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Her Honor's Bodyguard Book Blast & Giveaway!

Her Honor's Bodyguard

by Johnny Ray

Do first loves ever really die? While reunions can take many forms, there is always one question that has to be answered sooner or later—what happened? Vance had always been extremely proud of Noella, and just because his life had been ruined, he saw no reason why she had to have the same faith.

When his dad died, leaving him and his mother penniless, he dropped out of law school and ended his relationship with Noella, but in doing so, he stopped a scandal that could have ruined her family. These secrets he would never let her know. Ironically, years later, he would have never guessed she would be instrumental in ruining his career with the Tampa police force. After Noella finished law school and started pursuing her goal of working up the ranks in judgeships, she never considered inviting another guy into her life. As such, when someone attempts to threaten her into vacating her seat on the bench, and by force if necessary, she knows of no one else she really trust as much as Vance, who now has a successful bodyguard and private detective business. She knows that Vance might hate her for her part in having him dismissed from the police force, but what he will never know is that she actually saved him from going to prison.

Additionally, she now thinks he was framed, and perhaps by the same people who are threatening her. She had to talk him into taking her on as a client . . . but would he agree to her request? As the number of attacks on her life increases, Vance soon has no choice but to offer her his protection, and in spite of everything, when they see each other again their old attraction for each other returns. She wants the truth. He wants the truth. However, making the ultimate sacrifice is not always easy to understand, whether given or received.

Ultimately . . . could they now trust each other with these secrets? While their lives depend on discovering the truth to their past, these truths are locked in deep secrets that could also destroy them.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author: Johnny Ray has a passion for life and adventure that he loves to share with his readers. As an avid traveler and professional businessman conducting business worldwide for years he has made many interesting contacts and received numerous awards for top production. He has owned and operated several real estate companies, several insurance companies, and a stock brokerage company. He loves radio and TV talk shows, as well as speaking in front of various audiences. Feel free to contact him if you need a guest speaker. When it comes time to play, he is very active in many sports including dancing, swimming, tennis, biking, and skiing.

While he loves adventures that are new, interesting and challenging, making friends that share his passions is a special gift. Johnny lives in Clearwater, Florida where he works full time as a writer, and he can be often found in one of the hundreds of coffee shops along the beach working on his next novel. He belongs to the Florida Writer Association where he recently won the Royal Palm Literary Award for best thriller, the Romantic Writers of America, and the Mystery Writers Association. He attends various national writer conventions throughout the year, as well as several local writing groups in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

Follow Johnny: Website | FaceBook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads | Literary Addicts  

Prize: $50 Amazon Card

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Great Deals on More Than Just Business Cards

As I begin to really get ready for the two social media conferences (BlogHer '13 & Blissdom Canada) I will be attending this year I realized I needed more business cards to hand out. I also decided I would pick up some business cards for my new hobby Genuine Jenn Designs, where I make and sell beaded jewelry and stitch markers for knitting (Don't forget to "Like" my new Facebook page).

I found some great coupons for Vistaprint and they offer coupons for more than just business cards. I have been been purchasing my business cards and other promotional items from Vistaprint for the last few years and have been really happy with my items. They have a wide variety of items that can be customized or you can use there own designs from pens, magnets to t-shirts and bags. Right now I am just getting business cards but I may pick up a few other things in the near future.

Now that my cards are order that is one less thing to have to worry about while packing for BlogHer!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Vista Print Deals. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Wordless Wednesday - A Day Trip

The Hubs and I had the whole day yesterday to spend together, this is pretty rare as we work opposite work schedules and both kids were in school. Hubs need to go get his eyes checked and get new glasses. We made a trip to a town nearby, where we enjoyed some YUMMY Fish & Chips from our favorite spot and sat down by the water. These are a few photos I took.
 
 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Fun DIY Knitted Bracelet for Girls

My daughter wanted something to give to a few of her best friends before school was out. We discussed some ideas and I decided why not make friendship bracelets. I have a ball of purple multi-coloured acrylic yarn that my daughter really likes so we decided to make quick and easy friendship bracelets with that and some fun buttons.

