lives here. I received the straighten out, recharge, and elasticate. Recharge is the conditioner. Elasticate is the shampoo. Straighten out is a cream, you rub in, and blow dry. I tried the product on my youngest son (got a head full of curls), my great niece (hair needs straightening out), and my niece (hair needs major work). I liked the product. My son's and niece's hair was straight for a few days, same with the niece.

Read More

ABC Mouse Giveaway 5/30 to 6/13

Perfect Chaos is helping The Simply Me Blog promote their ABC Mouse Giveaway. I am a former subscriber of ABC Mouse. It was the best money I spent for the time had. For those, who don't know, my oldest son is autistic and adhd. I love any educational program, which helps him learn and also keeps him still. Some of his favorite programs are Starfall, Zac Browser, and ABC Mouse. I kept the subscription for as long as I could, but my oldest son stopped playing it as much. I may re-subscribe for the summer to try to prevent any regression. The website is great. You can set your child up, by level. Brad was on the lowest level because he needs to learn his ABCs and 123s. Your children also earn coins or points to spend on their animals tanks and other things. 

Welcome to the ABCmouse.com review and giveaway being hosted by The Simply Me Blog. 

ABCmouse.com is a full online curriculum.  ABCMouse.com is a subscription based educational website for kids ages 2 to 6.   With over 450 lessons and over 3000 individual learning activities ABCmouse gives children  the foundation necessary to achieve academic success.   

There is 6 levels each designed to target different age groups.

You start your child on whichever level you think is best for them if you find your child is ahead or behind that particular level that is okay because you can change it at anytime.

The lessons cover reading, math, science, art and colors and Music.

As a parent I love the fact my kids are learning, but are having fun at the same time.  My son thinks ABCmouse is the new greatest game!  He begs to "play" he is having fun learning and as a mom that makes me proud.  

The lessons are short and easy my 5 year old son has an attention span of 2 minutes and becomes easily bored so it made all the difference that the lessons were short and always changing.  One minute he was coloring, the next singing a song, doing a puzzle and so much more.  It was always changing and keeping him engaged.  

Plus he is rewarded for learning, at the end lesson he gets to pick a prize.   My son loves this whenever he is getting close I can hear the excitement in his voice when he tells me how many more lessons until he can earn another reward.

With each activity he completes he earns tickets and points that he can spend at the pretend online store. 

My 5 year old adores ABCmouse and has been bragging about his achievements to everyone.  With each account you can add 3 children so I was able to create an account for my son Quinn who is only 2.  I thought for sure he wouldn't get much out of it, I was so surprised to see him smiling and clapping along to the songs.  The youngest level was really targeted to his age group.  I don't think he will be reading anytime soon, but I happy to know that he is starting a strong foundation to eventually achieve that.  It is never to early to start learning!

ABCmouse.com was developed by childhood experts that understand kids they understands how to teach them without overwhelming them.  My boys honestly view ABCmouse as a game which is why I think they our learning so easily, because for them its fun its not work.

My oldest will start kindergarten this year its nice to have the peace of mind knowing he will be ready!

If you would like to learn more please see my link below:

http://www.abcmouse.com/

And now onto the giveaway!

1 Person has the chance to win a 1 year membership to ABCmouse.com a $79 value!!

You must be 18+ to win and live in the USA 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given this product for the purpose of review.  Regardless all opinions are my own.

Read More

The Face of the Earth Book Review and Facebook Party

I read the Face of the Earth, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book was written by Deborah Raney.

My review:

The book starts off with Mitchell heading home from work (principal at at a school). His wife, Jill, supposed to be on her way home from a professional conference. The voicemail said she be home around 5, but she never showed up. This was supposed to be their staycation weekend. Their daughter just left for college. Jill is missing and no one knows where to find her. Was it an accident? death? ran away from home? You also have Shelley, the next-door neighbor, who has feelings for Mitchell. Shelley helps with the search of her best friend. Jill also had recently been in contact with an ex on facebook.

The book was excellent. gripping, intense. The first day, i opened the book, I read more than 60 pages on Adobe Reader Editions.

About the Book:
When Mitchell Brannon's beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill's car isn't inthe garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours' drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. "Hey, babe, I'm just now checking out of the hotel, but I'll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you."

Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.

But at eight o'clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn't shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven't heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch's irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they've found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid's possession.

Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill's best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill's disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley's friendship grows ever closer--and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill's whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

About the author:

Deborah Raney is theaward-winning author ofseveral novels, including "A Nest of Sparrows" and theRITA award winning "Beneath a Southern Sky" and its sequel, "After theRains". Deborah's first novel, "A Vow to Cherish", was theinspiration for World Wide Pictures' highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb's novella, "Playing by Heart", was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, "Yesterday's Embers", appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayalof family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writers' conferences aroundthe country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas.

Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}

 One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the "The Face of the Earth" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

Read More

Geekatoo Review Computer Repair Tech Help

I reviewed Geekatoo, in exchange for review from Sverve. Geekatoo is similar to Geek Squad. The website is free for sign-up. The website finds local geeks and matches them with individuals, who need computer help. You can sign up as a geek or a client. Geekatoo provides services such as computer repair, networking, virus removal, home theater installation, web design, photo, video, etc.

About Geekatoo:

The company was founded because Geek Squad charges $300 for in-home visits. With Geekatoo, you do not have go to the repair shop and hand over your pc or laptop for a week or more. The geeks work at highly affordable prices. The company has 3000 providers across the United States. With the website, you can sign up as a geek or a client. The company is 75% cheaper than Geek Squad.

Jeff Atwood, a co-founder of Stack Exchange (a company in the Silicon Valley) posted a review of how Geekatoo helped his mom.

I also posted two jobs to see the response time and pricing quotes. My laptop is currently down. It will not charge. I need it fixed. All my geeks, live in Georgia and California.  I went to GeekSquad. I was told to bring it into the store for diagnosis. I did not receive a price. I also posted an ad on Skill Pages. I got two people to respond, but no prices and still no closer to a diagnosis. I posted an bid on Geekatoo as well. I got one response from Corey.

The process is simple. You make a new request. Then, you provide a brief summary of the issues, you have, plus any additional details. You also choose a category:

1. Windows
2. Apple
3. Internet/Network
4. Teach me
5. Web and graphics
6. Photo and camcorder
7. Tv and home theater
8. Workplace
9. Gaming
10. Printers, Fax, and Copy
11. Other

The more information you provide, the better the geeks can help you. Next, you provide follow-up information: 

Finally, you confirm the problem. Each bid lasts four days. Once the bid is closed, you can renew for three more days. Next, wait for the geeks to contact you. They will ask for more information (follow-ups) and then quote you a price.

You can accept or not accept the bid. The bids also come with a deadline. Once the deadline approaches, your bid is closed.

Geekatoo also has a buyer's guide for pcs and laptops; internet, networking, and router; monitors, displays, and video cards; printers, fax, and copy; laptop and desktop memory. The guides are very helpful, even to the technical challenged like myself. Each guide also has a link to Amazon for purchasing parts, if you choose. You also can earn credits for referrals to the site.

Read More

iPad mini giveaway

Perfect Chaos is helping promote the iPad mini giveaway, organized by GoPromoCodes.com and With a side of thriftiness. The giveaway is hosted by Work Money Fun and Susie QT Pies Cafe. The information for the giveaway is provided below. Perfect Chaos is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

 Welcome to the iPad Mini Giveaway!

Organized by GoPromoCodes.com and With a Side of Thriftiness.

Hosted by Work Money Fun & Susie QT Pies Cafe.

The iPad Mini is the newest addition to Apple’s iPad family with all of the features of the iPad but at a smaller and more convenient size. With a 7.9-inch display, fast and fluid performance, FaceTime and iSight cameras, thousands of available apps, and a 10-hour battery life, the iPad Mini has quickly become one of the most popular tablets on the market.

The smaller version of Apple’s tablet is great for students, commuters, travelers, busy parents and anyone who is constantly on the go. With its lightweight design, the iPad Mini can easily be slipped into any laptop bag, backpack, or purse, so you’re connected wherever you are.

BuyVia is excited to sponsor this giveaway and partner with our friends at GoPromoCodes. The BuyVia app and website store your shopping searches and preferences in the Cloud and deliver the best online/local buys to all your devices. With BuyVia’s app you can hand select a mix of products you would like to see deals on, and select where you regularly shop. BuyVia keeps these preferences securely in the cloud and delivers the most relevant and personalized deals available to ensure you’re always getting the high quality products you want, at the best price, both online and in store. All of your shopping preferences and history will be automatically populated across all of your devices (tablet, smartphone, or computer) so the information is available to you wherever you are.


BuyVia is awarding a free iPad Mini to one lucky reader! Just enter the contest below. This giveaway is available to all residents of the US and Canada, age 18 and over. It will begin at 1:00 am PST on May 27, 2013 and will end on June 18, 2013 at 11:59 PST. The winner will be picked at random from all of the entries using the Giveaway Tools application below.


Entry-Form



Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Perfect Chaos is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact the organizer of this giveaway with questions or to have your business or blog featured in the next big giveaway event.

Read More

House on Plunkett Street

I read the House on Plunkett Street by Lorena Bathey, in exchange for review from Tomoson. I received a paperback copy.  The book was published by Lorena B Books. The book is 3.99 on kindle, free to borrow with Prime, and 8.99 on paperback.

