The Windfall Tree and Purple Passion Fingerless Gloves Review

The Windfall Tree on Etsy is owned by Kristy Gordanier. She loves knitting, crocheting, painting, drawing, crafting and sewing. She chose her shop name The Windfall Tree because of it's meaning. Windfall means 'good fortune' or 'unexpected gain'. In her Etsy shop she has listed: Washcloths, Coasters, Security Loveys, Lunch Bags, Sandwich Bags, Plush Amigurumi, Purses / Bags, Baby Items (Burp Cloths, Bibs), Wearable Accessories (Wrist Cozies, Hats, Cowl Neck Warmers, Scarves, Fingerless Gloves), and Keyfobs. All are made in the USA local to me in Oregon and great Valentine's Day Gifts!

Kristy is very talented! I fell in love with a set of Purple Passion fingerless gloves in her store and asked her if I could review them in my Valentine's Amore Gift Guide. These are made with a gorgeous plum colored super soft Angora yarn with rose pink Fun Fur edging. These are beautifully hand-crocheted by Kristy. I love them! They are so great for when it is nippy outside, but you want to have your fingers free to do whatever. I love taking them when I go for walks outdoors in the brisk morning air. They are very warm and exceptionally soft. They are the perfect Valentine's Day gift and she has more fingerless gloves listed in her shop right now along with all the other nice handmade items.

Follow Kristy: Facebook. Etsy Shop. Website and Blog.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Kristy and her shop The Windfall Tree for sending me the Purple Passion Fingerless Gloves for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

YouCanMakeThis Apron Knot Dress Review and Valentine's Package Giveaway

I was given the opportunity to review the Apron Knot Dress by Little Lizard King downloadable PDF. I love this adorable pattern! It has detailed step by step full instructions, diagrams, photos and directions. Multiple sizes are included in this pattern ranging from 6 months – 12 years. It also has a great deal of customization you can do with the many options it has. It is so versatile! You can use toned fabric scraps or an array of mix-matched coordinating fabrics. You can have your little girl wear it in the summer with a cute tank top or in the winter with leggings and a long sleeved shirt. It also has an apron knot dress pattern for an 18 inch doll. This pattern looks simple and straightforward. I am so excited to try it out when I get some new fabric!! My girls and their dolls will look so precious! I will be posting pictures and updating you with my results later when I get the chance to sew them :) In the meantime, enter the giveaway for the whole Valentine's Prize Package that is pictured below...

WIN IT:
YCMT is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win Valentine's Prize Package. This Gift Pack of patterns include: sewing, crochet, and quilting. There are home décor pieces, as well as accessories and clothing items.

Valentine's Prize Package includes:

• Rosetta Bag by SisBoom
*This bag also has a video to go along with it too.
• Smitten Pillow by Kimberbell
• Crochet Hat Pattern Vintage Inspired by Kris Moore
• Love Elephant by DIY Fluffies
• Apron Knot Dress by Little Lizard King
• Bonus Pattern DIY Dish Love Quilt by DIY Dish (not pictured)

Mandatory:
Go to the YCMT website and tell me what other pattern(s) you love. Leave links in the comment for the item(s).

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and YCMT in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @YouCanMakeThis #WIN #Giveaway YCMT Valentine Prize Package http://bit.ly/xmvfZa (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like YCMT on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow YCMT on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday March 2, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to YCMT for sending me a pattern for free to review and a package of patterns to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Pictures of the dress(es) I make with the pattern I received and more of my thoughts about it will come later.

Novica $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway

NOVICA helps change the lives of artisans in developing nations, while offering us extraordinary handmade gifts, jewelry, apparel, and home decor. There are so many talented artists and artisans around the world. NOVICA provides these unique, hard-to-find items on their internet website at great prices. These services are all fair trade, meaning that they don't charge the artists and artisans any listing fees and the artists and artisans remain fully independent. They are free to raise their prices, lower their prices, or remove their items from their website whenever they please. This website is great to buy something from for your sweetheart for Valentine's Day, just remember since these items are coming all the way from the country they are made in, the shipping might take longer than expected.

