Last week we took the kids on one of our yearly day trips during the summer, the water park! We have been doing this for three years now and each year the kids have been looking forward to it when there is an early sign of spring. I think they even start this year talking about going to the water park in the dead of winter, while there was still huge snow piles on in the yard.
When we head to the water park we plan it as a whole day trip. We leave early, usually by 8:30am (park opens at 10am) and we make the almost hour and a half trip to the big slides! Preparing for our day trip we pick up lots of snacks - crackers, fruit, veggies, cookies, juice, and we make sure to pack a loaf of bread, sandwich meat, cheese and some condiments to make sandwiches at the park. Now one of the most important things to remember when we pack is that we will be in the heat all day and so will our food. For safety we pack a cooler with tons of ice packs to keep the items cold. This year we have the chance to try out the 16 QT Excursion Cooler by Coleman Canada
Click image to enlarge
The cooler got pack to the top with food and some ice packs and away we went for a day in the sun.
P and hubby headed straight to the "big" boy ride this year as P was taller than required and there wasn't a huge line yet. A and I went to some of the more tame rides for two and then meet the boys. This is what happened to P on that ride, I think it was because he is skinny mini and the ride tube wasn't wet yet. His back got pinched hard but he said it didn't hurt. It looked worse than it was!
When it was time to eat we pulled out all our lunch stuff and found everything still nice and cold. We had a quick lunch and headed back to the slides to finish off our day at 5pm and head back home. When we got home the ice packs were still cold! I am super impressed with the new Coleman cooler and will be using it for all our day trips.
Thank you Coleman Canada for keeping our food nice and cold all day. Visit Coleman Canada on Facebook or connect on Twitter.
Can't wait for next year when we head off to the water park again and maybe even go to a new park!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Coleman Canada. I received the above product in exchange for an honest review.*~
Keeper of Reign
Books written in blood. Most are lost, their Keepers with them. A curse that befell a people. A Kingdom with no King. Life couldn’t get more harrowing for the Elfies, a blend of Elves and Fairies. Or for sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze. Or could it?
For Jules, the heir of a Keeper, no less, suspects his family hides a forgotten secret. It was bad enough that his people, the Elfies of Reign, triggered a curse which reduced the entire inhabitants to a mere inch centuries ago. All because of one Keeper who failed his purpose. Even the King’s Ancient Books, did not help ward off that anathema.
Now, Gehzurolle, the evil lord, and his armies of Scorpents, seem bent on destroying Jules and his family. Why? Gehzurolle’s agents hunt for Jules as he journeys into enemy land to find the truth. Truth that could save him and his family, and possibly even reverse the age-long curse. Provided Jules doesn't get himself killed first.
Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. She loves the Lord and His Word deeply, and when she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.
Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children.
This book had me within the first chapter - I loved the characters and the fact that they were (for the most part) Elfies (a cross between elves and fairies) made it better. Magical and mystical creatures have always been my favourite part of the fantasy genre. I found myself worrying about Jules, Holden, Miranda, Ralston, Bitha, Tst Tst (my favourite!), and Topee. I couldn't put the book down until I found out what happened. Except I didn't. Well I didn't find out everything - the big secrets are revealed in the next installment due in 2014. I'm not generally a patient reader - I usually like to read whole series at a time - but this one is worth reading right away and waiting for the next installment. This book would be ideal to read out loud to the whole family. The action is fast-paced, the twists and turns are novel, and you truly never know where the friends will end up next. One of the best things about the book is that it's a "safe" read for a young teen - it's not inappropriate for younger readers but they may not understand parts of the romantic subplot - it's a grown up adventure without being sexual or using foul language. There is a character that every kid (and adult) can relate to, though a dictionary or thesaurus may be necessary for younger readers to understand some of what Tst Tst says. Having been a loquacious child myself, I was drawn to Tst Tst. Jules is the adventurous one but Tst Tst just grabbed my hand and led me through the adventure. Even with a partial cliffhanger ending, I was still satisfied when I finished the book. The main plot may not have come to an end but several of the sub plots did and it felt right. If you enjoyed the magic and mystery of The Hobbit or Harry Potter, Keeper of Reign is another must read.
