| Find out if your routine is really getting rid of excess dirt and oil |
 Everyone slacks on their skin care now and then but do you do it too often? Cleaning skin correctly is vital for a clear complexion. Find out if you need to step up your regimen. |
** ~~~~~~ CURRENT REVIEWS, DEALS, FREEBIES AND GIVEAWAYS ~~~~~~ **
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Epic Summer Family Adventure
Thinking about summer getaways?
If you're looking for a destination that offers adventures and activities to thrill each member of your family, think Epic Summer Family Adventure at the Vail Resorts in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. 
Epic Summer Family Adventure offers families the ultimate action-packed getaway with four or seven-day itineraries. Not only that they have all the planning and details taken cared of for you- they also match your family and friends up with a local guide who knows the area very well, drive you around and show you all of Colorado’s best places.
Each day, your family will have an exciting fun-packed day ahead, from scenic gondola rides at Keystone and Vail, whitewater rafting in the Rockies, horseback riding in Beaver Creek, hiking up cool mountain trails, adventure biking to attending a real cowboy campfire dinner under the stars. You can do it all.
With everything from meals to outdoor trips covered, all you have to do is show up with your sense of adventure and have the best time of your lives! Plus, you'll be surprised about their very affordable all-inclusive pricing.
So create lifelong memories with a fun-packed Epic Summer Family Adventure! Visit www.epicsummer.com for more details.
Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog and giveaway campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Epic Summer and Vail Resorts. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Family Fun Book at Making Life Better
Busy moms can find meal planning and preparations a huge challenge. We all want to provide our families wholesome, tasty and affordable meals, yet sometimes we run out of great ideas to keep dinner time enjoyable for everyone.
As a busy mom facing the same challenge, I'm glad to share about The Family Fun Book by Unilever/Making Life Better. Written by the author of the "Kitchen Coach" cookbook series, Jennifer Bushman, The Family Fun Book is filled with delicious recipes and affordable meal ideas perfect for the whole family to enjoy together.
Bushman recommends making meal time "family time" by bringing the kids into the kitchen to help prepare the meal. By keeping a well-stocked refrigerator, freezer, and pantry with versatile and easy-to-prepare ingredients, it's simple to get the whole family involved in the cooking process. In addition to kid-friendly recipes, Bushman suggests, add in a little fun with creative themes and recipes like these:
* Have an at-home dinner picnic. Spread a blanket out in the living room and prepare simple sandwiches or wraps, like a delicious Chicken & Basil Sandwich. Opt for Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise, which has the great taste but half the calories and fat of Hellmann's. Get the kids involved by letting them pick the sandwich fixins and spread the mayo!
* Save on cooking and clean-up time by choosing easy, delicious, one-pot dips and recipes. Use sweet potatoes or yams to prepare Spicy Oven Fries and pair with your favorite dipping sauce. To sneak in some nutrition and receive 20 percent of your daily value of Vitamin D, top with melted Shedd's Spread Country Crock Calcium Plus Vitamin D. With just three steps, this recipe is perfect for setting loose your child's inner chef.
* To make nights in even more enjoyable, pair meals with fun at-home entertainment. Spend less time in the kitchen by using Knorr Rice Sides to make an easy one-dish meal like Grilled Chicken & Veggies Over Rice, then create a show by letting your kids sing their favorite songs in your very own "kitchen cabaret."
* Host a camping-inspired sleepover for the kids and create a kitchen retreat with campfire meals. Use whole grain tortillas as a healthy and easy dipper for your favorite one-pot recipes like Super Easy Slow-Cooked Chili with Ragu Pasta Sauce, which packs a full serving of vegetables in every half-cup of sauce. Not to mention that a slow cooked meal leaves more time for "camping" activities!
* Use versatile ingredients from your well-stocked pantry. Wish-Bone Dressings can do double-duty as delicious salad dressings and simple, great tasting marinades for chicken, pork, beef and fish. Pair with soy sauce for a delicious Asian Grilled Steak. You may want to keep your children away from the grill, but they can help by preparing the steak ahead of time.
* Summer and iced tea go hand-in-hand to stay hydrated. Did you know those tea bags can also spice up your cooking? Use Lipton Teabags to create Tasty Tea Baked Apples – a delicious desert with an extra helping of antioxidants for just $1 per serving.
