Melissa's Idea Garden

I would like to apologize for the delayed drawing. When I went to do this on Friday night, I couldn't get to my website. It wasn't until late Saturday morning, that I discovered the problem was being caused by Site Meter. And then it was time for me to leave. I didn't get home until after 10, so the drawing still didn't take place....

But, better late than never, right! So, drumroll please...the Random Number Generator says:

Congratulations, Noreen who was commenter 92 and who shows that even if you stop by near the end, you can still win the prize!

Wish I had more sets of Kathy's books to give away! Be sure to look for them on Amazon or at your library or at your local bookstore! You won't be disappointed in them!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Guess what, it is time again for bloggers to unite and participate in a week of Bloggy Giveaway! This is a great time for all (except maybe our clicking fingers and our families that we ignore while surfing through great contests) and I am happy to be part of it.

This month, I have read and reviewed Kathy Herman's Seaport Suspense Series.

I have reviewed each book and if you are so inclined, you can find those reviews by following the links below:

These four books are amazing stories. All of them tackle tough issues that we face everyday and wrap those up in suspenseful stories with a large dose of inspiration. Through these books, you get to watch a family deal with tough issues and how their relationship with God helps them do it. I can't say enough about how much I have enjoyed reading these four books and how I have been inspired by them.

To win, all you have to do is comment below. Sorry, but this contest is only open to U.S. residents. I will pick a winner at random using the random generator on Friday evening, August 1st at 6 pm EST. Good luck! And remember, if you don't win or can't wait, click on my Shelfari book shelf and order your copies today.

Now, that you have signed up here, head over to Bloggy Giveaways for tons and tons more contests to enter! Get your mouse finger ready!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (94) | TrackBacks (0)

The winner of the Welkening and Guardian of the Veil is Jen at My 3 Boys and I! Way to go, Jen!

Here is the lucky Random Drawer...choosing lucky number 11!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Sinus infections are glorious things. They make me fell like moving and I tend to get lots of reading done while I am laying on the sofa trying to breathe! So even though I just finished The Welkening and reviewed it two days ago, now I have finished the second in the Three Dimensional Tales series and want to share my thoughts on Guardian of the Veil.

I enjoyed this second book. The first book ended in such a way that that could have ended it. But endings are often merely beginnings and as we find in Guardian of the Veil, the teen misfits really only began to find themselves in The Welkening. The Guardian of the Veil introduces new surprises, new characters and new relationships. The teens begin to grow in their new found strength, much as a Christian grows after taking the first step in committment to Christ. We like to think that by making that acceptance, everything becomes right immediately, but it does not. It takes time, we have to grow. We have to learn and in reality will spend the rest of our lives growing to be better people. The Guardian of the Veil is all about that growth. About how we often take a step forward and a step backward. But, I don't want you to think it is a preachy tale. I didn't find it to be so. I found it to be an intruiguing fantasy story that pulled me in and made me think. It had me rooting for the characters and empathisizing with them.

I have greatly enjoyed these two books. I am not sure if there will be a third in the series, but I hope so. In the meantime, I would like to share these two books with one lucky reader:) Yep, I did mention giveaway and I know it has been awhile.

So, here's what you do...I don't care where you live...you are eligible for this giveaway. That's right, if you live on a remote island in the South Pacific, as long as you can get mail delivery, I will mail these two books to you if you win. So, just leave a comment below, and I would love to know why you would like to win (are you a fantasy buff? Have my reviews intrigues you? Do you want to give these books as a gift to someone?) I will hold a random drawing next Wednesday evening (July 16), sometime after 6 pm EST.

BTW, these books are in good condition. The first in the series is an advance uncorrected proof that I received in a giveaway and was not available for sale. The cover got bent a little on it...just today. Sorry abou that. The other book is in great condition. Both are paperback.

