When I received a couple of books by Ellen F. Feld, I was excited to see that they would be perfect for my horse loving daughter and her horse loving friend. I gave Rimfire: The Barrel Racing Morgan Horse to V.G. to read and to tell me how much she loved it, or didn't. As it turns out, V.G. (age 10) really enjoyed the book. Here's what she had to say:

I really enjoyed the book. Very interesting, however, because I have a horse when I read about horses it’s not the same as having and doing things with my horse. I would rather spend time with my horse than spend time reading about a horse. This might be different if I wanted to learn a specific skill. In that case I would choose a non-fiction book over a novel.

I liked that it talked about barrel racing. I learned that you have to tuck your shirt in and not to wear a belt because it hooks on the horn. I also learned that a barrel racer should not go really close to the barrel but be about a tire width away from the barrel.

The characters were good. They were well described. There were enough of them, but I did wish the author would have talked more about the parents and had the parents more involved.

The pictures were interesting but more pictures would be cool.

I would read the other books in the series. The one titled Robin: The Lovable Morgan Horse looks good.

Thanks, V.G. for your great review of Rimfire !

The other book I received and gave to my daughter for Christmas is called Shadow: The Curious Morgan Horse. I will be reviewing that title with my daughter in the next few days.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of these books in exchange for my honest review.

Simply Sensational Divas Review has been working a little with Sylvan Dell. I am very excited to be informed about five new ebooks just released this spring.

The stars of the 2010 Spring titles include two Pandas from Northern China, Felina the panther, a little red bat, a dog named Newton, and a host of endangered species. Each title, like every Sylvan Dell book, teaches a lesson in science or math.

* “Panda’s Great Escape” –LiLing and Tengfei, mother and cub pandas, must find a way to survive after a 7.9 earthquake rocks Northern China. Author Phyllis Perry with the help of Illustrator Susan Detwiller help teach children a lesson about natural disaster through the exciting adventures of these two pandas.

* “Felina’s New Home”- Author Loran Wlodarski and illustrator Lew Clayton expose the issue of deforestation and endangered animals with the help of Felina and her friends. Travel to the forests of Florida and follow Felina as humans disrupt her forest home.

* “Little Red Bat”- As the air turns cold, Carole Gerber’s red bat must decide whether to hibernate or migrate to warmer weather. Gerber and talented illustrator, Christina Wald, introduce the reader to a variety of animals and how they survive the winter. Read “Little Red Bat” to find out if the red bat decides to stay or go!

* “Newton and Me”- A boy and his dog Newton discover the laws of force and motion through every day activities in this story by Lynne Mayer. Mayer teams up with illustrator Sherry Rogers to teach children that the laws of physics are all around us.

* “What’s the Difference?”- Suzanne Slade teaches children the importance of caring for our endangered species while incorporating a lesson in subtraction. Her clever, rhyming verses along with Joan Waites’s colorful watercolors, celebrate our world’s precious animals while practicing math skills along the way.

These titles, as well as all other Sylvan Dell titles, feature a special “For Creative Minds” section at the end of each story. This section provides fun activities and information to enhance the book’s educational value.

What really makes these books unique is the tremendous amount of free, online educational material available for each Sylvan Dell title. Supporting material includes a 30-40 page “Teaching Activities” packet, interactive reading and math quizzes, the most technologically advanced e-Books in the world today, and much more.

The 2010 Spring Titles are available now for pre-order and will be ready to ship March 10, 2010.

Sylvan Dell's ebooks are AMAZING! I have had the opportunity to view and "play with" some of these ebooks. The pictures are beautiful. The pages turn smoothly. There is an audio option. I would be very pleased for my children to spend time reading these books. I find teaching science tough so I love that Sylvan Dell's books teach science in a fun and colorful way. My children love to read; I am so glad that they love to read. There is so much they can learn that way. The grant program is going to help with that as well! Here's a brief description of the grant program including links to get more information.