They have some very great gifts, including: Unique Corporate Gifts, Silk Shawls, Pendants bracelets, and Women's wraps and sarongs.

I love the NOVICA platform. They have a story of the specific artist and artisan on the item's page for every item they create. They cover the Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand, and West Africa regions. I love learning about the artist or artisan that has made the items when I purchase from there. You can search for what you want to look for in their search and narrow it down even more from there. You can also search from low to high price or high to low price. They also have these categories that you can search under as special features right now: Valentine's Day Gifts, Gift Finder, Eco-Friendly Gifts, Gifts for Mom, Gifts for Dad, Corporate Gifts, Spiritual & Inspirational Gifts, Fast Shipping Gifts, Collectibles, Featured Sale, and Gift Animals.

I also love their new home party division, NOVICA LIVE. If you join as a consultant you will be getting in early and making good money in direct sales supporting artisans worldwide. NOVICA LIVE is expanding across the country right now and signing up new consultants every week. The starter kits are only $199 and have over $400 worth of samples and $150 in business materials. They have a lot of promotions going on for their early consultants, including earning a trip to recreate Eat, Pray, Love with their co-founder Armenia in Bali (she was featured in Liz Gilbert's book)! Also, they have a generous commission plan so you can make money while working just a few hours per week. If you sign up to host a party or be a new consultant please put in my blog url on the Contact Us page under the drop down text input box where the question says, "How did you hear about NOVICA Live", after you select "from a blogger" or "from a website". This way they can offer me credit for referring you.

I received a free $50 Gift Certificate from NOVICA so that I can review some items later on my blog once they arrive from Thailand. I picked some gorgeous Natural orchid dangle earrings called 'Twilight' made by artisan Danai and a beautiful Lapis lazuli and smoky quartz brooch with 'Phuket Flowers' made by Nareerat.

WIN IT:
NOVICA is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate to their store.

Mandatory:
Go to the NOVICA website and tell me what you would most love to get with the $50 Gift Certificate. Leave links in the comment for the item(s).

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and NOVICA in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @NOVICA #WIN #Giveaway NOVICA $50 Gift Certificate http://bit.ly/yQ9bUA (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like NOVICA on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow NOVICA on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday March 2, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to NOVICA for sending me a $50 gift certificate for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review of their website. Review of the items I bought with the $50 is coming later.

Foodie Friday Valentine's Breakfast in Bed

I love Pinterest and have been pinning my favorite things there lately. I wanted to share some awesome ideas for Valentine's Day breakfasts that I found on there that you can surprise your sweatheart in bed with :) Here they are numbered on the collage photo. I have given credit to everyone that I know that the pictures and information came from. I hope you enjoy this post and comment. Click on the collage and you can see it bigger.

1. If you like morning coffee, have a fancy heart latte instead. On WikiHow they show you just how this art is done. Credit for the picture goes to Lattes and Wanderlust blog.

2. Make some heart shaped scones. There are a bunch of heart shaped scone recipes online. One of my favorites comes from the Such Pretty Things blog and is a Cherry Chocolate Chip Heart Scone. Yum!

3. This delicious recipe comes from Our Best Bites and are Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Berry Sauce.

4. Craving doughnuts? These yummy Heart-Shaped Doughnuts from Miss Elena Eous will be the sweetest treat.

5. Here is what my family calls Heart Egg in a Hole Toast. The Petite Kitchenesse calls her version the Valentine’s Day Egg in the Basket.

6. Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are so wonderful right out of the oven! Credit goes to the Poppies at Play blog.

7. You need a special heart shaped waffle iron for these waffles. Credit goes to NilsenLife.

8. If you love bacon in the morning, try this easy tip for Bacon Hearts from The Paper Mama.

9. These Sweetie Pies are filled with jam and are a special treat from The Farm Chicks.

10. I love french toast! This Heart Shaped French Toast recipe comes from Land O Lakes and comes with a recipe for Strawberry Butter to spread on top.

