Category Archives: giveaways

November 16, 2015 · 9:57 AM

2016 Erin Condren Life Planner Giveaway

I am a pen and paper girl.

Electronics and computers and phone apps have their place of course, but when it comes to calendars and schedules and to-do lists I need to write it down. I’ve tried all the apps (and some of them are amazing, to be sure), but without fail I always go back to my true love: old fashioned pen and paper.

A friend introduced me to the Erin Condren life planners a couple of years ago, and they have been one of my favorite things ever since.

By the way, this is NOT a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving something away that I have an extra of (I’ll explain why in a minute) and subsequently gushing about why I love it, girlfriends-drinking-coffee-together style. With the exception of the $10 off link I’ll give down below, in case anyone decides to buy from Erin Condren, I have no financial interest here at all.

Having said that, I adore these planners!

A peek inside a random sample page in my own planner… complete with washi tape, and Snoopy stickers 🙂

Beautiful, functional, sturdy, and inspirational. I write in, and refer to, my planner over and over, week after week. It’s perfect for to-do lists, reminders for emails I have to answer, blog posts I need to write… and keeping track of appointments and play dates and football practice in my 3-D life too. 🙂 And, bonus, it’s just so pretty.

When I recently ordered my planner for 2016, they mistakenly sent me my order and someone else’s. I emailed them right away to let them know. Within just a couple of hours they had gotten back to me to thank me, and told me that they’d send out a new one to the other customer, and to just keep or give away or toss the other one so I wouldn’t have to be hassled with sending anything back to them. (1. Hurray for AWESOME customer service, and 2. Would anyone actually THROW AWAY a perfectly good $50 planner?? I cry at the thought)

So, their error is your gain! I would love for the extra planner to go to one of my beautiful readers.

I replaced the personalized cover with “The Best is Yet to Come” cover that came on my own planner before I bought one with my name (full disclosure: it’s a little scuffed from sitting in my desk drawer). You can either keep it as-is, or order yourself a personalized cover from their website (covers are about $10) The inside is brand-new and untouched and crisp and beautiful. If you’re unfamiliar with Erin Condren, these are heavy-duty, spiral-bound planners. They have laminated tabs to easily flip to the right month, a removable plastic ruler/bookmark to keep your place, a monthly view and a weekly view for each month, a few pages of lined, gridded, and blank notebook pages at the end, a couple pages of stickers for birthdays and appointments, some more pages of blank stickers, and a folder and a ziplock pouch in the back filled with even more stickers and little freebies. They’ve truly thought of everything.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that my heart is fluttering even just looking at the pictures again.

If you’re like me, and get excited about all things pen and paper, enter to win below. I will personally send it out to the winner as soon as the giveaway is over.

If you don’t win (or you just can’t wait), you can use this link* for $10 off your first purchase from the Erin Condren website:

Winner will be drawn on Monday, November 23rd. Good luck! **Winner has been drawn and notified. Thank you!!**

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*affiliate link

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September 14, 2015 · 7:00 AM

You NEED This Mug (Mighty Mug Review & Giveaway)

Confession: I have ruined more than one laptop due to a spilled drink.

In my defense, at least one of those instances (the instance that will heretofore be referred to as “the red wine incident”) wasn’t actually ME that did the spilling, but one of my lovely offspring.

But still, liquids and electronics don’t generally play nicely together, especially when they’re under the not-so-watchful eye of a busy, distracted mom and/or her busy, distracted children. Enter The Mighty Mug, or as I like to call it: my new best friend.

It doesn’t have a suction cup or anything weird or sticky. Instead it uses something called Smartgrip Technology that allows the Mighty Mug to grip the surface of your desk or table, and stand up to all those accidental bumps, knocks, and elbows without falling over.

You guys, for real. This thing is pretty slick. And yes, there’s actual coffee in here:

And when you’re ready to take a drink? Just lift it straight up and it lifts without a problem.

It keeps your cold drinks cold, and your hot drinks hot for hours (which is especially nice if you’re like me, and end up nursing the same cup of coffee all morning)

Quality-wise, you won’t be disappointed. These are truly beautiful, sturdy and well-built mugs. They feel nice in your hand, and they’re easy to use and wash. They come in a bunch of colors and styles, so you’ll be sure to find your favorite.