Sylvan Dell picture books are perfect for teachers, parents, homeschool associations and children to use at home and in the classroom. The entertaining stories and amazing illustrations make learning about math and science an enjoyable experience for children. Each title comes with an abundance of free, online material found on the Sylvan Dell Web site. Every title is also available as an eBook. Every eBook features auto-flip and auto-read capabilities, and English and Spanish text and audio. Sylvan Dell eBooks are great for teachers with Smartboards or projection screens. In addition, parents and children can access the same eBooks from home. Sylvan Dell is offering schools and homeschool associations free use of all 50 eBooks through its grant program.

I hope that you will check out this great resource for your home, school or library.

I am a busy mom. We always seem to be doing something, going somewhere or having people into our home. I am so happy to have discovered CSN Stores. It's a one stop shopping place for everything from kids bedding, to cookware to home improvement, games and toys and shoes and baggage! For me, I think the best thing is that I can use my PayPal to purchase items at all these stores. Being a family without a credit card (on purpose) we sometimes have a hard time with shopping online. Not all stores advertise that they have PayPal so I am often going through a check out only to find out my cart has to be left behind because there is no payment option for PayPal.

Coming soon, I will be reviewing Learning Resources Science Stadium. This is a deductive reasoning science game for two players, ages seven and up. I only have two in that age group at this point, so hopefully we won't have too many disagreements. I have a plan though. I will make up a tournament! I'll let you know how our game time goes in my review.

Learning Resources** is a great company; I have enjoyed a few of their products in the last couple of years that we have been homeschooling.

(** links to Learning Resources products at CSN Stores)

Disclaimer: I receive the product in exchange for my honest review.

I was given the opportunity to review a series of CDs created by a husband and wife team - Charley and Susan Greenberg. The series is called My Baby Loves . . . The CDs in the series include: My Baby Loves . . . Madonna, My Baby Loves . . . the 80s, My Baby Loves . . . Michael Jackson and My Baby Loves. . . Christmas. I received (in exchange for my honest review) a copy of each one of these discs. Soon to come are My Baby Loves . . . HipHop, and . . . Motown!

"We chose Michael Jackson, Madonna and The 80's for our first three editions because we want to connect with the parents of today and the music they grew up with - the songs that they would most want to share with their children." Susan explains, "We're bringing the biggest hits from the biggest artists to families, so not only the babies will love them, but the parents as well."

I quite honestly did not enjoy these discs. I found the music to be very "tin-y" and very high-pitched. The odd song was way way louder than the others on the discs as well. I can imagine this waking a calm and sleeping baby. This is not one of the goals of the musicians at all.

Aside from those things, I think the fact that I didn't know the music was a big part of why I didn't enjoy them as much as I thought I would, because the Christmas one and the 80's one I enjoyed more than the other two. I knew the songs.

As a mother of many small children (one under the age of 2), I didn't play these discs very often. My older children (8 and 7) would cringe when I would put one in. Sorry. For someone who knows and enjoyed the music of Michael Jackson, Madonna and the 80s these discs might be a hit, but not in this house.

These discs can be purchased / downloaded at such places as www.amazon.com, iTunes, www.bestbuy.com and www.barnesandnoble.com

When our son died in 2004, my husband wanted something that was his, that was also Harvey's.  He wanted that connection.  The hospital gave us a two piece heart (clay I think).  We put the larger piece in the grave and bought a chain for J to put the other piece on to wear.  We talked a lot about getting me something that had the same sentimental value.  I never decided what I wanted.  I wanted a charm bracelet with his name or initials or even a mother's ring that included his birth stone.  We never ended up purchasing anything.  (I think I would still love to purchase a charm bracelet of some sort that I can keep adding children to as we have them.)

When I found and was able to review something from Our Handmade Gifts, I choice their custom photo pendant.  The picture I chose was one of J and Harvey just after we'd removed Harvey from the life support.  There is such love and tenderness in J's face.  I don't have many pictures of the two of them.  We don't have many pictures of Harvey at all.  Had it not been for my aunt and uncle, we would have even fewer.

