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Sunday, July 31, 2016

Leakproof 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box by Sunsella





Please enjoy this review of the Leakproof 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box  by Sunsella

I like how tight this closes - you can hear the snap as each of the tabs close. The compartments don't leak into one another and the entire container is leak proof. My cover got a bit stained from spaghetti (the white portion of the cover only), but other than that it stands up great to every day use and I imagine I'll have this for a long time. The compartments are generously sized and you can fit plenty of food in the lunch box. The plastic is sturdy and I like that it is dishwasher safe for the top rack. Overall, this product does everything it promises to and deserves a 5 star rating!

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review



#sunsella

Friday, July 29, 2016

Mamaway Antibacterial Crossover Sleeping & Nursing Bra





Please enjoy this review from:  Mamaway Antibacterial Crossover Sleeping & Nursing Bra - Pull-Aside Access (Apparel)

I've been wearing this bra every night since it arrived. We co-sleep and this style of crossover bra works great because I don't have to fumble with clips and clasps in the middle of the night. The wide straps provide lots of comfort without any digging feeling. The bra is hand washable and dries really quickly yet doesn't need to be washed every day because of the special fabric it is made with. It is well made and the design is well thought out. Depending on your size, age, and body type, you may bet away with wearing this bra during the day or out and about. I'm a 38DD and I feel it is supportive enough for around the house and sleeping. The material is very breathable and soft right from the package and stays soft after many washings. You'll be comfortable and impressed with everything about this antibacterial bra by Mamaway!
I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

‪#‎Mamaway‬

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Feeding the Brain by Francie Healey - brought to us by WOW! Women on Writing

Francine Healey, a mental health counselor and the author of Eat to Beat Alzheimer’s, is stopping by today with some advice about feeding our brains. Her advice can be helpful to all of us, but especially as moms. Learn more about her book in today's guest post! Thank you WOW! Women on Writing for bringing this fabulous book to Bring On Lemons! For more information about Francie and her tour, (as well as a fabulous interview I had with her), check out the WOW! blog. 


Feeding the Brain

We are in the midst of a great paradigm shift. Our understanding of health and the root cause of disease is expanding. While health concerns, issues and illnesses are extremely difficult for the individual and the community, they also offer us a particular leverage point for looking more closely at the human body.

Our diets have a significant effect on the health of our brains, which will potentially affect all areas of functioning. Alzheimer’s and dementia are only two examples of how compromised brain health can manifest. Depression and anxiety are other manifestations that are even more common and can be just as debilitating.

Eat to Beat Alzheimer’s is a discussion on nutritional science and provides recipes to put knowledge into action.

The brain needs quality fat and cholesterol. Fats provide efficient fuel for the brain, support methylation, and hormone health. Eating quality fats enhance brain functioning in all areas: improved mood, memory and cognition, balance and coordination, resiliency to stress, sleep and restoration, and overall hormone health. Increasing our intake of fats like extra virgin olive oil, unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil, avocados, fish, grass-fed organic lard, butter or ghee and pasture-raised eggs will provide optimal fuel and nourishment for the brain. This is in many ways a direct contradiction to past nutrition advice. However, the diets of the past (i.e., low fat diets, zero carbohydrate diets, and “diet” foods & drinks) have actually coincided with an increase in chronic health conditions.
Returning to a whole foods diet that is rich in healthy fats, high in vegetable content and quality protein, all the while reducing and eliminating refined, processed, high sugar foods will support overall brain health and functioning.

Additionally, adding in anti-inflammatory agents, such as turmeric and ginger, will help to reduce overall inflammation and toxicity that has accrued from highly processed diets and stressful lifestyles. Healthy brains (and bodies) also require reducing inflammatory lifestyles. Shifting stressful lifestyles and negative mindsets by increasing creative pursuits, quality connections, and resolving intrapersonal stressors and trauma all work together with diet to create a lasting, sustainable health and wellness. Long-term health is possible, rewarding, and delicious.



Keep up with Francie and the rest of her tour - here's the calendar:

Wednesday, July 27th @ Mari McCarthy’s Create Write Now
Join Mary McCarthy as she welcomes Francie Healey at the Create Write Now blog today. Healey pens today's guest post titled "Connecting with Readers." Find out more about Francie Healey and her new cook book Eat to Beat Alzheimer's.
http://www.createwritenow.com/

Thursday, July 28th @ One Sister’s Journey with Lisa M. Buske
Francie Healey pens today's guest post "How to Eat Clean in Today's Busy World" as she visits the blog of Lisa M Buske. Don't miss this post and opportunity to learn more about Healey's cookbook Eat to Beat Alzheimer's.
http://www.lisambuske.com/


Friday, July 29 @ Selling Books
Stop by Cathy Stucker's Selling Books blog for a fascinating interview with Francie Healey, author of Eat to Beat Alzheimer's. Find out more about Francie's book, her writing rituals, her publishing journey and more!
http://www.sellingbooks.com

Monday, August 1st @ Android After Forty
Join the lovely Linda Peters as she reviews Eat to Beat Alzheimer's by Francie Healey. You'll love Linda's blog and readers will be delighted to learn what she thinks about this highly acclaimed cook book!
http://www.AndroidAfterForty.com

Friday, August 5th @ Beverley A. Baird
Beverley A Baird reviews Francie Healey's cookbook, Eat to Beat Alzheimer's - check out Beverley's blog and her thoughts on this excellent new publication!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

Love this WOW! Women on Writing book blog tour? Get Involved! If you have a website or blog and would like to host a touring author or schedule a tour of your own, please email crystal@wow-womenonwriting.com



Eat to Beat Alzheimer's offers a practical guide and an empowering tool to bring nourishing, healthful, and delicious food into the lives of people concerned about Alzheimer's and other cognitive problems. Almost 9 million people in the U.S. suffer from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, and the toll is rapidly increasing. This book will appeal to everyone concerned about dementia and memory loss in either themselves or a loved one.

