Hobbit Bookmark #Giveaway from myBOOKmark ends 9/30/15

I love to read.  My Nanie taught me to read when I was three.  She'd read to me every night and that didn't stop until I was probably 10 years old.  When she no longer read to me, I read on my own.

I think I developed my love for bookmarks from her, too. She used family photographs.  I used pics of David Cassidy and Bobby Sherman!

Just recently, I discovered an Etsy shop called myBOOKmark and its unique, hand-crafted, and ingenious bookmarks!

Olena has an amazing imagination and has created the most fantastic bookmarks you will ever find.

Now, I am re-reading The Hobbit (and will re-read the Lord of The Rings Trilogy) this fall.  As a long-time LoTR fanatic, I HAD to have the Hobbit bookmark.

There is hair on the Hobbits toes!!!  It feels very much like Bilbo and Frodo are on the adventure with me.

The verse reads, "Home is behind, the world ahead,
and there are many paths to tread." -- J. R. R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring.

DESCRIPTION:

♥ Unique handmade product. Made in Ukraine. 
♥ Length of the 'legs' - 2 ",total size (legs + bookmark) - 7.5 x 2"
♥ Materials : Polymer clay, acrylic paint, varnish, metal
♥ Real colors may slightly differ from their appearance on your display, as it depends on your monitor settings

♥ In real life bookmark may be more shiny than on photo

It's well-crafted and sturdy.  It promises to last a very long time... perhaps as long as a Hobbit!

Another favourite bookmark is the ever-sophisticated Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story.

Perfection, is it not? It makes me smile every time I see it! 

To see all of Olena's brilliant creations, visit her etsy shop and browse her many offerings!

Be sure to connect with her on her other social media pages:
Facebook and Instagram.

Olena has very generously offered one lucky reader the chance to win a hand-crafted bookmark of his / her own choice! How fabulous is that?

Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA, 13+, No PO Boxes, all entries are verified. Giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2015.

DISCLOSURE:
I received a HOBBIT Bookmark for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

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The Douay-Rheims Holy Bible and a Giveaway, ends 9/21/15

As a Christian,  I have always loved reading the Bible.  Almost every Bible I've owned has been the King James Version -- filled with the most beautiful, eloquent verses.  I recall as a teenager reading my Aunt Jackie's Catholic Bible and discovering the many books that Martin Luther removed. 

One such book is the beloved story of the Machabees.  The Machabees vigil and celebration at the Temple has always been one of my favourites for it tells the history of the Jewish Festival of Light or Hanukkah.

Not long ago, I decided to return to the Catholic Bible.  I chose the ancient text of the Douay-Rheims Bible.   I chose it for it's accuracy -- scribes spent years carefully, meticulously translating and transcribing the Word of G-d.  It remains the most complete, most accurate version of the Holy Bible.  

All of the books removed during the Protestant Reformation are included in the Catholic Bible: 

1 and 2 Machabees, Judith, Tobit, Baruch, Sirach, and Wisdom, and additions to the books of Esther and Daniel. These books are called Deuterocanonical by Catholics and Orthodox and Apocryphal by Jews and Protestants. These were the last books of the Old Testament written, composed in the last two centuries B.C. 

ABOUT: 

Translated between the years 1582 and 1610 and revised by Bishop Richard Challoner, this is the most accurate English translation of the Bible available today. It was the only Catholic translation of Scripture commonly in use for over 200 years and we maintain that it is still the best and safest

version of the Bible in English. 

Translated with profound respect for every word, the beautiful style of the Douay-Rheims Bible will instill in the reader a deeper understanding of the Word of God. Annotations, references and an historical and chronological index make it convenient for study as well as meditation. 

Our Douay Rheims Bible is the only edition available with the words of Christ in red! Includes updated full color New Testament maps, beautiful pictures depicting the life of Christ. Complete with Family record and Presentation pages. This beautiful Bible is available in a durable burgundy leather-soft cover, with gold edges and a ribbon marker.

An example of the beautiful language found in the Douay-Rheims Bible:

LUKE 2: 9-14

  And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. 

  And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:

  For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.  

And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. 

  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: 

  Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will. 

The Catholic Company has published a beautifully made Douay-Rheims Bible  -- suitable for First Communion, Weddings, Confirmations, Baptisms, birthday, and Christmas gifts.  It is truly stunning.

They also offer Rosary Beads, Prayer Bracelets, Crosses and Crucifixes, Church Goods, and so much more!

