Monday, September 30, 2013

Making Lunch Fun with Michelina's! #MakeItYourMichelinas

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Michelina's for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Are you one of those people who gets tired of the same ole lunch all the time? Maybe the same old soup and salad, or the ever boring macaroni and cheese? Well, I have to admit, I am like that. I hate having a lunch that never changes. So when I heard about the fun you can have with Michelina's, I just knew I had to tell you all about it!

 

One of the reasons I struggle with the same food for lunch is that I am dieting. Not a strict diet with only certain foods, but one of those where I use portion control, eat better foods and more veggies. So I was unsure of how helpful this would be or if I could even do it. But after searching for different recipes and what exactly I could do, I will definitely enjoy looking at the Make It Your Michelina’s recipes. There are so many options and ways I can spice it up, use a variety of veggies in the meals, etc. Plus, they have the option of using Michelina's Lean Gourmet® meals. Check out some of the fun recipes I found and will be trying out!

 

I think my favorite would be the Spicy Michelina's Alfredo with Chicken and Veggies. I always like spicy foods and when you add in chicken and veggies? Can we say delicious! And when you look at the pictures it looks amazing! If I had to pick a top three though I would also choose the Chipotle Chicken and Rice Dinner Tacos(This one was made using the Chicken and Rice Michelina's Lean Gourmet® meal and then adding ingredients to make it even better), and the Cheese Maniccotti using ingredients to make it your own. I love it! There are soo many ways to change this all around and put your own flair on a frozen meal. I think if I were to make it my own, I would take the Santa Fe Style Rice and Beans and make my own burrito. Forget eating it in a bowl, eat it in a tortilla!

 

So, if any of you are looking for ways to get dinner or lunch on the table quick without a lot of fuss, make sure to check out the #MakeItYourMichelinas tag on the social media sites for tons of recipes and ideas. You can Follow Michelina’s on Twitter or Follow Michelina's on Facebook to get a hint of what ideas are out there. 

Visit Sponsor's Site

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Melanie Dobson book giveaway! Plus Review of The Courier of Caswell Hall!


An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women’s families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.
One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages—a network that may be the Patriots’ only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family’s protection and her own heart’s desires.
As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.
Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.


MY REVIEW-I have to admit, this is a book I was skeptical about liking. I enjoy some novels about the revolutionary war time period, but many times they are boring or I just can't get interested in them. I love that time period, but the fiction novels don't do it justice. So it was with trepidation that I picked up The Courier of Caswell Hall and started reading. But I was soon immersed in a different time period and culture that drew me in like a magnet. And before I knew it, I had finished the book and wanted more!! Totally ended up enjoying this novel:)

Lydia is a good heroine who is strong and yet unsure of herself at times. She makes up her mind and follows her heart but there were certain spots where she just didn't know what to do or how to go about it. And don't even get me started on Nathan. A really sweet man who risks his life to stand for his cause. The secondary characters were well thought out and you almost enjoy reading about them as much as the main characters. Lots of history in these pages and I liked learning more about the spy networks back then and the ways they sent messages. These people stood for what they thought was right, come what may. If only we had more like them today. There was one swear word that kind of caught me by surprise but it was something I just glanced over. Otherwise an excellent novel!!

CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER REVIEWERS THOUGHT!!

THE CONTEST!!


Melanie Dobson's latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall, is a riveting story you won't want to miss. The newest offering in the American Tapestries™ series, it follows an unlikely spy who discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.


Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!




courier-of-caswell-rafflecopter




Five winners will receive:



  • The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.





Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books!




**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Friday, September 27, 2013

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg! CFBA #Book Tour!





This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Made to Last

Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013)

by

Melissa Tagg


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.

It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)


Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.


In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.


And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)


ABOUT THE BOOK



Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.


When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?


If you'd like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS-Made to Last is one debut novel that I really enjoyed. It is a contemporary story which is normally not my cup of tea, but I have to admit, by the end of it I was having fun. It is a humorous comedy type of novel but there were also several times I was close to tears. And at the end I definitely cried. Miranda, or Randi as Matthew calls her, is a strong woman who knows what she wants, but has let her values and goals get clouded. Blaze is quite hilarious and makes a great "husband". The part where Rand comes downstairs and he is cooking pancakes in her frilly apron? Loved it!! But don't go thinking it is all fun. Lots to deal with including bitterness, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc. I do have to say, I was kind of unsure about Miranda living with someone and obviously having a relationship before she was married. I know things happen and she wasn't right with the Lord but it still left a funny taste. Otherwise a great book and I will definitely be looking for the next book by Melissa Tagg! Keep her on your watch list folks!