Book Summary: In Between You and Me, twenty-seven-year-old Logan Wade has built a life for herself in New York City, far from her unhappy childhood in Oklahoma. But when she gets the call that her famous cousin needs a new assistant, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. Logan hasn’t seen Kelsey since they were separated as kids; in the meantime, Kelsey Wade has become one of Fortune Magazine’s most powerful celebrities and carrion for the paparazzi. But the joy at their reunion is overshadowed by the toxic dynamic between Kelsey and her controlling parents. As Kelsey grasps desperately at a “real” life, Logan risks everything to try and give her cousin the one thing she has never known—happiness. As Kelsey unravels in the most horribly public way Logan finds that she will ultimately have to choose between saving her cousin and saving herself.
Purchase a copy on Amazon Kindle or Paperback. Published June 4th, 2013
My Thoughts:
This book started off a bit slow in my opinion, I actually put it down and finished a couple other books first. I found I was struggling to continue reading it until about 60% through and then it got me intrigued as the author started to explain more and more why the cousins Logan and Kelsey stopped being friends and never spoke to each other. The author does give a good description for the most part of the characters. I really didn't feel like I was part of the adventure of this book though and I think it may be because I am not a huge Celebrity gossip type of person. I don't usually follow what is happening and who is with who etc. This book follows the life of a celeb and her cousin who becomes her assistant. I found I got lost sometimes on who was talking but other than that I did enjoy the end of the book and if you are into Celebrity type books this book you may enjoy.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a review e-copy in exchange for my honest review.*~
An ordinary day at Fernfield Farms turns extraordinary when Budderball, Mudbud, B-Dawg, Buddha and Rosebud discover mysterious rings that grant them each a unique super power. Before you can say, “Buddies, assemble,” the pups unleash their amazing abilities and race to the rescue when a shape-shifting bully from outer space threatens the planet. But can they succeed in kicking major tail without revealing their new secret identities?
Cast: The movie’s voice cast includes Colin Hanks, John Michael Higgins, Atticus Shaffer, Alyson Stoner, Maulik Pancholy, Chris Coppola, Amy Sedaris, Zendaya, Debra Jo Rupp, and the legendary Tim Conway as the voice of Deputy Sniffer. The ‘Buddies’ voices include Cooper Roth (TV’s Are you Faster Than a 1st Grader”) who voices B-Dawg; Tenzing Trainor (TV's "Stevie TV" ) who voices Buddha; Jeremy Shinder (TV’s “Louie,” "Newlyweeds") who voices Budderball; Ty Panitz (“Because I Said So,” “How To Eat Fried Worms”) who voices Mudbud; and G. Hannelius (TV’s “Good Luck Charlie,” TV's "Sonny With A Chance") who voices Rosebud.
Super Buddies is directed by Robert Vince, written and produced by Robert Vince and Anna McRoberts. Follow on Facebook and view exciting trailers, games, video clips and so much more on the Disney website.
Our thoughts: If you are a fan of the Buddies you will not be let down. This is another fabulous family movie. My daughter said her favorite parts of the movie is when Rose Bud gets her power which makes her go super fast. Rose Bud is her favorite puppy. She also loved how B-Dog used his power unknowingly to save the day. My son liked when the good guy alien landed on the earth and transformed to a dog. His favorite Super Buddy is B-Dog and Butterball. The kids loved learning each of the Super Buddy powers and how they helped save the day. This movie was added to their favorite pile that will be watch over and over again. I enjoyed watching this movie with them also along with our beagle Molly.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. We received the above dvd for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Last weekend we spent the weekend tent camping with the kids for the first time. We have "camped" in a cabin a couple summers ago and the kids have stayed with the grandparents camping in their trailer but this is the first time we have taken them tent camping. We were not sure how this would go but we figured they are at the age that it should be super enjoyable and both hubby and I missed camping. We have been having a hard time to coordinate our vacations but this year we managed to get a few days together and decided to get a camp site at a provincial park not too far from home.
We arrived Friday afternoon to set up our tent, chairs, screened tent and then headed out around the camp ground to explore.
The camp ground we stayed at was a nice big camp ground with 3 or 4 "sub" camp areas. We picked a camp site near the outhouse and one of the beaches but it was a hike to the comfort station which wasn't a big deal as we are camping and swimming.