Recent research makes clear that the impact of aging on the brain can be reduced by simple diet and lifestyle modifications. The delicious food choices and easy-to-prepare recipes in this book are based on the latest findings showing that they can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's and other conditions like it, or prevent them entirely.

Readers will gain the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health by incorporating tasty, healing foods into their diet. The information in this cookbook will be as relevant and useful 20 years from now as it is today. And the recipes will still be just as delicious.

Paperback: 200 pages
Genre: Cookbook
Publisher: Terra Nova Books (June 30, 2016)
ISBN-10: 1938288610
ISBN-13: 978-1938288616

Eat to Beat Alzheimer's: Delicious Recipes and New Research to Prevent and Slow Dementia by Francie Healey is available at Amazon.




About the Author:


Francie Healey is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice in Santa Fe, N.M. She  specializes in the psychology of eating, helping people with health conditions to develop conscious eating habits and understand how food contributes to healing. Using her expertise to help clients manage cognitive decline through nutrition, Francie educates them on meal planning; the creation of simple, nutritious meals; and other keys to achieving a healthy relationship with food. She holds a Master's Degree in Counseling, and is a Certified Health Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Find Francie Healey Online:

Websites:
http://www.eattobeatalzheimers.com

http://foodtohelpwithdepression.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousWellnessCoaching/

Twitter: @FrancieHealey

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/franciehealey/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/109142523542637266835/posts

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciehealey

Monday, July 25, 2016

Gardspo Expandable Hose Review





https://www.gardspo.com/


Please enjoy this 5 star review for: World's Strongest Expandable Garden Hose with MADE IN USA inner tube material and NEW DOUBLE M FABRIC, Expanding Hose Flexible Hose Expandable Hose with Hose Nozzle & Hose Holder (50 ft, Black)

This Gardspo hose seems stronger than others I've tried. It's very well made yet lightweight. The other perk is it seems to offer more water pressure than other similar hoses. It's a very high quality hose that comes with a very nice sprayer attachment. Easy to use & great design!

expandable hose, garden hose and expanding hose

Alistart Swimming Goggles Product Review





Please enjoy this review from: Alistart Swimming Goggles, Anti Fog Swimming Goggles with Free Protective Case, Nose Clip & Earplugs- Swimming Glasses Clear Vision UV Protection Anti Fog Scratch Resistant Lenses (Eyewear)
These goggles are nice and trim, they stay in place, and my daughter absolutely loves them! I thought I would use them for myself, but she took them and fell in love! She wears them during swim meets and says they are a favorite because they don't budge when she dives or turns. Very nice design and they are well made.
I received this product at a red
uced rate in exchange for my honest review.



‪#‎AlistartSwimmingGoggles‬,AntiFogSwimmingGoggleswith

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Mamaway Ring Sling - Yes you can back carry in a ring sling!!!






I've tried and used many different ring slings through the years, and this Mamaway Ring Sling was interesting from the moment I opened the package. The sling conveniently folds into it's very own carrying pouch which appealed to me right away. It's nice to just grab and go and not worry about an extra storage bag (or knowing your toddler is using your ring sling to wipe his sticky fingers). It took a few tries to get comfortable as this was my first time working with this particular sling material and non-metal rings. Once I got the hang of it, I was quite pleased with how my nearly 1 year old daughter and I felt. The Mamaway is nice and lightweight and the fabric is sturdy yet breathable.
Thank you to Mamaway for providing this sling for me to try and review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

‪#‎Mamaway‬

Thursday, July 21, 2016

XYH Inflatable Couch - Air Sofa - Lounger





These inflatables are a genius idea, but keep in mind there is a learning curve. I probably shouldn't have chosen the hottest day of the year to test this out. I was sweating and still hadn't managed to get enough air into it. With a little bit of practice though I can see how this would be a lifesaver. It folds up nice and compact into the backpack style bag, and deflates quickly. This would be excellent for camping or the beach!

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.


https://www.amazon.com/XYH-Inflatable-Compression-Mattresse-Furniture/dp/B01GHTTPFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468665673&sr=8-1&keywords=xyhdirect

#XYH

Kaffe' Instant FaceLift by Kaffe Cosmetics






Please enjoy this review from: KAFFÉ Instant FaceLift (Misc.)


After just 3 applications I notice a reduction in fine lines & wrinkles. I love anything made with coffee & can't wait to try more of their great products. The application is simple yet effective!
I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

‪#‎KaffeCosmetics‬

Product Review - Matching Home Style Sturdy Kitchen Dish / Tea and Terry Hand Towel





This review is from: Matching Home Style Sturdy Kitchen Dish / Tea and Terry Hand Towel set, White Gray design Towels (Kitchen)
These towels are super attractive, absorbent, and they hold up well to washing. Luckily, I checked the washing instructions and we hang a lot of our laundry anyway...but please don't put these in the dryer or they'll shrink. They do best if you line dry and then press if needed (the dish towels will need pressing). They look great in any kitchen and would make a great housewarming gift for a friend or loved one. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is in today's busy world, most people don't have the time for hanging to dry and then ironing, so realistically it's like and not love for me.

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

#LittleDutchStar

Product Review: Elf Star Deluxe Breathable Nursing Pillow and Baby Holder Positioner, 0-6 months, Green



Please enjoy this review of: Elf Star Deluxe Breathable Nursing Pillow and Baby Holder Positioner, 0-6 months, Green (Baby Product)
Getting a proper latch during those first few days of nursing is critical and this device can help with that. I am a strong believer in as much skin to skin contact as possible and I felt very disconnected when using this, but I also feel that way with other nursing pillows. I am interested to see what some of my lactation specialist friends think of this. I personally feel this is something excellent for a new mom who has never breastfeed before.