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

How to Find the Best Volvo Repair Shop


Many car owners really have a sense of pride in owning a Volvo. If you own a Volvo, you know about this feeling. Volvos are great cars to own, and they take very good care of their owners. However, their owners also have to take very good care of their Volvos. This is why it's important to find a Volvo repair shop in Minneapolis to maintain your Volvo, rather than taking it to any old mechanic. This article will explain how you can find the best Volvo repair shop to take care of your trusty Volvo.

Getting Started


First of all, you will want to take some time to really understand what is going on with your Volvo. What kind of problems are you experiencing with your car? The more you understand about the problems your car is experiencing, the more prepared you will be to inform the repair shop. Of course, you will also want to take some time to really consider the different things you want out of the repair shop you choose. There is such a thing as a bad Volvo repair shop, and you will want to avoid those as much as possible.

Doing the Research

Research is the most important part of trying to find a good Volvo repair shop. While you will want to find a repair shop as soon as you can, you won't want to rush your final decision. Picking the wrong shop is one of the worst things you can do to your car. Start your research by asking for recommendations from friends that also own Volvos. You will also want to spend some time doing research on the Internet. When you do, you will always want to pay attention to the different reviews and ratings that previous and current clients have left about the repair shop.

Visiting the Shop


One of the best ways to figure out which Volvo repair shop in Minneapolis is right for you is to visit the different shops that you have located. A quick trip to the shop will give you a better idea of how the mechanics will treat you and your car. In the end, choose the shop that makes you feel the most comfortable with leaving your car there.

This is a sponsored post from Bucks2Blog for the enjoyment of Giveaway Lady readers. 


**DISCLOSURE: Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Grace Unplugged Novel #Review & Giveaway!

I don't know about you, but I am kinda excited about this new film coming out, Grace Unplugged, on October 4th. So when I was offered the chance to review the novel I jumped at it! And I know what is coming, but the books are sometimes just as good as the movies. Okay, or the other way around:) But I was pretty impressed with this and can't wait for the movie now.

This book starts out with Grace charging out of church, upset at her father. She feels he is too controlling and doesn't let her live the way she wants. Maybe he doesn't like the way she plays her guitar, but everyone else seems to? And sure it sometimes gets a little loud, or she forgets things, but he doesn't have to jump at her like he does! And I am sure you get the idea. Of course it doesn't help that her father is THE Johnny Trey, only a famous music star who left it all when he got right with the Lord. He taught her almost everything she knows but doesn't want to allow her the freedom she craves. As I am sure we all have felt this at times, Grace has this feeling magnified. Nothing is going right in her life, except for her music. Then a big break happens and the man who made her dad famous agrees to help her along her path to fame. And so comes the big trip to Hollywood and all the pitfalls, traps, and temptation that goes with fame.

I have to admit, I really enjoyed this book, even though I was somewhat skeptical of how it would turn out. Partway through I was expecting Grace, or Gracie as she has come to be known to her fans, to just continue on her path and see where all the fame got her. I felt bad for her father Johnny, but I also saw where she was coming from. The anger was something that is hard to deal with but he also feels frustrated and helpless. Which makes sense later when the pastor urges him to give it to God. At some point Grace has to make her own choices and it is her decision. I thoroughly fell in love with Quentin and his quirky ways. He is the steady anchor in a time when everything around Grace is changing and unsure. The portrayal of temptation and back-biting really makes things seem realistic. Everyone in reality is out for themselves, no matter how much they claim to be there for you. And if they can make a buck, then watch out! Larry was someone I liked too.

So, if you are interested in finding out more about this book, I would also urge you to check out Own It. This is a book that Grace reads while on a bus tour and it has quite the lesson in it. I was sent a copy of this for review as well but I have only been able to skim it so far. But I can tell you I like what I have read. Be sure to check out the trailer for Grace Unplugged below.



Readers, one of you will win the two same books I received for review. That means one copy of Grace Unplugged and one copy of Own It. If you have a teenager in your house, or you know someone with a teenager(don't we all), then please enter this giveaway. It may make a difference in their life. This giveaway will end 10/11. Winner will be chosen through random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

What You Need to Know about HVAC


When it comes to your home, there are a ton of different systems that are working behind the scenes to provide you with the maximum level of comfort. One of the most important of these systems is your HVAC system. There is a lot to know about your Downriver HVAC system, and if you don't know these things, you may experience a lot of troubles with it. This article will list the most pertinent information about your HVAC system and how you can take care of it properly.