Here is what you will need to make these Friendship bracelets.
  • Stash bust some acrylic worsted (4 med) yarn
  • 4mm/6 US knitting needles (I love my new interchangeable circulars)
  • wool needle 
  • fun buttons

Directions: You will need to know basic knitting - cast on, Knit stitch and cast off.
  • Cast on 8 stitches using a long tail cast on.
  • Knit each row until you get to the size you will need for the wrist you are making it for. I made one at 6 inches but it was too big for my 5 and a half year old daughter. It fit myself. I decided to make it 5 1/2 inches, which worked out great. Remember it will have a bit of stretch to it. 
  • Cast off and leave a long tail of yarn to sew up the bracelet. 
  • Sew ends together to make a bracelet. 
  • Weave in any ends.
  • Sew on button(s)
 Give away to a friend or make a bunch for yourself! Have fun with them. 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Witchling Series by Lizzy Ford Promo Blast & Giveaway!


Dark Summer:

A school for Witchlings...
The ultimate choice between Light and Dark...
Where the price of a mistake...is your soul.

Sixteen-year-old Summer doesn’t expect her new boarding school to be any different than the rest: a temporary stay, until her uncontrollable magic gets her thrown out again. In her mind, there’s no point in getting too friendly with anyone. That is, until she notices Decker, the boy who will become the Master of Night and Fire on his eighteenth birthday.

When she learns that this special school has attracted others with magic in their blood, she is hopeful that this time around, things may be different. Besides, she can’t deny her interest in Decker, and when he rescues her one night from the dark forests of the Rocky Mountains, their connection is instant.
 
Yet a relationship with Decker may prove to be Summer’s downfall, forcing her to choose between Light and Dark, life and death, love – and their souls.
One choice. One soul. One price.

Buy on Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N |Kobo

Autumn Storm:

A girl with no memory, hidden in plain sight …
A boy with no hope, spiraling into Darkness …

Only one knows the truth, and only one has the power to save them.
Autumn doesn’t know why she remembers a boarding school she’s never visited, or why her reflection is sometimes that of a ghost named Summer. She struggles to recover her memories and understand the warnings conveyed through her magick. Caught between the Turner twins, she isn’t certain who to trust: Decker, the mysterious Master of Dark, who makes her heart catch, or Beck, the cautious Master of Light, whose touch soothes her pain.

Unable to recover from Summer’s death, Decker slowly surrenders to the Dark. The guilt he feels when he falls for Autumn – and betrays Summer’s memory – drives him farther from the Light, until he completely loses control and takes the souls of Light witchlings.

As the protector of Light, Beck is caught between his allegiance to his twin and his vow to protect new witchlings. He must keep the Darkness from consuming his brother, for if Decker fails, he’ll take down the only person who has a chance of saving them all.

Buy on Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo

Coming soon: Book #3 in the series Winter Fire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the author:

Lizzy Ford is the author of over seventeen novels written for young adult and adult paranormal romance readers, to include the internationally bestselling “Rhyn Trilogy,” “Witchling Series” and the “War of Gods” series. Considered a freak of nature by her peers for the ability to write and release a commercial quality novel in under a month, Lizzy has focused on keeping her readers happy by producing brilliant, gritty romances that remind people why true love is a trial worth enduring.
Lizzy’s books can be found on every major ereader library, to include: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Sony and Smashwords. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, three dogs and a cat.

The Author is giving away a Swag bag: autographed copies of Dark Summer, Autumn Storm, Witchling bracelet and necklace, bookmarks and Witchling t-shirts in a custom Lizzy Ford tote, $25 amazon gift card. Approximate value: $75-85 Open to US only except the Gift Card.

Fill out the form below to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bringing the Classic Bun Back with Goody & a Giveaway! (Canada)

The Bun is back! Okay for me it never really left. I always wear my hair up especially at work, when the kids were babies/little and when it is super hot. I also love to wear my hair half up when I am going out. Goody has been making it super easy for me to style my hair since I can remember. My mom always bought Goody elastics, bobby pins or hair barrettes for me.

I used to figure skate and loved to wear the metallic elastics. They held my hair back and didn't usually pull when removing them. I also remember one of my favorite combs was a Goody detangle comb. Goody now has an awesome new Detangle brush called TangleFix

My daughter loves the TangleFix and calls it her space brush. She dislikes HATES her hair being brushed so anything that actually helps her want to brush is good in my books. 
I love the new bun crock screw pin as it is super simple to place in a bun and holds my thin hair in place. It is fancy enough to wear out on date night but also can be worn during the day.

The new Softies are just perfect for little girls and they really do hold in place. My daughter is growing her bangs out to make side bangs and these have been great during soccer to keep her bangs out of her eyes.  

Visit Goody Canada on Facebook for contest, coupons and see what is new!