We set up our new Coleman chairs around the fire pit and made a early dinner the first night as we wanted to explore more and attend a presentation about sharing our earth with endangered species. The kids have new chairs that they just love. P has a new blue constellation quad chair and A has the new purple star quad chair. The chairs are just the perfect size for kids and are easy for them to move, fold up and carry where ever they want them to be put. I also got a new chair this summer that is from the Coleman Sport Quad Chair line and is the nicest colour of purple! I love the chair but missed the side hanging pocket that we have on our other Coleman chairs. I was super comfy chilling by the fire at night and roasting marshmallows.
The presentation on Friday really opened my eyes to the fact that we don't have to go far to have endangered species. We have them in our own back yard. This was sad to hear what we as humans have been doing to harm the animals and bugs. My daughter was actually really sad as we learned about what has been killing the brown bats but then at the end of the presentation the kids got a chance to check out a grey snake that was about 6.5 feet long! This park has lots of snakes and I am super glad I can say I saw 2 the whole time there, 1 baby on a hike and the one at the presentation.
Saturday night we went to a presentation about the Micca mines and learned more about what Micca is used for. After getting back to our camp site we pulled our cozy chairs up to the fire and made some S'mores before bed.
Sunday morning arrived way to fast as we all were enjoying ourselves and taking in the nature around us. Relaxing and being technology-free minus my e-reader. I know I know but I wanted to read on my vacation and all the review books I have are e-books at the moment plus it made it easier for me to read in the tent without waking anyone.
D told me on Sunday morning when I woke that we had been robbed over night. I started to panic and he went on to tell me that a raccoon had stopped by for a visit. I had asked him if we should put the one bag in the van and he thought it would be safe in our screen tent. Nope it wasn't safe the raccoon got the last few peanut butter cups, graham crackers, a banana and a few slices of whole wheat bread. That guy got all the good stuff and left the rest.
All in all we had a fabulous time and I want to Thank Coleman Canada for our new comfy chairs that really helped us enjoy a cozy seat at the fire pit. We will be enjoying many more camping trips next summer. We can't wait!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Coleman Canada. We received product in exchange for an editorial post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
The first book in the Forbidden Trilogy by Kimberly Kinrade is available for free on Smashwords. Please use coupon code VZ87N at checkout.
Book Summary:She reads minds. He controls minds. Together, they might get out alive.
49% of Americans believe their government officials are honest.
I don't know these officials, or their supporters, but I know their secrets, and 49% of Americans are wrong.
My
employers pay me well to be right, to know things others can't. But I
don't know why they brought that boy in, strapped to a stretcher, barely
conscious. He asked me for help when I could give none.
I'm a wealthy spy, a talented artist, a martial arts black belt, and a prisoner.
They tell me that on my eighteenth birthday, I will be released, free to go to the college of my dreams.
It's my eighteenth birthday, and a man in black is at my door. I know he's not here to free me.
I know, because I can read minds.
My name is Sam, and this is my story.
So
begins the tale of Sam and Drake—from the time they link minds, forging
a bond that leads to an unconventional romance—to their fight for
survival against the corrupt, twisted organization known as
'Rent-A-Kid.' Evolved Publishing brings you "Forbidden Mind" (Book 1 of
the Forbidden Trilogy), by award-winning author Kimberly Kinrade.
Add to your Goodreads shelf. ~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn, this is not a sponsored post. I am just sharing information that I think my readers will enjoy. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Officer Brett Reed will
do anything to gain custody of his five-year-old daughter, Quinn. But
when the man-hating judge grants Brett’s drug-addicted ex-wife custody
and slaps him with a protective order for losing his temper, he fears
for Quinn’s safety. Who will protect her now?
When Quinn is found
abandoned on the streets, Brett’s worse nightmares turn toward a dark
path. The child is placed in a temporary foster home until Child
Protective Services can complete an assessment. It should only take a
few days.
But a lot can happen in a few days.
Especially
when there’s a deranged psychopath on the loose, someone who’s attacking
pedophiles, someone who wants to protect children like Quinn, and
someone who’s planting body parts in geocaching sites.
Cache a Predator is a novel about a father’s love, justice, and the unhinged game of hide-the-cache.