What Is HVAC?



To better take care of your HVAC, you will need to know more about the basics behind the system. HVAC actually stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Simply put, your HVAC system is responsible for heating, cooling, and ventilating your home properly. As you can see, this is a pretty important system. If you don't care for it properly, you will likely be really uncomfortable within your home. Your HVAC is also responsible for cleaning and filtering the bad particles out of the air.

Proper Maintenance

One of the most important things that you need to learn about your HVAC system is that you will need to maintain and service is properly in order for it to have a long and healthy life. To do so, you will want to get your HVAC system serviced by a professional at least twice a year. If you don't, you run the risk of smaller problems turning into larger ones that cost more to fix. You will also want to make sure you are taking good care of your system on your own. While there isn't a lot your can do mechanically for your system, you can change out air filters regularly and employ smart energy conservation techniques that can benefit your HVAC system.

Finding the Right Professional

When it comes to maintaining or repairing your Downriver HVAC system, it's of vital importance that you hire the most qualified professional to do it. Take some time and get recommendations to differnet professionals from people you trust and search for local HVAC professionals through online means. Be sure you meet with several different professionals before you make your final decision.


This is a sponsored post with Bucks2Blog for the readers of Giveaway Lady.



**DISCLOSURE: Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

The Pre-Shave and After-Shave Steps


When you shave, you have to do more than use a razor. The skin on your face is extremely sensitive and when you use only a razor to shave, the skin on your face will probably suffer from uncomfortable razor burn and abrasions. To avoid the discomfort of these side effects, you can use some key pre- and post-shave products to protect your skin and get a better overall shave. Here are some of the pre-shave and aftershave products that you can use when you shave so that you can get a better all-around shave.

Starting the Process

To begin the shaving process, you need to first prepare your skin. First, you can apply an oil or lotion with your fingers onto the area where you want to shave. You can use an oil or lotion designed to be applied before shaving in order to moisturize your skin and soften the hairs on your skin. Moisturizing and softening the area is important because it allows you to get a closer shave with your razor. When you get a closer shave, you don’t have to shave as often, which means that you are not putting your skin through the irritation of shaving as frequently as you would if you were shaving dry. In this way, these products help your razor be more effective.


Finishing the Process

Along with pre-shave products, you will also want to use aftershave products when you have finished shaving with your razor. An aftershave balm or gel is used to moisturize your skin after shaving. This is important because your skin can get very dried out from shaving. When you don’t moisturize your skin after shaving, then you will find that your skin is very irritated and uncomfortable indeed. Aftershave products soothe your irritated skin, which not only provides you with comfort, but also reduces the appearance of razor burn or abrasions on your skin. Aftershave products do a lot to make shaving a more comfortable process. As you can see, both pre- and post-shave products have their place in increasing the effectiveness and comfort of shaving.


This is a sponsored post from Bucks2Blog for the enjoyment of Giveaway Lady readers. 


**DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

FIRST WildCard Tour for The Machine by Bill Myers.


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 author is:



Bill Myers



and the book:



The Machine


B&H Kids (September 1, 2013)



***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

MY REVIEW-Have you ever thought about being able to see what happened in history? I for one have read my Bible or a history book and imagined what it would be like to be there or to see it happen. Well, that is exactly what Bill Myers does in his new kids book, The Machine. This is aimed at ages 8-14 but I am sure a lot of different age ranges would enjoy this. I know I sure did:) And with twins, a boy and a girl, children of both sexes will be able to read it and appreciate the camaraderie. Not like some of the books that only have girls. There are a lot of books out there for the younger girls but not for the boys. We definitely need more books like this for the guys.

The whole premise of the book is taking children back to history and seeing how events happened in Israel. There is a lot of biblical truth woven into the story and the main aspect taught in this one is that "all things work together for good". The twins are funny and the dialogue is quite humorous. Both Jennifer and Jake are as different as night and day with the cleanliness, attitudes and manners. But it makes them interesting and it is creative. Love the story and the kids can't wait for the next one in the series:) M. couldn't wait for me to get done with this one so she could read it. Excellent book for the kids!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Bill Myers is an accomplished writer and film director whose work has won more than sixty national and international awards including the C. S. Lewis Honor Award. Among his best-selling
releases for kids are The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle and The Forbidden Door. He has sold more than eight million books and videos and lives with two cats, two kids, one dog, and one
wife near Hollywood, California.