11. These Heart Fruit Kabobs are healthy and sweet. They come from Parents.com.

12. These Heart Shaped Hard Boiled Eggs look difficult, but are actually easy to do. Head on over to Anna The Red to see her technique.

13. Korean born these interesting omelets called GyeRan Mali are really tasty and Aeri's Kitchen has a neat technique to make them heart shaped.

14. You can make Heart Shaped Pancakes a number of ways, but Martha Stewart has a recipe that you don't need a heart shaped pancake mold for.

15. Last, but not least another Martha Stewart gem...Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Hearts.

Something to consider, there are kitchen tools that might make your Valentine's breakfast easier and these are also great Valentine's gift ideas for someone who loves to cook!

Here is a list:


I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day and a superb Valentine's breakfast!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post. I have credited all of the photos and ideas. I have affiliate links for products off of Amazon listed in this post. I have not tried any of these products myself, so please read other reviews about them before you purchase. Thanks for supporting my blog. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

Bigelow Tea Valentine Gift Duet Review

I love to drink tea! To sit and sip on a hot mug of tea and relax is my favorite thing to do in the morning. I love the Bigelow Tea Valentine Gift Duet gift pack. It is perfect for Valentine's Day! If you love tea or if your sweetheart does consider this a perfect gift for them. This gift pack features two different types of tea: Sweetheart Cinnamon and White Chocolate Obsession. Both boxes of tea have 20 individually wrapped tea bags in them, for a total of 40 tea bags.

Sweetheart Cinnamon is my favorite of the two. It is an herb tea with a blend of delicious sweet apple and exotic cinnamon. It is all natural and caffeine free. It also has hibiscus, rose blossoms, rose hips, and licorice root in it. I love the flavor! This tea is going on my list to buy when I run out.

White Chocolate Obsession is a blend of chocolate and robust black tea. I love this tea with milk and Stevia. It also has cinnamon and carob in it. I can definitely taste the carob and black tea more than anything else. If you love tea and you love chocolate you will probably love this tea.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Bigelow Tea for sending me the Valentine Gift Duet and the individual samples for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Celtic Woman Believe DVD and CD Review and Giveaway

I am so excited to be reviewing the Celtic Woman Believe DVD and CD. I had heard about the Celtic Woman in passing conversation, but never had I heard their performance. I was pleasantly blown away at their fabulous talent. For this DVD and CD the group is made up of 4 women: vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt. For the Believe 2012 tour a new member Susan McFadden has joined the group while Lisa Kelly is on pregnancy leave.

During two sold out nights at The Fox Theatre (Atlanta, GA) in Sept 2011 the live concert DVD was filmed for the first time in America in front of some of Celtic Woman's most loyal fans. Instead of listening to the CD, I saw the DVD first and not only is the whole performance a sight to behold but the set design and wardrobe were breathtaking. I loved the stunning dresses, that are pictured below, the best. They are gorgeous and the bead work and embroidery is lovely! The set is beautiful too. I love all the scroll work that went into it and the drapery, arch and chandeliers give it a nice touch. I love the opening song of the DVD. Tears of joy were welling up in my eyes at the sight and sound of it. My favorite part of the DVD was "The Foxhunter". Since I play the violin (albeit not that well) I have a love for violin music. My heart swelled at Máiréad Nesbitt's performance. She is a spectacular violinist and she can dance while she plays. For "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" they brought on a children's choir to sing with them. For "Green Grow The Rushes" they involved the audience with the singing. "Mná na hÉireann" is another violin piece played by Máiréad, but an Irish clog dancer also takes the stage. The songs "My Heart Was Home Again", "A Tribute to Broadway", "Green Grow The Rushes", "Smile", and "Mná na hÉireann" are additions to the DVD and not included on the CD. The next to the last song on the DVD before the credits, "The Parting Glass", sets a great grand finale as several bagpipers (more than I have ever seen in a performance) come out of the woodwork and onto the stage to join Celtic Woman. Click HERE to see the DVD trailer. I am so excited to also be able to go to their concert with my husband in April and see them up close in the Keller Auditorium.