FTC Disclaimer: I was given this at a discount for this review but my opinions are 100% my own.
I am not required to give a positive nor a negative review, I am just supposed to leave an honest and unbiased review and I have. Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me for evaluation.

#NursingPillow

Wednesday, July 20, 2016



Please enjoy this review from Clementine Apparel Flowy Racerback Tank

The color is pretty, but the material is very thin and you would definitely want to wear something under it. However, the fact it's so thin means it's also fairly cool during the summer. I ordered a 2XL and it fits more like a Large (I've read the opposite about the smaller sizes - that they run larger than you'd expect) - so it's not very flowy at all. This is great for around the house, but I don't feel comfortable wearing it out in public as it's too see through. Nice and comfy for some living room yoga or relaxing on the patio though.
I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

‪#‎ClementineApparel‬

Product Review X-Chef Stainless Steel Milk Cup



Please enjoy this review from: Milk Pitcher, X-Chef Stainless Steel Milk Cup Milk Frothing Pitcher 10-ounce



I've been using this pitcher for everything! Works great for measuring buttermilk in my bread recipe, fabulous for measuring ingredients for homemade soaps, bath bombs, and just about anything you do in the kitchen. The spout is clean - I have several other measuring devices that measure accurately but when you pour you end up with spillage which makes your measurements off because of the waste...this pours clean which I appreciate from an accuracy standpoint as well as from a less mess position. Just use and then toss in the dishwasher and you're ready to go for next time! I also appreciate the generously sized handle, you can really get a good grip!
I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

‪#‎XChef‬

Friday, July 15, 2016

Product review from: Mamaway Recovery Nursing Shaper - Compression Nursing Tank with Crossover Bra (Apparel)



This shaper eliminated my muffin top & smoothed out my post-baby belly! I slipped it on right away and as you can see from the picture, it goes down far enough to tuck right into your jeans/pants which will eliminate bunching, binding, and rolling. The straps are wide enough to provide support and are narrow enough to look reasonable under a tank top. Easy access for nursing too!

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

Note: I lowered my jeans in the picture to show you how long this is.

Product Link

#Mamaway

David W. Berner Launches His Blog and Radio Book Tour of "Night Radio", a Love Story

...and giveaway

"Night Radio adds a unique and valuable dimension to today’s literary fiction by combining a gripping plot with a deep character study and a haunting, thought-provoking narrative."

--- Renee James, Windy City Reviews


Paperback: 351 pages
Genre: Popular Fiction, Pop Fiction, Literary Fiction
Publisher: Cawing Crow Press (May 25, 2016)
ASIN: B01G7INFB4
Amazon Link

Night Radio: A Love Story

Summary: From the award-winning author of Any Road Will Take You There and Accidental Lessons comes a truly American story.

Jake Mulholland dreams of becoming the next great rock 'n' roll radio personality. But like his father, his appetite for love conflicts with his thirst for success, leading to an unforgivable mistake. Jake finds fame but also the excess of celebrity, and just as he begins to rediscover his authentic self, he's shaken by the news of a life-altering secret. In an effort for redemption, Jake plans a special New Year's Eve broadcast that will be the biggest challenge of his life.

Night Radio is a love letter to music and rock 'n' roll radio of the 1970s, the story of an American boy, an American family, and of dreams just out of our reach.

About the Author: David W. Berner is the award-winning author of three memoirs: ACCIDENTAL LESSONS, ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE, and THERE'S A HAMSTER IN THE DASHBOARD. NIGHT RADIO: A Love Story is his first novel. Windy City Reviews calls NIGHT RADIO a “unique and valuable dimension to today's literary fiction by combining a gripping plot with a deep character study and a haunting, thought-provoking narrative.”

David works as a radio reporter and news anchor for CBS Radio and teaches writing and radio documentary at Columbia College Chicago. His book ACCIDENTAL LESSONS won the Golden Dragonfly Grand Prize for Literature and has been called a "beautiful, elegantly written book" by award-winning author Thomas E. Kennedy. ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE—a 2013 Book of the Year from the Chicago Writers Association—is the author's story of a cross-country road trip with his sons and the revelations of fatherhood. The memoir has been called "heartwarming and heartbreaking" and "a five-star wonderful read." THERE'S A HAMSTER IN THE DASHBOARD, a collection of essays, was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Chicago Book Review.


Interview with Crystal J. Otto

Crystal: David, Thank you so much for hanging out with me today. Friday is one of my favorite days of the week and I love sharing it with friends!

Now – we met when you published your memoir through Dream of Things Publishing. After having so much success with your memoir, what made you turn to novel writing? Was it a difficult transition?

David: I have written three memoirs and I do believe there may have been a memoir in me somewhere about radio, since I've had a long career in the medium. But frankly, I couldn't find a viable way to shape it. So, as is sometimes said-you have to write fiction to tell a bigger truth-that's what I set out to do.
I used some autobiographical material and experiences to shape the story in Night Radio, but it is truly fiction, not a memoir.

Crystal: I’m giggling – because I’ve read “Night Radio” and not all of our readers today have. I won’t go into any details, but I can only imagine what might be true…

Now that I’m composed a bit - can you compare the writing process between writing memoir and writing a novel? What surprised you?