To download your own free copy of The Family Fun Book, CLICK HERE.
Making Life Better is also a great resource for information to help you “feel good, look good, and get more out of life,” which include recipes, make-up tips, and coupons for Unilever products.
*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Unilever/Making Life Better. Mom Central sent me a gift card and a copy of the Family Fun Book to thank me for taking the time to participate.
Wordless/Wordful Wednesday: At The Zoo
It's always a great time taking my boys Gabriel and Jaden to the petting zoo. These photos were taken a few weeks ago at the Reston Zoo in Virginia.
For more great photos, go to Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom and Seven Clown Circus. And please enter my giveaways (links are at the very top of the page) before you leave (US and Canada participants only). Thank you and Happy Wednesday to you all! :)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Review: New Kellogg's Cinnabon Snack Bars
If you've ever had Cinnabon cinnamon rolls before, you'll agree that they're very indulgent, decadent treats. Whenever we pass by the Cinnabon bakery at our local mall, we always go for those yummy cinnamon rolls to snack on. Mmmm... they're just divine! 
Recently, I found out that Kellogg's came up with the new Cinnabon Snack Bars. Made with the same taste of freshly-baked cinnamon rolls, they have the delicious brown sugar/cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting that I love. And at only 150 calories, I don't have to feel guilty about having a little sweet indulgence. And my kids love it too! They devoured the whole box on our first try of these tasty snack bars. :)
You can eat these snack bars right out of their pouches but we like ours a little warmed in the microwave for a few seconds- makes them really melt-in-the-mouth good!
Check out Kellogg's™ Cinnabon™ Snack Bars the next time you're at your local grocery retailer. Comes in a box with 6 individual pouches.
Thank you, Mom Central for sending me a full box to try. We love this new snack bars from Kellogg's!
| Answer these questions to find out if you need to add a dash of daring to your humdrum existence |
 Tired of being stuck in a rut? No time like the present to add a little sparkle to your summer. Answer these questions to find out if your routine is in need of a pick-me-up, then learn fun tricks to help make every day a blast. |
Monday, July 27, 2009
Kohl's Cares For Kids: $5 Helps Kids In Your Community
Do you love shopping at Kohl's? I do. Not only does Kohl's offers great prices on most items, it's also very inspiring to know that they are an active participant on community programs to help kids stay healthy.
If you've recently been to a Kohl's store, you'll notice these cute and huggable animal plush toys with coordinating hard-bound books. I found out that they are being sold as part of the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program.
What is Kohl's Cares for Kids program?
From injury prevention and immunization programs through their hospital partnerships, Kohl’s directs time, effort and funding toward keeping kids healthy. Since the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program’s inception in 2000, Kohl’s has turned $5 merchandise into more than $126 million that has made a positive impact on the lives of children across the country.
Throughout the year, Kohl's features unique merchandise for the Kohl's Cares for Kids program where 100 percent of the net profit from sales of such merchandise benefits children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.
This season, Kohl's is offering three books by award-winning children’s author Steve Jenkins. Available now through September 26 in Kohl’s stores and at Kohls.com as part of theKohl’s Cares for Kids program, "Actual Size,” “Biggest, Strongest, Fastest” and Caldecott-award-winning “What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?” each come with coordinating plush toys for only $5 each.
Not only you are supporting a great cause for kids in your community, these Kohl's Cares for Kids merchandise are also:
· Great Gifts for Teachers – Instead of the typical “apple for the teacher,” why not give a gift they can share with their students again and again? Steve Jenkins books make great classroom gifts for teachers. Parents can feel good about giving these books because 100 percent of the net profits go to children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.
· Read it! See it! Learn it! – Get your budding scientists ready for a day of learning! Start the day by reading one of the Steve Jenkins books currently featured in the Kohl’s Cares for Kids® program. Then make the lessons come alive with a trip to you local zoo or aquarium. Learning together is a great way to beat the dog days of summer and get ready for school.
· Affordable Gifts that Give Back – Kohl’s Cares for Kids® books and plush offer an incredible value to families looking to stretch their budgets. At just $5 each, the books “Actual Size,” “Biggest, Strongest, Fastest” and “What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?” by award-winning author Steven Jenkins and their coordinating plush toys are affordable and educational toys you can feel good about buying, since 100 percent of the net profits go to children’s health and education initiatives.