BELIEVE LIVE DVD Playlist:
01. Awakening
02. Follow On
03. The Foxhunter
04. Nocturne
05. Sailing
06. Bridge Over Troubled Water
07. Black Is The Colour
08. The World Falls Away
09. My Heart Was Home Again
10. A Tribute to Broadway: I Dreamed A Dream/Circle of Life
11. Téir Abhaile Riú
12. A Woman's Heart
13. The Water Is Wide
14. Green Grow The Rushes
15. You'll Never Walk Alone
16. Smile
17. Walking The Night
18. A Spaceman Came Traveling
19. Ave Maria
20. Mná na hÉireann
21. The Parting Glass
22. At The Ceili

The Believe CD has 15 selections from the Believe Live DVD. This enchanting seventh studio album of the Celtic Woman is a great companion to the DVD. I love listening to this CD in my van and when I am at home or relaxing. This CD is a great listen and Celtic Woman's voices and music is angelic. My favorite song on both the DVD and CD is "Téir Abhaile Riú". Such a wonderful upbeat song that just makes me want to dance. Click on the link above and you can hear it too :) The cover to both the DVD and CD features Lisa Lambe on the front of it and I absolutely love her red hair and curls there. She also looks great as a blonde, but I am kinda partial to red heads because of my daughter Tatiana.

BELIEVE CD Playlist:
01. Awakening
02. Nocturne
03. Sailing
04. The Foxhunter
05. The Water Is Wide
06. Bridge Over Troubled Water
07. Black Is The Colour
08. Follow On
09. Ave Maria
10. Téir Abhaile Riú
11. You'll Never Walk Alone
12. A Spaceman Came Traveling
13. Songs From The Heart: Walking The Night/The World Falls Away
14. A Woman's Heart
15. The Parting Glass

Follow Them:
Website Facebook Twitter Youtube Myspace

BUY IT:
Believe DVD: http://amzn.to/vZcIIN at $13.99.
Believe CD: http://amzn.to/yVl7Ob at $9.99. These would be a wonderful Valentine gift for a fan!

Tour Dates
February 03, 2012   Nashville, TN   TPAC
February 04, 2012   Nashville, TN   TPAC
February 07, 2012   Knoxville, TN   Civic Auditorium
February 08, 2012   Greenville, SC   BI-LO Center
February 09, 2012   Atlanta, GA   Fox Theatre
February 11, 2012   Birmingham, AL   BJCC
February 12, 2012   Huntsville, AL   Von Braun Center
February 14, 2012   Tampa, FL   David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
February 15, 2012   Jacksonville, FL   Times Union Center for the Performing Arts
February 16, 2012   Gainesville, FL   Stephen C. O’Connell Center
February 17, 2012   Orlando, FL   UCF Arena
February 18, 2012   Melbourne, FL   Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
February 21, 2012   Charlotte, NC   Ovens Auditorium
February 22, 2012   Charlottesville, VA   John Paul Jones Arena
February 24, 2012   North Charleston, SC   N. Charleston Performing Arts Center
February 25, 2012   Asheville , NC   Asheville Civic Center
February 26, 2012   Columbia, SC   Koger Center
February 28, 2012   Roanoke, VA   Civic Center
February 29, 2012   Norfolk, VA   Chrysler Hall
March 02, 2012   Raleigh, NC   Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts
March 03, 2012   Fairfax, VA   Patriot Center
March 04, 2012   Baltimore, MD   Hippodrome Theatre
March 06, 2012   Hershey, PA   Giant Center
March 08, 2012   Philadelphia, PA   Liacouras Center
March 09, 2012   Boston, MA   The Wang Theatre
March 10, 2012   Boston, MA   The Wang Theatre
March 11, 2012   New York, NY   Radio City Music Hall
March 13, 2012   Syracuse, NY   Landmark Theatre
March 14. 2012   Albany, NY   Palace Theatre
March 16, 2012   Manchester, NH   Verizon Wireless Arena
March 17, 2012   Wallingford, CT   Oakdale Theatre
March 18, 2012   Uncasville, CT   Mohegan Sun Arena
March 20, 2012   Richmond, VA   Landmark Theater
March 21, 2012   Pittsburgh, PA Consol   Energy Center
March 23, 2012   Detroit, MI   Fox Theatre
March 24, 2012   Cincinnati, OH   Aronoff Center for the Arts
March 25, 2012   West Lafayette, IN   Elliott Hall of Music
March 27, 2012   Akron, OH   Civic Theatre
March 28, 2012   Columbus, OH   Palace Theatre
March 30, 2012   Chicago, IL   Rosemont Theatre
March 31, 2012   Chicago, IL   Rosemont Theatre
April 01, 2012   St. Paul, MN   Xcel Energy Center
April 03, 2012   Champaign, IL   Assembly Hall Star Theatre
April 04, 2012   Kansas City, MO   Music Hall
April 05, 2012   Little Rock, AR   Robinson Center
April 06, 2012   Memphis, TN   Orpheum Theatre
April 07, 2012   Memphis, TN   Orpheum Theatre
April 10, 2012   Louisville, KY   The Palace Theater
April 11, 2012   St. Louis, MO   Fox Theatre
April 12, 2012   Wichita, KS   Century II Performing Arts Center
April 14, 2012   Dallas, TX   Verizon Theatre
April 15, 2012   Baton Rouge, LA   River Center Arena
April 16, 2012   Houston, TX   Jones Hall
April 18, 2012   Denver, CO   Wells Fargo Theater
April 19, 2012   Salt Lake City, UT   Energy Solutions Arena
April 21, 2012   Portland, OR   Keller Auditorium
April 22, 2012   Spokane, WA   INB PAC
April 23, 2012   Seattle, WA   Paramount Theatre
April 25, 2012   Sacramento, CA   Memorial Auditorium
April 27, 2012   Phoenix, AZ   Comerica Theatre
April 28, 2012   Los Angeles, CA   Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
April 29, 2012   Las Vegas, NV   The Smith Center for Performing Arts