So, what are you waiting for? COMMENT!!!! And tell your friends too! If you do blog about it, come by and leave me another comment so I will know you blogged about it and I will give you a second chance in the random drawing!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBacks (0)

Sorry, I forgot to do this drawing last night! Congrats to the following winning commenters:

Number 6: cmaxwell

Number 7: Nikowa

Sorry that I don't have a copy for everyone!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I wish I had a copy of Do Hard Things to give each of you who commented, but the Random Generator said that Ginnie is the one who gets my giveaway copy of this book. Congrats! And for those of you who didn't win, check out your library or buy a copy of the book for yourself.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I was recently granted the opportunity to do a review of Jane Kirkpatrick's Change and Cherish Historical Series ahead of the impending release of A Mending at the Edge which is the third and final book in the series.

I love historical fiction. I love reading a fine story that is woven from the threads of history. It helps me to get a better feel for the period of history being written about. Much better than just dry history texts. I was tickled to get the opportunity not just to read the third book, but I was also sent the first and second books in the series.

Jane Kirkpatrick first learned of fiesty Emma Giesy from a quilting book. She became intrigued and her research of this woman pioneer led to three stories that spanned the life of a woman who wanted to be different and wanted to leave her mark on the world.

In A Clearing in the Wild, we meet the players of this historical saga. We learn about the communal society they live in, its principles, and a bit about its inner workers. Emma is 16 and eager to be married and begin her life. The object of her devotion is much older than she is and he is instrumental to the colony in bringing in new recruits to join their communal living. He is also being groomed to be the next leader of the colony. But all things change and life so seldom goes in the direction we are expecting. Emma becomes the first and only woman of the Bethel colony to head with a group of scounts out West. The railroad is coming and Keil (the leader of the community) wants them to move to a more isolated area where their communal ways won't be questioned or intruded upon. Following these scouts across the country, being with them as they went through their hardships, watching as Emma grew and learned and began their family...Jane Kirpatrick had me right there with them every step of the way. I could sense the tension, smell the evergreens and hear the stillness that only comes when one is deep inside of a forest.

Continue reading "Book Review and Giveaway: A Mending at the Edge by Jane Kirkpatrick" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Book: Do Hard Things

Author: Alex and Brett Harris

Dates: April 15 - 18

Summary:

With over 10 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God.
Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

Author Bio:

Alex and Brett Harris founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today at age 19 are the most popular Christian teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family’s Boundless webzine, serve as the main speakers for the Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured in WORLD magazine, Breakaway, The Old Schoolhouse, and the New York Daily News. Sons of homeschool pioneer Gregg Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett live near Portland, Oregon.

My Comments:

This book will change everything and it gives me great hope! I was so tired of hearing from my teens and from others around me how it was okay for teens to be disrespectful, lazy, off just doing kid things. I didn't grow up that way and I was a teenager once. My parents didn't beat me. If anything my mother, who had been overworked as a youngster, wanted me to not have a lot of responsibilities at home. But on my own, I chose to do things for her because I loved her. She worked hard all week, I didn't want her coming home and spending her Saturday working cleaning the house. I think that because we give children excuses that we are robbing them of their future productivity.

Does this book sound good to you? Well, then, why don't you leave a comment below? I have one copy to give away! Sorry, this giveaway is for U.S. addresses only. Just leave a comment and I will have a random drawing on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 6 p.m. Good luck!

If you can't wait to see if you will win Do Hard Things, go ahead and purchase it from Amazon.com now. Heck, why not purchase extra copies for the parents and teens in your life!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

For the Gloves in a Bottle contest, I have one winner (I didn't get 20 comments, maybe next time). The Random Number Generator chose number 7...so Raven won the prize!

For the Experiencing the Resurrection contest, the random number generator spit out the number 5...which makes Charlotte the lucky winner!