Michelle is a fulltime
employee of God’s kingdom, writing and encouraging writers every day.
She’s often a sucker for emotional stories, her sensitive side fueling
the passion for her character’s plights, often giving her the ability to
show readers the “other” side of the story.
She grew up in the
burbs of Detroit with five brothers. No sisters. Each time her mom
brought the boy bundle home from the hospital Michelle cried, certain
her mom liked boys better than girls. But when her brothers pitched in
with the cooking, cleaning, and babysitting—without drama, Michelle
discovered having brothers wasn’t so bad. They even taught her how to
take direct criticism without flinching, which might come in handy with
book reviews.
Michelle is living her dream—writing every day and
thanking God for the stories He puts in her path. When Michelle isn’t
writing she’s winning ugly on the tennis court. She’s known as “Queen of
the Rim Shots.” No joke. It’s ugly.
This book had me from the first page. This is exactly the kind of mystery / suspense novel I love - action from the start to the end with a great love interest story interwoven into the book. I may not go geocaching again any time soon, but would heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller. The book is graphic at times, but never unnecessarily so. The characters are well developed and feel like they are real - these could be people that you interact with on a daily basis. The plot twists and turns and takes the reader in all sorts of unexpected directions. Overall, this is a great book and one that I would highly recommend.
Book Summary: Emma
was unloved from the moment she was born. Her earliest memory is being
severely beaten by her father, Pepper Murphy, when she was
eight-years-old. Seething with resentment over the sacrifice of his
dreams for a woman he cares little about and children he never wanted,
Pepper chooses to blame his oldest daughter. Her mother, Valerie, makes
matters worse with her verbal abuse, leaving Emma isolated with a man
that had no boundaries in punishing his daughter, taking his abuse to
unimaginable levels. Emma's
father's coldblooded beatings and the ultimate abuse to which he
subjects her, lays the foundation of the person she becomes. As she
matures into a resourceful teenager, she is unwilling and unable to
stifle her desire for revenge. Reaching her breaking point she can no
longer control the impulse to fight back and finally takes matters into
her own hands. Having
learned the art of hatred from her father and the mastery of
manipulation from her mother, young Emma now sets out to make a better
life for herself, leaving the memory of the abused child she had once
been behind her. Hardened by the heartless brutality she encounters and
the dangerous situations she must overcome in the course of her journey,
she faces every challenge that comes her way in her quest for a normal
life for herself and for those she loves. Finally
a person emerges from within that guides her toward a better life until
she learns of a secret that sets her on the path of ultimate
redemption.
Born and raised in Plymouth
Meeting, a small town west of Philadelphia, Paige Dearth was a victim of
child rape and spent her early years yearning for a better life. To
escape the unwanted attentions of her molester, a pedophile uncle who
lived with the family, she married at the age of nineteen and moved with
her new husband to Chula Vista, California. After two years of marriage
during which she struggled to make ends meet, she became pregnant, only
to discover that her husband was a heroin addict. Paige waited for the
birth of her daughter and when the baby was just eight months old, moved
back to Pennsylvania. With no formal education or money to fall back
on, she courageously set out to pick up the pieces of her shattered life
and make it whole once more.
Living through the fear and
isolation of her youth, Paige developed the ability to create stories
that would help her cope and finally put them to use by embarking on a
series of novels. BELIEVE LIKE A CHILD, the author’s debut offering, is
the darkest version of who she could have become, had fate not
intervened in the nick of time.
My thoughts: When I received the email for this book tour I was super excited as I have had Paige's first book on my to-be-read list on Goodreads for awhile and was just waiting for a time to slip it in between reviews. I knew this would be a very emotional read but I thought I was ready for it. Paige has a way of roping you into the story from the get go. This book was written in a third person point of view. It jumps around to different people and can be choppy but once you realize that it isn't hard to follow and you get used to Paige's writing. It really helps get to know all the characters in the book.
Be prepared for an emotional ride, this book will take you through a really hard topic that a lot of people don't go into depth with. You will be faced with anger over how someone can physically harm someone, or even how someone can stand by and watch it (the girls mom just walked away and turned a blind eye), you will be also in tears for the girls as they face the most horrific events that seem to follow them around during their life. There were times I was crying with the girls and other times I was shouting at the bad people, I was hoping and praying for them to be left alone and make it out alive. I just couldn't put this book down, through anger and tears I made it to the end and can't wait to read more from Paige.