WIN IT:
A representative for the group is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win a signed copy of either the DVD or the CD. We will have a total of two winners. One winning the DVD and the other winning the CD.

Mandatory:
Go to the Celtic Woman website and tell me which of the prizes you would love the most (CD or DVD).

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Celtic Woman in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @Celtic_Woman #WIN #Giveaway Signed Celtic Woman Believe DVD or CD http://bit.ly/vZV5Ko (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like Celtic Woman on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow Celtic Woman on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday February 24, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. and Canada ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to the rep and Celtic Woman for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Everything Romance: A Celebration of Love for Couples by David Bordon and Tom Winters FWCT Book Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!




You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

David Bordon and Tom Winters

and the book:

Everything Romance: A Celebration of Love for Couples

WaterBrook Press (December 20, 2011)

***Special thanks to Ashley Boyer, Publicist, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group of for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

David Bordon and Tom Winters are partners in Bordon-Winters, LLC, a book concept and packaging company that produces successful books and gift products. Among their previous titles are the popular “101 Things You Should Do” series. This volume joins another one of their beautiful gift books, Everything Christmas.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Everything Romance is a gift book overflowing with heartwarming ideas to keep that special relationship fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a newlywed or celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss, this book offers a treasury of ways to capture your love’s heart daily. Love letters, inexpensive date night suggestions, tantalizing recipes, conversation starters, and inspiring love stories will all help you romance the love of your life in creative and meaningful ways!

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99



Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (December 20, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0307729311

ISBN-13: 978-0307729316

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

A Marriage Blessing

Most gracious God, we give You thanks for Your tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be the way of life.

We thank You, also, for consecrating the union of man and woman in His name. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of Your blessing upon this man and this woman. Defend them from every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads. Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death. Finally, in Your mercy, bring them to that table where Your saints feast forever in Your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.
(from The Book of Common Prayer)


PERFECT PAIR PIZZA-PITA SNACKS

2 whole-wheat pita breads
4 teaspoons basil pesto
1 cup cottage cheese
2 tablespoons Roma tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
Fresh Parmesan cheese (optional)

Toast pita breads until they are crispy and firm. Spread half of the pesto on each pita. Next, spread half of the cottage
cheese on each pita. Top with chopped tomato and fresh basil. If desired, sprinkle with fresh grated parmesan cheese. Slice each pita into two or four wedges and enjoy!