And did I mention they’re almost impossible to tip over?!

Want one? (You know you want one.)

My new friends over at Mighty Mug are hosting a giveaway just for you, and will be giving away one Mighty Mug to one lucky reader. Just go here to enter, by Friday, September 18th. And send all your friends!

Your laptop will thank you.

Thanks, Mighty Mug!

**Disclaimer: I was given a free mug by Mighty Mug for this review. I was not required in any way to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.**

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June 17, 2014 · 10:50 AM

Flexi Clip Giveaway

It has been a really long time since I’d done a giveaway on my blog, so when Mary Vogel (who’s also, coincidentally, my mom) asked if I’d help her out with her new business, I said “sure!”

Have you tried Flexi Clips yet? Flexi Clips, by Lilla Rose, are a unique hair solution that are just as beautiful as they are functional. Their pictures don’t even do them justice… they are gorgeous, shiny, and high quality. Super strong, yet delicate and comfortable to wear, you just bend the main clip around your desired section of hair, slide in the pin to secure it, and you’re ready to go. There’s no sliding or uncomfortable pinching, and your hair stays exactly where you put it.

They are super easy to use, even for people like me who can usually barely manage more than a ponytail.

Incredibly versatile, you can use a Flexi Clip for anything from a simple ponytail to an elegant up-do. They come in lots of different styles too, so you can find one to fit any occasion.

And, since they come in a variety of sizes (you can visit this link for sizing help), they work beautifully on my daughter’s silky curls, my own big thick dreads, and everything in between.

Check out Mary’s Independent Consultant website for more information and photos.

Want to win one of your own? Enter below! There are lots of ways to get multiple entries, so make sure you check them all out. Mary is giving away one Flexi Clip of the winners’ choice, up to a $16 value. The giveaway is open to US residents who are new to Lilla Rose.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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September 9, 2013 · 9:30 AM

Lilla Rose Giveaway

I am excited for today’s giveaway because 1) it’s for a product that I love, and 2) it’s for a product that, until a couple months ago, was completely unknown to me. Brand new discoveries are the best kind for sharing!

Tegan and I received some lovely Lilla Rose Flexi Clips to sample a few weeks ago. The first thing I noticed when I took them out of the package was just how pretty they are! The pictures don’t even do them justice. Really beautiful and high-quality. Second, they are easy. As the name implies, the main part is flexible, so you just bend it over your hair, secure it with the attached pin, and voila! Beautiful, easy, and super comfortable to wear.

I have dreads that are a year and a half old, and crazy, so I wear them up and back off my face daily. I love being able to pop in my Flex Clip and go.

I love how the colors in the Flexi Clip go with my beads, wraps, etc in my dreads. 🙂

You can use the Flexi Clip for half-up hairdos, ponytails, and up-dos. I have not yet mastered an updo with my own hair, but it’s NOT because of any failing with the Flexi Clip. It’s just… adolescent dreads of various stages of length, thickness, tightness, etc = a mind of their own. It works great for just pulling the top back, and for a simple ponytail. And on my daughter’s gorgeous curls? It took me half a second to twist up this pretty and casual up-do:

Check out the website for Independent Consultant Katrina Burbank (who is kindly sponsoring today’s giveaway) for more information and photos, and this link for styling and sizing help.

Want to win one of your own? Enter below! There are lots of ways to get multiple entries, so make sure you check them all out. Katrina is giving away two separate gift certificates for the Flexi Clip of the winners’ choice. Up to a $16 value. The giveaway is open to US residents who are new to Lilla Rose.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 22, 2013 · 8:25 AM

Spark of Amber Giveaway Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered, and a big thanks to Spark of Amber for their beautiful products! The winning comment (drawn at random) was:

Jennifer • 6 days ago

I hear so much about these and would love to try one. And they’re so pretty too! Thanks for the giveaway!

Congratulations, Jennifer! All you need to do now is choose your favorite style of teething necklace from Spark of Amber’s website, and then email Julie to let her know your selection, as well as your shipping information. 🙂

Thank you, and as always, feel free to contact me if you have an item you’d like me to consider for a giveaway!