· Teachable Moments at Home – Parents who home school their kids can use Steve Jenkins books, now featured in the Kohl’s Cares for Kids® program, to help spark an interest in science. After reading these books, parents can engage their children in activities such as going to the zoo or aquarium or even going on a bug hunt in the backyard to reinforce the fun facts they just read.
· Babysitters Club/Adventures in Babysitting – Baby sitters can build a “babysitter’s survival kit” with Steve Jenkins books and plush toys and buy themselves hours of quality entertainment for as little as $5! Plus they’ll feel good knowing that they don’t need spend a fortune to keep kids entertained.
For more information on Kohl's Cares for Kids program, visit Kohl's in-store or at Kohls.com
*Win a set of the following Kohls Cares for Kids program merchandise for your little one!
- Kohl's Cares For Kids® "What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?" Book
- Kohl's Cares For Kids® "Biggest, Strongest, Fastest" Book
- Kohl's Cares For Kids® Lizard Plush Toy
I have 5 sets of these merchandise to be given away to 5 lucky Hip Mama's Place readers!
*HOW TO WIN: As always, please follow the ONE (1) COMMENT ONLY PER ENTRANT RULE. Please read on for more details...
*CONTEST RULES: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE LEAVING YOUR COMMENT.
ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT, PER CONTEST IS ALLOWED. IN YOUR COMMENT, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND ANY EXTRA ENTRY CREDITS YOU'VE DONE. If for some reason you left out a detail or details on your first comment, you can delete it by using the "trash can" icon beside your comment, then re-enter your new comment with the details you want included. This way, I am able to track the real number of entrants for each contest. I regret to inform you that if you enter multiple comments, those comments will be deleted and you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
*To enter this contest, leave a comment on this post telling us why you like shopping at Kohl's stores or at Kohls.com by Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 12MN, EST. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT TO CONTACT YOU IN CASE YOU WIN. THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO U.S. and CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY. ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT IS PERMITTED. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick FIVE (5) WINNERS using Random.org. The winnerS will be notified via email and announced as a comment on this post.
Want to earn EXTRA CREDITS? Contest entrants will each win one(1) extra credit by doing the following:
1. Mention this contest in a post on your blog with a direct link to www.hipmamasplace.com
2. Add the Hip Mama's Place badge on your blog sidebar. You can find the badge code on the top right hand of our main page and paste it on an HTML page on your sidebar.
3. Subscribe to Hip Mama's Place via the FEED READER or by EMAIL.
4. Favorite Hip Mama's Place on Technorati.
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Tweet this giveaway on Twitter.com or TwitThis.com with a direct link to the giveaway URL page: http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/07/kohls-cares-for-kids-5-helps-kids-in.html
7. Become a Hip Mama's Place Fan on Facebook
8. Post this giveaway on Facebook
Your comment is your one entry. If you do all eight (8) extra entry credits above, you will have nine(9) total entries. Remember- the more entries you have, the more chances of winning! PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THE EXTRA CREDIT/S YOU'VE DONE IN YOUR ONE COMMENT. Goodluck!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
| Should you spend $200 on a blow dryer? Or will a $20 model do the trick? Find out here! |
 Hair dryers range in price from bargain models from brands like Conair to splurges from brands like Chi. But which ones really offer the best results? The answer may not be what you think. Check out the best of the best here. |
| No. 10: Vidal Sassoon VS547 1875 Watt Professional Full-Size Ionic Dryer, $19.99 |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.8* |
 "I've never used a dryer that left my hair softer than this -- simple as that ..." |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4* |
 "I have wavy/kinky hair so the comb attachment saves me from having to straighten my hair after I blow dry it ..." |
| No. 8: Vidal Sassoon VS783 1875 Watt Ionic Styler Dryer, $39.99 |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5* |
 "With this dryer, it only takes about 15 minutes on [medium heat] to dry my hair ..." |
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Weekend Beauty Tip
| Everything you need for perfectly smooth and sexy skin |
 Your must-have item this summer: seriously sultry skin. Luckily, we've got everything necessary to achieve it. From quizzes to find your perfect shave method, to tips and celebrity inspiration. We even asked more than 200 guys what they find sexy -- check out their answers here. |
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids, plus a Fantastic Giveaway!
