Strange Daze Indeed

Winter in the Soul by Jennifer Novotney

Living in a world separated by greed and power, 17-year-old Lilika has a strong desire to return to Winter in the Soul, the place her family had left to escape the darkness manifesting from a deep coldness.

When she meets Talon, their connection is evident right from the start, and together they travel through the Black Kingdom to recover Lilika’s stolen locket. And in search of an answer to the mystery behind Winter in the Soul.

Lilika holds the key to stopping the darkness from spreading. The fate of their world lies in her hands. Will she stop the Black Kingdom before its darkness overtakes them all, or will they succumb to the darkness that is spreading across the land?

AMAZON

 

 

 

Author Jennifer Novotney

Jennifer Novotney was born in Burbank, California and lived in Los Angeles for most of her life until settling in North Eastern Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter. She attended California State University, earning a bachelors degree in journalism, and Northern Arizona University, earning a masters degree in English. After college, she spent several years writing and teaching, including at Pennsylvania State University.

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/22/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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 enter for you. 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. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easy Mealtime Hacks

 

Time seems to be flying by lately. With work, family, and trying to keep up with everyone’s schedules, it’s hard to always have a good meal on the table. We could all use a little help now and then!

Hello from Van’s Foods!

We know how busy life can be for Van’s foods fans. Between work, working out, parenting, driving, walking, riding, creating, days get full – fast.

Some meals are easy, and you’ve got plenty of time to plan, shop and put together something delicious.

Other times, there’s yoga or soccer or Scouts or a late meeting, and you need something fast and easy that you can still feel good about eating.

Which brings us to our gift to you this month – easy, nutritious mealtime hacks from your friends at Van’s. They’re all delicious, nutritious and a cinch to pull together.

First up?

Breakfast. To pack a quick protein punch, start with Greek yogurt and pair it with whatever fresh or frozen fruit you’ve got on hand. Add Van’s Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters and you have decadent flavor and a hearty, wholesome start to your day. (With taste like that, you’d never guess they’re gluten-free!)

 

 

 

Snack. Now before you put away those breakfast fixings, tuck that handy re-sealable bag of granola in your briefcase, purse or backpack. It’ll be there for you all day as a soft, chewy pick-me-up whenever the snacking urge strikes. The best part? You can feel great about every whole grain bite.

Dinner. For homemade feel in a fraction of the time, gather the following: Van’s new gluten-free Ultimate Cheddar Penne Pasta, a rotisserie chicken and the fresh or frozen veggie of your choice.

Warm up your veggies while your pasta is cooking – and take a moment to slice the chicken for serving. Season your veggies with salt and pepper and serve with the pasta and chicken. (For variety, you can also choose Van’s Rotini & Red Sauce or Creamy Herb & Garlic pasta.

No time for veggie prep? Grab some pre-cut crudités while you’re at the store, and embrace the convenience.

Need more ideas for delicious, nutritious meals? Stop by our blog, where we feature great recipe ideas from some of your favorite writers. Happy hacking!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

At Van’s Foods, we know it can be tough to stay active and track progress along with everything else in your life. To make it a little easier, we’re offering one lucky winner the chance to win:

• a complete yoga set with all the basics including a 1/4″ thick yoga mat, 12″ foam roller, D-ring yoga strap and foam yoga block
• a Fitbit
• coupons for free Van’s foods and
• a $50 Visa Gift Card for a total value of $220 in prizes!

Begins NOW and Ends 3/13/2015 at 12 AM Central Time

Open to legal residents of USA who are 18 or older

Terms & Conditions can be found on the Rafflecopter

Enter on the Rafflecopter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored post written by Van’s International Foods, Inc. and facilitated by Strange Daze Indeed.

 

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Tammie’s Reviews Giveaways & More, Kaisy Daisy’s Corner, Debras Random Rambles, Michigan Saving & More, Dividing by Zero, EasterBabe’s Theory, Barbara’s Beat & Sweepstakes Fanatics

Sponsor: Jackpot Candles

Prize: Winners choice of scent of candle plus your choice of ring, earrings or necklace.

Candles offer such a wonderful ambience. I’m very pleased to be a part of this giveaway where you can win a Jackpot Candle and choose your favorite scent as well as what category of jewelry you would like your prize to be from.