I received my pendant on a nice black leather cord.  The clasp is well attached.  My 3 year old boy did get his little paws on it and tore it apart.  I was not impressed.  However, my dh has put it back together and it's as good as when it arrived.  I love things that are easy to put back together or have parts that are easy to replace!

The pendant size is approximately 1.25 by 1.25 inches.  I find this a little big for my taste in jewelry and wish I'd gone with the key ring option instead (the directions for this option are on the site).  The picture is clear and seems to be well protected by whatever process they used.

I am very pleased with my photo pendant and I will cherish it and wear it for years to come.  Thank you Our Handmade Gifts for a wonderful product.

I just recently started wearing dangling earrings.  My mom had made a few out of old chains and gave me a few.  When the package arrived from Our Handmade Gifts, there was a couple of bonus items included and one of those was a set of earrings also from Our Handmade Gifts.  I can't find the link to them on the website, but they are three blue beads of different sizes separated by tiny tiny beads.  I love them!  They hooks don't hurt my ears, so they are a good quality and they are just my color!  I was so excited to have a new pair to wear with so many different items.

Our Handmade Gifts does not only carry earrings and custom pendants.  They also have necklaces, bracelets and rings.  There are themes for teams, or holidays, and those who are patriotic (US).  Very fun and affordable gifts for you or for someone else.

*****

Along with this pendant, Our Handmade Gifts sent a couple of coupon codes for my readers and friends!

Our Handmade Gifts is offering 25% off any order.  You may us this coupon as often as you like, and share it with friends.  Use coupon code: REVIEW.  Expires 6/31/10 so as to cover Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Cool Butterflies (I reviewed some photos in this post) is offering 25% off any order.  You may use this coupon as often as you like, and share it with friends!  Use coupon code: REVIEW.  Expires 6/31/10 so as to cover Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Watch for more reviews to come from this great "family" of companies.  Thanks to Deborah Carney and crew for some great affordable products!!!!

Disclaimer: These products were given to me in exchange for my honest opinions.

I was given a reviewer's code to take a peek at Wiggle Time. At this site your preschooler can play games, watch videos and learn along with the Wiggles and fellow characters. The child gets to "drive" a car and go into homes. There are games and Wiggles TV to play and watch.

There is a free sampler of the site, that gives you a taste of the subscribed site. The cost is fairly reasonable and you have the option to support UNICEF too. For one month, the price is 6.95, or if you want to get a bundle (6 months or a year) the cost goes down.

Although we like the Wiggles and their music and videos in this house we did not really enjoy the website. I found the site took a long time to load and was not easy for me to navigate. The games were not engaging enough to hold my children's attention. There are so many free sites out there, that paying for one like this was certainly not in my budget.

Disclaimer: I was given the reviewer's code in exchange for my honest review of the website.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I actually finished reading it quite some time ago.

It is a great continuation of the story about Helen Andros and the many other characters. So much happens in this book. I will include a summary at the end of my review.

I still find the characters hard to follow. I need to visit the website again to get a better handle on them. I find that there are too many names for the characters that I can't get them all straight. Last time I found this to be true I went to the website and I was straightened out.

I can't wait to read book 4 which is called - Outcast.

Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided to me by the author for my honest review.

**********************

Surviving the total destruction of her nation and worldwide conflagration, Lady Mary Atlas, former Consort of Azgard, has taken refuge in a submarine with a band of followers.

Lady Mary's personal secretary, Martin Fletcher, discovers that food is being hoarded despite explicit orders to the contrary by Lady Rachel Poseidon, the former queen's granddaughter and leader of the survivors.

To maintain order and her hold on power, Lady Rachel makes a brutal decision that her grandmother knows will cause her much grief. Knowing also that her granddaughter will speak about it only when she is ready, Lady Mary returns to her cabin and her story-telling, more determined than ever to make sure the history of Azgard is not forgotten.