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May 15, 2013 · 6:00 AM

Spark of Amber Giveaway

I’m very excited to bring you another awesome giveaway, this time from Spark of Amber. Spark of Amber sells beautiful, natural amber teething necklaces and bracelets for children, as well as jewelry for adults of all ages. They have a huge variety of unique products, and their shipping is always free. From their website:

Baltic Amber is a fossilized resin. Europeans greatly prize this beautiful stone for its claimed 100% natural anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and calming properties. The healing oils of the Baltic Amber are said to relieve teething pain, tame baby’s irritability and relieve inflammation in the throat, ear, and stomach.

The calming properties of Baltic Amber may go a long way towards a calmer, happier child. The toddler years are full of turmoil, with lots of growth and change, so the natural analgesic of Baltic Amber is a wonderful gift!

(*Please note: necklaces are not for chewing or sucking*)

I recently had a chance to receive and review a pair of one-of-a-kind amber earrings, and they are beautiful! Rich, deep, natural colors, and high quality hook and findings. I especially love that the hooks actually clasp closed so I don’t fear that they’re going to slide around or fall out of my ears. And on a personal note, when there was some sort of error within the post office and the original package didn’t make it to me, Julie sent me a new pair, no questions asked… even though it wasn’t her fault. The very best kind of customer service!

Today, Spark of Amber is giving away one teething necklace to one lucky reader. There are several styles to choose from, and the winner may take their pick.

Want to win one? You can receive up to four entries:

1. Simply comment on this post for one entry.

2. Tweet the link to this giveaway.

3. Share the link to this giveaway on Facebook.

4. Visit and “like” Spark of Amber on Facebook.

Come back and leave ONE comment letting me know which of the above options you’ve done.

Sorry, giveaway is only open to those readers in the United States.

You can follow along and learn more about amber jewelry and Spark of Amber on their blog, their twitter account, and their Pinterest.
The giveaway will remain open for one week, and the winner will be drawn and announced on Wednesday, May 22nd

Thank you to Spark of Amber for donating such a beautiful product, and good luck!

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July 18, 2012 · 5:00 AM

Gentle Goodnight – Interview and Giveaway

I recently had the chance to read the book, Gentle Goodnight, a lovely little book (only 60 pages, so you can read it in one sitting) outlining the author’s method of nursing and dancing her babies gently to sleep. I wanted to share it with all of you, because it’s something I would have loved to have read when I was a new mom, still figuring it all out! No sleep training here….. just a loving, conscientious way to help your babies and toddlers get peacefully to sleep. The book’s author, Lyssa Armenta, was kind enough to answer some questions for me. She’s also giving away TWO copies of her book, so keep reading to find out how to enter.

1. Parents like to hear from other parents. How long have you been a mother / how many kids do you personally have, and what are their ages?

I have been a mother for 12 years now. My oldest son is Sterling who is 12, my daughter Samantha is 9 and my youngest son Spencer will be 5 next month.

2. Tell us a little bit about what prompted you to write this book?

I wanted to share the Dancing Method I had been using almost non-stop since becoming a mom to get my own kids down for nap and bedtime. Gentle Goodnight can be used into toddlerhood if you are still nursing. My oldest was 2 and a half when he stopped, and my daughter and youngest son were both 3 and a half when we stopped. I felt I had a duty to not let this gentle sleep method stop with my kids. Every time I put them down and saw how peaceful they were, I was convinced it would help other new moms. My kids were each so different that I learned more tricks and things to include so I felt I was perfecting the Dancing Method with each one of them. To me, parenting is so much trial and error, and I felt I should share the finished product. This way, new moms do not need to make the errors and this will hopefully make their lives a little easier. Being a new mom is so overwhelming. I felt so vulnerable with my first that I thought any method that gives them more confidence or helps them out in any way has to be a good thing.