Congrats! Sorry there isn't more for everyone!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Book: Experiencing the Resurrection

Author: Henry and Melvin Blackaby

Summary:
What does the resurrection of Christ really mean for us? What does it reveal about the heart and mind of God? And what real differences can the miracle of the resurrection make in your life today?
Discover answers to those and other questions as you examine God’s Word with this companion study guide to the book Experiencing the Resurrection by Henry Blackaby and Melvin Blackaby.
Packed with practical notes, advice, and questions for reflection, this highly interactive guide—ideal for small group or individual use—shows you how to witness Christ’s resurrection in and through your life. Each chapter of the book is explored in a flexible one-week format with “life change objectives” that arise from applying the truth for each day to your life.

Author Bio:
Dr. Henry Blackaby, president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries, is the author of more than a dozen books, including the best-selling classic Experiencing God. He has spent his life in ministry, serving as a music director and as a senior pastor for churches in California and Canada. Today he provides consultative leadership on prayer for revival and spiritual awakening on a global level. He and his wife make their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Melvin Blackaby coauthored with his father, Henry Blackaby, the Gold Medallion winner Experiencing God Together. He travels extensively as a conference speaker. He and his wife and their three children live in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, where he serves as senior pastor of Bow Valley Baptist Church.

You may copy this book from Amazon.com or you can try to win a copy from me!

I did not get a chance to read this book yet, but it does look interesting and I would like to pass on a copy to one lucky commenter! So point your mouse, click, and leave a comment. This giveaway is open to U.S. readers only. I will have my drawing Wednesday, March 19th at 6 pm. Maybe I can even get it to you before Easter on Sunday. Anything is possible!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

I was recently sent a bottle of Gloves in a Bottle to test out and review.

Gloves in a Bottle is one of the new shielding lotions that has arrived on the market in the last couple of years. A shielding lotion is better than a moisturizer because it actually helps your skin behave the way it should. With a moisturizer, you trick your skin into thinking your body is producing enough moisture and if you miss a moisturizer application, your skin is often drier than it was before. But with a shielding lotion, it is like you are creating an invisible barrier between your skin and the world. So when the deeper layers produce moisture, they hit that barrier and the moisture stays in instead of evaporating or being wiped off. Also the 'bad stuff' (detergents, etc) bounces off. Check out these cool graphics (pictures really are worth a thousand words)!

Continue reading "Gloves In A Bottle - A Shielding Lotion Giveaway" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

UPDATE, the random number generator spit out the number 5. Cindi Hoppes is the winner!

This last week, I had the opportunity to read the newest book by Sharon Dunn. The title is very catchy! Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear...has you wondering right away, doesn't it? This is the second book in the Bargain Hunter's Mystery series.

From the back cover:

Another murder mystery for the Bargain Hunters Network - only this time, one of them is a suspect!

Before the night is over, a man in a teddy bear costume is found dead, the Inventors Expo is canceled...and the authorities want to talk to one of the BHN ladies! What could possibly go wrong? Once again, the Bargain Hunters swing into sleuth mode to solve the murder - and this time, clear one of their own. Along the way, Ginger discovers something even better than a bargain.

I will be giving away one copy of this book to one randomly drawn, lucky winner! I will mail this internationally, so everyone can join in the fun! Just comment below! I will hold the drawing on February 27th at 6 p.m. eastern time.

If you can't wait for the giveaway or if you aren't one of the lucky winners, you can purchase the book from Amazon.com

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Update: By random number generator (Jack), the number 2 was chosen and Lesha was the lucky winner! I have contacted her to let her know.

A month or so ago, I won the book "The Ultimate Life" by Jim Stovall. This is a wonderful book and it is the sequel to "The Ultimate Gift." I had not read "The Ultimate Gift" but this book stands on its own and after I read it, I borrowed the movie based on the first book and both are wonderful.

In "The Ultimate Gift" a young man is bequeathed an unusual set of gifts that change his life and the lives of those around him. In "The Ultimate Life", the other members of the family are protesting the will and Jason has to prove that he has understood the gifts he has been given and can pass them on to others. It is a story that we can all benefit from. A story that points out how we can make a difference in the world around us and we don't have to have a lot of money behind us to do it. We just have to pay attention to it.

