Mary's Cup of Tea

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Fake Emails

Everyone, you are getting emails from a hacker, please disregard the idiots! I am not in Spain and I am not in trouble. I am home, fine and watching Dancing with the Stars and Castle.

Lord, what a mess! I am being swamped with emails from everyone so I thought I better do a quick post. I have a Giveaway Event that starts at midnight and thought I better just issue a post instead of trying to get ahold of everyone separately.

I just got another shock! They deleted everything in my email account which means I have no way of getting in contact with sponsors about prizes due until I can retrace my steps. This might take me awhile as I contact them thru their General Email accounts but I know they will come thru for me.

Also, if I am scheduled to do a giveaway with you, I have lost all that information. This is more for the people I signed up with to help promote events. I had some already on my blog waiting to publish but I think I had some book blasts and various small events that I can't remember. Also, if anyone knows the email address of the rep who sends us opps for giveaways only (I think name of company is PartnersHub and I just finished a giveaway about the Chick Filet coupons. He is a PR agent and I have no contact info now that all my info has been deleted.

I have changed my password and set up extra security so for the time being, I am not changing the email account because I need for sponsors to get with me when they realize I am not contacting them about winners, reviews that have been posted, etc.

I also have left Yahoo a message about my account being hacked and asked if my saved emails can be downloaded again. But, I am not gonna wait on an email and I have their security number. I will be calling them in the morning ASAP, so I am hoping they can recover some of my stuff. I will let you know if that is not possible.

The Help Line says they can only download emails that are less than 48 hours old and that will kill me because a lot of my sponsor emails were before then. I am hoping they mean new emails coming in and not saved emails that I had. If they can retain my saved emails I will be happy with that.

If you can, please refrain from emailing me until I let you know that they have completed the download. They said when they do that that all new emails will be wiped out. So, on 5/14 DO NOT send me any emails or they will be lost. Wait until I give you the clear signal.

Thanks to all of you have alerted me to this. If you are a sponsor, please email me or leave me a message on the Contact Me on this blog so that I know if I owe you a review or you need a winner's information. If you are a blogger that I promised to help promote your giveaway, please do the same. I don't want to take any chances of missing you while waiting on Yahoo for their answer.

Anyway, Thank You for being concerned and it's all taken care of. Love all of you for looking out for me!

Radz Candy Dispenser Giveaway

The new hit around this house and soon to be our school is Radz candy dispensers. You can find my review on them HERE.

Radz Brands has just released their new Gone Wild line of animal-themed candy dispensers that are techy too. Radz candy dispensers are the interactive toy, candy, and online experience that have invaded specialty shops all over the country.

The migration continues with the introduction of four new friends - Scratch the Tiger, Bandit the Zebra, Spanky the Monkey and Squeak the Penguin - collectively known as Radz Gone Wild! With summer just around the corner, your local zoo is sure to make a great day trip, and what better way to enhance the experience than with these collectable cuties.

We had received Squeak The Penguin and Scratch the Tiger and the kids loved them!

They came with candy and my kids favorite accessory, the cool shades!

Rads have hooks on then so your child can take their Radz anywhere. My kids love to hook their Radz on their back pack and take them to school. They have become a hit! Radz also makes cool lanyards that allow you to keep your Radz on you at all times. Caden loves his!

Want to win one for your cutie? You can choose 1 of 4

Giveaway brought to you by BabyDashCo

Starts on May 15th and Ends June 1, 2013

Enter Below on the Rafflecopter. Open to the U.S. only. Good Luck Everyone! I have been trying to find some fun, cool things for your kids to enjoy and I hope I have caught several that they will like.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, May 17, 2013

MyPerfectGift.com Canon PowerShot Camera Giveaway

What's on Dad's Wishlist?

Enter to win a Canon PowerShot A400IS

Do you know what dad wants ?

MyPerfectGift.com lets you buy the gift your loved ones really want.

Have Dad create a FREE MyPerfectGift.com registry and you

will know exactly what to get him!

How to be Eligible to Win:

Create a registry with at least 3 gifts or add to an existing registry.

(Sign-up with one click using Facebook)

When you sign up please use “MESSYMAMA” in the “Referred By” box.

One lucky winner will receive a Canon PowerShot 16.0 MP Digital Camera!!!

Hosted by: Confessions of a Messy Mama

Narcotic Nation Book Spotlight & Giveaway

ABOUT NARCOTIC NATION:

It’s present-day America, but in which all Narcotics were legalized fifteen years ago with the advent of the Freedman Bill (the formal name for the Legalization). While there is finally plenty of money to pay police, teachers, firemen, and other public workers, and no one in the country is without food, shelter, or insurance, the government now utilizes methods designed to keep usage within a safe parameter…violating many Constitutional rights in the process.

The country is torn by this decision. There are the Realists, who firmly feel that since drug use isn’t going away, that they should tax it, make it available, and put those trillions toward improving the country and its citizens. The Idealists are convinced we are allowing our baser instincts to be used for the good of the politicians, and are fiercely fighting for the bill to be overturned.

In the midst of all this, rock band Deus Ex Machina (latin for “God from the Machine”), having won an American Idol-type competition, executes its first world tour. Roped into participating by his lead singer girlfriend, Raven, bassist and aspiring politico Ashe Brecken is dismayed when his band actually wins on live television. But there’s a silver lining for him—he can use his newfound celebrity toward a purpose.

Working hand in hand with Stay Straight, the organization dedicated to overturning the Legalization, his dedication borders on zealotry. What he doesn’t know is there is a saboteur in the band…someone that supports the Legalization and the help it offers to sick and hungry children. After a public humiliation completely discredits him in the eyes of Stay Straight and the entire country, As he deploys deadly designs to make his statement to the world.

