Surrender, Dorothy: Reviews

Custom iPhone Case Giveaway: $50 Gift Card to Uncommon

Mother's Day is around the corner. In addition to at least 12 copies of Sleep Is for the Weak, you might want to get a mom, grandma, aunt or yourself a custom iPhone case ornamented with a treasured child's artwork. I know, how cool?

Here's a video explaining the process.

 

I got a free case to try it out. I started out using my favorite picture by my daughter.

I followed the directions on the video. The biggest thing to note is you may have to resize your picture of the artwork if you don't have anything photo-ready. My case came a few days later. I chose the iPhone 4/4S Permafrost^TM UN Deflector. I liked how the Permafrost makes the phone look kind of glowy.

Pretty! The only downside I can see is that the cases are hard, so the shock absorbancy from my normal rubber case is gone. As such, I consider this my day-to-day case, but if I'm going somewhere rough-and-tumble like the zoo, the rubber case is going back on the phone. 

Would you like a cute case like this or want to give one to a mom in your life? Leave a comment to win a $50 gift card to Uncommon by 5 pm CT on this Friday, April 26. Each comment counts as an entry, enter as much as you want.

Here's a video for Mother's Day from Uncommon. 

 

If you're an iPhone user, there's a Mother's Day sale just for you. 

Buy One, Give One Sale.

Use the code MOMSDAY at checkout at www.getuncommon.com. The deal is for iPhone cases only, and it's good April 22 through April 24.

Good luck!

 

Updated: Congratulations, Candy! I'll be in touch with you to get your mailing address.

The Watcher by Lisa Voisin

I met fellow InkSpell Publishing author Lisa Voisin at the ALA Midwinter Meeting this past February. I was excited to read her debut paranormal romance, The Watcher. Here's my review!

Can angels sin?

More than just a teen paranormal love triangle -- although it's also that, and enticingly so -- The Watcher is an exploration of what sin and redemption really mean. Voisin uses her dialogue well to touch on subjects that might seem overpowering in prose.

The pacing of this story is excellent. A bit of a trigger warning in places, because evil is as evil does, and here we have a demon hunting a girl who is protected by an angel. Good amount of heat as it relates to its target audience -- that time in life when a kiss from the right person can mean everything.

About the Book:

 

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.

Can he face her without falling again?

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?

Ancient history is only the beginning.

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon |Amazon.CA |B&N | Indie Bound | Inkspell | Kobo | Chapters / Indigo

Book Details:

Title: The Watcher

Author: Lisa Voisin

Publisher: InkSpell Publishing

Publication date: March 4, 2013

ISBN13: 9780985656225

Pages: 541

About the Author:

A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction.

A self-proclaimed coffee lover, Lisa can usually be found writing in a local café. When she's not writing, you'll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains to counteract the side effects of drinking too much caffeine!

Though she’s lived in several cities across Canada, she currently lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiancé and their two cats.

Find her: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog

The Book Trailer:

http://youtu.be/ukoCDlW05-Y

 

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

Lisa Voisin and Inkspell Publishing are giving away print (US/Canada/UK) and ebook (INT) copies of The Watcher  as well as this lovely angel wing necklace.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: Tickets to the 2013 Kansas City Home Show and Flower, Lawn & Garden Show

Hi everyone! It's going to be 75 degrees in Kansas City today, and I'm getting excited for my FLOWERS. We usually go to the Kansas City Home Show and Flower, Lawn & Garden Show every year to drool over things we can't afford and smell dirt and flowers in March. I was thrilled this year to be offered free tickets to go -- we'll be there next Sunday! And I have a free pair of tickets to give away to one of my local readers.

 

Here are all the formal details:

The original Kansas City Home Show and Flower, Lawn & Garden Show returns on March 22- 24 to Bartle Hall.  Founded by the Home Builders Association of Kansas City,  the Home Show has been a tradition for sixty five years. Bartle Hall will be teeming with hundreds of exhibitors to showcase new opportunities and choices for homeowners to get a jump on spring home and garden projects. 

Headliner on the Spaces Stage will be Lonni Paul, HGTV Design Star Finalist and designer to celebrities.  She is a contributor to the Style Network's Giuliana & Bill show and designed their Brentwood home.  Lonni is known for championing purity, clean lines and a refined modern vision with understated elegance.  She also created an infant and children's furniture collection called PetitNest, that she co-created with actress Tiffani Amber Thiessen (yes, from Saved by the Bell and the original 90210).   Lonni will present Celebrity Style Within Reach, a down-to-earth look at how homeowners can take ideas from celebrity design, incorporate them and not break the bank.  This event will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 25. 

Jennifer Bertrand, HGTV Design Star Winner, will emcee the Spaces Stage.   