If someone was to ask if this book affected my life or way of thinking, I would have to say yes, it really made me stop and think about the horrible creatures that walk among us. I found myself watching people while out with my children at a family water park the other day, wondering who these people really are. I remember my mom always saying "behind closed doors you really don't know what goes on" and it really is true.
I give this book 5 out of 5 Stars.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Making Connections Blog Tour. I received a copy of this book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Twelve-year-old Helga has more danger in her life than most beasts her age—Wrackshee slavers after her, a vicious attack by bandits that nearly kills her, a race against dragons pursuing her, and leading a daring rebellion to save her life and rescue friends and family from the insidious WooZan. And that is just the beginning. But what do you expect when you are a young beast who just can’t see the stupid rules of the world making any sense? Helga can’t accept things as they are and ends up taking on not just one, but two all-powerful, supreme tyrants in two different realms.
Helga never intended to lead a revolution. It just sort of happened because she wouldn’t go along with the “rules of normal” that keep tyrants in power and entire societies enslaved. Beginning on a dangerous quest to solve some mysteries in her own past, Helga leads her quirky comrades on a journey that will not only forever change them, but upset ancient civilizations.
As an author, I’m drawn to eccentric, unexpected characters: those who surprise because they hear a distant galaxy, see a different music, create their own fragrance rather than get hooked on a soundtrack; the child who has her own ideas about how the emperor is dressed; the lunatics and rebels who tell stories on the boundaries.
Helga’s unusual story will take readers to worlds they never imagined—definitely a whole new ride.
Time and again, the unconventional heroine and her eccentric comrades overcome ominous tyrants and black-hearted slavers, not by battling to the last beast standing, but by being the first beast to think differently.
Helga: Out of Hedgelands is divided into three books which introduce the epic saga of the Wood Cow clan and their role in overturning centuries of slavery and tyranny.
I am a native of the Great Plains, having grown up on a farm in the Platte River Valley of western Nebraska. I love the wild beauty of the Plains and nearby Rocky Mountains--the too hot, too cold, too empty, too full of life extremes. Typically, the awesomely diverse and the awesomely stark are much the same, even as they are different. Although I have lived in Michigan, North Carolina, and British Columbia, the western plains, mountains, and desert are in my heart.
As my day job, for over thirty years I have been a faculty member and administrator in higher education. Teaching broadly in the liberal arts, including creative writing, my professional publications include educational materials, poems, and 28 stories for young readers.
During my spare hours, I have also collected and carefully studied the records of former times upon which the Wood Cow Chronicles are based. It is my privilege to bring this astonishing saga to light.
The Wood Cow Chronicles have been researched and written with the irreplaceable assistance of Barbara, my beloved wife of more than thirty-five years, and our children. Indeed, the essential research into the history of the Wood Cows has been conducted during the odd hours of family reading and storytelling "around the campfire" as we say--even when there is no campfire! This research continues and grows richer as our family expands across generations and continents.
Helga out of the Hedgelands is a
wonderful fantasy adventure story. The characters are well written and
the books are captivating. The author creates another world with
astonishing clarity and amazing detail. At times, there was
too much detail and I wasn't sure at all where the book was going, but
when it got there, the characters and their stories won me over
completely. The book was the epitome of escapist reading - it immersed
you in a world where what Helga and her friends
were doing was far more important than whatever was going on in the real
world. The ending felt somewhat unresolved, but I presume that is
because there are further Wood Cow chronicle books to come where we will
learn what happens after this book ends. The reader cannot help but
root for Helga as she fights for justice amongst
seemingly insurmountable odds. The first book of the trilogy does a lot
of setup for the next two books, this can seem very tedious but it is
worth it in the end.
Shoppers Drug Mart will be holding their 3rd Annual 30 Days of Beauty Event throughout Canada from August 17th, 2013 to September 15, 2013. This is their Biggest Beauty Event of the year!