David: I have been writing nonfiction and creative nonfiction for so long. Journalism, too. And I'm comfortable in that genre. I'm okay with confession, if you will. But when I really started to grasp that I was writing fiction this time--probably about a quarter way through the manuscript's first draft--it set me free. I realized, "Oh, wow, I don't need to necessarily check that fact do I?" I must say though, many of the places in the story are real and I did double and triple check some geographic information, and there's a scene at Graceland that I wanted to get right. Now, I've been there, so I had that going for me. But I still did some research. Even triple checking what flowers grow at certain times of the year in Oregon, where part of the story takes place.

Crystal: It’s apparent that a lot of work went into the writing of “Night Radio”. It is very well done. That generally takes the dedication of the writer but also the support of friends and family. Who has been most supportive with the writing and publishing of "Night Radio" and how?

David: Well, first let's take the writing part. I'm lucky to have the love of my life behind me in my writing. She reads everything and she is my best fan, but also points out flaws, and has a tremendous perspective. So, she was my rock during the many drafts. Publishing, I had a number of bites on the manuscript. But it's an unusual one. It's literary fiction, but yet it takes several points-of-view and jumps in time halfway through. Not all publishers like that sort of approach. The story sometimes gets philosophical and lyrical. I've been praised for that, but again, not all publishers want these things in a story. Cawing Crow Press, a small indie publisher understood my approach, and took a risk on Night Radio. Happy they did.

Crystal: Happy wife, happy life – I love how you refer to your wife. Absolutely love it!

What pearls of wisdom do you have for people trying to juggle a career and a writing career? What has been most challenging for you?

David: I talk about this at workshops all the time, there is no such thing as writer's block, and there is no such thing as "I have no time." Get down to the work and write. It's that simple. Carve out time--10 minutes here or there. Make it routine. Get up 15 minutes earlier three days a week. There IS time. And writer's block is a myth. Writing is work. Go to the office--whatever form that takes--and write. Just do it, as they say. Some days it will be good, some not so much. But you have to just sit down and write. Now, all this said, I still have to challenge myself to no overthink my work. First drafts are first drafts for a reason. Just write. As Hemingway said, "Write drunk, edit sober." Now, he didn't mean get hammered and write your novel. He meant write freely and then edit with care...later.



Crystal: I need to print that out and look at it daily. I’m one of those people who seems to run out of time each day. (but that’s another conversation for another day)

Let's talk about work and life balance. What has worked to help you find time for writing?

David: I am lucky that my main job these days is teaching college. So, academia allows for some flexibility. This permits me to find that time a bit more easily than some. Both of my children are in their 20s and no longer at home. That helps, too. But I always carve out time. Sometimes it's not as regular as I would like, especially when I'm in promotion mode on a new book, like now with Night Radio, or preparing a manuscript and material for a new memoir that will come out in 2017. That takes away from the writing time. But I always get back to it. It's true, as some say, if I'm not writing, I'm not living.

Crystal: Now that we know you’re always writing, I’m dying to know: What's next for you?

David: New memoir coming out in 2017 from Roundfire Books. October Song—A memoir of music and the journey of time is about my rock 'n' roll days, if you want to call it that. In the vinyl era, I played music in a garage band. Decades later at the age of 57, I am unexpectedly named a finalist in a songwriting contest and asked to perform the song at a storied venue for Americana music. I grab my old guitar and the love of my life, and hit the road to live out a musical fantasy. I see the story as a powerful examination of the passage of time, love, the power of music, and the power of dreams.
And I'm also working on a fictionalized memoir of the love story of my father and mother, quite a story. But that has a long way to go.

Crystal: Oh David – how absolutely exciting! I’m sure you’ll be back on my blog and I know I can’t wait to read more of your work. Thank you for being here today and thank you for your honesty!


----------Mixed Media Tour Dates

Friday, July 15th @ Bring On Lemons with Crystal Otto
Stop by for an interview and book giveaway!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/


Monday, July 18th @ Mari McCarthy's Create Write Now
Readers at Mari McCarthy's Create Write Now are in for a special treat as David W. Berner pens today's guest post "Radio and the Beauty of the Human Voice
-- how radio touches us, one voice at a time, and can inspire the storyteller in you." Learn more about this and Berner's latest novel "Night Radio".
http://www.createwritenow.com/



Thursday, July 21st @Selling Books with Cathy Stucker
Stop by for an interview with David W. Berner and find out more about his newest novel, a love story titled "Night Radio"
http://www.sellingbooks.com/


Friday, July 22nd @ Android After Forty
Linda Peters of Android After Forty offers her thoughts after reading David W. Berner's latest novel "Night Radio" and one lucky winner will receive their own copy of this humorous and touching love story.
http://www.androidafterforty.com/



Tuesday, July 26th @ Android After Forty
David W. Berner pens today's guest post at Linda Peter's blog Android After Forty. Learn more about Berner and his novel "Night Radio" as you read about: How My Hippie Past Still Grounds Me
-- we are what we are when we were young. it stays with us and it can inspire us to be artists.
http://www.androidafterforty.com/


Thursday, July 28th @ MC Simon Writes
Readers can find out what David W. Berner has to say on the topic of: "Using Real Life to Write Fiction -- or -- I Told You It was Fiction, Sort Of
-- Night Radio is a novel, but there is a lot of truth in it. "
Learn about this and more about David's novel "Night Radio"
http://www.mcsimonwrites.com/



Friday, July 29th @ Hott Books with Gina Hott
David W. Berner writes today's guest post at Hott Books: " How Hemingway's Ghost Got Me to Write
--- I"m the Writer-in-residence at the Hemingway Birthplace home in Oak Park. I write there and work there sometimes. Did I see a ghost?" Read this and find out more about Berner's literary fiction "Night Radio". Don't miss this exciting stop on Berner's blog tour.
http://www.hottbooks.com/



