Strange Daze Indeed

Isn't life strange? And wonderful!

Gift Card Bonanza – Win $100 Amazon GC and more!

By 4 Comments

Beautifully BellaFaith and over 160 blogs have put together an awesome gift card giveaway! Not only will one lucky person WIN a $100 Amazon gift card, but they will also win a $50 Victoria’s Secret gift card AND a $50 Target OR Walmart gift card.
 I love shopping at all of them!
This giveaway is open to everyone worldwide. You must be 18 or older to enter. It will begin May 30th and end June 7th. There will be NO substitutions for any of the gift cards. 
I realize that there are quite a few entries, so I included an end bonus! The more entries you have…the more of a chance you have to WIN! 
Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget. If you have any problems, please e-mail littleamberfaith@yahoo.com. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before another will be drawn. You do NOT have to be a blogger to enter OR win. Good luck!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – Deep Midnight Perfume Oils by Cat

By 27 Comments

I’m always thrilled to spotlight Etsy artists on Strange Daze Indeed. I recently discovered the intriguing and fascinating shop Deep Midnight Perfume Oils
which is the creation of Catrianna.

There are over 90 magical scents for both women and men
with exotic and unique blends 

 like Belladonna Kiss:

and Endris Night:

 I asked Cat what inspired her creations and here is Cat:

“In Her Own Words” :

My love of perfumes began as a child because my beautiful mother adored perfumes and scented soaps. She had a drawer full of perfumes and soaps from France and England that I loved to sniff given any opportunity. My mom also bought a lot of perfume oils, which quickly became my favorites as a teenager. I suffer from asthma, and while scents in and of themselves do not bother me, anything alcohol based and aeresol does. 

Perfume oils were the best way for me to wear scents and not have asthma issues. In 1996, I made my first blend for myself, and in 2003 I started selling a line of perfumes, soaps, and lip balms locally. Then in 2010 I opened my shop on etsy.

I work in the field of Chinese Medicine, but I also have college degrees in Anthropology, History, and Legal Studies, as well as a background in English Literature and Chemistry and these studies have contributed to my perfume inspirations and my art.

I am passionate about creating fascinating fragrances and I love sharing this grand obsession with my customers. I strive to create perfumes that are unique and deeply complex in character and others that are enchanting in their simplicity. 

When I describe my blends, I want each perfume I create to tell a scented story in miniature…. to create a dreamscape in your mind that will connect with your sense of smell and transport you to where you want to go. I am inspired by a variety of historical eras, people and characters – both real and imaginary, places of old, literature, romance, spiritual arts, and theater.

I have a great love for animals, and I have several items in my shop designated as 100% donation to the animal charities I support. Donating to these charities is something very important to me.

My perfumes are Vegan, Phthalate free, Paraben Free, Cruelty Free and blended into a base of the highest quality organic golden jojoba oil from plants grown in the USA. Jojoba oil is costlier than other carrier oils, but will have an indefinite shelf life. Other carrier oils that are nut based or grain based, while also good for your skin, will tend to become rancid after time if not used up soon enough.

I use both perfume/fragrance oils and essential oils of the highest quality in my blends. I love educating my customers as well, on what to look for in perfumes and the chemistry behind the processes. I am happy to answer any questions they may have. I love my customers and love interacting with them. I believe in and stand by top notch customer service, personalized service, and the highest quality.

Best wishes always!

Cat

 I asked Cat for some Father’s Day recommendations as the holiday is approaching:

I would recommend Jack in the Green or Druids of Awen for the earthy Dads, Dr. Naulitus, Time Machine, or Mad as a Hatter for the Steampunk Dads, and Oberon for the Dads who love classic scents. Some of these scents are unisex but tending towards the masculine edge.

OBERON

The great thing about buying scents for your guy is you get to smell them.

I will be doing a review and giveaway of Cat’s dreamy artisan scents, so please do come back soon and enter.