Other Notable Presenters:

• Sarah Susanka, architect and innovator, will be a featured speaker, presenting her powerful "Not So Big for Remodeling & Building New" message on the Spaces Stage.  Sarah has authored nine best-selling books including The Not So Big House, The Not So Big Life, Not So Big Remodeling.  Sarah’s presentation is scheduled for 6:00 pm on Friday, March 22 and 1:00 pm Saturday, March 23, followed by a book signing.
• Brian Santos, "The Wall Wizard" best-selling author of Painting Secrets, Faux Finish Secrets, and Wallcovering Secrets, will give three presentations at The Wizard's Workshop. This 25 year contractor, chemist and educator steps through the real science, magic and myths of decorating your home.Painting Secrets, his first presentation, is geared  for the audience to learn the real tips, tricks and techniques of home improvement.  This will be held at Noon on Friday, March 21, Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23.   He will also present Colors for Tomorrow to show a glimpse of the hot new colors and cool old styles for the 21st century at 3:00 pm on Friday, March 21, Saturday, March 22 and Sunday March 23.  He will also present  Quiz The Wiz!, where audience members will have a chance to ask questions about the walls around you, to help magically demystify the most common myths, mistakes and misconceptions about the surfaces around us at 5:30 pm on Friday, March 21 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22.

Garden Chatter Corner

●  Jonah Nelson, from Family Tree Nursery, will emcee the Garden Chatter Corner speaking on "Tired Trees:  Should they stay or should they go?" 

●  Dr. Alan Stevens, Director of the K-State Horticulture Research & Extention Center  the Extension Specialist for commercial floriculture.  He developed the Prairie Star list of recommended varieties and will speak about Prairie Star Flowers. 

●  Laurel Sears is a professional colorscaping and floral designer, and will speak about Thematic Gardens – Xeric, Japanese and Meadow Gardens. 

●  Vaughn Fletcher will share his expertise on colorful combinations and new plantings for 2013. Vaughn has served on the Medal of Excellence Committee for Greenhouse Grower Magazine.

Kids' Corner

 

• KC Bricklab, which is the LEGO® user's group for the Kansas City region, will host Kids' Corner.  They will have custom LEGO® creations (called MOC's in LEGO®, which stands for My Own Creations) on display including a replica of the Seville Tower on the Country Club Plaza.  Children of all ages who attend the Home Show are invited to come to the Kids' Corner booth and design their own LEGO® creations with the help of KC Bricklab "Buddy Builders".  Enter to win a large LEGO® building set.
• Award winning presenter, Lt. Kelli Bailiff, recognized locally and nationally for her work with missing and victimized children, will speak about educating families on child safety at 1:30 daily on the Wall Wizard’s stage, which is near Kids’ Corner.  She is the on-air host of Child Search, on KMBC-TV. Ch. 9 news. 

Event Highlights

●            Family Favorites - Wayside Waifs adoptable pets & The Bee Guy (Koelzer Bee Farm-Booth #5125) - working bee hives.

●            Landscape and Garden Displays - Walk through a custom-built log cabin. Walk through a large custom garden built by The Water Garden Society featuring ponds and a Japanese Garden.

●            Infinity Lights Exhibit - self-assemble lampshades made up of quadrilateral, interlocking pieces that can be assembled in a variety of ways. 

●            People's Choice Awards - Cast your ballot for the best landscape or garden design at the Home Show to win a substantial outdoor tree and planting.

●            Storm Shelters & Safe Homes Displays (newly designed safe rooms and above-ground shelters)

●            Register to Win  - 72” HDTV from Direct Buy, Electrolux front-loading Washer & Dryer valued at $2700 from Ferguson, Window Treatments from Blind Corners & Curves, Landscaping & More

 

For information and tickets, go to www.kchomeshow.com, or pick up tickets at Hen House, Sun Fresh or Bank of Blue Valley.  Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.  Children 16 and under are free.  On Sunday make a donation to Harvesters of 5 non-perishable items or $5 for a 2-for-1 admission.  Show hours are Friday, March 22, 10 AM to 8 PM,  Saturday, March 23, 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday, March 24 from 10 AM to 6 PM. 

This event is presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City and the presenting sponsor is MattressFIRM.  For information go to www.kchomeshow.com.

Who wants to win a pair of tickets to dream? Leave a comment below. Every comment counts as an entry, enter as often as you like. I will close comments at 4:30 pm Kansas City time on Thursday, March 21, pick a winner and work with my contact to get the etickets delivered in time to go Friday-Sunday! Welcome, spring!

UPDATED: Congratulations, Average Jane! We'll be in contact to give you your tickets.

Eshakti Review & Coupon Code

Ever wish you could get that dress but without cap sleeves? Or add a v-neck? Or somehow change the dress that's almost-perfect-but-not-quite for your lovely lady lumps to one that is va-va-flattering? Me, too. I was recently approached by Eshakti, a very cool affordable-yet-boutique clothing company that lets you customize all its clothes.