As busy parents, we are sometimes faced with the challenge of having to come up with three healthy meals for our kids each day. But the good thing is that, there are many options available to provide them with healthy snacks so they can still get their daily nutrient requirements that may be missed with regular meals.
I'm sure you've all heard about the problems of poor snack habits. According to the American Association of Obesity, the percentage of clinically obese children and adolescents has more than doubled since 1980 and it is now estimated that one in five children in the US is overweight (The Obese Society, 2009). That said, it's important that we mind the kind of foods (or snacks) we give our children.
Santa Cruz Organic and R.W. Knudsen Family- leaders of providing nutritious lunches and snacks, offer parents the following practical choices for healthy, but still tasty, lunchbox treats:
*Santa Cruz Organic® Peanut Butters- made with USDA certified organic peanuts, these peanut butters come in two varieties: Light Roasted Crunchy or Dark Roasted Creamy. They were great in our sandwiches and for dipping fruits and vegetables at snack time. With no added sugar, hydrogenated oils, and 0 grams of trans fat, these peanut butters are indeed a healthy option to add to the lunch box. A worthy note: Santa Cruz Organic® Peanut Butters are guaranteed safe for consumption and were one of the few brands NOT recalled this winter.
*Santa Cruz Organic® Fruit Sauces- offering a variety of flavors such as apple blackberry, apple blueberry, apple cherry and apple strawberry, these fruit sauces will keep even the pickiest of eaters entertained. Made from organic fruit and providing 100 percent of the USDA recommended daily value of vitamin C, the 4-ounce serving cups make a perfect lunch addition or afternoon snack.
*R.W. Knudsen Family® Sensible Sippers- made with 50% organic and 50% water, these convenient fruit juice boxes provide a convenient way for us parents to lower the amount of sugar and calories our children consume. And since I always mix equal parts of water to 100% juice to reduce my kids' sugar intake, the Sensible Sippers come in handy for me too! I like the fact that each juice box contains 40% less calories than traditional juices boxes. And The Berenstain Bears design in these juice boxes are so cute, plus the size makes it easier for my tots' petite hands to handle. Flavors include apple, mixed berry, tropical and banana. The mixed berry flavor was an instant hit with my kids! My four year old now asks for 'mixed berry' instead of 'juice' all the time. :)
Many thanks to R.W. Knudsen and Santa Cruz Organic for giving me and my family the chance to try out their healthy and tasty new food products! :)
*Also good news, dear Hip Mama's Place readers! Santa Cruz Organic and R.W. Knudsen Family has generously offered to give away this fantastic prize pack full of the following goodies:
- (2) 16 oz Jars of Santa Cruz Peanut Butters- one each of the Creamy and Crunchy variety
- (4) packs of Santa Cruz Fruit Sauces in 4 different flavors (each pack contains six 4 oz plastic jar units)
- (2) packs of R.W. Knudsen Sensible Sippers (each pack contains eight 4 oz juice boxes) in two different flavors
One lucky HMP reader in the US or Canada will win the above prize pack!
*HOW TO WIN: As always, please follow the ONE (1) COMMENT ONLY PER ENTRANT RULE. Please read on for more details...
*CONTEST RULES: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE LEAVING YOUR COMMENT.
ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT, PER CONTEST IS ALLOWED. IN YOUR COMMENT, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND ANY EXTRA ENTRY CREDITS YOU'VE DONE. If for some reason you left out a detail or details on your first comment, you can delete it by using the "trash can" icon beside your comment, then re-enter your new comment with the details you want included. This way, I am able to track the real number of entrants for each contest. I regret to inform you that if you enter multiple comments, those comments will be deleted and you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
*To enter this contest, leave a comment on this post by Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 12MN, EST. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT TO CONTACT YOU IN CASE YOU WIN. THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO U.S. and CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY. ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT IS PERMITTED. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick ONE (1) WINNER using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email and announced as a comment on this post.
Want to earn EXTRA CREDITS? Contest entrants will each win one(1) extra credit by doing the following:
1. Mention this contest in a post on your blog with a direct link to www.hipmamasplace.com
2. Add the Hip Mama's Place badge on your blog sidebar. You can find the badge code on the top right hand of the HMP main page and paste it on an HTML page on your sidebar.