-------------

After a trial in which a surprise document aids in his defense, Lord James Mordecai is acquitted of the adultery charge. He still, however, endures harsh punishment for lesser offenses against the Temple of Kronos that are related to his relationship with Miriam Andros, the Turanian mother of the series' first-generation heroine, Helen Andros.

While Lord James is unconscious from his punishment, the Temple's Supreme Lord, Ezekiel Malachi, injures Helen while putting a death mark on her and revoking the medical credentials she earned at the Sacred Academy of Kronos. Helen escapes Kindred House with the help of her secret love, Colonel Jackson Orlando, who is acting as Lord Protector during Lord James' incapacity.

Aided by Maguari the Mist-Weaver and Isaac Sudras, the Academy's Grand Master and her longtime mentor, Helen finds and removes a lethal agent hidden in her father's welts, foiling one attempt to assassinate him even as another plot from a different source moves forward.

For safety, Helen moves north to her father's manor in Alta Province, guarded by Orlando and a special detail of soldiers. She encounters a member of her father's household staff who threatens her, but says nothing about the cook's hostility out of shame and embarrassment.

Lord James, resuming his duties as Lord Protector, punishes those in the military and their civilian accomplices who stole from the 163rd Regiment's medical and other supplies. At the order of the Exalted Lord, Kefren, Malachi reluctantly investigates those members of the priest-healers who conspired to kill Lord James. The Temple's scheming second in command, Lucan Silenas, suborns the investigation, resulting in the wrong priests being put to death and the murders of the mistress of one of the executed priests and three of their four children. Their eldest child, a boy named Martin Fletcher, manages to escape.

Meanwhile, Helen deeply misses the father to whom she is finally reconciled. Maguari materializes very early one morning to teach her the first steps of kura manipulation, instructing her in how to use energy to be with her parent in spirit. Helen immediately has a vision of being attacked the Temple warrior monks who are tracking her down to slay her, but she remains silent about it as well because she is uncertain whether it is valid or just imaginary.

Once fully recovered from his wounds, Lord James marries Lady Samantha Poseidon, Kefren's niece. He and his new duchess head north to Alta and put on a Turanian wedding ceremony so that Helen may attend and participate.

Lady Samantha soon becomes pregnant. Judith Altair, the best friend of Helen's mother and counselor to the wealthy and powerful, recognizes the energy of the soul to be born anew into the body of Lord James' and lady Samantha's child. It is the spirit of her dear friend, Miriam. The confirmation of Miriam's death leaves Judith distressed despite Maguari's efforts to comfort her.

Lord James' political enemies continue to hound him relentlessly, seizing on the Turanian wedding as presumed evidence of some new offense against the Temple. The Toltecs' legislative body, the Kinshazen, becomes even more polarized. Kefren's nephew and heir once removed, Lord Sargon Poseidon, launches a campaign to seduce Lady Elza Palladin, the Consort's niece, which could have disastrous political consequences if Lady Elza should become pregnant out of wedlock.

Thanks to more of Silenas' schemes, the Temple almost succeeds in slaying Helen, with Lady Samantha nearly suffering a miscarriage due to the attack. Helen uses the green stone to save mother and child and is devastated by the consequences of failing to speak up about the antagonistic cook and her premonition of the assault.

The Temple attempts to use the birth of his son to compel Lord James to surrender his daughter to death. Judith, however, has foreseen this outcome and persuaded Orlando to prepare for the eventuality of hiding Helen. As Book Three ends, Helen again must part with a parent and flee into the unknown to avoid danger and, this time, to avert civil war.

Some of the Divas took the time to read and review the book: The Daughter-In-Law Rules by Sally Shields. You can read our reviews here. Now let's spend some time getting to know the author a little and a little more about the book itself.

Q: What is the concept behind the DIL Rules and how did you derive at that name?

Sally Shields: The Daughter-in-Law Rules is based on the 7th spiritual law of success, which is: the quickest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. By that I mean, be a loving, kind-hearted, sensitive person, and the world will reflect that back to you, even in the form of your mother-in-law! I loved that book The Rules: Time Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right. I patterned the Daughter-in-Law Rules on that book.