 You may connect with the Catholic Company on their website and social media pages:

Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube, Google+, Instagram, and @CatholicCompany on Twitter.

To celebrate my new Holy Bible, I am giving away a hand-carved rosewood Rosary.  

Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to enter to win. 

Open to USA, 16+. 

Entry-Form

DISCLOSURE: I received a Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible for the purpose of review.  All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use and experience with the item.

  

Veils and Mantillas WINNER

The winner of the Veils and Mantillas giveaway is...

Veil

Entries: 418
This giveaway has ended.
alison g. is the winner!

Congratulations!  I've emailed you.

Thank you to everyone that participated.  I have more great reviews and giveaways coming soon.

I appreciate your kind and continued support.

Have a happy and safe Labour Day Weekend!

Terri

Back to School with Campus Book Rentals!

Are you in school? Or perhaps your spouse or kids? If so, then you know that textbooks are expensive. Very Expensive. We've all faced the issue of trying to re-sell those textbooks.  A lot of campus bookstores won't give you back even ten percent of your purchase price.  As to other students, you have to pray that the class will use the same book.

Several years ago, when our youngest daughter was first enrolled at GSU, we rented several books from Campus Book Rentals.  We found one of her Accounting books and two History books. We saved a lot of money that we used for other necessities.

I have recently discovered that it isn't just the college student that has to buy school books. Oh no.  Some schools require the students to purchase a portion, if not all, of the books needed for class.




That's where Campus Book Rentals comes in. Campus Book Rentals will rent books to you at a low price for as long as you need it! When you're finished, just return it No shipping charges. It's that easy!

Campus Book Rentals has a very flexible rental plan and rents for 40 to 90% of the cost of buying the book! It's a great deal for parents and students.  It also takes away the stress involved with the change of classes each semester. 

One of my friends showed me her daughter's reading list. Long and impressive, it was.  One of the books she needs is Harold Nicolson's The Congress of Vienna. Brand new this book retails for well over $50. I found it at Campus Book Rentals for less than $40.

  

You all know how important it is for me to promote companies that I believe in -- companies that give back to the global community.  Campus Book Rentals does just that:

Campus Book Rentals is working in co-operation with Operation Smile, an awesome organization that performs life changing cleft palette surgeries on children whose families could not otherwise afford it. The long-term improvement in qualify of life for the children that receive these surgeries is almost incomprehensible.

Campus Book Rentals is contributing to Operation Smile in two ways: First, they have made the minimum commitment to 80 Surgeries. And second, through RentBack, they provide students the opportunity to direct any portion of their earnings to Operation Smile directly from their RentBack account.

RentBack is a program that puts money into student's pockets. Campus Book Rentals has provided the tools to allow students to contribute directly through this powerful program.  Campus Book Rentals is determined to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

I've had great experiences with Campus Book Rentals and I know that you will, too.

You can connect with Campus Book Rentals on their website and social media pages: 

Facebook, Google+, and @textbookrentals on Twitter.

DISCLOSURE:

I was compensated monetarily for this post, however, all opinions are based on my own experience with the company.

Veils and Mantillas Review and Giveaway, ends 9/3/15 #VeilsAndMantillas

I am Roman Catholic.  I attended Saint Michael's Catholic School.  I wore saddle oxfords and a blue plaid skirt and every morning at Mass, I wore a small plaid "beanie" to cover my head.

Over the past few years, I've noticed that a lot of women were no longer wear head coverings or veils. However, when I began attending St. Frances Cabrini, I began seeing more and more women wearing the veil or mantilla at Mass.

When I came across a company called Veils and Mantillas I was intrigued.  Their beautiful veils brought back so many memories.  I knew I wanted to get one.

Why?  Because I am drawn toward my Faith more and more each day.  For me, the veil is a sign of reverence and obedience.  How do I feel when I wear it?  I feel closer to G-d.  Closer to Jesus.  I feel closer to the Eucharist and the Liturgy.

I also feel protected and very blessed to be able to freely worship.

I spoke about these things to Teresa Preiss who designs and sews the veils.  She very generously made a veil for me and agreed to allow me to share it with you. 

I received a very beautiful Lavender Veil trimmed in white lace.  It arrived in a sheer organza bag along with a booklet explaining the veil and why it is worn in Church.


I chose lavender because it is a subtle, delicate colour and that appealed to me.  I requested the large because I have thick curly hair and knew I'd need a larger size.