Romance Trivia

A team of medical experts in Virginia contends that you’re more likely to catch the common cold virus by shaking hands than by kissing.

Excerpted from Everything Romance by David Bordon and Thomas J. Winters Copyright © 2011 by David Bordon and Thomas J. Winters. Excerpted by permission of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Baby Bella Maya Lacy Legging Gift Pack Review and Giveaway

Baby Bella Maya has the perfect Valentine's gifts for both little girls and boys! They carry beautiful: baby carrier covers, baby gift sets, blankets, headbands, infant car seat covers, toddler car seat covers, lacy leggings, ruffled diaper covers, shoes and Tellurian Baby care products.

We got to try a 3 pack of their Lacy Leggings in 12-18 months. They came in the sweetest packaging that reminded me of a candy wrapper. They are the perfect gift for Valentine's Day and that is why I had to include them in my Valentine's Amore Gift Guide! My littlest, Zari, looks so adorable in these. They add just the right amount of lace to an ensemble. Whether your little girl likes to dress up in frilly things or just add a touch of femininity to her outfit the Baby Bella Maya Lacy Leggings are just the ticket. The only downsides to these: if you have Velcro on your child's diapers it might take hold of the lace, as I unfortunately found out, (If it does this just be very careful to remove it so that it doesn't cause damage.) and these leggings should only be hand washed and air dried flat. I love dressing my girls in dresses and skirts! I also love leggings to pair with them. The Baby Bella Maya Lacy Leggings are perfect because they come in 3 different colors: pink, white and black. They match so many dresses and skirts the girls have already. Not only that but they look great with both casual and dressy outfits. They are calf length and footless. They are also comfortable and so much softer than that starchy scratchy lace since they are made with 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex. These are wonderful for any occasion and so very perfect for dressing your little girl up for Valentine's Day!

BUY IT:
Lacy Leggings are available for purchase at $27.99 per 3 pack on Baby Bella Maya. You can also purchase them separately for $10. Available in size 6-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months.

WIN IT:
Lynn at Baby Bella Maya is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win a 3 pack of Lacy Leggings in the size of your choice.

Mandatory:
Go to the Baby Bella Maya website and tell me what else you really love.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Baby Bella Maya in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @BabyBellaMaya #WIN #Giveaway 3 Pack of Lacy Leggings http://bit.ly/zYdiO1 (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like Baby Bella Maya on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow Baby Bella Maya on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday February 24, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Baby Bella Maya for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Free Valentine's Cards from Tiny Prints (Expires 1/25)

I just got a FREE Valentine card from Tiny Prints for my sweetheart and my children and you can too! Send them to yourself and you get them FREE!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in taking part of this deal. I am a fan of Tiny Prints and thought I would share the savings. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

Bamboobies Review and Giveaway

I received a pair of the washable and reusable Bamboobies regular nursing pads and a pair of their overnights. These are amazing! I was astonished at how incredibly soft they feel. They remind me of the softest cashmere sweater or soft pussy willows! In addition to how comfortable these are to wear they are also very absorbent and wick away from the skin leaving no leaks behind. Since they are made of organic, sustainable fabrics, Bamboobies are a great eco-friendly and economical alternative to disposable pads.

The Bamboobies regular nursing pads are a unique heart shape which hugs the breast, protecting it and your clothing from breast milk leakage. Since they contour to the shape of your breast they also don't show outlines or wrinkles through your clothing. The heart shape is the best part of these and I think they would be wonderful gifts for Valentine's for a nursing mom or nursing mom to be!! That is why I have placed them in my Amore Valentine's Day Gift Guide.

The overnights are also super soft but larger and round for complete coverage when you need the maximum protection from leaks. I found these to be great while sleeping. They catch all the leaks and you will never wake up in the middle of the night in a puddle of breast milk again!