Q: When did you decide on writing as a career?

SS: Actually, the book took me less than a week to write! As the last thing I wrote was a paper in high school, I don't consider myself a writer per se. What I learned was that you only need two things to have a best selling book —a passion for your topic and a sincere desire to help people. To quote Robert Kiyosaki of Rich Dad, Poor Dad: "I didn't want to be the best writing author—rather I want to be the best SELLING author!" It was the marketing of the book that really intrigued me, so I use the 90-10 rule - I spent 10% of my time writing the book, and the other 90% of my time and energy marketing it.

Q: What motivated you to write the DIL Rules?

SS: Like most women, I got married and got a mother-in-law. But after a couple of years, I was left scratching my head, thinking, where is the manual for this?!!! I wrote to the ladies that wrote the bestselling book The Rules, and told them that since they helped all these women meet and marry the men of their dreams, they then needed to provide some advice on how to get along with the other woman in their man's life—his mom! These two authors told me it was the best idea they'd ever heard. I honestly just wanted some advice on the topic! "You should write it," they said. At first I thought they were crazy since the last thing I'd written was a term paper in high school English class! But, the gears started turning in my mind. So I started to jot down all the troublesome incidents that would pop into my head in regards to my MIL, and came up with a rule and a solution to deal with each and every one. When I put a few of these rules into practice (and saw that they actually worked) I thought maybe I could help save other young wives years of needless contention!

Q: Have you published any other work that you've written?

SS: I have three music books; Modern Jazz Piano (Hal Leonard, 2004), The Pianist’s Jammin’ Handbook and A Baker’s Dozen: 13 Jazz Etudes for the Intermediate Sight-Reader. I've also written The Collaborator Rules: 101 Surefire Ways to Stay Friends with Your Co-Author as well as a poetry book called "A Pond Beneath the Moon.” And I’m currently working on two other books; The Million Dollar Author Club and Naturally Thin or Discipline? Insider Secrets of the Super-Slim.

Q: What makes you unique when compared to other authors?

SS: I am very focused on solving a problem in a very short period of time. I don't mind telling people what to do or how they should do it. Here's the Rule. Now do it. Sometimes people tell me that they don't want to do these rules because it seems like too much work. Then I give them the Dr. Phil answer which is, "Well, how's THAT workin' for ya?!!" These rules are problem-solution oriented so give them a try!

Q: What inspires your work?

SS: I love being creative and just coming up with stuff that I think will help people, or bring humor to a situation, while at the same time solving my own life's problems! My vision is now to create more harmony among mothers and daughters-in-law around the world while at the same time raising money for breast cancer. I am currently working with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation on a unique fundraising idea with Estee Lauder, who also supports breast cancer.

Q: Has your book been featured in any national publications or on television?

SS: Yes! I've been in Star Magazine, Girlfriendz, For the Bride, and Obvious Magazine. I've appeared twice on the nationally syndicated The Daily Buzz, Fox & Friends, Rachel Ray, Tyra Banks, BetterTV.com, as well as having appeared on Martha Stewart Whole Living Radio . As well, The DIL Rules was recommended as Book of the Week by Dr. Laura Schelssinger.

Q: Are you self-published or through a publishing house?

SS: I started off self-publishing with Outskirts Press, a print on demand company, but have re-released The DIL Rules under my own imprint, Safflower Publishing Inc. with a new cover, subtitle, foreword, interior design and illustrations, and am working on a DIL Rules board game and calendar.

Q: Who or what personally inspires you to push forth with your career?

SS: I've been a musician ever since I was a kid, and I just get a lot of energy from performing, speaking, being out there in the media and expressing my ideas in my unique way fuels and motivates me forward.

Q: Have your book sales been positively/negatively affected by the financial changes in the country and if so how you come up with ways to divert from it (if negative)?

SS: I notice that the more radio and TV appearances I do, I can keep the sales up. It seems to be more about continually letting people know about the book that makes more of a difference than the financial state of affairs. It would be fun to compare current sales to what it will be like when Obama whips this country back in shape eventually! :-)

Q: Do you have any events coming up that people should know about or book tours?