Also, meanwhile you can check out her shop and connect with Cat here:

ETSY SHOP
FACEBOOK
BLOG
TWITTER
PINTEREST

BETRAYED – Book Blast – Win a $100 Amazon GC

By 2 Comments

Betrayed is a Young Adult book.

Betrayed

Lil isn’t just an average teenager. She’s one of the Nephilim–the descendants of humans and angels–which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she’s found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she’s warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves… and won’t stop until she’s been lured to the dark side.

EDNAH WALTERS BIO:

I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy boys mysteries and fell in love with books

I enjoy good love stories, tingly mysteries and epic adventures. When I finished my college and decided to be a stay-at-home mother, I devoured books like they were going out of production, until reading just wasn’t enough. So I started to write.

I’ve written picture books (unpublished), contemporary and romantic suspense (under the pen name E. B. Walters), and finally YA fantasy (as Ednah Walters).

AWAKENED (2010) is the prequel to the YA series about the Nephilim, The Guardian Legacy series. BETRAYED(book # 1) is now available wherever books are sold, HUNTED (book # 2) will be released in February 2013 andFORGOTTEN (later in 2013).

My adult contemporary with or without suspense is about a west coast Irish-American family series. I’ve published four Fitzgerald books: SLOW BURN (April 5th 2011), MINE UNTIL DAWN (June 29th 2011), KISS ME CRAZY (Sept 25th 2011) and DANGEROUS LOVE (Jan 29th 2012)

When I’m not writing, I do things with my family, five children and my darling husband of 18 years. I live in a picturesque valley in northern Utah, the setting for my YA series.

Giveaway Details:

$100 Amazon.com Gift Code

Ends 6/5/12

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent’s permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Blogiversary to 7 on a Shoestring! – Join in helping her celebrate!

By 15 Comments

From Staci:

May 21, 2012 was officially 1 year since I moved my old blogspot blog over to WordPress and became 7 on a Shoestring. The past year has been an amazing ride! I have done things I could have never imagined and have been to places I would never have thought possible. Plus, the friends I have met along the way have been incredible and I am excited about continuing the journey.

10K Facebook Fans and 1 Year Blogiversary Celebration

Therefore, in honor of hitting 10K Facebook Fans {and then some} and my 1 Year Blogiversary, I am celebrating by giving each of you the chance to win some great prizes from some of the gracious sponsors who have joined me in comemmorating the event. Not only do you have a chance to win the great prizes below, but you can also enter to win from the 7 Giveaway-A-Day sweepstakes from over the past week. Our sponsors have been awesome and all deserve much appreciation as well!

Sponsors for the Grand Prize Event

Each of the sponsors below have included a prize in the Grand Prize event. On the Giveaway Tools form you will find each of their Social Media accounts listed in order to support them as well. I will draw 6 winners, 1 for each prize. You MUST tell me your 1st and 2nd choice in prizes and you MUST like the sponsors Facebook page in order to be eligible for that prize. I believe it is only fair to the brand.

Secondly, a HUGE thank you to the 143 other bloggers that have joined me in promoting this celebration! My blogging community has been amazing and I could not have gotten where I am without your support. Therefore, other than liking them on Facebook or following them on Twitter, please make sure to include the blog’s name or URL where you are entering so I can personally thank them for their hard work!

Enter to Win

Are you ready? Here are the prizes up for grabs and the sponsors offering them:

VTech – Safe & Sound Digital Audio Monitor
Clipa– Polished Silver Handbag Hanger
BabbaCo – The BabbaBox
Bling Bling by Cyndi– $25 Gift Certificate
Rubbermaid – Clean & Dry Plunger
Build a Dream Playhouses – Choice of The Cosmic Cruiser or The Dream Machine

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Make sure to show your support for the sponsors and bloggers in the event. And THANK YOU for making the past year a success. Good luck!

