Showing posts with label Holiday Gift Guide 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday Gift Guide 2014. Show all posts

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Graystone (The Darkwoods Series, book 3)




Graystone
The Darkwood Series, book 3
by Marta Stahlfeld
Publisher: Book Publisher Network
Pub. Date: November 20, 2014
Price: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1940598529
Pages: 269
Buy Link: Amazon
Description:

Book 3 of the Darkwoods Series! Treachery and Betrayal! Barely had the hard-fought battle against the Foxes of Darkwoods finished when a new evil began to grow-- an evil that would stretch from the royal Wraith Mouse city of Arashna all the way to the tiny village of Graystone. Dangerous river otter warriors kidnap two young mice and will only release them if Graystone gives up a mysterious wounded mouse sheltering behind their walls. When the mice at Graystone refuse and instead attack in a desperate attempt to free the hostages, the renegades flee north to collect the promised bounty for the wounded mouse, and to sell the Graystone mice and their sea otter allies into slavery. Hope for rescue depends on three young creatures who race against all odds to save their family and friends from the clutches of a new king -- a king who has turned against his own family in his greed to rule and grasp power. Shy and bookish, Miamuran Princess Nurida must overcome her fears and brave unknown dangers in the wild if she is to save her older sister. Nathan el of the Cliff Mice searches not only for his kidnapped sister and her friend, but also for his vanished mother, who may have stumbled across information for which powerful creatures would kill. Conch, the son of a sea otter and an infamous river otter, struggles to decide who he can trust to stand with his friends against the approaching onslaught. Stahlfeld s riveting third installment of her Darkwoods series vibrantly brings to life young creatures willing to place themselves in danger to save others. As they find help in unexpected places and discover their own strengths, they become the new leaders in the ongoing fight for freedom.


Billy's Thoughts:

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Family Tree Maker 2014





Family Tree Maker 2014
by Ancestry.com, Inc
 Retail: $39.99 
Sale Price: $29.99
Buy Link. www.ancestry.com

Description:

With dozens of exciting new features and enhancements to simplify your tasks, Family Tree Maker version 2014 makes building and sharing your family tree easier than ever. Enjoy new Family View™ for a broader view of your tree and explore new enhanced charts and reports, including more print options. And the more robust and reliable TreeSync™ lets you sync your tree from your computer, tablet or smartphone, so you always know you’re accessing and sharing the very latest.



Billy's Thoughts:

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Night Buddies: Go Sky High



Night Buddies: Go Sky HIgh
by Sands Hetherington
Illustrated by: Jessica Love
Publisher: Dune Buggy Press
Pub. Date: March 2015
Price: $7.99

Description:

When young John Degraffenreidt and his red crocodile buddy Crosley show up at the Pineapple Cheesecake Factory and find Big Foot Mae lying on the floor, staring up at her Great Star Puzzle on the ceiling, they expect something's afoot. Crosley only wants a new supply of pineapple cheesecakes, but what Mae points to on her ceiling will start the Night Buddies on a totally new fantasy adventure.

A suspicious white dot has passed through the Corkscrew Constellation and is now moving underneath the Houndog Stars. Crosley's Brother Crenwinkle sees the same curious speck in the sky. It looks to be a long night for sleepyhead John, but thanks to the time spreader dingus with its sleep retrandant setting, he gets right into their next escapade. Join the Night Buddies as they embark on another Program, this time taking them all the way into the stratosphere in their newly modified personal racing blimp.


Billy's Thoughts:

Monday, December 15, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Witch & Wizard: The Lost




Witch & Wizard: The Lost
by James Patteson and Emily Raymond
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Pub. Date: December 15, 2014
Price: $18.00
ISBN: 978-0316207706
Pages: 384
Buy Link: Amazon

Description:

James Patterson brings the fifth and final book in the bestselling Witch & Wizard saga to a head by exposing the nature of power-and what it means for the heroes that have it.

Whit and Wisty Allgood have fought and defeated their world's most pernicious threats: the evil dictator, The One Who Is The One, as well as his wicked father and son. But just as the heroic witch and wizard start to settle into their new roles in governance, a deadly crime wave grips their city, with all signs pointing to a magical mastermind every bit as powerful and heartless as The One. Now the siblings find themselves persecuted as the city turns against all those who possess magic. They're questioning everything, including each other and their abilities. Can they confront the citizens' growing hostility and their own doubts in time to face the new enemy barreling toward their gates?