Want to win an assorted Goody prize pack? Our friends at Goody Canada would like to offer Genuine Jenn readers a chance to win a Goody Hair prize pack valued at $50. Please enter on the form below. Good Luck! Canada only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Goody. I received product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sr. Kindergarten Graduation


My Little girl just graduated Sr Kindergarten French Immersion. Congratulations!   

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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

DIY Gifts for Teachers

This year we decided to make the teachers presents as we have done the Coffee gift cards, mugs etc already and the kids have had the same teachers two years in a row. This year since I have been knitting I thought a fun idea would be a dishcloth and what would be a great idea for a teacher? How about a delicious red apple?

I jumped onto Ravelry and made a quick search for a Apple Dishcloth. I found a cute pattern from Lily Sugar'n Cream and Bernat Design Studio. This pattern is really easy for a beginner as long as you know how to cast on, knit, purl, yarn over and decrease.
Make sure to read through the pattern before starting as it can be a bit confusing at the beginning with how to start the bottom of the apple. You will need an extra needle or stitch holder to hold some stitches at the beginning.

The apple is made in 3 pieces and then stitched together. I let the kids decide the colours and where to put the leaf and stem. They were really happy with how they turned out. This can easily be whipped up one or two evenings depending on how fast of a knitter you are.
We also decided to buy little flower pot and plant a flower for each teacher. You could also make it more personal with having the kids paint the pots themselves. This year with bought already pained pots.
If you are not a knitter, I have made a list of links to other blogs that offer some great ideas for DIY gifts for teachers.

Come chat all things Teacher Gift Ideas with @LinkedMoms on Twitter on Wednesday June 19th at 8pm. Visit Linked Moms for details and to RSVP.

Mom vs the Boys - A Smartie Teacher's Gift
Nugglemama's Handful - Last Minute Gifts
Julie Harrison - Teacher's Gift Ideas
Shannon's View from Here - Fun & Easy Cookie Flowers
Creative Cynchronicity - Teacher Appreciation Gifts  


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

The Shrine Circus is Coming to Town! (Ontario & Quebec)

Source Shrine Circus Blog

Are you ready Ontario? The Circus is coming a town near you!

I am super excited to tell you about the fun events and contest for the Shrine Circus. I am also super excited to take the kids this year. It has been a long time since I have been to a circus. This will also be the first time taking the kids. When the kids where smaller we were going to go but our son had a really hard time with loud noises. He seems to be outgrowing this and is excited to see all the animals. 

The Shrine Circus was founded in Paris, France in 1763 by the Zerbini Family! Ten generations of Zerbini families have traveled all over the world to share their special talents. This is the 250th Anniversary Celebration this year! 

What can you expect to see? The Shrine Circus has the largest exotic cat act in the world, they have up to 10 Bengal Tigers plus the TARZAN Zerbini perforing Elephants, Trapeze & Aerial Artistry, Jugglers, Unicycles, High Flying Acrobatics, Cavorting Clowns, the Incredible Circus Wheel and soooo much more!

The Shrine Circus will be at the following locations:

Ontario Locations:
Rexdale - Jun 21-Jul 1
Brampton - Jul 5-14 Vaughan - Jul 18-21
Oakville - Jul 25-28 Markham - Aug 2-5 Ottawa - Aug 9-11


Quebec Locations:
Pincourt - Aug 15-18
Lachute - Aug 22-25
Laval - Sept 12-22 

Now for some other fun Shrine Circus information. This Tuesday (June 18th, 2013) join #ShrineCircus for a Twitter Party from 8-9pm ET. Some fabulous prizes to be given away are TEN (10) sets of family for four (4) passes to the Ontario and Quebec shows and for the GRAND PRIZE.... a FAMILY TRIP FOR 4 TO TWO TAILS RANCH in FLORIDA (approximate value $4,000). The Twitter party is open to all, only Canadians (except Quebec can win the GRAND PRIZE. 

For more info and RSVP signup sheet Shrine Circus Blog.

If you can't make it to the Twitter Party you still can enter to win a Family Trip for 4 to Two Tails Ranch in Florida. Enter today
  

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. This is a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

BAND-AID Brand Magic Vision App Review

Summertime means never leaving the house without bandages in my pocket, bag, purse or van. I really do hate to admit this but we are an accident prone house. If there is a way to get hurt someone in our family must try it, from bruises, slivers to scrapes and cuts. We have been lucky there really hasn't been too many big accidents. The biggest I can think of is the time my son fell over his own two feet and split his head open which required THREE stitches. The poor child was just two but had a growth spurt and kept tripping.