I didn't take any photos inside the church -- I thought that was improper. I think you can see how the veil drapes and covers the head and falls on the shoulders.

The veil comes down to mid-back on me (but I'm only 5' 3").  I am so very pleased with it.

FROM THE WEBSITE:

This exquisite Handmade long lace veil in size Large, made from a light weight floral lace with white scalloped edges, gently frames the face. It is a traditional D-shape Catholic church veil that gracefully falls mid-way down the back on most women.

This mantilla veil is soft and Light weight for your comfort, and it comes with a beautiful protective veil bag for dust-free, snag-free, and wrinkle-resistant storage.
It is also available in a variety of other colors.

***Material: All new material, 100% polyester lace
***Color: Lavender
***Dimensions: 50” wide 24” long

***Veil Care: Hand wash cold with gentle soap. Squeeze gently and lay flat to dry. Medium iron if necessary.

Each veil comes with a booklet that examines the wearing of the veil.  It is very enlightening and I learned much from reading it.

Every Friday, Teresa offers "Freebie Friday" -- just comment on the photo for your chance to win the Veil / Mantilla of the week!

Teresa has also very generously offered one of my readers the opportunity to win a veil of their choice (excluding the Exquisite Mantilla and Guadalupe Mantilla found on amazon.com).

Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to win.

Open to USA only, 16+, No PO Boxes, please. All entries will be verified. Giveaway ends on 9/3/15. One winner.

DISCLOSURE:
I received a veil for the purpose of review.  All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

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Sitara Collections Beaded Pens Review and Giveaway 3 Winners End 8/30/15

Aren't those pens adorable?  I love them -- they make me smile every time I see them! The Sitara Collections Beaded Pens are absolutely fun! The colours are intense and they are decorated with seed beads and little diamond-shaped mirror beads. They have screw-on caps which offers much more protection from leaks than pop off caps.

The pens arrive in a set of six (6) pens and 10 refills -- all blue ink. The pens are a bit less than 5 inches long and will fit easily into a pocket, handbag, clutch, etc. I gave one to my Mom last night and she loves it.

I keep one in the small cross-body tote with my phone -- it makes life a bit easier for me! I also plan on getting some fro Christmas stocking stuffers.  I am very impressed with these little pens -- they are fun AND functional!

You may purchase these pens at amazon.com.

I want to put a smile on the faces of three of my readers!  Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to win!

Entry-Form

DISCLOSURE:
I received these pens in order to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.

#saltsoap Adovia Dead Sea Salt Soap Review

I love soaps and scrubs made with Dead Sea Salt.  It's a wonderful cleanser, exfoliator, and soother of skin.  I've been using sea salt soaps for many years.  Adovia has some of the finest soaps and scrubs I've ever used.

The water of the Dead Sea is the saltiest water on earth with so much salt present that people literally float on the surface of the sea and can't sink! The sea salt itself has contains over 26 minerals essential for skin health and beauty such as Magnesium, Postassium, Calcium, Sodium and much more. Today Adovia is bringing this magical experience of bathing in Dead Sea salt to your bathtub with our Pure Dead Sea Bath Salt.  Our salts are harvested at the southern point of the Dead Sea - in Israel.  We pride ourselves in offering only the highest quality Dead Sea salts - 100% Pure with no additional processing or additives.  To prove that you are getting the genuine salts - straight from the Dead Sea we include a Certificate of Authenticity with every order.

This soap leaves my skin feeling bright, smooth, and clean. It does dry my skin a bit, but because I use moisturizer after washing my face, that doesn't last very long.

I like to use this soap in conjunction with other Adovia products for the best skincare results.

*** Infused with 100% Pure Dead Sea Salts from the Dead Sea
*** Dead Sea Salt Contains over 21 Minerals Key to Skin Health and Beauty
*** Deeply Moisturizing and Hydrating Soap great for Dry and Normal to Dry Skin
*** Dead Sea Minerals Essential to Skin Function Contained in the Soap Include Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc and More.
*** Great Value and Benefits for A Daily Moisturizing Facial Cleanser

DISCLOSURE:
I received Adovia Dead Sea Salt soap for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Universal Cell Phone Holder #CoolMobileStuff

Happy Husband is on the road quite a bit as a Surveyor and he needs to keep his phone close. Unfortunately, the truck has no place for it.  So, when asked to review the Universal Cell Phone Holder, we were very happy to do it!