The book is about Phoebe Bertham. She is boring and goes unnoticed. She grew up with a house full of men, in a town where women worked in the home. Her mother catered to the men in the family. Her mother was also an alcoholic, staying mostly in the background, which affected Phoebe.

Phoebe wanted more for her life. She did not want to be a wife and mother. She also wanted to work. She graduated high school and graduated college. Phoebe also wanted to move to California, where she got a boring job with a boring boyfriend She was mediocrity. Wanting more, but not doing anything about it.

Then, some changes came her way. Her apartments decided to change into condos with raised rents. A friend at work, had a cousin, who lived in a rent-controlled apartment and Phoebe was interested. The apartment was older, with lots of character, in addition to Ghosts.. Reminded me of the Disney movie with Eddie Murphy. That house with all the character and the ghosts. Ornate furnishings and carpets.  Phoebe felt people dancing and singing as soon as she entered the lobby. The landlord, Mr. Jameson, is open, inviting, and does not judge people's lifestyles, but their character. Phoebe eventually meets three female Ghosts, in what she thought was a dream.

The book was very descriptive. I chose this book because I had read another Lorena Bathey book recently for review: (The X). The X was an excellent read. Better than what I thought, so I was expecting the same or better for the House on Plunkett Street. One major problem I had was some of the printing was faded throughout the book. There was one line at the beginning of the book (page 8) and a huge chunk of faded ink on page 18 and 28. Other than that, the book was an excellent read.

Author social media:
Website: http://www.LorenaBBooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lorenabbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorena-B-Books/138014032926011?ref=hl

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.

Read More

I gave you my name (and that is enough)

I was watching some show on BET late last nite. I don't know the name of the show, but it had Jackee Harry, RonReaco Lee, and some characters named Kita and Stacey. I am not a fan of BET but the show seemed interesting. Anyway, some male character was upset his father was bonding more with another male character. Male 2 also got a crown royal bag, which meant the person had significance to the father. Male 1 was jealous ( I guess) and wondered why his father didn't tell him the stories told to Male 2. The father said the stories were lies. Male 1 also asked about why he never received crown royal bag. The father said he gave Male 1 something more important--his name.

Is having your father's last name enough?

If you have his name, does that mean he does not have to do anything else, like bonding and spending time with you?

My mother's ex is the same way. Willie Charles is a pain in my side. Unfortunately, his current wife put him out (for good reasons) and he came to live with his ex wife, their kids, and grandkids--hence becoming a bigger pain in my side. We got into an argument last nite because I think he needed attention. My kids have in-home therapies 2 to 4 days per week. Brad has in-home speech twice per week. Kalen has Early childhood intervention (twice a month now, going to four times a month starting in June) and physical therapy (twice a month). He also will get occupational therapy later on this year.

I went downstairs to clean up the kitchen area, in addition to prepping and cooking some food in the crock pot. This was after 9pm at night. I also hoped to work in peace, since the kitchen was horrific. As soon as I started washing dishes and cleaning counters, here this pest comes. This man wants to fuss because Brad jr. drunk up most of his coke. Keep in mind, WC, my son, nephew, sister, etc been drinking this two gallon coke for most of the night. I don't buy Brad caffeine products because being more hyper on top of ADHD is not fun for me :-). WC tells me I need to discipline my son more for drinking his coke. I assume he also been drinking because a big bottle of brandy was empty. I, in good nature, cussed his ass out. Probably not the best thing to do, but I was trying to get a head start on cleaning and cooking, and not trying to fuss over dollar or two dollar soda. Anyway, got that out the way, so back to the power of the name.

Willie Charles feels that since Stacie, Rachel, and Nikala has his last name, that gives him power and control. That gives him a lineage. That gives him the right to discipline all the kids, grands, and great-grands without parental permission. That gives him the right to be a bigger pain in my side. Oh yeah, he said I am out of his will (I don't want anyone's money or anything else, if I have to put him with drama and BS). Oh, Im not allowed to ask him for money (ummmm, I don't. Stay-at-home parents--we do have a source of income, sometimes multiple sources of income). Besides, he too broke and drink too much to even contemplate a will.

I, on the other hand, don't feel that way. A last name is nothing more than a last name. My mother was not married to my father when she had me and Rachel. She could have easily given us Amerson and Willie C will still be the biological father. My kids have the same father, but they have two different last names. Brad L. Colquitt Jr. and Kalen Wyatt. Why you ask? I was married to their father when Brad was born. Brad Sr was there for the birth and all that good stuff.  When I got pregnant with Kalen, we had separated, but still continued to have bad sex with each other. He denied Kalen, so Kalen has my last name (I never changed it to Colquitt). Good father to one child. Not a father to the other child.