Recently I received an email about a new app that is available through iTunes Canada and Google Play for BAND-AID Brand bandages. BAND-AID Brand MAGIC VISION app is available for free, it is a quick and easy app download and you can get started right away. We added the app to my iPhone and played around with it to see what is had to offer.
This app features all your favorite Muppet characters - Kermit, Miss Piggy and Gonzo. Each character has there own little act when you choose them from the left hand side of the screen. Then point your phone at the BAND-AID and watch the show come to life.

Here is what this app offers:
SOAK UP KERMIT THE FROG'S SERENADE!
Kermit loves to try and cheer up your children with a special sing-along of Rainbow Connection — conducted on the back of your hand.

STRIKE A POSE WITH MISS PIGGY!
Miss Piggy would like some glamour shots from her favorite fashion photographer, you or your lil one. Just make sure you stay on her good side!

THRILL WITH A DARING ACT OF LUNACY PERFORMED BY THE GREAT GONZO!Gonzo pushes the boundaries of augmented reality past the limits of sanity with a thrilling new stunt. Be warned: things may not always go as planned.

TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS!

This lets you take a pictures of your lil ones with their favorite character, a sure way to bring a smile to their face! Save the photo to the album and they can see it anytime.
My daughter really doesn't have any fear this spring she kicked her training wheels. She jumped on her bike and hit the road full tilt, no looking back but we have had a few scrapes. She doesn't like to get a scratch and it is usually the end of the world so I have found the take the mind away from the event type approach is what works well with her. This app is a great idea for lil ones that need a good distraction and who better to help than the Muppets!  

It is super easy to use even on a wiggly child as you just aim your phone at the bandage. Don't forget to turn up the volume!

So gear yourself with the Muppet Magic Vision app and BAND-AID Brand bandages this summer! 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Band-Aid Brand. I received product in return for my honest review.*~

Wordless Wednesday ~ New Baby Birds

A couple Wordless Wednesdays ago I posted a picture of the Momma Robin that set up her home on our garage light. This week I wanted to show you a picture of two out of three baby birds that are now living there with her.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Tasty Father's Day Treats Made Easy ~ Easy Bake Oven

This Father's Day make Dad a special treat for his sweet tooth by having your children bake up some tasty Cake Pops in their Easy Bake Oven by Hasbro.

My daughter loves to bake and bake by herself is this big kick she is on lately. The Easy Bake oven helps us in this as the instructions are very simple with lots of pictures so that I can keep back and let her do it mostly alone. She will ask for my help in putting stuff in and out of the oven. We made up these tasty Cake Pops in her oven recently, but because my daughter is only 5 she found them a long process that we did over a couple days.
We will be making up some more tasty cake pops for dad this week as he loves his sweets. This kit is great as it includes enough mix to make 12 cake pops in two batches. The sticks and base are reusable and are very sturdy. 
Check out the Hasbro website for where to purchase this kit and others. 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Hasbro Canada. We received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Indigo Incite Book Tour & Giveaway



Indigo Incite 
There are no secrets Sixteen-year-old Tyler believed that his extra-sensory powers were a secret, but when his twin brother, Toby, is kidnapped by a covert government agency, he realizes that he has no secrets, and he has nowhere to hide. He’s not alone Now, in order to save himself and rescue his brother, Tyler must call upon the help of four strangers. Unknown to each other, Eddie, Liliana, Grace, and Sarah share a common bond. They are Indigo Children. With extra-sensory powers of their own, they must unite with Tyler in order to maintain their freedom. Unexpected romance They’re on the run. They’re on a mission. Romance is a distraction that Tyler can’t afford. But sometimes, the heart has a mind of its own. Time is running out Will they find Toby before the agency finds them first? Find out in Indigo Incite, Book One of the Indigo Trilogy.

Jacinda Buchmann Purchase Amazon, B&N

About Jacinda Buchmann

Jacinda Buchmann lives in Arizona with her husband and three children. She graduated from Carroll College, in Helena, Montana, with a B.A. in elementary education and later received a Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, in school counseling. After spending several years as a teacher and later a school counselor, she now spends her time writing, any free chance she can get, that is, when she’s not spending time with her family or creating a new concoction in the kitchen.  