Visit the author's website.



SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

For ages 10 to 14, Truth Seekers is a fast-paced, thoughtful, and funny new series using a 21st century approach to sharing ancient Bible truths.

In book one, The Machine, twin siblings Jake and Jennifer have just lost their mother and are not thrilled about moving to Israel to stay with their seldom seen archaeologist dad. They don't yet understand how "all things work together for good to those who love God." But they will when a machine their father invented points them to the Truth.




Product Details:
List Price: $10.99
Age Range: 10 - 14 years
Series: Truth Seekers
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: B&H Kids (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433690802
ISBN-13: 978-1433690808



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:




It was like a dream, but not really. I mean it was a dream but there were parts that seemed so real—besides the parts where Mom had actually died in real life. Does that make sense? I get those every once in a while, dreams that are more real than real, ever since I was a kid.



Anyway, in the dream Mom was driving our SUV up the steep, winding road to our home in Malibu Canyon.



Jake and I were in the back, sitting in our clearly designated seating areas . . .



Jake in his WARNING: Biological Hazard Zone, complete with empty Cheetos bags, crumpled McDonald wrappers (which had last seen action months ago), his wadded up T-shirt and crusty socks (which had last seen a washer longer than that), and don’t even get me started on the last time he shampooed his hair.



I, on the other hand, sat in the WELCOME: This is How Normal People Live Zone, complete with breathable air and a place to sit without catching some deadly disease. (Jake accuses me of being a Neat Freak. Maybe, but it’s better than being a toxic waste site.)



And where was our dear father in all of this? To be honest, he seldom shows up in my dreams—just like he seldom shows up in our real lives. Oh, he says he loves us and all, but what’s the saying? Actions are louder than words. Anyway, I’ll get to him a little later.



It was the same dream I’d had a hundred times before . . .



I was busy doing homework when I glanced up to see a monster truck coming around the corner in our lane.



“Mom!” I shouted. “Look out!”



“What’s that?” She reached over to turn down the radio—one of her silly Country-Western songs about some girl breaking some guy’s heart.



“Up ahead! Look out!”



But she didn’t look out. And, just like all the other times, I saw the truck heading towards us, blasting its horn. I’m guessing his brakes had failed by the way he was scraping along the mountainside to slow himself. A good idea, except the mountainside was on our side!



Mom had nowhere to go. She swerved to the outer lane then tried to turn back, but she’d run out of road. We crashed through the guardrail and sailed out over the can- yon floor, which was a good two hundred feet below. There was no sound. I could see Mom screaming but heard only silence—except for that Country-Western singer going on about his broken heart.



I spun to Jake but he didn’t even glance up. He was too busy playing his stupid computer game. Then, just when the singer reached the line, Why you stompin’ on my achin’ heart with your high heel boots, we hit the water with a huge splash.



And this is where things get interesting . . .

In the real world, on the day Mom died, there was no water at the bottom of the canyon. It was September and the stream had dried up. And while we’re doing a reality check, Jake and I weren’t even in the car that day. Jake had been at the beach being Mr. Cool with a bunch of girls, and I was at home doing my algebra. (I know I’m only seventh grade, but besides being a neat freak, I’m kind of a workaholic.)



But in the dream there was plenty of water and the SUV kept sinking deeper and deeper with all three of us inside. Well, actually four, if you count the Country- Western singer who was now sitting in the front passenger seat, strumming his guitar!



Water poured in and quickly rose.  Mom tried opening her door, but it wouldn’t budge. She hit it with her shoulder over and over again, but the pressure of the water outside was too much. It began swirling around our waists and rising to our chests.



“Jenny,” Mom shouted, “roll down your window!”  “It’ll flood us worse!” I yelled.



“It’s the only way. Roll down your window and swim out!”



“But—”



“Hurry!”



I threw a look to Jake who had conveniently disappeared. (Even in my dreams, he’s a slacker.)

“Hurry!”



I rolled down the window. More water roared in, pounding against my chest and face. I had to turn my head just to breathe. Then I grabbed the sides of the open window with my hands, turned my head away for another quick breath, and pulled myself out into the water.