Stop in at a Shoppers Drug Mart near you during the 30 Days of Beauty event as they will be offering tons of great beauty tips, offers, and a free 5 minute in-store makeover to experience one of the 30 unique looks for many different occasions we may have in our lives - Black Tie Event, Outdoor Wedding, Milestone Birthday, Beach Day with your Guy, High School Reunion, First Date, Trip of a Lifetime…
Visit the 30 Days of Beauty website daily for month long deals, makeovers, videos, visuals and instructional How-To’s that are offered online and in-store during the event. Also get print to redeem in-store coupons that are only valid for 1 day. While checking out the site do not forget to enter in the contest to win a grand prize of $1MM Shoppers Optimum Points through the “Submit Your Look” contest!
30 Days of Beauty event will be offering one day and month long exclusive offers on some of your favorite beauty brands РOver 50 brands are participating including the following: Lanc̫me, Biotherm, Lise Watier, Clinique, Benefit, Elizabeth Arden, Clarins, CoverGirl, Revlon, Quo, Gosh! Receive a Gift with purchase during August 24th to August 30 while quantities last. Receive a stunning silver Cosmetic Pouch, filled with over 25 beauty and fragrance samples free when you spend $75 or more on Cosmetics, Skin Care or Fragrance!
I’m looking forward to learning some new beauty tips that I can use for everyday and also for special occasions that will be soon here before we know it. I will be booking my free 5 minute makeover for sure.
What are you most excited about for the Shoppers Drug Mart - 30 Days of Beauty Event?
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Shoppers Drug Mart 30 Days of Beauty. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Being a widow at the age of forty-four was never in Jude Hawthorne’s plans. After her husband’s death, she’s left with her family’s beach restaurant and two nearly-grown children. The last thing she’s looking for is another chance at love.
However, if her husband’s best friends, the Posse, have anything to say about it, love is just what she’s going to get. The Posse is determined to take care of Jude, and when they decide the best way to do that is for one of them to sweep her off her feet, three begin to vie for her affections. But only one can reach her heart.
In a story of friendship, loss and second chances, Jude will learn her life is far from being over.
Tawdra Kandle is the author of THE KING SERIES, a young adult urban fantasy quartet. Born in South Jersey, Tawdra published her first short story at the age of 13 in Child’s Life magazine. During the early years of her marriage and motherhood, she wrote articles and columns on parenting and homeschooling, as well as some homeschooling curriculum. THE KING SERIES is her first published full-length fiction. Tawdra currently lives in central Florida with her husband, and children, both skin and fur types. And yes, she has purple hair.
My thoughts: The Posse is a love story, not your typical man and woman meet then fall in love, no this love story brewed over thirty years with love being put on the back burner. Jude was married to Daniel her highschool sweetheart. They had a group of friend they hung out with all through school and remained really close friends, The Posse. Daniel got really sick and passed away a year ago and this is where the men in the posse made a pact one night to take care of Jude so she wouldn't fall in love with some guy and move away from the Cove. Three of the men in the posse are single and they decided to let Jude choose who she wanted even Logan has loved Jude secretly for over thirty years.
The book flows well and each of the characters are describe in a way that you really get feel you get to know them. The main characters Jude and Logan are very likeable and I really began to feel for Logan as he was waiting for the right time to tell Jude he was in love with her. I also loved how the author had many twists in this book to make you really think about how life throws things at you that may not be what you expected but that doesn't mean you should give up. Look for the bright side of things and stick with the people that love you as they are a great support to help you through hard times. Get ready for an amazing story friendship, family and love with The Posse.
I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.
Follow the Tour:
Tawdra Kandle is giving away a Beach Basket with earrings, Shell necklace, yummy scents, and a $10 Amazon GC. Fill out the form below to enter.
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Last weekend I fibbed to my children. I know, I know that is not acceptable as we always tell our kids that we are not to tell "stories". My little story started out with "We need to go do some groceries today, how about we head into the city for a change?" Their answer "Sure, can we look in the toy section?"
So we hurried up and made a lunch for the road. It is an hour drive into the city from our place and my surprise started at 1pm but we needed to be there by noon.
We followed a lot of cars heading toward a big tent and the kids started with the questions especially when we turned the other way from the mall they could see.