So, I want to pass this book on so that it may bless another reader. What I would like for you to do is comment and tell me what you think would make The Ultimate Life. This is open to all readers around the world. God bless. And good luck! I will have the random drawing on Wednesday 20th at 6 p.m.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Jen at My Three Boys and I is playing a fun Pay It Forward Game. Since I joined in the fun at her blog, I am spreading the joy here on mine.

Here's how it works:

• Anyone with a blog can join
• The first three people to leave a comment on this post will receive a gift from me. I haven't decided yet what the gift will be. I will be looking for neat items though.
• I will send the gift in the next 365 days
• In return you have to pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog
• See how easy that is?

In honor of the Pay It Forward ideal, I’m quite happy to send overseas, so don’t let that stop you!

That’s it!! Let the comments roll!!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

If you have enjoyed the Air Bud craze and the Air Buddies movies, you and your family is sure to enjoy the Snow Buddies movie! And the only thing better than finding a good family movie, is getting that movie for free! So, eMoms at Home.com is working to provide you with the best! Visit their website for an opportunity to win one of five copies of the Snow Buddies DVD! All you have to do for a chance to win is to comment. But if you want even more opportunities to win, blog about the contest too.

My daughter loves Air Buddies, so I have my fingers crossed for her on this one!

And, after you have commented on this contest at eMoms at Home.com, be sure to look around. There is lots of great stuff there!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you want a chance at receiving these yummy items in your mailbox? Well go visit I'm a Mom, Deal With It! and follow her directions! Hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UPDATE: Gloria at Saddeyezz Scraps & Snaps won this week's drawing! Way to go Gloria!

This is another book I received to review from a publicist, but since I didn't choose it and my book shelf is overflowing, I am passing it on unread to one lucky winner! All you have to do is comment below and I will have a random drawing on February 13th at 6 pm. The drawing is only open to U.S. addresses. If you live outside the U.S. and you want to pay the difference in postage (it is usually around 2.13 to ship to the U.S. via media mail), sign up and we can work that out.

From the press release:

Being a mom is a great joy and a great responsibility. But what if you have a painful past, a background that didn't include a good role model for parenting? What if your experiences have given you an unhealthy view of motherhood? How can you be the parent you want to be without dragging along your history?

Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Update. Kathy B. was the winner of the random drawing! Thanks for all who entered! I have contacted her via email!

I received a brand new copy of this book from a publicist, but I don't have time to read it and my books are overflowing, so I am passing it on to one lucky winner (and just in time for Valentine's Day too! Well, almost, you probably won't get it before Valentine's Day, but anything is possible.

This giveaway is open to U.S. citizens. If you are outside of the U.S. and want to pay the difference in postage (I will pay what I would normally pay to ship in the U.S. via Media which runs around 2.13), I will be glad to have you join in the fun! Just contact me and let me know where you live and I can let you know what the cost would be to ship it to you.

All you have to do is comment below. I will choose the winner with a random number drawing! I will hold my drawing on February 9th at 6 pm...that way, maybe you will get it in time for Valentine's Day!

From the press release:

Pastor's wife Joyce S. Oglesby inspired to write relationship book out of a heavy heart for couples doomed for divorce without some sort of intervention. Her small town of Corydon, IN is buzzing about the controversial cover and title. Written similarly to the 1970s classic, Total Woman, Keeping His Pants On...Until He Gets Home equips woment to affair-proof their marriages. Maintaining a passionate love in marriage has become more urgent than ever before. The demands on today's woman can distract her from fulfilling her husband's sexual needs. Losing focus of this vital responsibility has many women facing the maladies of matrimony. Joyce says, "You're either too tired, too stressed, too fat, too flat-chested, too mad, too sad, too depressed, too dirty, too clean, too selfish, or it's just too much trouble. All this can add up to too little too late!" Her warning is that husbands can soon become distracted, leading to some form of an outside physical or emotional affair, pornography, or other avenues of release. The book talks about the dangers of boredom and staleness, and how passionless relationships leave couples unfulfilled, and makes husbands prime targets to temptation.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

Today I made a new friend. Don't you just love meeting new people in bloggy land? Well, not only is Kristin interesting, but she is currently having a Sweet Giveaway!