3. Subscribe to Hip Mama's Place via the FEED READER or by EMAIL.
4. Favorite Hip Mama's Place on Technorati.
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook
Your comment is your one entry. If you do all six (6) extra entry credits above, you will have five(7) total entries. Remember- the more entries you have, the more chances of winning! PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THE EXTRA CREDIT/S YOU'VE DONE IN YOUR ONE COMMENT. Goodluck!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Pamper Your Baby's Sensitive Skin with Belli’s Calm Me Hair & Body Wash
My little boys love their bath time. There's something about being soaked in the bath tub with their favorite bath toys and books and playing wih big bath bubbles. As a mother and caregiver, I view bath time as a wonderful chance for bonding and pampering my babies. 
When it comes to taking care of their sensitive baby skin, I make sure I use a gentle body wash in their bath. I just found the latest addition to my boys' bath routine in Belli Calm Me Hair and Body Wash. This stuff is not only pure and gentle on their skin, it also offers calming effects that help them get the restful sleep they need after bathing. I also love the scent (very light) and the fact that it's free from strong ingredients.
“A baby’s skin is extra sensitive and can be too delicate for products that contain harsh ingredients. Choosing products for your baby that leave out dyes and fragrances will ensure your baby’s skin does not react to these strong chemicals,” says Annette Rubin, a mother and Founder of Belli.
Product Description:
Belli’s Calm Me Hair & Body Wash is a blend of ingredients that cleanse and moisturize baby's hair and skin. It features the essential oil of marigold and chamomile, which softens and refreshes the skin. This product is pH-balanced for baby’s delicate skin and tear free. Retail Cost: $18 (14.35 oz)
For more details on Belli- the world’s safest skincare line available to address the specific issues of pregnant women, new moms and babies, visit www.belliskincare.com
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Kernel Season's Popcorn Spritzer and Seasonings Review and Giveaway
Love popping popcorn while cozying up on family movie nights? What if you're watching your diet and and are concerned about the calories and fats brought by adding butter on your popcorn?
Introducing the new all natural butter-flavored, zero calorie Kernel Season’s Popcorn Spritzer. Made with a blend of canola, sunflower and corn oils, Kernel Season's Popcorn Spritzer gives popcorn the taste of buttered movie theater popcorn- minus the fat!
You can use the spritzer alone or for added flavor, follow it with one of Kernel Season’s Popcorn Seasoning with flavors like cheesy White Cheddar or Nacho Cheddar, sweet Kettle Corn and savory Ranch for an extra delicious, guilt-free kick of flavor.
Kernel Season’s also introduced the brand new Premium Raw Kernel Season's Popping Corn. This popcorn pops up fluffy, tender and crisp– and weighs in at just 120 calories for five cups. It works great in all types of poppers (automatic, hot air, stove) and are packaged in a convenient resealable pouch.
All three products by Kernel Season's are available for purchase at your leading store retailers like Walmart, Target, KMart, Blockbuster Video and online at NoMoreNakedPopcorn.com
Thanks to Kernel Season's, my family and I got to try and enjoy the Spritzer, Popping Corn, Microwave Popcorn and six of their flavorful popcorn seasonings. The spritzer and seasonings made our popcorn so yummy I swear we'll never have popcorn without them again!
*Good news, Hip Mama's Place readers! I'm happy to tell you all that Kernel Season's has generously offered to give away the following products to one (1) of you, lucky HMP reader in the U.S. or Canada (no PO boxes, please).
- KS Popcorn Spritzer
- A bag of KS stove popcorn
- Three bags of KS microwave popcorn
- Six different KS Popcorn Seasoning flavors
*HOW TO WIN: As always, please follow the ONE (1) COMMENT ONLY PER ENTRANT RULE. Please read on for more details...
*CONTEST RULES: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE LEAVING YOUR COMMENT.
ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT, PER CONTEST IS ALLOWED. IN YOUR COMMENT, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND ANY EXTRA ENTRY CREDITS YOU'VE DONE. If for some reason you left out a detail or details on your first comment, you can delete it by using the "trash can" icon beside your comment, then re-enter your new comment with the details you want included. This way, I am able to track the real number of entrants for each contest. I regret to inform you that if you enter multiple comments, those comments will be deleted and you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
*To enter this contest, leave a comment on this post with your choice of 3 Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasonings flavors you'd like to try by Monday, July 27th, 2009 at 12MN, EST. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT TO CONTACT YOU IN CASE YOU WIN. THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO U.S. and CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY. ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT IS PERMITTED. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick ONE (1) WINNER using
Want to earn EXTRA CREDITS? Contest entrants will each win one(1) extra credit by doing the following:
1. Mention this contest in a post on your blog with a direct link to www.hipmamasplace.com
2. Add the Hip Mama's Place badge on your blog sidebar. You can find the badge code on the top right hand of the HMP main page and paste it on an HTML page on your sidebar.