Javascript must be enabled to enter this giveaway. Learn how to activate Javascript by clicking here.
loading
Loading Entry-Form

Disclaimer: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are clearly based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook or Twitter. This giveaway is compliant with Facebook TOS. To qualify to win, you must fill out the entry form and follow all rules above. Winners will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. You must be 18 years old to enter and live in the continental US only! Please understand that 7 on a Shoestring and other participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes. Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipping.

Camellia Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel – Review & Giveaway

By 45 Comments

I tried out a new product recently, Camellia Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel.

It’s good for back pain, aching joints, sprains or sore muscles. I tried it on my neck, back, knee and even on my right wrist and shoulder and it really did help me with fibromyalgia pain and the problem areas of my right shoulder, arm and wrist. It also helped minimize the discomfort in my left knee.

Camellia Gel comes in an 8 oz. jar and you get quite a lot and really don’t need to use much, so this jar will last me for some time. When I have a flare-up of some sort, it’s great to reach for it. It’s a white jellolike substance and it does absorb very quickly and is non-greasy. It doesn’t stain.

I do have to say that at first it has a strong smell. This is from the camphor and menthol. There is also aloe vera, capsaicin, grapefruit seed extract, green tea and orange peel extract. After about 10 minutes, the smell does fade and doesn’t seem to linger and it’s then that I smell the hint of citrus which is pleasant. Just make sure to wash your hands and don’t rub your eyes until you have.

So, if menthol smells don’t bother you, then here is the good part. It goes on cool. This is the camphor, menthol and aloe vera working to calm inflamed or swollen muscles, tendons or joints.

Soon, it becomes warming (not too hot, just comforting) and this is the capsaicin (the heat found in chili peppers). This helps by penetrating into the tissues to help with healing and relax stiff or cramped muscles.

My doctor has told me many times to use both heat and cold therapy and I like that this is a convenient way to do that.  It has helped minimize my pain and allowed me more mobility. I hate being slowed down when I’m always trying to do so much.

You can buy Camellia Warm Therapy Pain Relieving Gel at Amazon.

Would you like to win Camellia Pain Gel? Just follow the simple Giveaway Tools form and you’re in!

Javascript must be enabled to enter this giveaway. Learn how to activate Javascript by clicking here.
loading
Loading Entry-Form

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Win a $40 gc to Hautees! Bringing in Summer Hop

By 160 Comments

Photobucket

We’re taking part in the Bringing in Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by Karma Media.

Once you have entered our fantastic giveaway,  please take a look at all the other giveaways listed at the bottom of the post

My giveaway is for a $40 gift certificate to buy whatever you would like at Hautees!


College Hautees has amazingly comfortable flattering tees, cardigans, tanks, dresses, hoodies and more! Check out my review and impressions here.

Pick out something as a gift or buy something for yourself. They have a great Basic Blowouts sale  going on too so your gc will go farther.

They have both branded and unbranded merchandise so enjoy bringing in Summer with some new styles.

This giveaway is open to the US and will run from May 26 – June 9.

Just follow the Rafflecopter and best of luck! And make sure to check out all the other blogs and their cool giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer – Please note that Karma Media are not responsible for any giveaway sponsors who do not fulfill their prizes on all of the participating blogs in the Bringing In Summer Giveaway Hop.

College Hautees – Flattering Fashion for College & Beyond

By 16 Comments

College Hautees was started by Tamina Madsen, a lawyer who wanted a career change after several stressful years of practicing litigation. She attended both UC Berkeley and UCLA, but never wore clothing with her universities’ logos because none of the options available to women seemed flattering, cute, or fashionable to her. She left the law to stay true to her love of fashion and launch a new style presence.

College Hautees has styles for both on and off campus, branded and unbranded. You can find branded merchandise from  USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Arizona State University, Clemson University, Michigan State University, and Oklahoma State University. And you can find generally great comfortable stylish clothing including dresses, off-the-shoulder tees, tank tops, V-necks, hoodies, sweatshirts and cardigans.