3. How is your book different from other books about sleep that are on the market?

This method meets your babies where they are at before nap or bedtime in terms of how awake and active they are, and then matches their energy level to be able to slowly bring it down to fall asleep. Every nap or bedtime can be different (activity-wise or mood-wise) and the songs can all be adjusted to start where your baby is at with the dancing intensity, volume, beat or rhythm…to get them to first start to relax and finally to sleep. This method also provides the benefits of exercise for mom. Most moms have no energy or time for exercise but this is multitasking at its best: getting your baby to sleep, losing a few baby weight pounds, and the exercise is also stress-relieving for both of you. It is not strenuous enough to effect milk supply, yet it is considered weight bearing exercise with the baby as the weight. This book doesn’t suggest things to try. Instead, it gives you detailed instructions on how to prepare, how to do the Dancing Method, how to put the baby down, and things to take into consideration that could be keeping the baby awake. Gentle Goodnight provides ways to overcome obstacles by giving many modifications you can make to meet the needs of your own unique little one. The last thing I want to mention is that this sleep method can be done anywhere, as long as you have a little music. From visits with friends or family to vacations, you will have confidence that your baby will still be able to enjoy his familiar routine of getting to sleep. This eliminates anxiety for mom and baby to be able to enjoy any outing.

4. Some parents who see the phrase, “A proven sleep method” worry that this is just another controlling, “sleep-training” book, and/or that it employs some hidden crying-it-out. How would you respond to those concerns?

It is a proven, loving, gentle sleep method that has been personally tested over 6000 times with a 99.99% success rate. I say that with confidence because I know this method works, but of course you can not say it will work for every baby. No sleep method will work work for every baby. In the beginning of the book I have a Note From The Author saying that the book was specifically written for nursing, co-sleeping mothers for the purpose of not wasting anyone’s time or money. I am trying to get the book in the hands of trusted sources such as Dr. Sears (who has a quote on the book’s cover) and The Path Less Taken who are publicly known to be against cry-it-out and controlled crying. This way they can share with their fans or readers who trust them already when they say that the book contains no cry-it-out or controlled crying. I am honestly trying to give moms an alternative, fun, quick, easy method to try to get their babies to sleep. I understand the suspicions and I am willing to try to gain trust one mom at a time to help one baby at a time find a peaceful, gentle way to catch some zzzzzzzzzz’s.

5. If you could give just one piece of advice to brand-new parents, what would it be?

Do whatever you can so that when your kids are grown and you think back that you have as little regret as possible in the way you raised them! I love the quote: “I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.”

You can read more about Lyssa and her book, as well as purchase a copy, at the Gentle Goodnight website.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

~~Giveaway!~~

~~Lyssa is giving away two copies of her book (this is a soft-cover book, not an e-book) to two readers who will be selected at random. There are four chances to win.~~

~~1. Leave a comment on this post, letting us know why you’d like to win the book~~

~~2. Like the Gentle Goodnight Facebook page.~~

~~3. Share the link to this post on Facebook~~

~~4. Share the link to this post on Twitter~~

~~Please leave ONE comment telling me which ones you’ve done. You’ll receive one entry for each method. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win!~~

~~Good luck, and thank you Lyssa!~~

This giveaway has now been closed. Thanks for all who participated! The winners are:

Lydia, and

Maria Wong

Congratulations! Please send me a message with your mailing address so I can get it to Lyssa, and she can send out your books!

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Filed under attachment parenting, book reviews, gentle parenting, giveaways

July 8, 2012 · 6:00 AM

Wanting Leverage

A guest post by Sarah MacLaughlin, Award-winning Amazon Bestselling Author of What Not To Say: Tools for Talking with Young Children

I have come to understand that I am in the business of changing people’s minds. This is a tough business to be in—it is actually quite impossible to change someone’s mind. I’ve learned from experience that trying is never fruitful. Whether it’s an adult or a child, all I can do is offer information, attempt to broaden or shift a perspective, and then completely let go of the outcome. Ah yes, it is that last part that is so problematic.

Recently I realized: Doesn’t it make sense to take a look at where we have been before we decide where we’re going? It was American Philosopher George Santayana who said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This is certainly true when it comes to the realm of parenting. As I said, minds change slowly, if at all. And I’ve recently lifted my head from the soup and noticed that not everyone is completely immersed in the ever-changing world of child-rearing philosophy.