I kicked and swam until I grabbed the SUV and pulled myself over to Mom’s door. By now the car was completely filled. Our faces were inches apart, separated only by her window.  I yanked at the door handle.  It didn’t budge. I tried again. Nothing. My lungs started aching for air, but I kept pulling and tugging as Mom kept pushing and banging.



Still, nothing.



My heart pounded in my ears. My lungs felt like they were on fire. The outside edges of my vision started going white. Mom pounded on the glass. I joined in and hit the window with my fists.  When that didn’t work, I tucked in my feet, raised my legs and kicked it. Still nothing. My lungs were screaming for air. My vision grew whiter. I had to get a breath. I pointed to the surface and shouted, “I’ll be back!”



She nodded and I pushed off, my lungs ready to explode. Sparkly lights danced through my head. I was losing consciousness, I was going to pass out, I was—



Then I broke through the surface, coughing and gasping. Cool air soothed my lungs as I gulped in two, three, maybe four breaths. I forced my head to clear, then took one more breath and ducked back down into the water.



It was dark and murky but I could follow the bubbles. The SUV had settled to the bottom of the river. When I reached the roof, I pulled myself over to Mom’s side. She wasn’t moving.



“MOM!”



I yanked at the door. I slammed it. I kicked it. I had to get her out. The door gave, ever so slightly. I pulled harder. It moved some more, then it opened with a groaning CREAK.



I grabbed Mom’s arm and pulled, but she was stuck. I spotted her seat belt and reached down to unbuckle it. My lungs were crying out for air again as I pulled her from the car. But we’d barely started before we were jerked to a stop. I  turned  and  saw  that  something  like  a  shadow  had grabbed  her  other  arm.  At first I thought it was the Country-Western singer.  I pulled but it held her tight.  It was like a tug of war game, me on one arm, the shadow man on the other. And the harder I pulled—this was even weirder—but  the  harder  I  pulled,  the  more  he  started turning into this shadowy creature that kept growing bigger and bigger with huge, bat-like wings.



This is a dream, I kept telling myself, this is only a dream!



But my lungs were on fire. My vision was going all white again. This time I would not leave. I’d stay here and die with her if I had to, but I would not leave.



The pounding in my ears grew louder, filling my head . . . along with the song. That’s right, the singer or shadow or whatever it was, had begun singing again. Maybe it had never stopped:



I’ll never let you go . . . you will always be mine . . . always be mine . . . always be mine.



Well, Mr. Shadow could guess again. Dream or no dream, he could not have her.



Always be mine . . . always be mine . . .



My vision was totally white now. My mind shutting down. I could no longer feel my hands or my legs. I knew I was dying, but I would not let go. I loved her too much, I would never let go. The shadow thing may have won, but—



And then I heard a shout. “Augh!”



It sounded like Jake. But that was impossible. What would Jake be doing down here? I heard him again, even louder.



“AUGH!”






**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Gorton's #WickedGoodSeafood Fish Review and #Giveaway!



Do any of my blog readers enjoy fish? How about Gorton's frozen fish? I have to tell you, I love when I get the opportunity to review their products and feature them on my blog! I am one of the few in our family who likes fish so it isn't something I get to cook up often. But with the Gorton's frozen foods I can pop one in the oven, or in the skillet, pretty easy and get it done quick. So check out what items I reviewed below and then enter the giveaway for your own gift pack. This is really sweet so you don't want to miss it:)

Now for my review I received this cute bag in the mail. When I first opened it I thought I might have made a mistake and they sent me a bag of fish to review instead of the coupons I had thought I was getting. But nope! It was their idea of a fun way to send the goodies. And I loved it! I enjoy when a company goes out of their way to show that you as a reviewer are special. Not just sending me coupons in an envelope, etc. So I got in 5 coupons for review, a usb sailor man(just adorable and I already have family members who want it), a wheel keychain, recipe cards, little flyers, etc.

With my coupons I tried out several different entrees. My first one was the Skillet Crisp Tilapia with Garlic and Herb. Now I prefer fish that are grilled, but these are only lightly coated so I figured I would try them out.

I love fish that has the garlic or lemon butter flavorings so that was another thing I was looking forward to. They call these skillet crisps for a reason and that is because you fry them in the skillet. Normally I do my fish in the oven so I was wondering how these would come out. As you can see from the pictures, they are a little dark but boy did they taste good!!

The seasonings came out perfectly and it was enough that I didn't need tartar sauce. This is definitely one I will be purchasing again.