"Kristin over at An Ordinary Life is having a short but sweet Valentine's Giveaway. It starts on February 6th and ends February 9th, 2008 at noon PT. All you have to do to enter, is post about her giveaway on your blog and leave a comment on the giveaway post. Please be sure to leave a valid email address with your comment."

Trust me, this is one sweet giveaway that you don't want to miss, so go check it out!!!!!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The time has come for me to announce the winners for my various giveaways from last week! So here goes! Good luck as i spin the wheel!

First- three winners for the Reluctant Smuggler:

#32 - Shay
#42 - Pam
#51 - Michelle B.

Continue reading "Bloggy Giveaways Winners" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

My eyes are blurry, my head is throbbing, my fingers are shaking...

What?

You recognize these symptoms?

It's not the flu???

It's because I have been spending every spare moment over at the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival?

Goodness me...I should have realized! Well at least the children are fed. And the laundry is done. And I have blogged a little and read my favorite blogs and even worked on the baby blanket some...so I haven't spent all of my time on my computer...

I am up to number 400. I haven't entered all 400, only the ones that looked like something my family could use. Only another 250 to go at last count...I can do it, I know I can!)

Anyone else feeling shaky? Having fun? Ready to never look at another contest again (NAH!)

Time to get back at it!

And just in case you missed it, I have 7 giveaways myself right now! Go to my main page, scroll down just a little until you see contests on my right sidebar and enter, enter, enter!

Have fun!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to Bloggy Giveways! This week, hundreds of people will be posting giveaways over at Shannon's Giveaway blog and hundreds upon hundreds, dare I say thousands will visit! Have fun!

Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson is the third book in a series To Catch a Thief. This book is a story of adventure, archaeology, love, constant action, exotic locations and intrigue. I have not read the previous two books in this series, but this fast-paced novel stands very well on its own.

Desiree Jacobs runs a company that provides security to high profile locations (like antiquity museums). Her fiance, Tony Lucano is a FBI agent who loves his job. The two have plans to be married, but their jobs and the intrigue they constantly find themselves in makes it hard to plan a wedding. Desiree is a strong heroine. No wimpy girl here. She is smart, persistent and courageous. Tony loves this woman completely, though he does worry about her safety. This story winds its way through Mexico City, the Yucatan, Cancun, Boston, and New York. There are multiple stories on and this fast paced tale will grab you early on and keep you reading to the very end. Everytime I put it down, I found myself picking it up again to see what was going to happen next.

And one of these three copies can be yours for the small investment of a comment below. Yep, all you have to do is leave me a comment and live in the United States. If you live outside of the states, you are welcome to pay the postage if you would like to try winning this item. I will have my drawing on February 6th at 6 pm. If you want a second chance, be sure to blog about the contest and let me know that you have shared the information with others. Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (61) | TrackBacks (0)

I love historical romantic fiction. I enjoy a book that transports me to a different time, where the characters bring to life a time that I don't know much about and make me feel as though I am there. DiAnn Mills has written such a book: "Awaken My Heart". This book takes place at the turn of the 1800s in the colony of Texas. There are handsome vacqueros and beautiful senoritas. The story was captivating. One of the things i liked about it the most was how DiAnn used her heroine, Marianne Phillips, to share with the reader how simple faith can be. And she used Marianne to show the reader what it means to trust in God, how to witness to others, and how to live a prayerful life.

Continue reading "Book Review and Giveaway: Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to Bloggy Giveways! This week, hundreds of people will be posting giveaways over at Shannon's Giveaway blog and hundreds upon hundreds, dare I say thousands will visit! Have fun!