I love that they donate a percentage of their profits to the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Domestic Violence Project. The LACBA Domestic Violence Project has been providing legal aid to victims of domestic violence in Los Angeles County for over 25 years. 

Tamina generously sent me some samples of their styles:

First up was this black and white striped racerback tank. It also comes in red and white stripes.

I love this for spring and summer. It’s supersoft and comfortable and, with the longer length, it looks wonderful on. I love it with shorts, jeans and leggings.

She also sent me a deep V tee in Charcoal. I was amazed at how soft and comfortable it was. It’s extremely flattering and versatile. You can wear it with anything or under a cardigan. Dress it up or down with accessories. It comes in yellow, navy, white, charcoal and plum.

And, she also sent me an off-the-shoulder tee. This is my favorite piece. I love the way it softly drapes over my shoulder yet does not fall and it’s not heavyweight, but soft and thin. It really feels wonderful on and looks great. You can wear it as is or put a nice camisole or tank underneath. Perfect for both Berkeley students and anyone. Being a former Californian and Berkeley afficionado, I love it.

They are also having a Basics Blowout Sale right now so you can get some great deals!

Connect with Hautees:
Would you like to win some items from Hautees, maybe a gift certificate? Well come back to my blog for the Bringing in Summer giveaway hop starting May 26 and you can!

Disclosure: I was sent samples by the sponsor in order to facilitate a review however all opinions expressed are my own.

Birthday Post

By 28 Comments

Since my birthday is Friday and I love making lists:

Things I am happy for

Helping raise some of the most awesome kids ever – the most blessed experience for which I truly have no words
Sharing unconditional love
Living in Paris for a year – traveling to Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Hungary, Sicily, Corsica, the French Riviera, Greece, the Greek Islands
Traveling to Indonesia
Visiting so many states in the US – from coast to coast
Working in the fields of Book Publishing, Writing, Editing, Art, Acting, Catering, Cooking
Being blessed with an amazing family and the best friends ever
Having some absolutely incredible magical relationships
Being a published author
Meeting the Dalai Lama
Meeting many spiritual teachers including Ram Dass
Facing my fears and making it through not one but several authentic sweat lodges
Walking across hot coals
Surviving getting caught at sea in a small sailboat during a bad storm
Falling madly, deeply in love
Meeting wonderful people
Studying at the Sorbonne
Kissing in St. Mark’s Square, Venice while everything else disappeared
Studying art in Paris
My vegetable gardens

Things I still want to do

Nothing specific. I have had all sorts of crazy adventures, loves and done everything I’ve set out to do. What I want to do now is keep growing, keep learning, share my heart and my life with those I love and give what I can.