3. Subscribe to Hip Mama's Place via the FEED READER or by EMAIL.
4. Favorite Hip Mama's Place on Technorati.
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook
Your comment is your one entry. If you do all six (6) extra entry credits above, you will have five(7) total entries. Remember- the more entries you have, the more chances of winning! PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THE EXTRA CREDIT/S MENTIONED ABOVE IN YOUR ONE COMMENT. Goodluck!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Book Review: Return to Sullivans Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Dorothea (Dottie) Benton Frank, author of the New York Times bestseller Sullivans Island, which tells a story of love, loss, family, and history as it follows the life of Susan Hamilton Hayes, just came out with a sequel to this book called "Return to Sullivans Island".
In Return to Sullivans Island, Ms. Frank once again takes her readers to the magical landscape of South Carolina to tell the next generation's story.
Book Synopsis:
Whether you were away from the Lowcountry for a week or for years, it was impossible to remember how gorgeous it was. It never changed and everyone depended on that.
Newly graduated from college and an aspiring writer, Beth Hayes craves independence and has a world to conquer. But her notions of travel, graduate study, and writing the great American novel will have to be postponed. With her mother, Susan, leaving to fulfill her own dreams in Paris and her Aunt Maggie, Uncle Grant, and stepfather, Simon, moving to California, Beth is elected by her elders to house-sit the Island Gamble. Surrounded by the shimmering blue waters of the Atlantic, the white clapboards, silver tin roof, and confessional porch have seen and heard the stories of generations of Hamiltons. But will the ghosts of the Island Gamble be watching over Beth?
Buoyed by sentimental memories of growing up on this tiny sandbar that seems to be untouched by time, Beth vows to give herself over to the Lowcountry force and discover the wisdom it holds. She will rest, rejuvenate, and then reenter the outside world. Just as she vows she will never give into the delusional world of white picket fences, minivans, and eternal love, she meets Max Mitchell. And all her convictions and plans begin to unravel with lightning speed.
There is so much about life and her family's past that she does not know. Her ignorance and naivete nearly cost her both her inheritance and her family's respect. But Beth finds unexpected friends to help her through the disaster she faces: her wise and charming Aunt Sophie; Cecily Singleton, the granddaughter of Livvie Singleton; and Woody Morrison, the solid young investment banker.
This wonderful ensemble of characters could be your own family, but watch what unfolds as they succumb to the island's spell. If everything happens for a reason, then Beth's return to Sullivans Island teaches her that betrayal and tragedy are most easily handled when you surround yourself with loyal family and friends in a magical place that loves you so much that it wants to claim you as its own.
I haven't read the first book, but this book stands alone- in my opinion. Ms. Frank definitely captivated her readers by the lightheartedness, if at times quirkiness- of this tale about Southern island life. I love the way she vividly describes the characters- clever and unexpected. Some parts of the story seem a bit predictable but other than that, this book is a lively summer read.
Thank you, MotherTalk for giving me a chance to review this book!
| Find out how to get the best appointments, haircuts and better -- or free! -- services |
 Whether you think of a salon visit as a fun treat or a necessary chore, you'll want to get the best service (and hairstyle) possible, right? That's why we talked to the experts, hairstylists and salon owners. They told us the secrets of the salon -- the best times to go, how to get that last-minute appointment when you're desperate, and much more! |
Cute Maternity Clothes Starting at Only $10
If you're shopping for trendy maternity clothes that are easy on the budget, think Kiki's Fashions Maternity.
At Kiki's Fashions Maternity, you'll find a wide selection of cute dresses, tops and bottoms especially created for pregnant mamas who are looking for style and affordability. To save money even better, they always have "$10 Deals" where they feature clearance items at their online store with items starting at only $4.99!
So forget boxy, boring and expensive maternity clothes. Check out KikisFashions.com today!