Billy's Thoughts:

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Review - Best of Bridge Holiday Classics


Courtesy of Bestof Bridge Holiday Classics by The Best of Bridge 2014 © www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher 
permission.
Best of Bridge Holiday Classics
by The Editors of Best of Bridge
Publisher: Robert Rose
Pub. Date: October 17, 2014
Price: $29.95
ISBN: 978-0778804871
Pages: 306
Buy Links: Amazon

Description: 

Now available for the first time, the definitive collection of holiday recipes from the ladies of Best of Bridge.

For two decades thousands of families have made Best of Bridge recipes part of their holiday celebrations. These fans and new ones will enjoy the tried and true tradition of Christmas Morning Wife Saver on Christmas morning, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes accompanied by Beef Tenderloin with Peppercorn Sauce for a dinner with family or company, and Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Squares for their neighborhood cookie exchange.

These classic recipes come from Best of Bridge fan favorites as well as new recipes which are sure to become instant holiday classics. The best holiday-worthy roasts and other special entrees for celebrations are here, along with fabulous recipes for holiday brunches and lunches, buffets and pot lucks, as well as festive libations and holiday cookies and squares.

What makes this collection extra special are the two chapters devoted to Leftovers and Food Gifts. Fortunately those sumptuous holiday repasts usually have leftovers. This handy chapter includes incredible recipes for transforming those unused portions into another delicious meal. Nothing says "happy holidays" more than a gift of home-made-from-scratch food. From homemade toffee to seasoned nuts and preserves the Bridge ladies provide a huge cache of gift giving ideas.

Billy's Thoughts:

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Review - Easy Everyday Slow Cooker Recipes


Courtesy of EasyEveryday Slow Cooker Recipes by Donna-Marie Pye, 2014 © www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission.

Easy Everyday Slow Cooker Recipies
by Donna-Marie Pye
Publisher: Robert Rose
Pub. Date: June 26, 2014
Price: $24.95
ISBN: 978-0778804833
Pages: 352
Buy Link: Amazon
Description:

Whether cooking for two or serving a crowd, this book makes easy work of creating delicious, soul-satisfying slow cooker meals.

In this gorgeous, full-color book with more than 80 photographs, there are 200 recipes to explore and experiment with, featuring the best of North American regional cuisine, as well as globally inspired dishes from cultures around the world.

Each recipe is created with convenience in mind with a good balance of those that require a few extra minutes of preparation versus others where all the ingredients can be added at once.

Most of the recipes serve from four to eight people and can be adapted to every slow cooker size. There are also many recipes that will suit any family from chapters such as Meals for Two and Big-Batch Dinners. With a bit of advance planning the inspiring recipes in Double-Duty Dinners will turn tonight's dinner into tomorrow's feast, simultaneously banishing that dreaded remark, "...That again?"


Billy's Thoughts:

Friday, December 12, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 - The Food Substitute Bible



The Food Substitute Bible 
Second Edition
by David Joachim
Publisher: Robert Rose
Pub. Date: September 2, 2010
Price: $24.95
ISBN: 978-0778802457
Pages: 696
Buy Link: Amazon

Description:

This expanded, updated and revised edition of the IACP-award-winning reference puts even more useful cooking information at the fingertips of home cooks. This reissue is perfectly timed as the perfect companion to the new, second edition of The Cook's Essential Kitchen Dictionary

This comprehensive, easy-to-use guide is organized from A to Z, with thousands of alternatives that can quickly and easily solve on-the-spot cooking dilemmas. Whether a substitute for a key ingredient or utensil, or simply how to create a different flavor or texture, there is a wealth of fresh and enjoyable ideas that will inspire confidence in the kitchen.

Billy's Thoughts:

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Review - Live Original by Sadie Robertson




Live Original
by Sadie Robertson
with Beth Clark
Publisher: Howard Books
Pub. Date: October 28, 2014
Price: $22.99
ISBN: 978-1476777801
Pages: 210
Buy Link: Amazon

Descrpiton:

Seventeen-year-old Sadie Robertson—star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and daughter of Willie and Korie Robertson—shares her outlook on life as she opens up about herself and the values that make her family what it is.