SS: As I have 2 small kids, I have been doing virtual book tours from home and doing national radio tours via telephone. I do some local book signings here in New York, and I speak at various events such as the ASJA, and the Catholic Writers Event asks me to speak at their events. I also do a weekly radio show called Blurb! that is a book contest for authors. For more information on how authors can apply to be on the show, check out BlurbRadio.com. As well, the head of the African Women’s Business Network has purchased the foreign rights to the DIL Rules and she has invited me over to speak in Lagos Nigeria sometime in 2010.

Q: What advice would you have for young entrepreneurs and authors?

SS: I would say keep it fun, because otherwise all those hours you put in wouldn't make any sense! And remember that there are only two elements that you need to succeed in any endeavor: a passion for your topic and a sincere desire to help people.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

SS: I see myself with my own reality show, as a Daughter-in-Law Rules seminar leader, a speaker at Bridal events, fundraiser and spokesperson for Breast Cancer fundraising, and continuing to partner with corporations such as Macys, David's Bridal 1-800-flowers, Estee Lauder, and Martha Stewart Weddings.

Q: Any final words of wisdom?

SS: Never give up on your dreams. You don't have to know the how, but focus on the why. Don't set limits and reach for the sky. Do positive affirmations morning and evening, and you will see your thoughts transform into things. You can manifest your desires by focusing on the things that you want. Don't give up because it takes a while for the universe to prepare the meal that you've ordered, but know that it is in the oven back there so make sure you don't leave the restaurant!

Christmas is here, and as we all know, that means trying to find gifts for family and friends. If you are looking for gift ideas that are different, fun, and meaningful - then I have the perfect solution for you. My friend Matthew Toone just published a book entitled: "Great Games! 175 Games & Activities for Families, Groups, & Children." This book is literally full of fun game and activity ideas for people of all ages, groups of all sizes, and there are games for any category or setting. You can check it out at: www.GreatGamesBook.com

Three lucky people, however, will get a free copy of 'Great Games.' In order to be entered into the contest to win a free copy, simply email either Kim or LaDonna a one paragraph response about a time where you played games with your family or friends and it created a fun memory, strengthened relationships, or simply brought your family closer together. The deadline to send your story in is Dec 15th. If your story is chosen, you will win a free copy of 'Great Games' www.GreatGamesBook.com

This post is re-posted in part from my personal blog.

I have been working with Deborah Carney at Cool Butterflies. She has been so wonderful to work with, very patient. :)

The Cool Butterflies Butterfly Shop has over 2000 prints of butterflies. She wanted me to choose what I wanted to review. (Insert shocked smilie face here!!) I said, would you consider picking for me? I have a little girl that LOVES butterflies and pink. She said, sure, I'll pick.

She sent the package via USPS. It arrived in EXCELLENT shape, although it took a little longer than we'd expected, I assume due to coming over the board. I was so excited to finally receive these prints. They were better than I expected! They are so very beautiful and clear.

Deborah included three prints of a butterfly on a pink flower, a similar print with a message on it and a note card print of flames.

The flame card says,
"People have ideas all the time,
ambition is just the stubbornness to follow through."
- Daniel Fogg

The quality of the colors are rich and bright. I can't wait to get these framed (in black frames) for my CJ's wall. I know that she is going to love them. The "distracted by butterflies" is so like her! If she sees a butterfly she is off running, trying to catch it.

The paper is excellent quality. I've handled the prints very little; only pulled them out of their envelope and protective plastic a couple of times to view them. (Partly to keep them from CJ who's birthday is coming up, and partly because I don't want them damaged.) They have held up well to any handling that has been done.

The flame card was a great pick for us as well because my dh is a fire fighter. It's just fun; I plan on framing it as well, for my dh's desk.

I definitely recommend Cool Butterfly Prints to my friends and family. You can purchase these prints and many, many others from coolbutterflies.com.