I casually mentioned among coworkers that I was searching for the right fit in a preschool, one that did not ever use time-outs as a form of discipline. One kind-though-childless colleague did a verbal double-take.

“What do you mean? Why? What’s wrong with time-out?” she asked.

I have to admit I was more flustered in answering her than I would have liked, mostly because I feel annoyed that this control-based view of parenting is so accepted and pervasive. You can read some succinct opposition to time-out here: http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/peter_haiman.html, here: http://www.janetlansbury.com/2010/04/no-bad-kids-toddler-discipline-without-shame-9-guidelines/ and here: http://rootparenting.org/child-timeouts-can-be-harmful/. I don’t really have anything new to say about why time-out is no good.

So time-outs are bad, yet this behavior has been frequently used over the past twenty or more years. This was considered a “step up” from spanking, right? This behavior is the evolution of raising children in our culture? This is progress?!It is true that I am frustrated. This lovely (yes, that is sarcasm) postcard went around Facebook last week:

This is the crux of the issue and the root of my frustration. Bullying is on the rise; that is a fact. I will entertain the idea that it could be because children are no longer beaten into fear and submission. Another view is that children have grown so disconnected from the adults in their world, and therefore disconnected from themselves, allowing them to view others as less-than-human. I’m inclined to go with the latter.

Children and youth do seem more disrespectful these days. I’ve seen proof in my branch of social work that serves at-risk youth, and I’ve had enough conversations with a friend who teaches 5^th grade to hear third-party proof. This belief of the prevalence of more bullying by children is pretty valid. But I refuse to attribute it to not being able to hit children—which, by the way, is not even true. Spanking is perfectly legal in the U.S., not only in private homes, but still in many public schools as well.

If corporeal punishment is on the decline, this is a good thing. Brain research shows that humans are incapable of learning when they are afraid. Both hitting (physically-based) and time-out (emotionally-based) create an amygdala (fight or flight) response. Whether through pain or abandonment, both forms of punishment (and it is punishment) invoke fear and break connection, rather than build it.

And now the ultimate question: What the heck do you do instead? A friend stated recently, “I just don’t feel like I have any leverage.” This is why we need a complete paradigm shift in parenting. We need to put on a wholly new pair of glasses through which to view ourselves, our children, and the world. We shouldn’t need leverage. We are a tribal species. Connected, relationship-based parenting is what we actually need more of. Luckily science is showing that this is true.

Reframe your child’s behavior as asking for help, rather than acting out. See them as needing support instead of wanting their way. Aim to assist with growth rather that declaring right and wrong. Reevaluate your expectations and put the relationship first. This will automatically give you a different view—then figuring out what to do next won’t be so challenging.

Your thoughts and reflections on the topic?! I’d love to hear them.

(For a plethora of information, specific ideas, and tools; read more of Jennifer’s blog, follow mine, and also check out these great resources: Hand in Hand Parenting and Aha! Parenting)

Other Resources Mentioned in the Article

https://www.jennifermcgrail.com/

http://www.sarahsbalancingact.blogspot.com/

http://www.handinhandparenting.org/

http://www.ahaparenting.com/

Special Giveaway!

Please comment on this post about reconnecting with your children or issues about wanting leverage. Your comment enters you in the eBook Giveaway — to win an ebook copy of What Not to Say: Tools for Talking with Young Children, in the format of your choice: PDF, epub, or Kindle format. Sarah will be giving away one copy at each blog stop and will announce it on the comments of this post tomorrow. Be sure to leave your email so we can contact you in case you’re the winner!

Other stops and opportunities to win during this Blog Tour are listed on Sarah’s blog here: http://sarahsbalancingact.blogspot.com/p/blog-tour.html.