Candles can be more than a light to accent your home décor; Jackpot Candles believe that candles can offer an experience that does not stop after the flame has died. Their hand-poured candles are made with 100% natural soy that creates a lovely, long-lasting flame to fill your home with amazing scents. Using only the best environmentally friendly materials, their candles provide bold, distinctive fragrances that fit any mood and any budget. Whether you crave the aromas of fresh baked holiday cookies and pies or the fresh, clean scent of flowering gardens and mountain breezes, their wide range of products will transform your home into a welcoming space of comfort and relaxation.

But the scented candle is only the first part of the experience. After enjoying the soft light of the long-burning flame and the aroma of your favorite scent, each Jackpot Candle offers a foil-wrapped jewelry item you select, valued between $15 and $5,000. They carefully work to ensure that each 100% handmade in the USA wax product they make contains a jewelry item based on your selection. These jewelry pieces ensure that your candle experience lasts a lifetime.

Dates: 2/21-3/7

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Tammie’s Reviews, Giveaways & More, Debras Random Rambles, Michigan Saving & More, Dividing by Zero, EasterBabe’s Theory, Barbara’s Beat & Sweepstakes Fanatics

Sponsor: Bean Box

Prize: 1 Month Bean Box Coffee Delivery

So many of us are coffee fanatics or have friends who are! I know I am! We are very happy to bring you this fun giveaway for one month of free gorumet coffee delivery!

With Bean Box , you get monthly coffee deliveries from Seattle’s premier coffee roasters. Experience gourmet coffee from the city known for its coffee obsession.

Dates: 2/21-3/7

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

 

Days of Future Past by Sally Smith O’Rourke

It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think of as our present existence, as a dream. –Edgar Allen Poe

It is true that Fate sometimes conspires to right a decades-old wrong. Thus, the 6.8 earthquake that strikes Southern California one warm March night is the fateful event that brings family therapist Ann Hart and trauma specialist Ted McConaughy back together. In search of her cell phone after the tremor, Ann picks up a shard of vintage cut glass from a collection she and her husband gathered during the four years of their marriage. For the millionth time she thinks about the day six years ago when he disappeared on a search and rescue mission in the Sierra foothills.

Sitting atop the shattered crystal, a small silver cigar lighter glistens in the beam of her flashlight. Gently she returns the Victorian piece to the shelf. What does it mean that something she and Ted, her ex-fiancé, bought together survived when Alex’s beautiful glass is smashed to dust? Ann tells herself that it doesn’t mean anything more than glass breaks and silver doesn’t.

Sara Jane McConaughy has never experienced a strong earthquake, and as her father comforts his 16-year-old daughter, his mind is flooded with memories of the Northridge quake in 1994. He was living with his fiancée, his ex-fiancée, and even after all these years he doesn’t know what caused the split, but he always loved her. And he’d been sure she loved him.

Volunteering with the American Red Cross in the aftermath of the earthquake brings Ann and Ted face-to-face for the first time since their break-up, twenty years ago. Angry, flustered, excited, and bewildered by Ted’s sudden appearance and unusual behavior while she’s teaching a small group of people relaxing exercises, Ann demands he leave. Just as excited and bewildered, Ted rushes away. His exit leaves both of them wondering about … everything. The earthquake (or is it seeing Ann?) ignites a series of recurring dreams peopled by total strangers in places Ted has never been.

Accompanied by short lapses of time and sleepwalking, the dreams take a heavy toll on his waking hours. Sara Jane’s concern sends Ted on a quest to discover the cause and find a cure. When all medical possibilities are exhausted, he turns to a colleague, whose diagnosis leaves Ted more baffled than ever. Tom Alderman believes that the dreams are memories of past lives. The lives live in his subconscious, and the cure is hypnotherapy.

After several months of suffering with these increasingly emotional recurring dreams, Ted turns to Ann for help. One of Ann’s specialties is hypnotherapy and since he must be able to trust the hypnotist, Ann is his only salvation. Ann’s agreement to try and help (at the urging of a mutual friend) sends her carefully regimented and calm life into complete turmoil. The garden gate they pass through together sends them on a journey that defies time and reason, forcing them to rethink their past, present, and future. Now, each must reconsider their capacity for love and forgiveness. Things are not always what they seem.

AMAZON 

 

 

Author Sally Smith O’Rourke

Sally Smith O’Rourke, a native Californian, lives in a small Victorian village in southern California. She is the author of the much acclaimed Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen, her first solo novel. She is also co-author with her late husband Michael O’Rourke (aka F. M. O’Rourke) of The Man Who Loved Jane Austen (Kensington Books, 2006), The Maidenstone Lighthouse (Kensington Books, 2007), and Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage (Kensington Books, 2009).