The minute we saw it we loved it.  It's very easy to attach to either windshield or AC vent. It's adjustable and the phone is easily and quickly removed and replaced.

Mike has an HTC Inspire and mine is a Samsung Nexus -- both fit the holder.  I believe any phone will work with this holder.

Mike likes it because it prevents anything in the truck bouncing off of the phone, no drink will spill on it, and it doesn't go flying when he brakes.  We've all had that happen.  I  like the holder, too, because it doesn't interfere with the line of sight and Mike doesn't take his eyes off the road when he needs to make a call.  SAFETY FIRST. 

***Universal Cell Phone Holder 3-in-1 for Air Vent / Dashboard / Windshield. Secure Fit in Seconds. High Quality, Long Lasting. Easy to Install. Excellent for Any Size Mobile Device Including Large Screen

***Keep your smartphone easily accessible while driving. Fumbling to find your phone while driving can be a real pain, not to mention dangerous.

***Our Universal 3-in-1 Mobile Mount is the perfect solution. It is easy to attach to your air vent, windshield, or dashboard. And it attaches securely in just seconds. The well padded protective grips hold your phone safely and securely without scratching.
Mobile Mount is the best solution:

***Put your smartphone or GPS into the Mobile Mount with one hand. Grip opens wide to fit any device up to 4.5 inches 

***Cushioned expandable holder with secure gripping mechanism offers both air vent attachment and suction cup attachment 

***360 degree rotating holder and push button release allows for one handed device removal 

***Suction cup features secure lock mechanism with fast release. Sturdy construction 

DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE.  STAY SAFE.  NO TEXT IS WORTH YOUR LIFE.

You may purchase the Universal Cell Phone Holder at amazon.com

DISCLOSURE:
I received a Universal Cell Phone Holder for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Chef Cristiane's Brazilian Gourmet Hot Sauce #imhotsauce

I am crazy about this sauce! It's a little above medium heat and slightly spicy and tastes fabulous! It's utter perfection on steak (my favourite way to use it) but it also woks well as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers or gator bites. The spices and the heat improve on and enhance the food, but doesn't over-power.

Malagueta Peppers make this sauce hot -- but gives it great flavour. The sauce is made with all natural flavours and spices -- no artificial ingredients.  Home-made in small batches keeps the quality very high.  0% Fat, 0% Cholesterol and only 1% sodium make this sauce a heart-healthy choice as well. 

Happy Husband grilled the PERFECT steak and I doused it with Chef Cristiane's I'm Hot Gourmet Sauce.  Brilliant! I wish you could taste this right now.  It's simply the tastiest hot sauce I have ever tried.  

You may purchase Chef Cristiane's Brazilian Gourmet Hot Sauce on amazon.com

DISCLOSURE:
I received a bottle of I'm Hot Sauce for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Two Meows Cat Paw Shaped Litter Mat Review #TwoMeows

I've had many cats in my life... and I can tell you that worst part of being owned by cats is the cat litter.  It gets strewn everywhere.  When asked to review the cute cat paw shaped litter mat, I was delighted!

I was expecting a small mat -- big surprise! This mat is large at 24 inches by 18 inches.  It's a lovely shade of grey and quite soft so as not to hurt delicate cat paws.

In the photo below, you'll see a close-up of the mat.  It's designed to catch the litter before it can become scattered.  Let's face, cats LOVE to toss the litter everywhere.  It's some sort of cat-olympics sport, I'm sure.    

Just place the mat down at the front of your litter box.  It's just that easy!  Your cat(s) will explore it, give a disdainful sniff, and do the business!  

The benefits of the litter mat:

*** It's extremely effective at reducing the amount of litter scatter around your box. 
*** It reduces the amount of litter that gets tracked in your carpet and furniture.
*** Very simple to clean, just fold in half and dump litter back into the box. Sweep and rinse        clean. 
*** It's very soft on your cats paws.
*** It's fun to use. 
*** We back our product with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

The litter trapping material will gently remove any litter clinging to your cats fur and paws and keep it from scattering throughout the house. The rubber backing prevents slipping (of both humans and cats). 

I know that we're happy with this very useful litter mat.  The fact that it's shaped like a cats paw makes it even better!

You may purchase this mat in Grey and other vibrant colours at amazon.com

Disclosure:
I received the Two Meows Cat Paw Shaped Litter Mat for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.