I got a free dress, which is quite beautiful and looks like this:

I customized the neckline to a wide scoop.

What I love: the clothes are ADORABLE and cut for women like me who have actual hips and waists that are not perfectly proportioned. The retro styles are so totally Mad Men, and very well made.

Room for improvement: I find the site a little hard to search and sometimes the View All doesn't let me View All. However, I'd much rather the slight annoyance be with the site than the product.

Details

• All designs in all sizes 0-36w

• All styles in all sizes 0-36W

• Customize at $7.50: made to your size, shape and style -- FREE THE FIRST TIME YOU CUSTOMIZE

• Ships in 7 business days with additional -- transit time of 7 to 9 business days to your door, including custom clothing.

If you're interested in giving Eshakti a try, I have a coupon code for you that is good until March 25, 2013!

Gift Coupon Code: SRRENDERDR64
Gift Coupon Value: $25
Gift Coupon Validity: March 25, 2013

(I will actually take a picture of what I look like in my dress as soon as possible -- I just wanted to get this review up quickly due to the coupon code expiration date!)

Giveaway Winner: My Pretty Playhouse

You guys are awesome! Such good participation.

And the winner is ...

AMY WILLIAMS! Amy, I'll be emailing you to get your mailing address. Thanks for playing!

American Girl Party Dress and Holiday Accessories

In my life before parenthood, I admit I judged grown women who went gaga for American Girl. Who would pay $36 for an outfit for a doll? I barely pay $36 for an outfit for myself!

Then the American Girl store came to Kansas City, and I was doomed.

The first time I saw an American Girl shoe, I sort of got it. It's the quality. Sure, it's also the brand name and the attention to detail -- the outfits come wrapped in tissue paper in a tiny shirt box, just like a fancy dress from a high-end department store -- but the quality, wow. I can't afford a lot of it, but I do buy the real McCoy for my girl when I can, because you can just see and feel the difference when you put it up next to the knock-off stuff. The American Girl stuff has stitches instead of glue, buttons instead of snaps, velvet instead of velour.

And I got the 2012 holiday party dress and accessories for review.

As usual, my favorite part is the shoes. I want shoes just like that for myself! The headband is also adorable, and the whole thing comes in one of those awesome shirt boxes with the tissue paper that lets your daughter feel, for a minute, like Little Orphan Annie shopping from Daddy Warbuck's house.

There are also accessories for going to the ballet. My daughter had to sit out dancing in The Nutcracker this year for a family wedding, but we're going to see the rest of her class, and I'm betting she'll be bringing Erin or Alexandra decked out with these accessories:

I know, seriously? But THE WATCH IS AWESOME.

It is sad when your daughter and her doll are better dressed than you are, but that's the reality in my world.

The downside to American Girl is really just the price. It's great stuff, and unlike other toys, it holds its value if your daughter (or you!) wants to sell her collection later in life. The brand holds its value and the clothes hold up well to lots of wardrobe changes. I myself am big on resale value, because it really kills me to spend $30 on a piece of plastic that will only net $2 a year later at a garage sale when it's in perfect shape.

Now what the heck am I going to wear to The Nutcracker?

Giveaway: My Pretty Playhouse

My daughter is a lover of couch forts, doll lofts made from cardboard boxes, and turning her bedroom into a series of book nooks. I am a lover of anything you can fold up and put away, especially things that are large enough to make her heart go pitter-patter.

Look what I got sent for review!

It's called My Pretty Playhouse, and it's made of 100% recycled cardboard. Like most cardboard playhouses, you can color on it to make it custom. This playhouse is also awesome because it will come apart if you don't want a situation like this on your hands every day.

This also gives you an idea of how large this thing is. My daughter is a 50"-tall, eight-year-old third-grader and she can stand up straight in this puppy. I like that. I also like the detail -- the doors swing open, there's a little flower box and the windows are really cool. There's enough room in it for a few really little kids or two bigger ones. And bigger kids still like it -- seriously, you like it. Who does not like a giant cardboard box?

The folks at My Pretty Playhouse would like to give one of these away, and they also said if you want to buy one, they donate $2 to Habitat for Humanity for every playhouse they sell.

If you'd like to register for the giveaway, leave a comment as many times as you want on this post. I'll close comments and pick a winner on November 1 at 5 pm Central Time. Go crazy!

NightWave Sleep Assistant

Sleep. I love to sleep. I can't overemphasize how I love to sleep. My daughter is sort of a different story, as is my husband. My husband regularly sleeps about five hours a night. My daughter had so many sleep problems as a child I entitled my parenting anthology Sleep Is for the Weak. And recently? She's been waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling back asleep.

When I got the pitch email for a no-drugs sleep assistant, I was all SIGN ME UP.

