Quick Update ~ Summer Craziness

Its been a crazy month so far!  With our trip and the big storm that we returned to at home, getting back into the work routine and of course the laptop being left behind on vacation, its been a while since I've been on here!  

We will be on the go again later today to take the boys camping for the weekend.  I just wanted to check quickly.

Buzzworthy Books of Summer Giveaway

When it comes to summer reading indie authors offer a refreshing alternative to predictable plots from big name writers. Here’s a list of ten titles from emerging indie authors, pick your favorite and vote on Facebook for a chance to win an iPad Mini!

The Lights of Sheridan Square by Bob Ford

If you enjoy the office intrigues of The Mad Men and the love story in The Notebook you’ll like this book.

More About The Book 

“Set in New York City in the late 1950's, this love story takes you into the heart of the advertising world. The office politics and drama are equal to that of the series Mad Men.  I could not help but fall in love with the main characters, Jay and Joanna. Their story is a lifelong love affair of twists and turns with a dramatic ending that I did not see coming. A book to enjoy." Published by Deerfield Park Books. 

Special Must-Read Price Cut! Paperback: $11.66 Kindle: $7.99 

Reluctant Gods by A.J. Aaron 

If you don't like just plain old vanilla and want something different, Reluctant Gods is a series that transcends fiction fantasy by crossing genres into romance, humor, science fiction, and mystery and is sure to entertain while you enjoy the best of summer.

More About The Book 

“A.J. Aaron is a genius. I loved this book! It had fantastic images but the real story was about Sevilen accepting his power. I understood that everything is as it should be but the author's depiction of this concept is exceptional. The laid-back dialogue and cool characters mixed fantasy with what is usually considered a serious, esoteric subject. Leyna's mindset and sexual exploits are tastefully done. Quotes from Einstein, Toffler and Drucker reinforced the message. This book is highly recommended for teenagers and adults.”

You can find more about A.J.  Aaron on his website and on Amazon, and his publisher.

Special Must-Read Price Cut! A special promotional price of $.99 on Kindle and $8.99 in paperback for this 62,000 word 250 page novel.

Future Tense by Eddie Upnick

A mechanics life is turned upside down when he learns of his fathers top secret past, causing him to team up with a beautiful CIA agent and two beyond gifted teenagers, to try to stop the Russian mob from deploying a futuristic weapon of mass destruction and a pending alien invasion of Earth. You can purchase the e-book here and learn more about the author on his website.

Play or Die by Jen Cole

This summer, see Australia... on the run from a sociopath! Take a heart-thumping tour with Jo as she searches for her father's murderer while fleeing from a killer sent by a future society to bag her.

More About The Book 

Play or Die is amazing. Be prepared for tension that you have never experienced before as Jo tries to evade the psychotic Hunter determined to kill her. The book alternates between nail-biting suspense, action, and stuff that really gets you thinking. Visit the Jen Cole's website for more information.

The Incredible Wedding of a Dictator

by Horacio A. Hernandez

This novel is a mock epic, a satirical, and an allegorical view of a dictator and his evil influences. Two friends share their manuscripts describing one of the first European settlements in the Americas; the finding of the original Journal of Christopher Columbus; the development of a cruel dictator; his extravagant wedding; the struggle of a hero against the dictatorship; and the end of it caused by the destruction of a great tsunami. It is a description of the struggle between good versus evil. This book will be perfect for anybody interested in reading literature: historical fiction, magic realism, religion, mythology, folklore, etc. because of all the entertainment and humor involved in it.

White Thirst by Mike Anka 

True story novel - building a new life from scattered and dangerous pieces.

More About The Book 

"Mr. Anka has truly penned a wonderful novel. I have always been a fan of real life stories, and this one is exceptional. The author has been through so much, and to share his experiences with pen and paper is a remarkable feat. This book is definitely worth a read." Be sure to like Mike Anca on Facebook.

The Crusades Again: A History of the 'Twins'

by Dennis J Foley

'Taking into account terrorist activities of the United States and overseas, Foley explains how the pentagons and rectangles became a part of our past by premeditated terrorist acts. His writing style is intricate and requires the reader to delve deep into each word for clear understanding. His detailed account of how each 

formation appears structurally and by date is commended. It is an eye-opening view of a different perspective on world and terrorist events with both religious and nonreligious undertones". Read more about Mike Foley on Create Space. 

Master of Plagues by D.B. Reynolds

Master of Plagues is a must-read since it captures and holds the reader's attention from beginning to end.

More About The Book 

Master of Plagues is a dazzling journey of magic, redemption, and forgiveness through super powers. Learn more about the book on D.B. Reynolds' website and watch a video about it on YouTube. Also, be sure to check out a great review of Master of Plagues.

Special Must-Read Price Cut! Originally pried at $8.00, Master of Plagues is now available on Amazon Kindle, Nook, and Kobo for a special low discount price of 0.99 cents.

Lunch with Lucille by Annarose Ingarra-Milch

“Lunch with Lucille” whips up a delightful dish of entertainment and inspiration, served by a fun-loving, sassy, female character who has a message of hope and optimism – a message all women need to hear. 