Previously, Sally worked on network television, feature films, and documentaries in science, medicine, and aviation. She owned and operated a medical advertising company with her late husband where they produced and wrote teaching films for major medical and surgical manufacturing companies. Additionally, they collaborated on two feature films (direct to video).

In addition to writing every day, she works as a surgical scrub nurse and enjoys sewing, cooking, baking, candy making, cake decorating, and spending time with nieces, nephews, step-children, and grandchildren.

 

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/10/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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 enter for you. 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. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let’s face it, guys. Life is stressful. Whether it’s having your car buried completely in snow (yes that was me this week!) or trying to keep all the responsibility balls you’re juggling from crashing into a heap on the ground; we all need love and pampering!

And, the good part is, we don’t need someone to pamper us, because there are so many wonderful ways to do it ourselves!

I’ve found myself saying, but I don’t have time for pampering. The sad truth is that if you don’t make some ‘me’ time, you really won’t have much to give to others or yourself. So, find some time to recharge.

I love to get up extra early some mornings when everyone is sleeping just to leisurely take my time getting out of bed. I find doing yoga then gives me a sense of balance which carries throughout the day.

My favorite pampering activity lately is a hot bath with LUSH products before I go to bed. The experience complete with their aromatherapy and skin soothers usually has me sleeping like a baby as soon as my head hits the pillow.

Here are my Valentine’s Day treats from LUSH this year

 

Pictured from left to right (bottom photo): Heart Throb Bubbleroon, Floating Flower Bath Bomb, Prince Charming Shower Gel, Love Locket Bath Bomb, Lonely Heart Bubble Bar, and Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar

Heart Throb Bubbleroons

You simply take this lovely bubbleroon and twist apart the two halves and it will last you for two baths! Just crumble it under warm running water as your bath fills. Skin softening shea-butter and blissful essential oils of ylang ylang and geranium mixed with Fairtrade vanilla make for a heavenly bath and silky skin. The water is a passionate shade of red, so if you have a bath big enough for two, bring a friend and share the love! 

 

The Floating Flower Bath Bomb

I am a huge fan of the Lush bath bombs and this is one of their best! You simply place it in your bath and it will float and fizz releasing a kaleidoscope of colors and beautiful scents. The water was pink, orange and green and smelled incredible, of jasmine and cypress oil. This garden of earthly delights is truly an experience to savor.

 In the bath

Every time I am in the bathroom, I open the top and breathe in the delicious smell of this shower gel. It smells very fresh and fruity with pomegranate juice, grapefruit, handmade vanilla pod infusion and almond oil. Very softening, very cleansing. Indulge your senses. Be your own Prince Charming! A definite keeper!

This is a really large bath bomb – You can break it into front, back and center and it will last for up to three baths. What’s inside? Beautiful shiny red biodegradable hearts made of agar seaweed, tiny paper hearts and a sensual mix of vanilla, jasmine and neroli essential oils. I felt like I was sinking into soft clouds of relaxation.

Love Locket Bath with hearts

I love this bar and ordered more today. As you crumble this lovely heart under running water, a cascade of soft bubbles fill your bath. Warm citrus notes of lemongrass and bergamot, with touches of jasmine and ylang ylang.  My bath was the color of blood oranges! Love!

 

This one is so unusual and I hear no two are alike. I also hear they are made of unicorns, rainbows and dreams. I don’t know about that, but, I do know that this bath felt magically relaxing with heavenly lavender and neroli. I could almost hear mystical chanting as the stresses of the day melted away.

So, why not head over to LUSH online or your local store if you have one nearby and check them out? They are always coming up with new treats to delight the senses and they always give me samples which, yeah, that is totally awesome! All LUSH cosmetics and bath and body products are made with fresh, natural and safe ingredients ethically sourced. No animal testing ever and most are vegan.

Here is one of my absolute favorites! Right now it’s my #1 LUSH product. The Comforter.

This bubble bar is stunning to look at; then you crumble it into your bath and you get plum colored water and gorgeous creamy comforting bubbles. This bar is enough for quite a few baths. The scent is like sweet blackcurrants. When you want to turn it all off and forget the world for a while, this is a great place to be! It lightens my mood and leaves me happy.

On my wishlist: The Lush Spa Gift!
 HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

 

Disclosure: I was provided samples to facilitate my review, however, all opinions and swooning are strictly my own.