I feel men (and women) need to do more than give a last name. How about instilling the Love of God? Taking kids to church. How about spending quality time with the kids? Bonding? Getting to know them? How about not hitting or beating the wife, girlfriend, or kids? or assuming a whipping will solve each and every discipline issue (which does not work with special needs kids, by the way). How about love, maybe a little like, and some respect? or not provoking a 33, year old, Black woman, who is slightly off, who will cuss you out, who has a violent side, and has to deal with all sorts of frustrations daily, to anger for stupid, stupid, dumb, reasons, especially while she has a bucket of scented bleach near by?

What I have learned as a child (and as a parent) is that kids see what you do. They learn from what you do and don't do, despite a last name. If you are a good parent, the kids will notice. If you are a ok parents, the kids will notice. If you are a bad parent, the kids will notice. They notice how you treat their other parent. They notice how you treat them. They notice the things you do (like smoking, drinking, staying out all night, not attending events). The attitudes and behaviors towards that parent will also continue into adulthood. Some men, like WC, will claim that the other parent has turned you against them, but it is not always the case. The kids saw.

Read More

PediProtexx Giveaway

Enter to win a pair of Pedi-Protexx. Pedi-protexx keeps your toes from smudging when drying. I provided the link to my review below plus the entry form. Perfect Chaos is not responsible for shipping. I will enter the winner's information into Tomoson, once the contest is over. Contest starts today and ends on June 1, 2013. 

My Review:
Entry-Form

Read More

Woolzies Giveaway

Perfect Chaos is helping promote the Woolzies Dryer balls promotion and giveaway. Information is provided below

I think it is safe to say almost everyone wears clothes. Most people in the world rely upon the modern convenience of using a washer and dryer to keep their clothes clean, in good condition and smelling lovely. Without giving it much, if any, thought, most people add fabric softener to the laundry to be washed, and many toss a dryer sheet in the dryer as they add their clean clothes.

Did you know dryer sheets are actually bad for your family and the environment? Many dryer sheets are packed with known carcinogenics such as benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, chloroform and linalool. Not only are dryer sheets made with toxic chemicals that are bad news for you, but they are also bad for your clothes and your dryer. The waxy component of the dryer sheet can build up on your lint screen and make your dryer less effective over time.

A few ladies in the Sublime Media Connection had the pleasure of trying a great all natural product called Woolzies Dryer Balls, which are a great alternative to dryer sheets. They are guaranteed to last for 1000 loads of laundry, they are made with Wool, they soften fabrics reducing the need for fabric softener, and they reduce static. Sounds pretty great right? This makes them even better... they reduce the time it takes to dry your clothes in a dryer by about 25%!!!

You won't want to miss the reviews from the ladies of the Sublime Media Connection! Click on the links to the reviewing blogs to find out what the lovely ladies thought of this unique product.

Sweet Silly Sara

Saving For My Family

My Unentitled Life

Giveaways for Moms

Woman of Many Roles

Connect with Woolzies to learn more:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

If you feel lucky enter to win a set of Woolzies in this giveaway with 3 winners! This giveaway begins on 5/24 and ends on 6/7.

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with facebook, I hereby release facebook from any possible liabilities. The sponsor is responsible for the delivery of this prize.





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

Challenge to write

5/19- What is your favorite activity to do with your family? And why?

I have no idea. I like to go to church with my kids. I also like to cook with Brad. We also enjoyed going to Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio in December. I am definitely making a trip back there, but getting a hotel room. I didn't like getting back that late. Plus it will give Brad time to sleep and calm down. The trip was reasonable. About 60 dollars for MegaBus (extra because I had to change one of the dates and times), $15 dollars for the park (myself only. kids are free). 8 to 10 dollars for public transportation to and from the park. plus about 10 dollars on food in the park. We could bring food in as well but there was not any grocery stores near the park.

5/20- Do you have siblings? If so, what do you think are there best qualities?

I have two sisters. I am the oldest. Rachel is the middle sister. Nikala (Courtney) is the youngest. Rachel is a good hacker into stuff. She can hack into her boyfriend's phone. Just going through the phone is not good enough--she hooks the phone up the pc and gets additional information. She also can drink with the best of them. When she dropped out of school, she immediately went for her GED.  Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that's all i got for now lol.

Nikala is a good student and good worker. She developed a home school co-op with other parents, where each parent teaches to their strengths. She has her own place and car. She has traveled the world--Africa last year and currently she is in Paris. She wants to go to The Dominican Republic and Haiti in the fall. So, far I have been to Cancun and the Bahamas. I prefer to travel on this hemisphere right now and she is traveling on the other hemisphere. 

5/21- Where would you like to be in 10 years from now?

Older, wiser, with a steady job. my own place. finally divorced from the kids father. maybe in a stable relationship. Brad will be 22 and Kalen will be 12. Hopefully, they will have all the services they need to improve independence. 