Thursday, August 4th @ Kathy Pooler's Memoir Writer's Journey
Kathy Pooler hosts guest author David W. Berner. His guest post is titled: Why Rock 'n' Roll Inspires Me to Write-- how music is a motivator and one of the best engines for writing. Don't miss this enlightening guest post and opportunity to learn more about Berner's latest novel "Night Radio".
http://krpooler.com/


Friday, August 5th @ Jerry Waxler
Fellow memoirist Jerry Waxler interviews David W. Berner about Berner's current novel "Night Radio" - find out memoir about this novel as well as Berner's many memoirs.
http://www.jerrywaxler.com/


Monday, August 8th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples
Today's guest post at Choices is: How a Memoirist Learned to Write Fiction
--- I've written memoir most of my writing life, so how did I learn to write a novel
Don't miss this excellent guest post and opportunity to learn more about David W. Berner at his latest novel "Night Radio"
http://madelinesharples.com/


Tuesday, August 9th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Linda Appleman Shapiro hosts David W. Berner as a guest author on her blog today. David's topic is "Why I'll Never Forget My College Girlfriend - - the influences of those we love in our formative, inspiring college years." Don't miss this exciting blog stop and inspirational post.
http://applemanshapiro.com/


Thursday, August 11th @ Building Bookshelves
David W Berner pens today's guest post at Building Bookshelves. Find out more about David's recent novel "Night Radio" and hear his insightful guest post titled: "How Bob Dylan Helped Me Become a Author - - my story of music and its link to my writing."
http://blogs.republicanherald.com/bookshelves/


Friday, August 12th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Linda Appleman Shapiro reviews "Night Radio" by David W. Berner and shares her thoughts. You won't want to miss the insight from this highly acclaimed memoirist, speaker, therapist, historian, and psychotherapist.
http://applemanshapiro.com/my-blog/



Thursday, September 15th @ Frankie Picaso on the Radio
FrankieSense interviews David W. Berner live at http://www.toginet.com/
Click the "LISTEN LIVE" button in the upper right corner and from noon til 1pm central time on September 15th listeners will learn more about Berner's literary accomplishments - including but not limited to his latest release, a novel titled "Night Radio"


Thursday, September 22nd on Voice of America’s Empowerment Channel
David W. Berner visits with Irene Conlan = the show airs live on VoiceAmerica's Empowerment Channel broadcasting at 12 noon PDT (2pm Central Time). Hear from David and find out more about his latest novel "Night Radio"
http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2190/the-self-improvement-showt


You have 1 week to enter for the giveaway of a copy of David's book - print available to US residents and ebook copy available internationally. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Monday, July 11, 2016

MamaWay Ring Sling Baby Carrier - 5 Star Review





Please enjoy this 5 star review from: Mamaway Ring Sling Baby Carrier - One Size Fits All - Easy On Your Back - Comfort For Your Baby - Can Be Used For Different Positions - Breastfeeding Privacy - Sherlock (Baby Product)
I love how Mamaway is completely in touch with today's moms who practice attachment parenting. This ring sling is no different than their amazing nursing bras, recovery tanks, etc... it helps keep baby close enough for breastfeeding, skin to skin, bonding, etc... and the sling is well made, attractive, and made from the highest quality materials. I am simply impressed with this lovely design and durable sling.

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

Product Link

#Mamaway

Rechargeable Foot Callus Remover



I hope you enjoy this review from: "ONE DAY SALE* First USB Rechargeable Foot Callus Remover (BATTERY FREE), Waterproof, Environmental Friendly Foot File for Pedicures, Exfoliating Foot Scrubber to remove Hard Skin and Cracked Heels (Misc.)

I'm super happy with this foot file. There's several things I absolutely love:
-easy to clean
-charges quickly
-attractive colors
-really smoothes out rough heels
-quiet motor

I've used other similar products and I just don't like having to replace batteries all the time. It is so nice to see a product that works as promises but also eliminates the use of batteries.

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

#footcallus

Product Link

Saturday, July 9, 2016

David W. Berner's "Night Radio" is now available!

Join us for a multi-media tour

Now through
August 15th 2016

I just heard from David W. Berner and am excited about his new book (which is right up my alley as a love story). He would like to visit your blog at least once over the next few weeks. He is available for a guest post, but has also provided a complimentary ebook copy of “Night Radio” for you to read and review. Please peruse the details below and email crystal@dreamofthings.com or crystaljotto@gmail.com with following:

• Which date works for you?
• What is the url for your blog?
• Would you like to do a review?
• Would you like a guest post?
o If requesting a guest post, please provide at least 2 options and I’ll try to assign them fairly
• Would you also be interested in a giveaway for your readers?

Thank you in advance for your support and encouragement!

Hugs,
~Crystal

"Night Radio adds a unique and valuable dimension to today’s literary fiction by combining a gripping plot with a deep character study and a haunting, thought-provoking narrative."

--- Renee James, Windy City Reviews

Paperback: 351 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction, Pop Fiction, Popular Fiction
Publisher: Cawing Crow Press (May 25, 2016)
ASIN: B01G7INFB4
Amazon Link


From the award-winning author of Any Road Will Take You There and Accidental Lessons comes a truly American story.

Jake Mulholland dreams of becoming the next great rock 'n' roll radio personality. But like his father, his appetite for love conflicts with his thirst for success, leading to an unforgivable mistake. Jake finds fame but also the excess of celebrity, and just as he begins to rediscover his authentic self, he's shaken by the news of a life-altering secret. In an effort for redemption, Jake plans a special New Year's Eve broadcast that will be the biggest challenge of his life.

Night Radio is a love letter to music and rock 'n' roll radio of the 1970s, the story of an American boy, an American family, and of dreams just out of our reach.