The next one I tried was the Shrimp Scampi. My favorite type of shrimp is the fried kind. You know, the ones that you dip in ketchup and have sooo many calories they aren't good for you:) So the scampi was a new one for me. But I have to tell you, this was my second favorite out of them all!! I LOVED this!! I cooked it up in the skillet, added it on top of the pasta, and drizzled a little bit of olive oil with parmesan cheese on top...yummy!!

It was so delicious! As I am sure you can tell, this was great:) It is done in garlic butter and you do have to be careful the shrimp don't stick. The first time I did half the bag and probably cooked it a little too much. I don't have a way to check the temperature so I wanted to make sure they were done. But they also stuck to the bottom of the pan. The second time though, I added a little bit of water to the pan, stirred it constantly and made sure to only cook it the time it suggested on the box, and it came out perfectly. I enjoy the extra sauce that comes with adding the water but it tasted delicious both ways.



How many of you like a fish sandwich? I know I do but they are often hard to make up. Between getting fish in just the right size, or you have to cut it down, and then putting all the ingredients together, it is just easier to buy one at the restaurant. Well, not any more! With one of my coupons I got the Fish Sandwich Fillets.

These come 12 in a bag, are already proportioned just right, and all you have to add is the bun and tartar sauce. We also added cheese slices as well. And this would probably come out as my number one favorite out of them all but it was a hard choice between this and the Shrimp Scampi.

These taste to much better than the ones from a restaurant and they are soo much cheaper! I can buy the whole bag, buns, cheese and tartar sauce for the price of buying two or three sandwiches. I have already purchased another bag of these they are that good!

I also tried a couple other products but don't want to bore you with all the reviews. Just know that Gorton's is a great company that sells easy to cook seafood that tastes wonderful. They have recipes galore on their website where you can search by product or by meal type. Also, right now Gorton's is hosting a Wicked Good Sweepstakes. The winner will get a Wicked Good Trip to Boston MA for 4 people including airfare, lodging, spending money, etc. Boy does that sound like a nice prize:) I would love to win that and go see the fall scenery right now!

Readers, one of you will win a prize pack that includes three $2 off product coupons, 1 Gorton's-branded ship wheel keychain, an assortment of Gorton's recipe cards and beautiful seaside/Gorton's postcards. If you like fish, you don't want to miss this giveaway! US ONLY!! Giveaway will end 10/9. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.


Friday, September 20, 2013

Fired Up! Enter to Win a Kindle Fire HD from Mary

Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy!!



Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can’t let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he’s trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.
Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she’s determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she’s terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner–never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.
Glynna can’t help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There’s the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna’s diner into Dare’s back. Are Flint’s cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna’s son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?


MY REVIEW OF FIRED UP BY MARY CONNEALY-
Mary Connealy is one of those authors who you enjoy reading when you need a good laugh. She makes her characters come alive with humor and witty dialogues. Fired Up is the second book in the Trouble in Texas series. I would seriously urge you to read them in order. You are able to keep track of everyone much better that way. So for those of you who have read the first one, you will enjoy hearing more about the town of Broken Wheel, Luke Stone and his bride Ruthy, and quite possibly a romance between Dare and Glynna. That is if Dare isn't killed first. And if he can get past the hurt and anger from Paul. My heart broke while reading about Paul and how much he went through. But don't get the idea that this is a book where you cry. No ma'am! This is a funny book by far and you will laugh and chuckle throughout it. Especially with the stubborn men and the even feistier women:) You gotta love em!

I am hoping the next book might deal with Vince. All the men of the Regulator Clan are so sweet and kind that I would be happy with the next novel being about any of them though. My only complaint? I wish the people who did the covers would read how the characters look. Dare is a scruffy looking man with a mustache and the hero on the cover doesn't have any sign of a mustache. This is the second time I have noticed that recently and it just makes you wonder if they check out the character sketches first. Otherwise, excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed!

CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER REVIEWERS THOUGHT!!


THE CONTEST!!
Mary Connealy is back with the second book, Fired Up, in her Trouble in Texas series, and she's celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a LIVE author chat party on October 8th.


Fired-Up-rafflecopter




One winner will receive:




  • A Kindle Fire HD

  • Swept Away  and Fired Up by Mary Connealy

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 8th. Winner will be announced at the "Fired Up" Live Webcast Event on October 8th. Connect with Mary for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.






So grab your copy of Fired Up and join Mary and friends on the evening of October 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)




Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!





**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**
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