5/22- What is your favorite quote and why?

I don't have one

5/23- If you could have any job in the world, which job would you want? Writer (and I already have it)

5/24- What has been the hardest part about blogging daily?

Blogging Daily. I have not blogged daily. remembering to write. wanting to write when i am not motivated to do so. 

Read More

Understanding, managing, and overcoming anxiety

I read Understanding, managing, and overcoming anxiety, in exchange from review from Empowerment Nation. I read the book, while baby was in my lap, kicking me, while I was sitting in my bed, surrounded by things I needed to organize and toss. Brad lays on the floor, watching Disney, letting his medications slowly creep in.

Second, The book discusses anxiety and anxiety disorders. There is nothing wrong with being anxious, but chronic anxiety is an issue. Next, the book discusses three types of anxiety disorders (generalized, panic, and phobias). Third, the book provides quizzes to assess anxiety levels, with the interpretation of results, immediately following the quiz.

1. The first quiz on generalized anxiety disorder, I scored high on severe anxiety.
2. The next quiz is the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety scale, which said I  had mild to moderate anxiety
3. On the social phobia quiz, the book provided a quiz but did not provide points for each option. I could not take the quiz. The interpretation is provided, but still needs points.

Third, The book also discusses the causes, purposes, and effects of anxiety. Anxiety can be hereditary or genetic or evolved over time. Anxiety is also a normal reaction to stress (so maybe I have normal anxiety levels but that's just rationalization and justification :-). Anxiety also can be caused by self-esteem or self-worth. 

Next, the book discusses how the mind responds to anxiety. When we are anxious, the brain has to compensate for our craziness by adjusting blood flow and hormone levels. If we look to Maslow, people need safety and security, before belonging, love, affection, and self-actualization. If we are anxious, then nothing else matters but removing the source of the fear. Sometimes, we get trapped in the fear (and I have experience with that very well). 

Yet, we do not have to remain anxious and fearful. The book recommends tactics such as yoga, meditation, sleep, structure, and exercise. We also need to find time to get away from the children, the job, and focus on self. If we are insane, we affect our environment. I am no good to the kids if I go crazier. We also can turn negative energy into positive energy. The first step is to identify why we are anxious. If we do not know the root causes, then how can we resolve the problem? Other methods to eliminate anxiety include: seeking out professional help (psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, family therapy, psychoanalysis, for example). The book also discusses how to choose the right therapist with the right approach. 

Fifth, the book discusses famous people, who have experienced anxiety. The list includes Abraham Lincoln, Cher, and Johnny Depp. Next, the book provides tips for mediation and reducing anxiety. The methods are simple such as doing breathing exercises and using visualization. 

As I finish the review, boy 1 is knocked out sleep on the floor, while boy 2 is crying because he wants out of his crib. He is getting sleepy, then I can focus on cleaning up a little more of my mess on the bed. 

Read More

The Offering by Angela Hunt

I read The Offering  by Angela Hunt, in exchange from Litfuse. The book is published by Howard Books.


My Review:
I chose this book because I liked the description. Mandy Lisandra is a wife to Gideon and a mother to Marilee. Mandy works part-time at a Cuban grocery store for Mama Isa (father-in-law's sister) and her father-in-law. The family has bills to pay, especially for private school for Marilee. She is also worried about her husband, getting deployed at anytime, not to mention getting hurt or killed. Mandy wanted to earn money as a surrogate for a childless couple. Mandy got the idea from a customer, who visited the grocery. The customer was a military wife, who learned military wives make good surrogates or gestational carriers. (I think surrogacy is a good idea to help out infertile couples. I am also thinking of selling my eggs to help out others.) At first, Her husband and family thinks she is nuts for wanting to carry another couple's baby, but her husband thinks it's a good idea later.

Her husband, who is in the military dies, while she is pregnant. She gives up the child, but wonders later, if she gave away her own biological child, versus the surrogate's child. A question arises: if the baby is hers, will she take the baby from the only family the baby knows?

The family Mandy chose was from France. Simone and Damien Amblour want to have a child, to inherit the family's winery. Damien's other kids do not want to take over. Simone and Damien have used gestational carriers before, but each resulted in early miscarriage (that was hard for me to read. I had two miscarriages). I almost really lost it when Mandy was spotting, shortly after getting pregnant.

The book was a good read. I liked the scenes. Very descriptive. Easy to get lost in. I love the family dynamics between Gideon, Mandy, and Marilee. I also love the dynamics between Mandy and her in-laws, and the customers at the store. Like the nudist, who frequents the store.  There is also a river reference, which is not explained until a few chapters later. I got confused at first because I had no idea what it meant. The river reference is another way for saying goodbye. I also like how the book is Christian-based. God is mentioned multiple times throughout the book. The book is very good. I read over 100 pages immediately.