Masters of the Veil by Daniel Cohen – Guest Post

By 5 Comments

MAGIC FAQ + A SHORT LESSON FROM BARIV THE CONDUIT
Congratulations! You can do magic!
Here’s what you need to know about your exciting new ability:
Q: WHAT IS MAGIC? AND WHY CAN I DO IT?
This can be a very thrilling, confusing, and even frightening time for a young sorcerer, so let’s start with the basics. Magic is just another way of saying, “Connecting with the Veil.” As you may already know, the Veil is an ancient energy that lies all around us that some fortunate few (YOU!) can even use.
The Veil gives the sorcerer communities everything we need to survive. The more the Veil is used, the more She gives us. All sort of wonderful plants, animals, food, clothing, and shelter… they’re all there, waiting to spring forth.
There is no conclusive evidence explaining why some people can use the Veil and some people cannot. Some speculate it’s genetic, while others believe it’s spiritual. Alas, we will probably never be sure, so just be thankful that you are one of the lucky ones.
Q: HOW DO I DO MAGIC?
There are two methods of doing magic: A “grip” and a “drape”
A Grip: Connecting with the Veil to perform a specific feat.
A Drape: Essentially it’s wrapping the Veil around an object to give it extraordinary properties.
As you may have seen from the older sorcerers in your magical community, we use something called a “Second-Skin” to access the Veil.  A second-skin is a covering for your hand that allows you to grip the Veil. Second-skins must be made from materials that have sprung from the Veil in order to work. One of the first things that you will be instructed to do is create your own second-skin in order to create the deepest connection. You can use anything from dried aansi leaves to the bark from a zigzag tree, just know that attempting to do magic that is beyond your reach with break your second-skin.
Q: HOW SOON WILL I BECOME A MASTER SORCERER?
Whoa there! Don’t get ahead of yourself. Magic is extremely difficult and it’s going to take some time for you to become proficient at it. You have a magnificent, bumpy road ahead of you.
Q: BUT WHO IS GOING TO TEACH ME?
The sorcerer community doesn’t take your new ability lightly. We will provide you with the finest teachers available. Train hard enough and you might even get to be in Rona’s group (but don’t get your hopes up)!!! You will be matched up by your skill level and organized by the type of magic you’ll be pursuing.
Q: IS MAGIC DANGEROUS?
It can be if used wrong. To avoid causing unnecessary pain, make sure you study hard, respect your clan elders, and eat your vegetables.
Q: VEGETABLES?
Yes, vegetables.
Q: WILL I HAVE TO LEAVE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY?
For a short time, yes. Whether you’re from the flathand (those who can’t grip the Veil) world or a magical community, you will be brought to Atlas Crown to study with Bariv. Bariv is the conduit to the Veil, and he will be the first—and probably the most influential—teacher you will have. After learning about your ability from Bariv, you will have the choice of returning home or staying in Atlas Crown.
*Special note for those who come from the flathand world. In the rare occurrence that you choose to return to the non-magicworld, you will be draped with the inability to speak of our world or perform magic outside of a magical community. Sorry. The good news is that if you choose to join a magical community, your immediate family will be invited to come with you and will be provided for.
NOW TAKE A SEAT AND ENJOY A QUICK LESSON FROM BARIV ON THE THREE DISCIPLINES OF MAGIC
Welcome. Please have a seat. Before you are three second-skins that I have created for choosing purposes. As you may already know, there are three disciplines of magic that come from the Veil.
First, there are natural magics, which are best gripped with the aid of plants. The green second-skin is made from the leaf of the grampith tree.
Natural magics are very useful. They feed, they clothe, they help us interact with the world around us. We would not survive without them. Nature is dough and you shape it to your desires—if you are skilled enough. Mountains can be leveled and water can fall upwards. Nature’s secrets will whisk you away to another plane where you can realize the awe-inspiring connections we hold with the world around us.
Next, there are the mystical magics. The metal second-skin you see on the left was mined from beneath Grus’ pass and made from silver-palladium mixed by my own hand. A mystical sorcerer would use this second-skin. The mystical magics keep true to their namesake. Even I don’t fully understand all that can be accomplished with this, and I have been close to the Veil for a very long time. Those who excel at the mystical arts can reach into the deepest, darkest parts of the mind and cast dreams into reality. They can navigate the vast and powerful river of time. Reap gold out of metals like a glorious harvest. Harness fear, and ride on its back until it tires.
 And last… there is the second-skin made from the hide of Sectus remisican, the skull-wolf. This is a tool of power magics. These tools work best if taken forcibly. In Atlas Crown, we do not kill when we do not have to; however, in this particular case we had to. The power sect is a dangerous one, yet it brings with it the ability to forge oneself into the greatest ruler and purveyor of dominance. Authority is a given. Supremacy is taken. The true power sect is scarcely found here. Those who have chosen it, or rather have been chosen, usually take the road down another path, a false path that can only lead to death and misery. However, when applied for good, the power sect can be the most useful of them all. An iron body has no need for a suit. That is what the Veil is at Her heart. She is power. She holds possibilities so grand, we can never understand, only observe.
Now why don’t you try one on?
influnenster-Debra