They sent me the NightWave Sleep Assistant.

 

The concept is remarkably simple. You synchronize your breathing with a blue light that fades in and out while it's projected on your ceiling. It's brilliant for two reasons: body and mind. If you breathe deeply long enough, your body will relax, especially if you're already lying in bed in a dark room, right? But the reason most of us can't fall asleep has nothing to do with our bodies -- it's our racing thoughts.  When I asked my girl why she was having trouble falling back asleep when she woke up, she mentioned racing thoughts, too. Poor thing -- she's only eight.

So that's another reason for the light -- if you focus on the light, you're basically given a visual cue to focus on your breath without really thinking about it that way. It's really hard to make lists in your head while coordinating your breathing with a light. It's similar to the technique I've taught myself -- I visualize windshield wipers in my head swishing away every thought that pops into my head when I'm trying to fall asleep.

There are a few different programs of different speeds. Another thing I really like about the NightWave is the heartbeat setting. It's sort of random, but you can turn it on to make the light pulse at the speed of a resting heartrate. I find steadily pulsing lights very calming, even though it does remind me a little of IT in A Wrinkle in Time.

I used it once and fell asleep within two minutes. However, that's not unusual for me. My daughter hasn't had trouble falling back to sleep since I got NightWave in the mail (of course), but I keep it on her bedstand because who knows when she'll need it.

Except when I'm feeling anxious and I steal it for the heartbeat light.

THUMP THUMP THUMP

It's a bit pricey at around $50, which made my eyebrows raise considering what a relatively simple tool it is. However, if you can't sleep, you'd probably pay $5,000, so maybe it's not so bad?

Firmoo Prescription Glasses

I'm always looking for cheaper glasses. I love glasses, and except when I'm either a) sweating, b) working out or c) in formalwear, I really prefer my glasses over my contacts anymore. But glasses are so expensive!

The folks at Firmoo reached out to me and asked if they could send me some free glasses for review, so of course I said yes. I ordered some cheap prescription sunglasses earlier this year from Zenni, and while I loved the product, I realized after getting them that normal glasses tinted don't look the same as sunglasses. So I've been in the market for a new pair of prescription sunglasses for some time, and I wanted to get those from Firmoo.

The sunglasses I ordered look like sunglasses, black and red, very stylish. They came with a hard case and a soft case, which is nice because my previous experience was just a very cheap blue plastic case. Firmoo's was red and hard with nice metal hinges.

My only concern when I took them out for a test drive was that the top part of the lenses seemed blurrier than the bottom part. The bottom 3/4 seemed to be the correct prescription, but something was going on with the top 1/4. I wore them while driving around on errands, and I couldn't figure out what was going on until I parked and studied license plates up and down and figured out that I think the prescription was different at the top of the lens than at the bottom.

Now. That said, Firmoo offers a first pair free service. I would think that would offer people the opportunity to work through any kinks without being out anything financially. I haven't decided if I'm going to send this pair back and ask for a fix or just keep them and look through the bottom 3/4 of the lens, because honestly I don't wear prescription sunglasses all that often. My ending thought: the first pair's free, so worth a try.

 

Backjoy

I have upper back and neck problems. It's partly because I sit at a desk all day and type and mouse and don't switch my mouse from hand to hand like you're supposed to. And it's partly because I carry stress in my neck and have a habit of letting my shoulders climb up around my ears when I'm really busy and feeling overwhelmed. 

People always say to me, "Why don't you get a better chair?" But of course I have had almost every type of ergonomic chair there is. I have sat on exercise balls and I have used foot rests and weird curved keyboards and all sorts of contraptions and at the end of the day? Humans aren't supposed to sit for twelve hours straight. My back and neck never hurt on the weekends.

So what's a writer to do? 

The folks at Backjoy sent me one of their odd-looking contraptions to review. It looks like a tractor seat. 

This thing is probably the least intuitive item I've ever seen. If you sit on it any way than the way you're supposed to, your back will hurt worse. There are instructions on how to sit on it along with an important READ THIS FIRST! instruction manual for something you are supposed to sit on.

The instructions include the word "skootch." It's step 2.

I also loved the illustrations of the naked Sims man with his buttocks cupped and cradled by Backjoy.

Okay. Now I'm done having fun with the brochure.

I love this thing.

It looks weird. It feels kind of weird. It's not completely able to fix my repetitive motion injuries. HOWEVER. My posture is so much better! Basically it moves your center of gravity forward so you feel more like you do when you're standing. It's much easier to stand up straight for a long period of time than it is to sit up straight. I don't find myself leaning on my arms nearly as much as I used to. I think my little sister needs one of these things. If you have bad posture or back pain or really just sit on your butt for hours every day like I do, for $40 I think this is a totally worthwhile investment.