About the book: copied from Litfuse
After growing up as an only child, Amanda Lisandra wants a big family. But since she and her soldier husband can't afford to have more children right away, Mandy decides to earn money as a gestational carrier for a childless couple. She loves being pregnant, and while carrying the child she dreams of having her own son and maybe another daughter. Just when the nearly perfect pregnancy is about to conclude, unexpected tragedy enters Mandy's world and leaves her reeling. Devastated by grief, she surrenders the child she was carrying and struggles to regain her emotional equilibrium.

Two years later she studies a photograph of the baby she bore and wonders if the unthinkable has happened---could she have inadvertently given away her own biological child? Over the next few months Mandy struggles to decide between the desires of her grief-stricken heart and what's best for the little boy she has never known.

About the author:copied from Litfuse

With over four million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the bestselling author of more than one hundred books, including "TheNativity Story". Hunt is one ofthe most sought-after collaborators in the publishing industry. Her nonfiction book "Don't Bet Against Me", written with Deanna Favre, spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Angela's novel "The Note" (with sales of over 141,000) was filmed as the Hallmark Channel's Christmas movie for 2007 and proved to bethe highest rated television movie in the channel's history. Angela's novels have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including theRITA, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the Holt Medallion. She often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers' conferences, and she served as the keynote speaker at the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers' national conference. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs. In 2001, one of her dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest dog in America.Facebook Fan Page:
Website:
















Angela Hunt is celebrating the release of The Offering with a Nook HD Giveaway and an Author Chat Party on Facebook {6/5}.

One winner will receive:

• A Nook HD
  
• The Offering by Angela Hunt 
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 4th. Winner will be announced at the "The Offering" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 5th. Connect with Angela for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Angela will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Offering and join Angela on the evening of June 5th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

Read More

NiteOwl Giveaway Event

Welcome to the Night Owl Giveaway Event

Hosted by Budget Earth & A Spectacled Owl

Sponsored by Night Owl Paper Goods

Perfect Chaos is helping to promote this giveaway. The prize is a $25 dollar gift card to NightOwl's website. Night Owl makes eco-friendly, paper goods, such as stationary, which are made out of recycled materials. The information for the giveaway and rafflecopter is provided below

 Do you struggle to find the perfect stationary? How about fun and unique cards for just about any holiday? If so, we think you will love Night Owl Paper Goods. Unlike many other stationary and card shops online, they focus on making items that are not only adorable and unique, but eco-friendly as well. All of their items are made from recycled materials, allowing you to give something fun to your favorite someone without hurting the environment. They are the perfect way to say I love to parents, announce the birth of a new baby, or invite everyone to your wedding in memorable style.

While Night Owl Paper Goods makes amazing gifts, they are also a great way to spoil yourself. They sell some of the most adorable notebooks, recipe cards, and other items online, allowing you to spoil yourself with amazing products that are unlike anything else your friends own. To learn more about Night Owl Paper Good, make sure to check out Susan's Night Owl Paper Good's review on Budgetearth.com.

Now, for the fun part! We are working with Budget Earth & A Spectacled Owl to bring you this awesome Night Owl Paper Good's Giveaway! We are giving away $100 in gift cards, allowing 4 lucky readers the chance to have a mini shopping spree at Night Owl! To learn more, make sure to read the information below and then enter the Rafflecopter. Good luck everyone!

Night Owl Giveaway

• 4 Winner will receive One $25 Gift Card each to Night Owl Paper Goods
• Open to US & Canada.
• Winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter via Random.org.
• Giveaway ends June 12th at 11:59 pm EST.
• Winner will be notified through email.
• Winner will have 48 hours to respond before new winner is chosen.
• Must be 18 Years or Older to Enter Rafflecopter.
• Entering the Rafflecopter means you agree to terms above.
• If you have any questions, feel free to email budgetearth@gmail.com
• Good Luck!

Disclosure:Perfect Chaos  did not receive monetary compensation for this review and giveaway, and is not responsible for prize shipment. All opinions may differ from other blogs in this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and all social networks are in no way associated with this giveaway.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

Close ups and Close Encounters Book Review

I read Close ups and Close Encounters, in exchange for review from Celestial Book Promotions. The book was written by S.J. Brown. 

My review:

I chose this book because it was photography. I never reviewed a photography book before and thought it would be interesting to do so. The book displays pictures of animals, along with the story of how SJ captured the animals. The author first discussed how she got into photography after watching a tv special. Within a few days, SJ bought a camera and film, and started taking photographs of animals in the backyard. She learned how to work a camera and how to photograph an animal from different angles. One thing I loved was when the author wrote how she liked to get close up on the animals, to peer into their souls. 