Also, you can enter at Sarah’s site for the Grand Prize Giveaway: a Kindle Touch. Winner will be announced at the end of the tour after July 15th. Go here to enter: http://sarahsbalancingact.blogspot.com/p/blog-tour.html

About The Author

Sarah MacLaughlin has worked with children and families for over twenty years. With a background in early childhood education, she has previously been both a preschool teacher and nanny. Sarah is currently a licensed social worker at The Opportunity Alliance in South Portland, Maine, and works as the resource coordinator in therapeutic foster care. She serves on the board of Birth Roots, and writes the “Parenting Toolbox” column for a local parenting newspaper, Parent & Family. Sarah teaches classes and workshops locally, and consults with families everywhere. She considers it her life’s work to to promote happy, well-adjusted people in the future by increasing awareness of how children are spoken to today. She is mom to a young son who gives her plenty of opportunities to take her own advice about What Not to Say. More information about Sarah and her work can be found at her site: http://www.saramaclaughlin.com and her blog: http://sarahsbalancingact.blogspot.com.

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Filed under gentle discipline, gentle parenting, giveaways, guest posts, mindful parenting

April 13, 2012 · 9:14 AM

Positive Parenting in Action – Review & Giveaway

What we’re truly doing is going back to our heart – our humanity – to bring up our children in love, not fear. ~ Rebecca Eanes & Laura Ling

Positive parenting is a concept that confuses a lot of people. So ingrained is our society with the traditional, authoritarian style of parenting, people tend to assume that no punishments must surely equal no parenting.

The opposite is true.

Positive parenting is a highly responsive and attentive type of parenting, one in which our relationship with our children is paramount, and kids are guided (guided, not ignored) with love, respect, and kindness. In short, positive parents treat their children they way they themselves would like to be treated. The question that is on many people’s minds is, “But how do I do it?”

Positive Parenting in Action, a new ebook by Rebecca Eanes (owner and author of the Positive Parenting website, and the founder of the popular Facebook page, Positive Parenting: Toddlers and Beyond) and Laura Ling, breaks it all down in a really lovely and encouraging way. Instead of just offering up vague advice about what NOT to do, it instead gives the reader clear and loving examples on respectful ways to handle everything from tantrums to aggressive or dangerous behavior to sibling rivalry to potty learning.

Even with all of these examples (there are more than 50 pages worth of common scenarios), this is not a how-to book that a promises if you employ a specific method, your children will turn out a certain way. In fact, as it says in the very beginning of the book, “Positive Parenting isn’t a method, but a philosophy – a way of seeing our children and our relationship with them.” The common thread throughout all the parenting examples given is that connection with the child and maintaining a position of love and empathy are top priority. All parent/child relationships are different, because all children are different. This book allows for that, while still holding the position that there is a always a way to respond with kindness and understanding rather than with anger or punishment.

I think what I loved most about this book is that it never once resorts to shaming parents into feeling like they’ve somehow failed, or like they’ve surely messed up their children by not doing things differently. Instead it acts as both coach and cheerleader, offering both practical advice (and lots of it) as well as gentle encouragement to follow the innate, loving, Mama instinct that was there all along.

While it’s aimed at parents with children from ages 0 through 6, it feel it holds value for all parents wanting to learn more about the positive parenting philosophy…. from those with brand-new babies, to seasoned moms of four like myself. I truly enjoyed this book, and gleaned much from its pages.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Want to a win free copy? Just leave a comment telling me why you need to read this book. Share the link to this post on Facebook and/or Twitter for up to two bonus entries (let me know which ones you’ve done.) One lucky reader will be selected at random, and announced next Friday, April 20th. Good luck!

Winner is Amy D! Thanks everyone for participating!

Can’t wait to read it? You can purchase a copy here.

16 Comments

Filed under attachment parenting, book reviews, gentle discipline, gentle parenting, giveaways

April 6, 2012 · 7:07 AM

Frank Peretti Giveaway Winner

Thanks everyone for your participation in this giveaway! Giveaways are so fun for me, because you’re the reason my blog is growing, and you’re the reason I keep writing even when the hate mail comes. So they’re always a way for me to say thank you, and to offer a small token of my appreciation. I am so happy that you’re all here.

The winning comment for the book Illusion was:

Simplyserenitylmt

Sounds like a fun book! I enjoy reading your blog, thanks!

Congratulations! Message me your mailing information and I’ll get it right out to you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Stay tuned for another really cool giveaway that you’re not going to want to miss.

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