Sadie Robertson represents everything that a well-adjusted teenager should be, even while growing up in the spotlight on Duck Dynasty. She exhibits poise, respect for her family and friends, and a faith that influences her choices. Everyone wants to know how a family as eclectic as the Robertsons are raising such confident, fun, family-loving kids. With this book, Sadie sheds light on the values instilled by her family that make her the person she is.

Sadie lives by a simple list of principles that lead her to personal and spiritual growth and allow the relationships she has with her friends and family to flourish. These values include think happy, be happy; dream big; shake the hate; do something; and many more.

Living as a culturally relevant teen who loves God and her family, Sadie has become a role model for other teens and for parents who are eager to instill the same characteristics in their children.

Billy's Thoughts:

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Review: Adventure Time Crafts: Flippin' Adorable Stuff To Make From the Land Of OOO




Adventure Time Crafts
Flippin' Adorable Stuff To Make From the Land Of OOO
by Chelsea Bloxsom
Publisher: Potter Craft
Pub. Date: October 7, 2014
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-0804185660
Pages: 144
Buy Link: Amazon

Description:

With Jake the dog and Finn the human, the crafts will never end! Learn how to stitch, paint, sculpt, and crochet more than 23 projects featuring your favorite Adventure Time™ characters. You'll find designs by fans just like you for plush toys, chic jewelry, crafty home decor, and stylish fashions straight from the Candy Kingdom .



Billy's Thoughts

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: House of Robots by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein





House of Robots
by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Pub. Date: November 24, 2014
ISBN: 978-0316405911
Price: $13.99
Buy Link: Amazon

Description:

In this new highly-illustrated series from James Patterson, an extraordinary robot signs up for an ordinary fifth grade class... and elementary school will never be the same!

It was never easy for Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez to fit in, so he's dreading the day when his genius mom insists he bring her newest invention to school: a walking, talking robot he calls E--for "Error". Sammy's no stranger to robots--his house is full of a colorful cast of them. But this one not only thinks it's Sammy's brother... it's actually even nerdier than Sammy. Will E be Sammy's one-way ticket to Loserville? Or will he prove to the world that it's cool to be square? It's a roller-coaster ride for Sammy to discover the amazing secret E holds that could change family forever... if all goes well on the trial run!

Billy's Thoughts:

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: JOE POD Coffee Converter

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Sleep Well for Kids: Relax at Bedtime Review & Giveaway



Sleep Well For Kids: Relax at Bedtime
Label:  Live Well Series


The Original

Price:

$18.22 (Amazon)
$9.99 (iTunes)

Buy Links:



Under the Sea

Price:
$16.82 (Amazon)
$9.99 (iTunes)

Buy Links:


Description:

Sleep Well for Kids features the silky voice and soothing guided imagery written and performed by Janet Montgomery CH.t. Mixed with Jeff Gold's beautifully relaxing melodies, they combine to create a nurturing atmosphere that can help children & their parents drift off to sleep.

Janet guides you on a leisurely stroll through her neighborhood to a farm where we are introduced to a variety of friends with a simple message of kindness to all animals, and respect for nature as we are relaxed to sleep. 


Billy's Thoughts:

Friday, December 5, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Specialty Holiday Decaf Coffee Gift Basket Review & Giveaway!



Specialty Holiday Decaf Coffee Gift Basket 
by Coffee Beanery

Price:
$27.95

Description:

9 Samplers (1.75 oz) of  Freshly Roasted, 100% Arabica Decaf
Urban Wrangler Logo Travel Mug

Facts:
All Coffee is freshly ground for Automatic Drip.
Each coffee sampler makes approx one 6-8 cup pot of coffee.
 
Buy Link:


Billy's Thoughts:

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Feng Shui Gift Boxes


The Kitchen Box

Feng Shui Gift Boxes
from FengShwag

Prices:
$5 & Up

Description from FengShwag:

"Feng shui means "wind and water" and these two symbols stand as the eloquent shorthand for the never-ending movement of chi that ebbs and flows through everything in the universe."
The graceful wind blows the ever expanding waves and together they dance in harmony infusing chi or energy within and without our lives. Feng shui is based on the principle that everything that surrounds us has a unique energy of its own. Feng shui wisdom believes that objects we place in our surroundings has an intimate effect on our well-being.