I did love the picture of the butterfly and the fox hiding in the woods. I also loved the picture of the black bear.  The stories are descriptive, graphic, and makes you feel like you was there with SJ capturing the animals. This is a great book to incorporate into a science class or home school curriculum. 

Media Kit Information:

On a whim, S. J. Brown decided to embark on a career in wildlife photography. Armed with an inexpensive 35mm camera and a love for the natural world, her adventure began. Accompanied by her spotter and husband, she ventured to a variety of locations.

The couple soon learned that there was more to this than just camera settings, lighting, and getting the right angle. Not all wildlife is agreeable to having their picture taken, and many are not easily accessible.

Camera in hand, S. J. Brown encountered delicate butterflies, bears, birds, deer, wild horses, and more. Along the way, there are successes and failures, cooperative critters, curious subjects, and some close calls.

As a wildlife photographer S. J. Brown took her cues from her subjects. Their body language let her know when to step in for a closer shot and when to back away. When she was out in the field, she strove to observe and record not to interfere. The exception to this rule is when people pose a threat to wildlife; then she will take time to relocate a road dwelling critter to its location. Brown has saved snapper turtles from soup and other creatures from the taunts and teases of unwise humans, but she will not interfere with Mother Nature's food chain unless it involves a domestic animal pursuing a wild creature. With this in mind, she has sent many a cat away from a bird feeder and saved many a squirrel from a curious canine.

S. J. Brown's book Close Ups & Close Encounters features over fifty of her wildlife photographs as well as the stories behind getting those images. S. J. Brown's photographs and written words are her way of sharing her experiences. Introducing others, such as her granddaughter, to the field is one of her primary goals and loves. She hopes her work will give others an appreciation for the natural world.

Kindle Version is available on Amazon.com:Close Ups & Close Encounters: A View From Behind The Lens

The print version, also filled with beautiful full color photographs, is also available: Close Ups and Close Encounters: A View From Behind The Lens

Quick Links...

Acorn Book Services Website
Acorn Book Services Blog: Literary Wealth
S.J. Brown's Close Up & Close Encounters Book Launch
S.J. Brown Facebook Page
S.J. Brown Website

Read More

Jewelry Candle HTML

Perfect Chaos is helping Bargain Bandit Promote their Jewelry Candles giveaway. One person will win a birthday cake scented jewelry candle. Inside each candle is a hidden piece of jewelry valued from $10 to $7500 dollars. The candles are soy-based, which means they clean burn and is more safe for the environment. Information about the giveaway, plus the entry form is provided below

We've got a great giveaway going on! Bargain Bandit has teamed up with JewelryCandles.com and our great cohosts Army Wife & Mommy and Quick Tattletails to offer one lucky winner a Birthday Cake scented Jewelry Candle.

What makes it a Jewelry Candle, you ask? Inside every candle is a piece of jewelry, valued at between $10 and $7500. How cool is that? The idea was evolved from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, with all of those golden tickets. Except with the candles, you get a prize every time!

These candles are made of 100% soy, so they burn cleanly. Plus, soy wax doesn't use petroleum, so it's safer for the environment.





Above is a picture of the prize, though the jewelry inside will be random. You might get earrings, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet, or a pendant. So, ready to win this awesome prize? Enter on the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway ends June 10th at 11:59 PM EST. Open to Residents of the US only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winner have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note that Bargain Bandit and (YOUR BLOG NAME HERE) are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. I will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

Read More

Get back up. trusting God when Life knocks you down by Sheryl Giesbrecht

I read Get Back Up: Trusting God when life knocks you down by Sheryl Giesbrecht, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book is available in Kindle and Print Editions. This book is geared towards women primarily. I chose this book because I need to rely on God more during tough situations, instead of relying on myself. I don't trust a lot of people with my problems, issues, and concerns because I don't think they will keep it secret or they will use it against me. By the time, most people find out about something, I have already went through it and learning from it.

My review of the book:

I do like how the book gives chapter summaries before starting into the book. I am one of those folks, who sometimes starts a non-fiction book on a specific chapter before reading the rest. I want to know how a particular topic can apply to me right now. How do I resolve a specific problem I am dealing with now? Some of the topics included in the book are letting go of grudges; responding to God's invitation; finding your true identity; isolation, flexibility; dealing with death; and finding balance.