Follow Jacinda Buchmann: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Follow the Tour

The author is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't Lick the Minivan by Leanne Shirtliffe Review & Giveaway (Canada only)

Have you ever caught yourself saying something to your children that you never thought you would hear yourself say? It is sort of like the saying Kids say the darnedest things. I have caught myself on a few occasions one that I don't think my son will live down. This happened when my son was still in the crawling stage, ventured by the rabbit cage and picked up a rabbit poop. I said "don't eat the rabbit poop, yucky" while batting it away from him and scooping him up. HAHA. We still talk about the things they tried to eat when their were babies. 

Leanne Shirtliffe of Ironic Mom blog has had her moments of saying things she never thought she would. That is how her new book "Don't Lick the Minivan and Other Things I Never Thought I'd Say to My Kids" came to life.

Book Summary:
"As a woman used to traveling and living the high life in Bangkok, Leanne Shirtliffe recognized the constant fodder for humor while pregnant with twins in Asia's sin city. But in spite of deep-fried bug cuisine and nurses who cover newborn bassinets with plastic wrap, Shirtliffe manages to keep her babies alive for a year with help from a Coca-Cola deliveryman, several waitresses, and a bra factory. Then she and her husband return home to the isolation of North American suburbia.

In Don't Lick the Minivan, Shirtliffe captures the bizarre aspects of parenting in her edgy, honest voice. She explores the hazards of everyday life with children such as:

  • The birthday party where neighborhood kids took home skin rashes from the second-hand face paint she applied.
  • The time she discovered her twins carving their names into her minivan's paint with rocks.
  • The funeral she officiated for "Stripper Barbie."
  • The horror of glitter.
  • And much more!
A delayed encounter with postpartum depression helps Shirtliffe to realize that even if she can't teach her kids how to tie their shoelaces, she's a good enough mom. At least good enough to start saving for her twins' therapy fund. And possibly her own. Crisply written, Don't Lick the Minivan will have parents laughing out loud and nodding in agreement. Shirtliffe's memoir might not replace a therapist, but it is a lot cheaper."

About the Author: 
Leanne Shirtliffe is an award-winning humor blogger. She writes funny stuff for the Huffington Post, Nickelodeon’s NickMom.com, and the Calgary Herald. When she's not stopping her twins from licking frozen flagpoles, she teaches English to teenagers who are slightly less hormonal than she is.

My thoughts: Leanne is hilarious, sometimes I think she is talking about my kids. In this book we follow Leanne and her husband through her pregnancy and raising twins in Thailand. Leanne is from Canada and it is great to read a Canadian novel. I also love how she shows the world that child bearing and raising isn't always perfect and we don't need to feel bad about it. It is what it is and we should laugh. This isn't the book to sit in a quiet room with. There are many laugh out loud parts and snickering to be had. I love the sock section as my daughter is the same. There are socks of hers everywhere! In the livingroom, her bedroom, under the bed or couch and even in our van. She takes them off and flings them where ever she feels. No wonder she has tons without matches!

If you are looking for a light and fun read check out this book you wont be disappointed. I keep it for on the go reading or bedtime stories it is an easy to pick up read without losing your spot. Leanne also puts parent tips that are just too funny like this "If you need assistance while changing a baby's diaper in an airplane bathroom, light a cigarette." or "When your child freaks out in a public space, glare at every person staring at you. Learning to "tell off" strangers with a glace is a useful skill."   

Want to check out this book for yourself? Our good friends at Thomas Allen & Son Ltd are giving Genuine Jenn readers a chance to win their very own copy. Five books will be given away between today and June 21, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents. Please fill in the form below and Good Luck! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Thomas Allen & Son Ltd. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Knitting ~ Azzu's Shawl

Last month I joined a couple of my knitting bloggy friends (Home of OHM & The Knit Wit by Shair) for a Knit along. We decided to make a shawl and gathered up a bunch of patterns we liked and voted on our favorites. The winner... Azzu's Shawl, you can pick up this pattern for free on Ravelry (membership required but it is also free).

This shawl pattern is pretty simple once you get the hang of Yarn overs that go from a knit to a purl. Both Christy and I had some trouble getting over this hump but once we did we all ended up with a beautiful new shawl to add to our wardrobe.

This shawl or I guess some may say shawlette can be worn a couple different ways and will be great for the summer when you want a quick cover from the sun or on a cooler evening. I am not sure which way I like it best yet but here are a couple pictures.

This was also the first time I blocked a knitted project. It really did help the wool relax which stopped the curling, made it stretch bigger and bring out the lace pattern. I think I pinned it wonky but I still love it!
I have a couple more project on the go and can't wait to share them with you. One is a gift for the kids teachers.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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