The objects, their elementals make-up and color, the balance of yin and yang, the correct directions we face when we sleep and work- all are enhanced with the proper placement of SYMBOLS which vibrate with energy and infuse our lives with meaning and inspiration.

Buy Links:


Billy's Thoughts:

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Review - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History





Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History
by Andrew Farago

Publisher:
Insight Editions

Pub. Date:
June 24, 2014

Retail:
$50.00

Pages:
 192 pages

 Description:

Discover the complete story of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the first time–from their humble beginnings in black-and-white comics created in a home studio in Dover, New Hampshire, to their multimillion-dollar breakout success, and their position as four of the best-loved characters of all time.

Featuring interviews with every key figure in the Turtles’ evolution, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History presents the tale straight from the mouths of those who were there, including co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, animation legend Fred Wolf, creature effects maestro Brian Henson, and even the man behind the “Ninja Rap,” Vanilla Ice.

 In visually stunning detail, this book explores each iteration of the Turtles from the past to the present, including the hit animation show from Nickelodeon and the Michael Bay–produced live-action movie from Paramount starring Megan Fox. Bringing together the rarest art and artifacts from three decades of TMNT comics, TV shows, and films, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History leaves no shell unturned!

Buy Link:



Billy's Review:

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 - Snowman Throw



Snowman Throw
From: Oriental Trading

Retail:

$15.00
(on sale for $11.98)

Size:

60"L x 52"W

Description:

Let this cozy snowman family keep you warm all winter. Made of fleece with a stitched edge, you'll reach for this soft blanket all winter long. Give this throw as a Christmas gift or use it to decorate a chair for the holidays. 

Facts:

Machine Wash Cold
Imported

Buy Link:

Oriental Trading

Billy's Thoughts:

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Plush Mr & Mrs. Softly The Snowman Set


 
Plush Mr & Mrs. Softly The Snowman Set 
 
From: Oriental Trading

Retail:
$25

Sale Price:
$22.48

Product Description:

Make your mantel or tabletop a little more merry with a snowman scene sure to make hearts melt! Place this snowman couple in any room and create a winter wonderland with pine cones, holiday wreaths or even bed of faux snow for a fun frosty look this Christmas!

Facts:

(2 pcs. per set) 10" - 13" x 12"

Buy Link:

Oriental Trading

Billy's Thoughts: 

Friday, November 28, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Mighty Bright Lighted Seam Ripper


Mighty Bright Lighted Seam Ripper
by Mighty Bright

Retail:

$9.99

Description:

The Lighted Seam Ripper and Magnifier is the new secret weapon of quilters, sewers and embroiderers. This innovative model integrates both a light and a magnifier into one cleverly compact unit. The seam ripper features a sharp metal blade that unfolds from the main handle. It allows you to tackle seams and buttons with a genius combination of illumination and magnification. A 1.25″ lens quadruples the image size of your blade and stitch. The enlarged area is brightened by an energy-efficient LED, bringing details into sharp focus. Its ergonomically shaped handle offers a comfortable grip as you rip, snip and cut away. Durable ABS plastic construction and three micro cell batteries keep the weight at a minimum. The Seam Ripper is an incredible value for a slender dynamo. It fits nicely into any sewing kit, until you’re ready to get down to business ripping seams. 

Buy Links:



Billy's Thoughts:

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Take The Best Photos and Videos With The New Action Cameras!

With only 46 days until Black Friday, you have very little time to start your holiday gift list for your family and friends. You probably be a little busy with Halloween and Thanksgiving to pay attention to all the cool new gadgets being released, which is one of the reasons why I wanted to mention about the new action cameras called GoPro HERO4 that can be purchased at your nearest Best Buy store or online at www.bestbuy.com.

There are three different GoPro HERO4 cameras being released: HERO4, HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver, all of which captures the same great footage that made GoPro one of the best-selling cameras in the world.


GroPro HERO4 facts:
  • high‐quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video
  • 5MP photos up to 5 fps
  • 12x more powerful processor with 2x faster video frame rates