A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to win a 3 pound package of yummy Chit, Chat and Chew chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are melt in your mouth awesome! And they are worth the money you are paying for them, just for their tasty goodness, but there's more! Chit, Chat, and Chew cookies have an additional attraction. They come with cards that are designed to get your family talking.

Now I know that that isn't always a stumbling block for families (and for you, I repeat, these cookies are delicious!). But if you have kids that are finding spending time with their videos games, listening to their iPods, or watching TV more interesting that chatting with you, these cards may be a way to break the ice. With fun, non-confrontive questions, your children and you can learn more about one another and enjoy those yummy cookies (did I mention yet how yummy they are?)

Another wonderful use of these cookies is that they can be sold as a profitable fundraiser. Chit and Chat Enterprises will split the cost of the items with you 50/50. So if the product is 20.00, you get 10.00 and the company gets 10.00 for each kit you sell. That's a good deal!

And if cookies aren't your thing, they have some new products coming soon.

Now for the good part you are waiting for...Chit Chat Brands is offering a mixed cookie kit to one lucky, random commenter here on my blog. You will get Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Oatmeal cookies! Just go visit Chit Chat Brands and come back and let me know one other type of cookie mix they sell.

This prize is availalbe to United States Addresses only. I will make my random drawing on February 6th at 6 pm. Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (261) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to Bloggy Giveways! This week, hundreds of people will be posting giveaways over at Shannon's Giveaway blog and hundreds upon hundreds, dare I say thousands will visit! Have fun!

A month or so ago I signed up for a contest to win a lovely piece of jewelry from ZudaGay. I didn't get picked by the random number generator, but I had bookmarked her website as I wanted to return and buy one of her many beautiful products. Well on the 15th, I purchased two of the items I had my eye on. Mainly because her jewelry is one of a kind stuff and I didn't want to take any more chances or someone else buying the pieces I wanted!

I got a beautiful rose cross pendant and another pendant which has been calling to me. I love flowers and so does ZudaGay.

And they arrived so quickly! I purchased them on Thursday and they arrived on Tuesday (and Monday was a holiday). They were packed very well and in the box was a sweet surprise...a lovely heart that Zuda Gay had made! See how beautiful they all look? (My camera really doesn't do them justice).

Zuda has been working with Polymer clay for around twelve years or so. She has always enjoyed being creative no matter what the medium. She is a proud member of the Polymer Clay Artists Guild Of Etsy, Etsy Illinois Street Team, Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team and Christian Artists Street Team.

Continue reading "Etsy Giveaway Courtesy of ZudaGay" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (57) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to Bloggy Giveways! This week, hundreds of people will be posting giveaways over at Shannon's Giveaway blog and hundreds upon hundreds, dare I say thousands will visit! Have fun!

Do you struggle with dry skin? I do. During the winter time it is the worst. I have a couple of knuckles on my right hand that stay dry and 'scaly' no matter what I do and I have had my fingers crack open because of the dryness. That is very painful. So when I was given the chance to try a revolutionary shielding lotion called Skin MD, I was delighted.

Skin MD isn't just a moisturizing lotion, it is a shielding lotion. What does that mean, you ask? Well, it means that when you put Skin MD on, it is protecting your skin like a glove that keeps away the things that dry out your skin (water, chemicals, cold). It is also keeping in the natural moisturizers that your skin is producing. Skin MD research shows that when you use regular moisturizers that they actually trick your body into thinking your skin is moist and your body stops producing natural moisturizers. Then if you stop using the moisturizers, you can end up with drier skin than before. I have seen this happen a bunch of times myself.

The directions on Skin MD are to apply it every 2- 8 hours in the beginning and after a couple of days, Once every 12-24 hours. This is exactly how it worked for me. I put it on three or four times the first days, and I have been putting it on twice a day since. The dry spots on my knuckles are gone and that is a major thing because no other lotion has been able to get rid of them.

