12 Days of Giveaways: Day 12 with Random House of Canada

I usually end my days with a cup of tea and a good book. After what are usually days filled with a blend of good, bad and just plain chaotic, it's always pacifying to look forward to my nights for that reason.

When we look back at our years in life, I bet you can think of a book that will instantly transport you back to a moment in time.
Take a walk down memory lane with me...

Do any of these look familiar to you?
What memories these bring just by looking at the cover of each book.

Now that I'm a mother, it's heartwarming to see my children's eyes light up as we read books together.
My wish for them is that they will continue on throughout the years with the same passion for the written word as they do now.

One of our favourites in the home, that is practically read every night is I'll Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.

"I'll love your forever. I'll like you for always. As long as you're living. My baby you'll be."

As the years progress and our literary appetites transition, one thing is for certain:
"Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience:  this is the ideal life."
  ~Mark Twain

What I'm Currently Reading/on my Reading List:
Fiction:

• Some Kind of Fairy Tale by Graham Joyce *A CAC Fave!
• The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
• The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
• And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
• The Circle by Dave Eggers

Non-Fiction:

• Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin
• Lean In: women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg *This is one of my FAVOURITES right now!

I've got tons and tons in my home; a bookcase in almost every room in the house brimming with all sorts of books.
There is just something about the feel and smell of a real book that can not be replaced. Do you agree?
What are you reading?

One of the brands that represent and carry some of the best reads of all time, has always been Random House of Canada.
To learn more about them and explore their wonderful collection, please visit www.randomhouse.ca.

Courtesy of Random House of Canada, Day 12's winner will win a fantastic collection of personally selected favourites.

The books include:
1. Provence 1970 by Luke Barr
2. Perfect by Rachel Joyce
3. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
4. Longbourn by Jo Baker
5. The Butler Speaks by Charles MacPherson

To enter, leave a comment telling me What your favourite book is of all time and why below.

Open to Canadian Residents only.
Ends 12/12.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Crying Helps Me Write Better {Giveaway}

It took me about 20 minutes... 20 minutes of tears and blank stares at the computer screen while my 8 month old continuously sobbed in the background to write this paragraph that I'm writing right now.

My son is going through an extremely needy separation anxiety stage where he requires an arm and a heartbeat to place his head on otherwise the world is coming to an end. I feel bad for my 4 1/2 year old because she gets the short end of the stick these days with mommy focusing 80% on her brother, 10% on her (most of which is during classes - my daughter is home-schooled at the moment) and the other 10% on work.
I would say that's an unfair ratio, wouldn't you?
I try and balance my days as much as I can for my children (they are 1st priority) and then work. My blogging has been on the back burner as I have not only lacked time, but also ideas and inspiration.

This hurts me as a woman that has prided myself on my writing and the amazing and loyal readers that I have built in the 2 years that I have been actively writing and sharing my life with the online world.
Blogging was my escape and my chance to connect with other mothers and women out there during times when I really just felt very alone and needed to hear that I was doing okay. Doing okay as a mother that chose to say good-bye to her successful career and focus on my most important job, motherhood.

It wasn't until I received a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Inspiration for Writers that I finally felt like invisible hands were lifting my broken pieces of creativity and slowly gluing them back together.

"Balancing Motherhood, family life, and writing is not easy. With the stress  and duties of daily life, it's hard to find the time to sit down and write. And I sometimes feel like the world has enough writers. We don't need one more. Nobody needs to hear my words. 
Because who am I? Why should my words matter?
Well, my words do matter. All our words matter. They tell us who we are.
But words will never see the light of day without discipline.
Devoting time. Putting the word "write" onto an actual schedule to give it validity.
Your words represent who you are, and sometimes the duties of life can hide that person."
- Good Pasta by Mary C.M. Phillips, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

"I feel fortunate to have found something I am passionate about, something that allows me to escape into the magical realm of make-believe on a daily basis. Ever since I regained my creativity, I appreciate it much more. Creativity solves problems and inspires curiosity. 
Creativity unleashes big, beautiful dreams. Nurturing my creativity has not only made me a better write, it has made me a better person -- more optimistic, compassionate, and open to life's unending possibilities."
- How I Got My Creativity Back by Dallas Woodburn, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers


Just before writing this post, I had one of the best cries I've had in a while.
I really, really needed that.
It has been a really rough past few weeks -- horrible bouts of viruses and tears, the stress of work and deadlines, motherhood and everything else in between has finally kicked my butt.

I am so grateful for the support of my husband and family that have taken the time out of their day, to give me more time in mine. To allow me to exhale and work on nurturing my artistry.
And most importantly, to help me to discover who I am once again and why I started doing this to begin with.

I also am grateful to those that amongst their busy schedules, take the time to pour themselves a cup of tea or coffee (or wine!) and click onto my blog and actually read what my heart is saying translated into words.
Thank you for that. It means a lot more than you think.

I want to allow my readers, especially to those that understand what I'm saying in this blog post; those that are seeking a writing awakening and encouragement, a chance to get their hands on a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Inspiration for Writers.
This book has helped me immensely and provided the motivation I need to start really writing again.
I hope it helps you.

"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage -- pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically -- to say "no" to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger "yes" burning inside."
~ Stephen Covey

I'm giving away 3 copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers - Budding or Bestselling - from Books to Blogs and all you have to do is to comment below telling me 
the reason WHY you started writing.
I'd love to hear it!

The giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents.
Ends Friday, June 14, 2013.

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12 Days of Holiday Giveaways: Day 5 with Kobo

There's this quote from Groucho Marx: “I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”  

Funny but very true!

I find it so appropriate, especially  in this day of overly tanned grease-heads and catty woman fighting for the "love" of a cruddy businessman being a form of entertainment.