About the Author:
David W. Berner
July 2016

David W. Berner is the award-winning author of three memoirs: ACCIDENTAL LESSONS, ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE, and THERE'S A HAMSTER IN THE DASHBOARD. NIGHT RADIO: A Love Story is his first novel. Windy City Reviews calls NIGHT RADIO a “unique and valuable dimension to today's literary fiction by combining a gripping plot with a deep character study and a haunting, thought-provoking narrative.”

David works as a radio reporter and news anchor for CBS Radio and teaches writing and radio documentary at Columbia College Chicago. His book ACCIDENTAL LESSONS won the Golden Dragonfly Grand Prize for Literature and has been called a "beautiful, elegantly written book" by award-winning author Thomas E. Kennedy. ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE—a 2013 Book of the Year from the Chicago Writers Association—is the author's story of a cross-country road trip with his sons and the revelations of fatherhood. The memoir has been called "heartwarming and heartbreaking" and "a five-star wonderful read." THERE'S A HAMSTER IN THE DASHBOARD, a collection of essays, was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Chicago Book Review.


Guest post options to choose from are:
1. Why Rock 'n' Roll Inspires Me to Write
-- how music is a motivator and one of the best engines for writing
2. I Hear Voices, and They're Telling Me to Write
-- the lure of late night radio and the voices that come out of that little box
3. How My Hippie Past Still Grounds Me
-- we are what we are when we were young. it stays with us and it can inspire us to be artists.
4. Why I'll Never Forget My College Girlfriend
-- the influences of those we love in our formative, inspiring college years.
5. Radio and the Beauty of the Human Voice
-- how radio touches us, one voice at a time, and can inspire the storyteller in you.
6. How Bob Dylan Helped Me Become a Author
-- my story of music and its link to my writing
7. How Rock 'n' Roll Radio Saved Me
-- the radio of my youth may have put me on the path to being a writer
8. Play Guitar? Get the Girl; Write a Book
-- Musicianship and it's influence on storytelling
9. How Led Zeppelin Made Me a Better Storyteller
-- Loud music and writing
10. How a Memoirist Learned to Write Fiction
--- I've written memoir most of my writing life, so how did I learn to write a novel
11. Using Real Life to Write Fiction -- or -- I Told You It was Fiction, Sort Of
-- Night Radio is a novel, but there is a lot of truth in it.
12. There is No Such Thing as Writer's Block
-- Too much talk about how to get out of writer's block...I contend there is no such thing...and my latest work, Night Radio, is an example of this. I'm writing more than ever. Why? Because you just DO IT!
13. How Hemingway's Ghost Got Me to Write
--- I"m the Writer-in-residence at the Hemingway Birthplace home in Oak Park. I write there and work there sometimes. Did I see a ghost?
14. How to become a Writer-in-Residence
-- I'm currently WIR at Hemingway Home, and I finished a edits of Night Radio while there. How does one become a WIR?


----------Mixed Media Tour Dates

Friday, July 15th @ Bring on Lemons
Stop by for an interview and book giveaway!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Monday, July 18th @ Mari McCarthy's Create Write Now
Readers at Mari McCarthy's Create Write Now are in for a special treat as David W. Berner pens today's guest post "Radio and the Beauty of the Human Voice
-- how radio touches us, one voice at a time, and can inspire the storyteller in you." Learn more about this and Berner's latest novel "Night Radio". 
http://www.createwritenow.com/


Tuesday, July 19th

Wednesday, July 20th

Thursday, July 21st @Selling Books with Cathy Stucker
Stop by for an interview with David W. Berner and find out more about his newest novel, a love story titled "Night Radio"
http://www.sellingbooks.com/

Friday, July 22nd @ Android After Forty 
Linda Peters of Android After Forty offers her thoughts after reading David W. Berner's latest novel "Night Radio" and one lucky winner will receive their own copy of this humorous and touching love story.
http://www.androidafterforty.com/

Monday, July 25th

Tuesday, July 26th @ Android After Forty
David W. Berner pens today's guest post at Linda Peter's blog Android After Forty. Learn more about Berner and his novel "Night Radio" as you read about: How My Hippie Past Still Grounds Me
-- we are what we are when we were young. it stays with us and it can inspire us to be artists.
http://www.androidafterforty.com/

Wednesday, July 27th

Thursday, July 28th @ MC Simon Writes 
Readers can find out what David W. Berner has to say on the topic of: "Using Real Life to Write Fiction -- or -- I Told You It was Fiction, Sort Of
-- Night Radio is a novel, but there is a lot of truth in it. "
Learn about this and more about David's novel "Night Radio"http://www.mcsimonwrites.com/


Friday, July 29th @ Hott Books with Gina Hott
David W. Berner writes today's guest post at Hott Books: " How Hemingway's Ghost Got Me to Write
--- I"m the Writer-in-residence at the Hemingway Birthplace home in Oak Park. I write there and work there sometimes. Did I see a ghost?" Read this and find out more about Berner's literary fiction "Night Radio". Don't miss this exciting stop on Berner's blog tour.
http://www.hottbooks.com/

Monday, August 1st

Tuesday, August 2nd

Wednesday, August 3rd

Thursday, August 4th @ Kathy Pooler's Memoir Writer's Journey
Kathy Pooler hosts guest author David W. Berner. His guest post is titled: Why Rock 'n' Roll Inspires Me to Write-- how music is a motivator and one of the best engines for writing. Don't miss this enlightening guest post and opportunity to learn more about Berner's latest novel "Night Radio".
http://krpooler.com/


Friday, August 5th @ Jerry Waxler
Fellow memoirist Jerry Waxler interviews David W. Berner about Berner's current novel "Night Radio" - find out memoir about this novel as well as Berner's many memoirs.
http://www.jerrywaxler.com/