Surprise! We are going to see the Shrine Circus! We headed to get our tickets and wait in line for when the doors opened to the Big tent. The kids were super surprised and really happy. They have never been to the circus and had a lot of questions while we waited.
We had VIP seats and sat really close to the "stage". A small tip for people that haven't been to the Shrine Circus before. Try to seat near the entrance as you will be able to see the Tigers better! The kids were in awe of everything going around us and excited to see the tricks done by the performers especially the little boy who is 7! My son is 7 and he was so excited to see that someone his age was in the circus. I was totally on the edge of my seat by the end of the performance with the gentleman walking blind folded high in the air. We look forward to attending the circus again in the future!
The Shrine Circus has been making its rounds around Canada and if there is a stop near you, you should really check it out. Next stop is tonight in Quebec! Check out the schedule and pick up your tickets today!
Follow the Shrine Circus on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #ShrineCircus ~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn for the Shrine Circus. We received tickets in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Crowdfunding for Social Good: Financing Your Mark on the World
by Devin D. Thorpe
Over the last year of writing my Forbes blog, I have had the opportunity to really dig deeply into the world of crowdfunding. I’ve just completed my first draft of my new book, Crowdfunding for Social Good: Financing Your Mark on the World.
The book is a guide to successful crowdfunding for people who want to change the world.
The book is not a sequel to my book, Your Mark On The World, but it is written in the same spirit. I’ve studied a dozens of successful crowdfunding campaigns, interviewing the people behind them to learn their secrets for success.
Devin's Book, Your Mark on the World, was downloaded over 75,000 times and reached the #19 spot on Amazon's free book list--among all free books. It remains on the top 50 free nonfiction books at Amazon.
Devin D. Thorpe thinks he is the luckiest person alive. After being “let go” from the best job he’d ever had—as the Chief Financial Officer of the multinational food and beverage company MonaVie—he and his wife ended up living in China for a year where he wrote Your Mark On The World and embarked on the career he’d always wanted yet hadn’t dared dream.
Now, as an author, a popular guest speaker and Forbes contributor, Devin is devoted full time to championing social good. His current life isn’t much like his past.
As an entrepreneur, Devin ran—at separate times—a boutique investment banking firm and a small mortgage company. He served as the Treasurer for the multinational vitamin manufacturer USANA Health Sciences years before becoming CFO for MonaVie. Over his career he led or advised on the successful completion of $500 million in transactions.
Devin squeezed in two brief stints in government, including two years working for Jake Garn on the U.S. Senate Banking Committee Staff and another year working for an independent state agency called USTAR, where he helped foster technology entrepreneurship during Governor Jon Huntsman’s administration.
Devin is proud to have graduated from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business, which recognized him as a Distinguished Alum in 2006. He also earned an MBA at Cornell University where he ran the student newspaper, Cornell Business.
Today, Devin channels the idealism of his youth with the loving support of his wife, Gail. Their son Dayton is a PhD candidate in Physics at UC Berkeley (and Devin rarely misses an opportunity to mention that).
You can now follow Genuine Jenn on Bloglovin. If you haven't checked out Bloglovin here is a quick jest of it. If you have a list of blogs you have been following with Google Reader you will know Google has retired that form of following blogs. With Bloglovin you can import all your blogs from Google Reader over.
I used to follow a ton of blogs through email but that meant I would sometimes have tons of emails to go through and if I didn't have a chance to read/stop by the blog that day I ended up deleting the emails and not seeing those awesome posts. Eventually I ended up unsubscribing to most of my favorite blogs and just following through social media and having them in my computer faves.
With Bloglovin I get to combine all my favorite blogs in one email! This way I can scan through the email to see everyone's newest posts for the past day and visit each post when I get a chance. I love that I am also able to put then in groups to organize them as follows - food blogs, Book blogs, Knitting, Product review etc. This makes it great if I just want to look for a recipe or a book etc.
Discover new blogs that are similar to the ones you already follow by clicking on the button similar blogs when you follow your favorite blogs or search for other great blogs you may have never discovered. You can also follow your friends and see who they are following.
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I look forward to adding new blogs to my Bloglovin emails so if you have a blog please make sure it is in your profile and then leave a comment about what your blog is about. Please don't leave a link in the comment as Google doesn't like that and flags it as spam. Thanks!
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