But hey, if you happen to enjoy those kinds of things, why not kill two birds with one stone with something that provides all of what keeps you entertained AND offer you a great place to read.

Have you Kobo'd yet? 

I received The Kobo Vox literally a few months it came out & was immensely excited! Loved everything about it.  The fact that not only did I have my portable bookshelf with me and access to so many new reads in full colour, but also magazines, movies, TV shows, music, apps, games, web browsing and more.

Loved the Children's Books and Educational Games they offered in their App store - always a great way to keep my little one entertained during long road trips.

Let me just say reading the Fifty Shades or the Sylvia Day Collection was much more discreet and enjoyable with my handy Kobo Vox.

They come in a variety of colours too!

Now Kobo also offers more amazing eReaders to their eReader Family.

Really loving their Kobo Mini and Kobo Glo!

The Kobo Mini  is great if you're looking for a portable, lightweight eReader (perfect for students!) and the Kobo Glo with it's Exclusive ComfortLight technology offering even, natural lighting that is fully adjustable to get the right light for you. This was featured in my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide here.

Notice that seal on the majority of Kobo eReaders? If you're a parent and don't know what seal that is yet, what rock have you been hiding under? I kid. Sort of.

PTPA, Parent Tested, Parent Approved is the leading product awards program with the largest parent-testing community and seal of approval recognized worldwide.

I was not only chosen to be a fortunate PTPA Tester early last year but I'm also a proud PTPA team member as well.  I've worked as their Socal Media Community Manager and now Project Manager for their Brand Marketing Programs.

I couldn't be more proud and content to be working for a company that has the goal and vision to connect and share with Parents and helping wonderful brands leverage their presence by connecting them directly with their target market.

Thanks to PTPA and Kobo, for Day 5 of Carol Au Courant's 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, you have the chance to win their popular Kobo Vox!

To win this gift, simply enter below via rafflecopter.

*Open to Canadians only. Ends 12/12.

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Birthday Wishes to a Dr of Giggles & Imagination

I remember growing up reading every single one of Dr. Seuss' books
It's amazing that many years later, his stories have continued to transcend through the generations and persevere in teaching us all about imagination, kindness, humbleness, confidence & laughter.

My absolute favourite books from Dr. Seuss are: The Seven Lady Godivas (1939), The Cat in The Hat (1957), Green Eggs & Ham (1960), Oh The Thinks you can Think (1975), Oh The Places You'll Go (1990).

Can you believe Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel's first book was published in 1937? Wow! That was 75 years ago! Today would mark his 108th birthday!
My great-grandparents read his words and now my daughter is too. Literary Genius!

It takes a remarkable and distinctive virtuoso to come up with words that would echo a lifetime. And that he did.

What was your favourite Dr. Seuss book and quote?

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Tiny Modernist Meets Mozart Composer Cat

So as we all know, I'm a proud parent tester and Blogaholic for PTPA - Parent Tested, Parent Approved.
I am sent products that are appropriate for my family members in exchange for my very authentic and straightforward reviews.
The one thing about me is that I'm very candid about anything and everything. Especially when it comes to my family.
Which is why I'm so confident when I find a product that has the PTPA seal.
It's for moms (and dads) like me that want honest reviews from other scrutinizing parents.

How adorable does my Tiny Modernist look? :) 

A few weeks ago I was sent the most adorable overall dress from Tiny Modernist - Stylish Clothing for your Tiny Modernist's aged 18months to 8 years old.
I love that they are a Canadian Brand!

I immediately noticed the chic and adorable design and then of course, the ease of putting on the dress.  Ava is a squirmer! Sometimes it's difficult to dress her because she's always moving and shaking.  Gotta love toddlers, right? :)
This overall dress has two buttons on the top that can be opened and make for quick and easy dress-up and removal.
It's a thinner material, which is comfortable for my little girl who tends to get hot easily and can easily be layered  nicely.

We were very pleased with this dress and my little Tiny Modernist loved it!  Check out more parent reviews on PTPA.

Another great item we received that I was actually anticipating was the Composer Cats and Opera Mice Book with Plush Toy.  I am a big fan of Classical music. In fact, I've actually listened to it before and throughout my pregnancy as I heard when the fetus and newborns hear classical music, it's suppose to be beneficial for their brain.
This series includes musically enhanced books, plush, CDs, DVDs and hi tech apps that makes classical music FUN for kids!
Glad to test out the first of the series, Mozart the Composer Cat.

It came with the Mozart Cat plush toy, the hardcover book, and a narrative CD including musical pieces from Mozart.  I personally was loving it but the question was: Would my 3 year old?
I was a little skeptical.

To my surprise when I inserted the narrative CD and read along with it by her side, while she cuddled with her new Mozart Cat plush (which by the way plays Eine Kleine Nachtmusik), she was really enjoying it.
She didn't last the whole story but still intrigued nonetheless which was a good thing!
Overall, it's a very clever and innovative product that I think is a great addition to every child's collection, especially if you want to instill a love for Classical music into your child at a very young age.

Read more reviews on the PTPA site for Composer Cats and Opera Mice.

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Spot the Seal at Indigo to win!

A great contest is going on at the PTPA headquarters throughout the month of December and I know my readers would love to take part in it!
If you're a fan of Indigo Chapters like me, next time you're down there make sure to snap a pic of the PTPA winning seal and share on either the PTPA Facebook Page or Tweet a pic on Twitter with hashtag #spottheseal!
I haven't had a chance to head out there yet, but I will this week & I will make sure to share my Spot the Seal photo with everyone.
Amazing prizes to be won from Indigo! Go for it!
More info here.

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