Right now, KikisFashions.com is offering a great 20% off discount on your purchases. Just use coupon code "blogfriends" during checkout.
Friday, July 17, 2009
| See which products from Dove, Aveda and more left our readers with dry or greasy (ew!) hair |
 They say good hair starts in the shower -- but only if you have the right products. Unfortunately, these hair conditioners do not make the cut. All of them either left TotalBeauty.com readers with limp, greasy hair -- or dry and frizzy strands. Check them out, so you'll know what not to buy if you want beautiful hair in your future. |
| No. 10: Garnier Fructis Fortifying Curl & Shine Cream Conditioner, $2.99 |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.7 |
 "It does make my hair less frizzy, but I lost so much volume I would almost welcome back the frizz instead of [a] flat head ..." |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.6 |
 "It didn't soften, or condition my hair as others have ..." |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.5 |
 "Although it doesn't deposit color on my hair like it should, it does succeed in depositing on my bathtub, leaving gray stains." |
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Nikon Ecobins Binocular
Attention, nature enthusiasts. Nikon has a great new summer product- Nikon Ecobins Binocular-the first ecologically safe binocular for birders and hunters who care about the environment. 
Designed from top to bottom with the latest eco friendly features (no harmful chemicals), the Nikon Ecobins 10x25 binoculars are made with the highest level of optics that make Nikon world-famous. They are compact, rugged, waterproof and fog-proof which will provide total confidence in any situation.
The Ecobins binoculars feature Eco-Glass lead-free and arsenic-free lenses and prisms. Additionally, only non-chloride rubber and no harmful inks or dyes are used during production. The carrying case and the binocular strap that come with the ecobins binoculars are made from a fully biodegradable Lenzing TENCEL fiber.
For more information about Nikon Ecobins 10x25 binoculars, visit: http://www.nikonecobins.com.
The SCOOTER Store
Do you or do you know someone who has limited mobility and could use a scooter or power chair to get around?
I'm sure you've already heard of The SCOOTER Store- a store that specializes in power mobility solution to help people with limited mobility.
Sounds great. But how much does a scooter or power chair cost from The SCOOTER Store? How does one qualify?
Using your Medicare benefit, you could get a Jazzy Select Power Chair that retails for $5,496 from them for only $728.28. The best way to know if you or your loved one qualifies for a scooter or power chair is to speak to one of The SCOOTER Store's Mobility Consultants. It's free and there's no pressure or obligation to buy. Call them at toll-free 1-800-391-7237 to get started today!
Affordable Prescription Eyewear
I have a pair of reading eyeglasses. It works fine, but lately I'm noticing that I now had to put the paper or book farther in front of me to be able to read better. I had my eyes checked a year ago but I think I need new prescription eyeglasses.
So I went online and did a few searches for good deals on eyeglasses. Gosh, I never understand the logical reason for ridiculous prices on some eyewear brands- $300 to $500 a pair. That's like a month's payment on my car! So I told myself, I'm not going to spend that kind of money on a pair of eyeglasses.
On a good note, I did find a few online stores that sell quality, stylish eyeglasses for so much less. One store I found was Zenni Optical. Starting at only $8, can you believe that you can actually get a solid pair of eyeglasses from this store?
Here's what you get for $8: high quality stylish frame, thin and light 1.57 index lens, anti-scratch coating, full UV protection, lens edge polishing and beveling, quality hard eyeglass case, microfiber lens cleaning cloth and a full guarantee. Could you get any better than that?
So why should I pay high prices on eyeglasses? I'm glad I found ZenniOptical.com for the best prescription eyeglass deals.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
| Get gorgeous lashes for cheap with these standouts |
 Think you need to head to a department store and spend upwards of $20 to get a decent mascara? Think again. TotalBeauty.com readers prove that there are drugstore mascaras that give them the same -- if not better -- results, and all are less than $10! |
| No. 11: Almay One Coat Nourishing Lengthening Mascara, $5.99 |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5* |
 "This NEVER clumped, did lengthen my lashes a bit, did NOT flake (even after I purposely rubbed my eyes a little) ..." |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.7* |
 "It's gentle, lasts all day, and my lashes look thick and soft, not at all clumpy ..." |
| No. 9: L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara, $8.99 |
| TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9* |
 "The brush separates lashes and coats them so that you get long, individual lashes ..." |
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