Some things I learned from reading the book:

• Casualties, mistakes, and accidents are apart of life. Each time something happens, you can learn from it. You also can know what not to do, if and when it occurs again. I had a miscarriage in 2005. I was hurt, isolated, and devastated. My body was rejecting the baby (fibroids, herpes outbreaks, and stress). I lost the baby four months later. I never wanted to experience that type of pain again. In 2009, once again, I am in the same situation, but I approached it a little differently. I still was in mental and physical pain, but I made some serious changes. I deleted phone numbers. I stopped having sex as much. Eventually, I became celibate a year later. I found out I was pregnant in 2010. I did not want another miscarriage, so I started eating healthier. I started cooking more foods. I also did not tell too many people to reduce stress. I also tied my tubes in 2011. I did not want more kids, but I also never wanted another miscarriage again. I fell, but got stronger as time went by. 
• When you fall down, get back up again. Whether it's addiction, depression, despair, destruction, etc. Learn from it and get back up. God will help us through the good and the bad. He is waiting for us to call on him and ask for his help. 
• Man is flawed. Man can not always help you through your problems, let alone fix your problems. We can not rely on man alone. We need to rely more on God. 
• Our sins (mine and yours) are not too much for God to handle. 

Sheryl also added personal experiences to her book. She talked about getting into trouble as a youth. She discussed her drug addiction.  She discussed getting rejected by a boy, she liked, at the school dance. She talked about falling deep, wanting God's help, but still wanted her own way as well (I been there lots of times.). 

Read More

Challenge to Write 5/17 AND 5/18

5/17- If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? And why?

Not sure. Someone, who likes to read. Someone, who was a loner. Someone, who can deal with quick weight gain and loss.   A good girl, who blossomed later in life, only to be let down by the roller coaster of life. Someone, who looks good with glasses and short hair. 


5/18- One thing in your life that you most regret and why?

My sexual past. Some of the things I did,  I wish  I did not do. Some people, I wish I left alone. Some experiences--left only in the pages of Zane or a street lit novel or a romance novel. 

Read More

Pastor's Wives By Lisa Takeuchi Cullen Book Review

I Read Pastors Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. I received a paperback copy of the book.

My Review:
I chose this book because I loved the description. I also loved the characters: Ruthie, Ginger, and Candace. 

Ruthie Matters is the newbie. Ruthie is married to Jerry and they live in New York. Ruthie is starting to question her marriage. Jerry had changed from the man, she married. Jerry was called by God to be a pastor during a dream.  A few months later, he responded to an ad, looking for an associate pastor in Atlanta.  She was still wary of her new position. She thought she was being watched. She felt that she had to be more moral. Ruthie is also grieving the death of her mother. 

Ginger is going through problems and married to Candace's son, Timothy. Timothy founded Faith Corps, which required a lot of mission work overseas. 

She was tired of Greenleaf and wanted freedom. She wanted to start over. Ginger wanted her husband home more. Ginger had two kids: Jordan and Talitha. She wanted a simple life, with a simple car, instead of a church-issued one. 

Candace is the first lady of the church (GreenLeaf) and has a lot of power. She was married to Aaron Green. Aaron also heard God's calling to preach at Greenleaf. The elders of the church found an old theater to found a church and prayed for a leader. Aaron woke up immediately from his sleep. After days of waking up at the same time, Aaron disappeared. He ran into a friend, who told him about Greenleaf needing a leader. 

Aaron also is part of an interfaith ministry, which was causing some concern and controversy. The church is successful and the couple has wealth.  Candace was popular, respected, and influential. People listen to her and do what she says, even if they secretly regret it. Candace has taken the role of first lady seriously. She even got the church to build a wellness center, which she helped raise the funds for. The children's wing has a planetary system with led lights as stars. Candace definitely wanted to modernize the church. She also convinced her husband to get a bodyguard. 

I loved the book: from the first page to the last. The book started with Ruthie's story, then moved into Candace's story. At the beginning of each chapter, under the chapter number, is the character. The stories flowed from one to the next. I definitely do recommend not reading more than one book at a time, when you read this one. I took a short break and had to start over. 

About the author:copied from media kit.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen was a longtime staff writer for TIME magazine. She now develops TV pilots for production companies and recently sold her first pilot for "The Ordained" to CBS. Born in Japan, Cullen lives in New Jersey with family.


About the Book:Copied from Litfuse

What's it like when the man you married is already married to God? asks Pastors' Wives, an often surprising yet always emotionally true first novel set in a world most of us know only from the outside. Lisa Takeuchi Cullen's debut novel Pastors'Wives follows three women whose lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. Ruthie follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called Greenleaf. Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a crisis of faith---in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf's "First Lady," a force of nature who'll stop at nothing to protect her church and her superstar husband. Ginger, married to Candace's son, struggles to play dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by Cullen's reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine,Pastors' Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors' wives, caught between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love.











Giveaway on the 23rd: 


Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is celebrating the release of her debut novel, Pastors' Wives, with an iPad Mini Giveaway and connecting with readers on Facebook on May 23rd!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Pastors' Wives" Author Chat Party on May 23rd. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Lisa will also be giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Pastors' Wives and join Lisa on the evening of May 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Read More