The fabrics these nursing pads are made of are fabulous! Their bamboo fabrics are certified organic. Bamboo is not cold when wet like cotton is. Organic cotton and bamboo are blended to create the soft velour of the regular bamboobies and the fleece on the outside of the overnights. Soy is more breathable, absorbent and durable than cotton and is naturally anti-microbial and UV protective. It is softer than cotton and longer-lasting. It dries quickly, doesn’t wrinkle as easily and feels luxurious. Hemp is naturally organic and 4 times more absorbent than cotton. It is also known for its antimildew and antimicrobial properties. Hemp and organic cotton blends are found in the inner core of all of their bamboobies products. Bamboobies goes 'Beyond Organic' to ensure that the fibers are not treated with toxic chemicals and that only water-based dyes are used.

Click on the picture above to compare.

BUY IT:

• 2 Pair Regular or Overnight Bamboobies: MSRP: $16.99

• Multi Pack: 1 Pair Overnights + 3 Pair Regulars in a Lingerie Bag: MSRP: $29.99

• Value Pack - 6 Pair Regular Bamboobies: MSRP: $39.99

They also carry:

• 1 Pair Bamboob ease Soothing Flax Therapy Pillows: MSRP: $24.99

• Bamboobies Cute Little Nursing Cover: MSRP: $44.00

Use FINA20 for 20% off at checkout at www.buybamboobies.com!

WIN IT:
Becky at Bamboobies is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win a $16.99 credit which is enough to buy a 2 pair pack of either the Regular or Overnight Bamboobies or the winner can put it towards any other Bamboobies product(s) on their site.

Mandatory:
Go to the Bamboobies website and tell me which product(s) you would pick if you won.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Bamboobies in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @bamboobies #WIN #Giveaway Bamboobies $16.99 credit for Bamboo Velour Nursing Pads http://bit.ly/yYxTzc (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like Bamboobies on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow Bamboobies on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday February 10, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. AND Canada ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Bamboobies for sending me products for free and a credit to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Smart Mom Red Heart Teething Bling Review and Giveaway

It is coming up on Valentine's Day and I think the perfect gift for a mom with a little one that is teething is a Red Heart Teething Bling pendant necklace from Smart Mom Jewelry. This is why I have included it in my Amore Valentine's Gift Guide.

These necklaces are perfect for wearing around little ones because they are safe to chew on and won't harm wearer or teether. The pendants have a clasp that when tugged on will pop open so it won't choke the wearer and it also doesn't break the clasp. Teething Bling is made from plastic that is food-safe, non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, latex, lead, and PVC free. They are also dishwasher-friendly.

The Red Heart Teething Bling pendant necklace is so stylish for Valentine's Day. I love it! The color of it is more a hot pink or bright magenta than a true red, but I thought it was beautiful. They have other heart shaped pendants listed in their products under their Tween Bling line if you like camouflage or jungle prints. I would love to see a heart shaped pendant in a candy apple red shimmer and raspberry shimmer color too!

BUY IT:
Red Heart Pendants will be available to purchase at Smart Mom the week before Valentine's. All of the Smart Mom Jewelry would be a wonderful gift this Valentine's Day for a mom to a small one or a mother to be. Teething/Teen Bling Pendants cost $15.99-$23.99, Bangles cost $12.99 individually. You can even design your own gift set of either 3 bangles ($28.75) of your choice or one pendant and two bangles ($34.00) of your choice.

WIN IT:
Amy at Smart Mom is giving one lucky reader a chance to win a Red Heart Pendant.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Teething Bling from Smart Mom Jewelry website and tell me what other item you love.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Teething Bling from Smart Mom Jewelry in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @TeethingBling #WIN A Smart Mom Teething Bling Red Heart Pendant #Giveaway #valentines http://bit.ly/vYZYt2 (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like Teething Bling on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow Teething Bling on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday February 10, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. only!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Smart Mom, LLC for sending me a Red Heart Pendant for my Valentine's Amore Gift Guide 2012 for free, and another to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.