More About The Book 

"Lunch with Lucille" by Annarose Ingarra-Milch is overflowing with humor and entertaining throughout. Lucille is quite the character and her sage advice will whet your appetite for more encounters with this unusually colorful lady. She has lived a rich, full life, and gracefully shares her adventures in an inspiring way. 

The reader is treated to simple, practical solutions to some prickly issues such as aging, confidence, self image, and achievement. This fast-paced novella is thought provoking and leaves you eager for the next installment.

Keep up with the latest book news by Liking Lunch With Lucille on Facebook and watching the Novel Trailer on YouTube. 

Godwar: Hell Rising by D.K. Cherian 

This saga promises action, adventure, history, politics, magic,mythology and twists while transferring the reader into a fantastic realm where anything is possible.

More About The Book 

One great aspect of D.K. Cherian's novel is the excellent integration of background information about the Egyptian Gods without overpowering and deterring from the wonder of the novel. All of the characters are well-rounded, likable, and entertaining. The author does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the world of Ancient Egypt with his mix of seriousness, humor, action, magic, and adventure. A truly engrossing fantasy adventure, this book is a must-have for any readers who enjoy mythology, magic, time travel, and page-turning plots. Be sure to like Godwar Hell Rising on Facebook!

Ready For Your Chance To Win?

Children Teaching Mama is excited to offer your chance to win this amazing prize sponsored by Reader Spoils. 

Enter To Win an iPad Mini 

One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries to receive a 16GB black iPad Mini valued at $339.99! To enter, complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter form below. All entrants must complete the mandatory entry (voting for your favorite book above) to be eligible to win. Good Luck!

Open to U.S. Residents Only

Ends on August 14th at 11:59pm. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

July Vacation!

It's been a quiet few days on the blog... We've been on a quick vacation to visit hubby's family near Sherbrooke, Quebec. It was an intense 7 ish hour drive with the three boys but we made it and we all survived!  We only had to stop for one barf in the car, which was thankfully caught by the mandatory travel blanket & pillow.  A couple of baby wipes and a plastic bag later, we were back on the road.  I blame my hubby's need to fill the kids with TimBits while on the road.... but you know.

Giveaway from itsemmaelise

I entered this giveaway, and I've got my fingers crossed!  I want to try out one of these Life Planners!  

Here's the link, check it out :)

Celebration: Canada's Birthday

This past weekend marked Canada's birthday.  We celebrated Canada Day with a great bunch of friends in our back yard with a BBQ/potluck party.  We enjoyed the afternoon immensely & I really enjoyed the prep too!

The Perfect Potluck DIY

The afternoon before our party, Sarah (Becoming Martha) sent me a link to these super cute & super efficient party DIYs that I think will be a staple in any future get togethers that include a meal.  These little bundles include your cutlery, napkin & plate, all tied together with a little ribbon for ease of the buffet style meal.  This is PERFECT!  I especially enjoyed it when trying to make the kids' plates... there was no fumbling with the stuff in my hands while trying to load the plates.

The Liebster Award

A couple of days ago, I was nominated for this fun award for new(ish) bloggers.  Its called the Liebster award.  This is a fun way to connect with other bloggers and to find other bloggers that are around the same stage in growing their blogs.  I was nominated by Aimless Moments.  Head over there now, then come back and tell me your fav post!

Party Beverage Tags

I wanted to do something cute to label people's drinks for our party last weekend.  We were hosting a lot of kids and was anticipating a lot of wasted drinks & inadvertent germ sharing.  I again went searching on Pinterest and found some cute ideas.  The problem was I didn't have a few important supplies for creating most of the ideas I liked.  For that reason, I left it to the last minute.  

A Twist on Hand Print T-Shirts

Inspired by last year's Canada Flag t-shirts that we made, I was looking for ideas for something different that could be done using the boys' hand prints.  I couldn't find anything I loved... And then it hit me.  FIREWORKS!  Hand print fireworks!  Yep.  So we did it.


Supplies

various colours of fabric paint
white t-shirts
kids
patience (haha... lots of this one)


See the tutorial here for instruction.

I did each colour separately and washed hands in between.  It was easy with the older boys, a little more tricky with the 14 month old.  Somehow I managed to get his done without any crying or paint-eating.

DIY Centrepieces (in a Pinch)

Yesterday's Canada Day Party was so much fun!  I can't wait to share all the details & decor, but for tonight I'll have to settle for this quick DIY.

I was pretty on-the-ball for this party, and I had everything ready ahead of time.  I had a list and plans and felt pretty good going into the set up phase.  My good friend & neighbour Sarah from Becoming Martha came over to help both on Friday night when we tidied up loose ends - and had a lesson on Cricut use - and on Saturday to set everything up.  We were almost finished when we realized that there were no plans for table centrepeices!  What?!  So a bit of panic mode ensued as Monday was the holiday and there weren't any stores a) close enough & b) open.  What to do?!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!

GOOD MORNING!  

I'd like to wish all of my Canadian friends far & wide a HAPPY & SAFE CANADA DAY!  We are so proud to celebrate the birthday of our country today!


I can't wait to share our party with you!  I'm just sneaking away from preparation to post this.... so better get back to it!


Enjoy the day & HAPPY CANADA DAY!!