Monday, August 8th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples
Today's guest post at Choices is:  How a Memoirist Learned to Write Fiction
--- I've written memoir most of my writing life, so how did I learn to write a novel
Don't miss this excellent guest post and opportunity to learn more about David W. Berner at his latest novel "Night Radio"
http://madelinesharples.com/


Tuesday, August 9th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Linda Appleman Shapiro hosts David W. Berner as a guest author on her blog today. David's topic is "Why I'll Never Forget My College Girlfriend - - the influences of those we love in our formative, inspiring college years." Don't miss this exciting blog stop and inspirational post.
http://applemanshapiro.com/

Wednesday, August 10th

Thursday, August 11th @ Building Bookshelves
David W Berner pens today's guest post at Building Bookshelves. Find out more about David's recent novel "Night Radio" and hear his insightful guest post titled: "How Bob Dylan Helped Me Become a Author - - my story of music and its link to my writing."
http://blogs.republicanherald.com/bookshelves/

Friday, August 12th

Monday, August 15th

Thursday, September 15th @ Frankie Picaso on the Radio
FrankieSense interviews David W. Berner live at http://www.toginet.com/ 
Click the "LISTEN LIVE" button in the upper right corner and from noon til 1pm central time on September 15th listeners will learn more about Berner's literary accomplishments - including but not limited to his latest release, a novel titled "Night Radio"


Thursday, September 22nd
David W. Berner visits with Irene Conlan = the show airs live on VoiceAmerica's Empowerment Channel broadcasting at 12 noon PDT (2pm Central Time). Hear from David and find out more about his latest novel "Night Radio"
http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2190/the-self-improvement-showt

David W. Berner's "Night Radio" is now available!

Join us for a multi-media tour

Now through
August 15th 2016

I just heard from David W. Berner and am excited about his new book (which is right up my alley as a love story). He would like to visit your blog at least once over the next few weeks. He is available for a guest post, but has also provided a complimentary ebook copy of “Night Radio” for you to read and review. Please peruse the details below and email crystal@dreamofthings.com or crystaljotto@gmail.com with following:

• Which date works for you?
• What is the url for your blog?
• Would you like to do a review?
• Would you like a guest post?
o If requesting a guest post, please provide at least 2 options and I’ll try to assign them fairly
• Would you also be interested in a giveaway for your readers?

Thank you in advance for your support and encouragement!

Hugs,
~Crystal

"Night Radio adds a unique and valuable dimension to today’s literary fiction by combining a gripping plot with a deep character study and a haunting, thought-provoking narrative."

--- Renee James, Windy City Reviews

Paperback: 351 pages
Genre: Romantic Fiction
Publisher: Cawing Crow Press (May 25, 2016)
ASIN: B01G7INFB4
Amazon Link


From the award-winning author of Any Road Will Take You There and Accidental Lessons comes a truly American story.

Jake Mulholland dreams of becoming the next great rock 'n' roll radio personality. But like his father, his appetite for love conflicts with his thirst for success, leading to an unforgivable mistake. Jake finds fame but also the excess of celebrity, and just as he begins to rediscover his authentic self, he's shaken by the news of a life-altering secret. In an effort for redemption, Jake plans a special New Year's Eve broadcast that will be the biggest challenge of his life.

Night Radio is a love letter to music and rock 'n' roll radio of the 1970s, the story of an American boy, an American family, and of dreams just out of our reach.

About the Author:
David W. Berner
July 2016

David W. Berner is the award-winning author of three memoirs: ACCIDENTAL LESSONS, ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE, and THERE'S A HAMSTER IN THE DASHBOARD. NIGHT RADIO: A Love Story is his first novel. Windy City Reviews calls NIGHT RADIO a “unique and valuable dimension to today's literary fiction by combining a gripping plot with a deep character study and a haunting, thought-provoking narrative.”

David works as a radio reporter and news anchor for CBS Radio and teaches writing and radio documentary at Columbia College Chicago. His book ACCIDENTAL LESSONS won the Golden Dragonfly Grand Prize for Literature and has been called a "beautiful, elegantly written book" by award-winning author Thomas E. Kennedy. ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE—a 2013 Book of the Year from the Chicago Writers Association—is the author's story of a cross-country road trip with his sons and the revelations of fatherhood. The memoir has been called "heartwarming and heartbreaking" and "a five-star wonderful read." THERE'S A HAMSTER IN THE DASHBOARD, a collection of essays, was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Chicago Book Review.


Guest post options to choose from are:
1. Why Rock 'n' Roll Inspires Me to Write
-- how music is a motivator and one of the best engines for writing
2. I Hear Voices, and They're Telling Me to Write
-- the lure of late night radio and the voices that come out of that little box
3. How My Hippie Past Still Grounds Me
-- we are what we are when we were young. it stays with us and it can inspire us to be artists.
4. Why I'll Never Forget My College Girlfriend
-- the influences of those we love in our formative, inspiring college years.
5. Radio and the Beauty of the Human Voice
-- how radio touches us, one voice at a time, and can inspire the storyteller in you.
6. How Bob Dylan Helped Me Become a Author
-- my story of music and its link to my writing
7. How Rock 'n' Roll Radio Saved Me
-- the radio of my youth may have put me on the path to being a writer
8. Play Guitar? Get the Girl; Write a Book
-- Musicianship and it's influence on storytelling
9. How Led Zeppelin Made Me a Better Storyteller
-- Loud music and writing
10. How a Memoirist Learned to Write Fiction
--- I've written memoir most of my writing life, so how did I learn to write a novel
11. Using Real Life to Write Fiction -- or -- I Told You It was Fiction, Sort Of
-- Night Radio is a novel, but there is a lot of truth in it.
12. There is No Such Thing as Writer's Block
-- Too much talk about how to get out of writer's block...I contend there is no such thing...and my latest work, Night Radio, is an example of this. I'm writing more than ever. Why? Because you just DO IT!
13. How Hemingway's Ghost Got Me to Write
--- I"m the Writer-in-residence at the Hemingway Birthplace home in Oak Park. I write there and work there sometimes. Did I see a ghost?
14. How to become a Writer-in-Residence
-- I'm currently WIR at Hemingway Home, and I finished a edits of Night Radio while there. How does one become a WIR?