Continue reading "Skin MD - Review and 3 Giveaways!" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (184) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to Bloggy Giveways! This week, hundreds of people will be posting giveaways over at Shannon's Giveaway blog and hundreds upon hundreds, dare I say thousands will visit! Have fun!

Have you heard of Twisted Silver Jewelry? The people at Twisted Silver are at the top of the heap when it comes to creating fantastic funky, modern jewelry! Even celebrities agree! I own a pair of their Diva Earrings and have my eye on other pieces I wish to purchase in the future. And the people at Twisted Silver give the best customer service! When I contacted Tina and told her about the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, she was very excited about taking part and sharing an amazing piece of their jewelry with one of my readers.

So, without further ado, here it is! The Align Convertible Necklace.

The Align Convertible necklace is made of brass and copper, and this piece can be worn as a double-wrapped necklace (as shown), or as a long and lean necklace, as a belt, or as a super-funky multi-wrap bracelet! It's value $100.

Isn't that awesome!? And that's not all! Tina is offering a 20% discount to anyone who purchases 100.00 or more worth of jewelry from Twisted Silver between January 28th - February 15th! Isn't that cool? Especially with Valentine's Day coming up? (HINT, HINT HUBBIES and BOYFRIENDS!!!) All you have to do to receive your 20% discount is purchase $100.00 or more worth of jewelry from Twisted Silver and type in CARNIVAL (all caps) as your coupon code when ordering. And for ordering $100.00 or more worth of jewelry, you get free shipping too! (U.S. Only). How cool is that!!???

So, now that you are excited about the chance to win the Align Convertible necklace and about the great discount and free shipping, you are obviously wondering what do you do to win! It's simple. Go visit Twisted Silver and come back and tell me what piece(s) you would like to get (remember Valentine's Day is coming and you never know who might be reading your answer. The drawing will be on February 6th at 6 pm. Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (185) | TrackBacks (1)

UPDATE! Rebecca from Rebecca's Walk and Mamacita from Big Tall Fresh Air were the random winners of this giveaway! Thanks to all who commented and I wish I had more to give away!

Well, here we are...back to WFMW hosted by Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer!

I try to start my days with 30 minutes of devotional time. I have found that when I do, that the rest of my day runs more smoothly. Even though sometimes, I think that I should spend the time on it because I have a million other things to do and something won't get done if I do it, it never turns out that way. Everything else gets done and I feel more at peace while doing it. Now don't get me wrong, there are days, that my devotions get put off til lunch time, bed time or get missed completely, but my goal and what works best for me is to start my day off in the Word of God.

Continue reading "WFMW: Daily Devotions, Book Review (101 Cups of Water) and a Giveaway!" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Update: I spun the random generator and the number 2 popped up, so Mommy Cracked is the winner of this drawing! Congrats and enjoy!

Somewhere, someday when I was at a book sale, I picked up the book "Small Inventions That Make a Big Difference" This book was published by the National Geographic Society in 1984. So in on sense it is dated. There are no mentions of any of the inventions made in the last twenty four years. And the photos are from the 70s and 80s and you will absolutely love the photo of the 'modern' word processor. But all of that aside, the information is still interesting and valuable.

The first part of the book talks about how inventions come about (some through years of work and effort, some by accident). It explains the patent process. Then the end of the book is inventions A-Z. We really enjoyed learning about everthing from the invention of Aspirin to the Zipper. There are great pictures, each description is just a couple of paragraphs long and the kids stayed very interested in it. I am sure that you could find other such interesting books by heading to the bookstore or library, and you may prefer to find one more updated, but I wanted to offer you the chance to receive this book for free from me! This book is in very good condition, is hardback and is 104 pp long. If you would like to learn more about how many common items were invented, I think you and your child would enjoy this book!

