Triangles Book Review

When I first opened TRIANGLES, I was surprised at the format.  Ellen Hopkin's writing style is much different than the novels I typically read, as the entire book is written in poetic verse.  But, the book reads just as simply as free prose, and has a way of telling a no holds bar story that will intrigue readers.


The book was a bit racer than I usually pick up, as it explored sex, marriage, friendship, and loss.  But all the topics are so entwined and well thought out that I couldn't put the book down.

TRIANGLES' point of view rotates between three women whose lives are interwoven.  While each has a unique home life, they all share friendships, marriage problems, and the realization that they are "half-way to death."  All three women wonder if this is the direction their lives were meant to go in, and what they can do to feel more alive. 

About the author: 
Ellen Hopkins is the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of eight young adult novels, including Crank, Glass, Fallout, and Perfect.  TRIANGLES is her first adult novel, and Tilt, which focuses on the teen characters from TRIANGLES, will be published in September 2012. Hopkins’ second adult novel Collateral will be published in November 2012.

Buy It:You can pre-order TRIANGLES for $14


A copy was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

DG Every Day Heroes Giveaway

***Closed: Congrats to mightynaynay***

Throughout the month of June, Dollar General has teamed up with Procter & Gamble to honor those Every Day Heroes who have made sacrifices for their families, their communities and their country by serving in our military.

Dollar General was the 2011 Military Officers Association of America Distinguished Service Award winner and was recognized in GI Jobs magazine’s list of Most Military Friendly Employers. Dollar General values these heroes and their experiences and offers many career opportunities for returning veterans.

You can also honor the military heroes in your life by uploading a video to Dollar General's Every Day Hero site.


Win It:  
One lucky winner will receive a Dollar General/P&G Prize Pack including a Swiffer 360° Duster, a set of Pringles red computer speakers, Old Spice Champion Deodorant, Tide sample packs and a Dollar General reusable shopping bag.

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me who is your Every Day military hero.

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Giveaway ends 6/30 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

Procter & Gamble provided the prize for our consideration, as well as the giveaway prize. All opinions are our own. .

P&G/Kmart Prize Pack Giveaway

 ***Closed: Congrats to smilekisses***

Kmart and Procter & Gamble have teamed up to bring shoppers a great deal.  Starting today, June 24th, until June 30th, you can receive a free Bounce 40 ct (a $2.99 value) when you purchase Tide 75oz.  Tide will be on sale this week as well, at $8.97.

Limit of 1 free per transaction.  While supplies last.

 
Win It:
One lucky reader will win a $10 Kmart gift card and a Tide Pods 35 ct.

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me if you've tried the Tide Pods yet.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
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Giveaway ends 6/30 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

Information and prize packs were provided for our consideration by Procter & Gamble.  All opinions are our own.

Wisk Deep Clean (& a Giveaway)

***Closed: Congrats to Busymom369***

One of our goals this summer is to stay active.  We've been swimming and walking together as a family every morning.  Little Man recently participated in a fun run (dressed as a superhero), and we have quite a few 5Ks on the calendar over the next few months.


But, being more active means even more (and stinkier) laundry.  We were recently introduced to the reformulated Wisk Deep Clean. Wisk Deep Clean targets more than visible stains.  It also rids clothes of the body oils and sweat that get trapped deep in the fabric of garments and build up over time.

Did you know that the average washload contains 20 times more body oils and sweat than visible stains? The photo below shows the amount of hidden body oils and sweat in our clothes could actually look like compared to the average visible stains. Just because you don’t see any stains on your garments, doesn’t mean they’re not dirty.



Because of its cleaning ability, Wisk Deep Clean was recently awarded Product of the Year in the laundry category in a TNS consumer survey.

We had the chance to try out Wisk Deep Clean on some of our dirtiest laundry, and I loved that it came out, not only looking and smelling clean, but also feeling fresh. I am very picky when it comes to detergent, because my little ones have sensitive skin.  And we've had no troubles using Wisk so far. Plus, I really enjoy the light, crisp fragrance.

Win It:
One lucky reader will win a coupon for a free bottle of Wisk Deep Clean and a Wisk t-shirt.

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me whose clothes in your house could benefit from being washed in Wisk Deep Clean.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)

• Follow me on Blogger
• Grab my button
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• Follow me on Twitter (Leave your username)
• Tweet this giveaway (Leave link/Once a day only)
• Blog about the giveaway with a link to this post. (Leave your link)

Be sure to leave a way to contact you.
Giveaway ends 6/29 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US only.

Information and samples were provided for our consideration by Wisk.  All opinions are our own.

The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D: Book Review

When we become wives and mothers, it seems like many of us transform into a whole new person.  The woman we used to be is caught only in glimpses and shadows throughout our days.  We have new worries, new struggles, and new priorities, and sometimes it's amazing to look back and see just how much we've changed over the years.


The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. by debut novelist Nichole Bernier explores the struggles many women face when they become mothers.  It is written both as Elizabeth's journal entries and her friend, Kate's reaction to them and to the world around her during the aftermath surrounding 9/11.

Elizabeth Martin dies suddenly in a plane crash and leaves her close friend in charge of her journals, with a letter telling her she'll know what to do with them.  This causes great distress for Elizabeth's widow, Dave, who questions his wife's real motives for taking the trip. Kate spends the summer reading the diaries and realizes there is so much she never knew about Elizabeth.

The book makes readers question just how much they allow others to know about them and how well they know their friends.  It explores the impact of secrets in relationships, the guilt associated with leaving children for work, and the sacrifices sometimes made to protect those we love.

There are many moments in the book that might lead you to tears, it is beautifully written and captivating.  The characters are developed well and reading the journals alongside Kate made me want to know more and more about Elizabeth's life.

Buy It:
The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. is available for $15

A copy was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.