----------Mixed Media Tour Dates

Friday, July 15th @ Bring on Lemons
Stop by for an interview and book giveaway!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Monday, July 18th @ Mari McCarthy's Create Write Now
Readers at Mari McCarthy's Create Write Now are in for a special treat as David W. Berner pens today's guest post "Radio and the Beauty of the Human Voice
-- how radio touches us, one voice at a time, and can inspire the storyteller in you." Learn more about this and Berner's latest novel "Night Radio". 
http://www.createwritenow.com/


Tuesday, July 19th

Wednesday, July 20th

Thursday, July 21st @Selling Books with Cathy Stucker
Stop by for an interview with David W. Berner and find out more about his newest novel, a love story titled "Night Radio"
http://www.sellingbooks.com/

Friday, July 22nd @ Android After Forty 
Linda Peters of Android After Forty offers her thoughts after reading David W. Berner's latest novel "Night Radio" and one lucky winner will receive their own copy of this humorous and touching love story.
http://www.androidafterforty.com/

Monday, July 25th

Tuesday, July 26th @ Android After Forty
David W. Berner pens today's guest post at Linda Peter's blog Android After Forty. Learn more about Berner and his novel "Night Radio" as you read about: How My Hippie Past Still Grounds Me
-- we are what we are when we were young. it stays with us and it can inspire us to be artists.
http://www.androidafterforty.com/

Wednesday, July 27th

Thursday, July 28th

Friday, July 29th

Monday, August 1st

Tuesday, August 2nd

Wednesday, August 3rd

Thursday, August 4th @ Kathy Pooler's Memoir Writer's Journey
Kathy Pooler hosts guest author David W. Berner. His guest post is titled: Why Rock 'n' Roll Inspires Me to Write-- how music is a motivator and one of the best engines for writing. Don't miss this enlightening guest post and opportunity to learn more about Berner's latest novel "Night Radio".
http://krpooler.com/


Friday, August 5th @ Jerry Waxler
Fellow memoirist Jerry Waxler interviews David W. Berner about Berner's current novel "Night Radio" - find out memoir about this novel as well as Berner's many memoirs.
http://www.jerrywaxler.com/

Monday, August 8th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples
Today's guest post at Choices is:  How a Memoirist Learned to Write Fiction
--- I've written memoir most of my writing life, so how did I learn to write a novel
Don't miss this excellent guest post and opportunity to learn more about David W. Berner at his latest novel "Night Radio"
http://madelinesharples.com/


Tuesday, August 9th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Linda Appleman Shapiro hosts David W. Berner as a guest author on her blog today. David's topic is "Why I'll Never Forget My College Girlfriend - - the influences of those we love in our formative, inspiring college years." Don't miss this exciting blog stop and inspirational post.
http://applemanshapiro.com/

Wednesday, August 10th

Thursday, August 11th

Friday, August 12th

Monday, August 15th

Thursday, September 22nd
David W. Berner visits with Irene Conlan = the show airs live on VoiceAmerica's Empowerment Channel broadcasting at 12 noon PDT (2pm Central Time). Hear from David and find out more about his latest novel "Night Radio"
http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2190/the-self-improvement-showt

Teething and Drool Pads for ErgoBaby 360



The teething and drool pad/bib set for the Ergobaby 360 is cute and functional. I would make just one enhancement to make it 5 stars though:
- add an absorbent fabric backing (something thin so as not to add bulk, but something to keep drool and moisture off the carrier itself)
The design is cute and the pattern is nice and neutral for use with any color/style carrier. They are well made and durable. I'ts nice that they are machine washable - simply wash your pads instead of laundering your entire carrier every time baby spits up or makes a mess.
I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review.

‪#‎TeethingDroolPadsandBib‬

https://www.amazon.com/Teething-Pacifier-Accessory-Waterproof-Baby/dp/B01FBPCSOO?ie=UTF8&tag=dailydeal0c6-20



Friday, July 8, 2016

Product Review - Silicone Coasters by Wisepalace



This review is from: Silicone Coasters for Drinks (6 Pack) With Holder and Ice Ball Maker Mold, Big Size Suits all Bar Drinks, Whisky and Wine Glass, Coffee Mugs, Top Food Grade Silicone, Lifetime Guarantee by Wisepalace

I absolutely love these coasters because they catch all the sweat from my cold beverages during the hot weather. They remind me of the material used behind professional bars. There's plenty of room for lots of liquid to sit safely away from the bottom of your glass or bottle. They eliminate the wet dripping that can sometimes happen when you bring a cold beverage to your mouth (you know what I'm talking about - that dripping onto your shirt or chest?). I'm not having quite as much luck with the icecube molds. My little spheres of ice aren't quite as perfect as I had hoped. I am getting better with practice though. I think it just takes some getting accustomed to - and I'm pretty sure I could be more graceful in getting the mold from the sink into the freezer without slopping water all over. If I could, I would give this 4.5 stars (4 for the molds and 5 for the coasters).

I received this product at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest review.

Product Link 

#wisepalace