Just comment below. I will hold the drawing on January 23rd at 6 pm. It is open to United States addresses only unless you want to pay the postage to ship overseas if you win.

Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Hey all, if you have vistied my friend Laura in the past, you will know that she has awesome contest posts! Everyday, she provides links to contests all over the blogosphere. I have won a bunch of stuff because I read her contest post every day and enter several a day. She also provides recipes, product reviews, and just bits of life posts.

Well Blogger, owned by Google, has tagged her as a spam blog and has locked her out of her blog. She can't post new entries. But she has found a way around this dilemma. If you want to check out her blog for the first time or if you are a regular, you will find she has her posts up and running, but they are not being picked up via RSS or email fees.

So, go over to Laura's, get your contest fix and show your support!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I don't know if you have heard yet or not, but something very exciting is coming for the last week of January! And I mean very exciting! Shannon, over at Bloggy Giveways is hosting a giveaway carnival. The last time she did this, there were over five hundred participants! That means there were over five hundred chances for you to win and there were some awesome prizes!

So get your finger ready, because the fun will be starting soon. And I am planning on having five giveways that week myself! So you will definitely want to be stopping here. I will have items from Twisted Silver, ZudaGay, Chit, Chat, and Chew, Skin MD, and 3 copies of Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Nelson, a newly released book. So bookmark this site and come back the last week of January. You will be glad you did!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I love to read and this past week I received several books in the mail. Some I received due to winning contests and some I received to do reviews on them. Most of them you will see in the future as giveaways because as much as I love reading books, I love sharing good books!

So here is what showed up for me this past week:

Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills. This is an inspirational romance and I will be reviewing it the last week of January or the first week of February, so keep an eye out!

From the back cover: Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, has never agred with her father's harsh treatment of the poor mestizos who first inhaited the colony of Texas, when rebels kidnap Mairanne, in hopes her father will trade back their land for her freedom, she realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estated.

Armando Garcia is the locals' reluctant leader, but his people revere and depend on him. Knowing that without his leadership they'd be forced from their land, Armando accepts his role, but does not approve of the latesst attempt to manipulate the enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from leeting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing their land forever?

Continue reading "Books In The Mail" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whoa...What's happening? Who's lifting up my nice cozy abode?? Hey! Put me Down! What's this place? It's dark and smells funny! It's an earthquake! Everything is shaking! And what's that beeping sound? Oh goodness, more shaking! Is this the end of the world?

Slamming...rumbling...ahh...stillness...sort of...At least this thing I am in is still, but I still sense that I am moving. I have got to get out of here!

Nibble, Nibble. Chew. Gnaw. Nibble.

I can see light!

Nibble, nibble, chew, gnaw. Nibble.

Ah ha...more light

Nibble, nibble. Chew, Gnaw. Nibble.

I'm free!

Scurry, scurry into a dark corner. I sense I am still moving, but things are slowing down a bit.

There are those loud bangs and funny sounds again. Strange, alien sounds.

More loud sounds. I crouch down, trying to make myself as small as possible. I can see one of the large ones pick up the small box I escaped from and pointing to my fine escape hole. They start looking around. I scrunch up even more.

The sounds fade, there is light behind me...I scurry towards the light...only to see...a large nose and whiskers and big eyes! What is that monstrous thing...it's wagging tail, it's dripping tongue? It is looking straight at me as if judging whether or not I would make a tasty snack

I'm being lifted again!

"What's going on? Does the monster have me? I'm going to die!" I am cupped in the alien's hand as a voice says, "You are going to be called 'Lucky'. You are the luckiest hamster in the world because Beethoven was just getting ready to have you for lunch."

I am not sure what those strange sounds meant, but now I am behind bars where no huge monsters with dripping tongues can get at me. Safe and sound. I guess I am pretty lucky!

The above story is a true one and none of the names have been changed. Lucky and Beethoven have both passed on, but their story lives in our hearts forever! I have written this for Scribbit's January Write Away Contest.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:45 PM |