Turning to someone he’s long despised to assist him in this dangerous effort, this longtime band of friends find themselves keeping treacherous secrets from each other while they’re in the midst of changing not only the nation, but the whole world.

But at what cost?

Purchase your copy at AMAZON

ABOUT SCARLETT SAVAGE

Scarlett Savage was born and raised in Maine. She began her writing career at age 5 after reading LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS. When she finished the book, she announced to her family that she would become an author.

She began to write stories but soon turned her attention to the theater, which led her to explore playwriting. By the time she was in high school, she was writing for professional stage companies in Maine. She received a full scholarship to the University of Maine at Orono, where she won her first major writing awards.

Her play, DEAR DADDY, LOVE CASSIE, won several awards and raised money for both national and regional sexual assault support centers. Scarlett moved to Los Angeles in 2009 and made her L.A. theater debut with her latest play, SHE F*&KING HATES ME: A LOVE STORY. She lives in Santa Monica with the love of her life, Mike Biggie, who designed the cover of NARCOTIC NATION.

Visit her website at www.ScarlettSavage.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Inside the Shadow Book Review

We have another Rick Morgan Mystery Book to read and see if we can solve it before the ending! This one is called Inside the Shadow written by G. William Parker. This is the third book in a series of mysteries that Rick Morgan is trying to solve.
Here is an excerpt from the back of the book:

The deaths of Harriett Miller and her Russian cohorts close Rick Morgan's latest investigation. Needing solitude and comfort Rick heads for the only place he finds it, in a pair of seductive green eyes in San Francisco. But then a strange turn of event creates a question, pulling him back to Seattle for the answer.

Playing a hunch with the help of Vince, a retired Seattle PD homicide detective, Rick begins to revisit the past. Digging into the old puzzles he finds some new pieces and when fitted together uncovers a startling surprise. Someone is rewriting history ... but why?

A photo will bring Rick face to face with the answer. With that solution every detail and clue, every murder and interview will suddenly make sense. And with that implication comes two revelations. First, it wasn't always "not everything's what it appears to be" but also "not everyone." And second, reality is often harsh and costly, especially when the price is someone close to you.

Oh, I knew this was coming! I had my suspicions from the first book actually but really got a buzz on the second book. But still, I hated it for Rick to end the way it did. Are you writing a fourth book, Mr. Parker? Maybe he can go on to a new mystery?

This trio of books about Rick Morgan, a bigwig of an Insurance company gets a bone stuck in his caw somehow and won't rest until he knows the whole truth and nothing but the truth in why his company paid out $20 million in a life insurance policy. This story takes him all up and down the west coast in search of answers but for some reason, it just leads to more mysteries.

The only thing I did not get was why the girls gave him the evidence to track down what really happened and then they don't follow thru and leave Rick wondering what the heck happened!

It was almost like they got their kicks from making him squirm and wonder where everyone was at or trying to stall so he misses enough work that he loses his job? That was on possibility but in the end, they showed no hate or animosity towards Rick so I am baffled at the whole plan. Why could he not have had what he wanted most and it was taken away without so much of a blink in the eye?

Well, one possibility occurred to me and that was, it's too bad Emily was a little young for him because the way they were able to read each other (more Emily reading Rick than he reading her). She was there when no one else was or I am beginning to think he is a little freaky himself. I wonder if he sabotages all of his relationships unknowingly?

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy but at least he got the $20 million solved. Poor ole Rick sure did take a blow to the stomach but I have the feeling it won't last long! After all, he is a player and how he kept up with all those women was beyond my belief but in the end that cost him what he sought all along and he just didn't realize it yet.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Mary Bearden personally reviewed these products. I did not receive any monitary compensation for my review, just a sample product. All opinions are mine and belong to me solely. My thoughts and opinions may differ from yours.

The Cat that God Sent & The Dog that Talked to God Book Tour

I have two wonderful and cute books to tell you about that were both written by Jim Kraus and let's talk about The Cat that God Sent first.

Here is an excerpt from the back of the book:

Meet Petey, your not-so-average cat—on a mission from God

Disillusioned young pastor, Jake Wilkerson, has just arrived at his new assignment in the small rural church of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Also new on the scene is Petey, a cat of unknown origins and breed—but of great perception.

As Jake sets about doing the business of ministry, Petey’s continued interference brings chaos to the community of curiously off and eccentric people—residents like the faith-avoiding veterinarian Sally Grainger and Tassy, a young runaway with a secret.

An expert at hiding his fears, Jake wonders if all this—and the cat to boot—is more than he can handle. What is Petey’s real “mission”? Perhaps something larger than Jake—or even Petey—can possibly know.

Purchase a copy here.

I love this cute story about the pastor who is a little disillusioned and doesn't know what to do and when he arrives at his new church, there is a cat sitting there and he decides to call him Petey. As he is struggling with day to day living, he forgets that God never gives us anything to lose, we just think we are lost, but he knows where we are at all times.

I was very thoughtful of the story with the teen who showed up and in need of help. I was gratified that the church and Jake never turned their backs on her.

Before long, people are coming back to church and Jake realizes his church has grown and a lot of it has to do with Petey, his cat. Petey is attracting a lot of attention because they know that Petey is the Cat that God Sent!

Happy Reading!

And now we have the second book that Jim Kraus wrote, The Dog That Talked to God.

Here is an excerpt from the back of the book:

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God.

When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus…and God…knows.

Purchase a copy here

I think these two books would be awesome books to use in Bible Study or somewhere along those lines as they are both Christian based and having the pets steer the humans into situations that God really wants them in, is fascinating to read.

For example, Mary Fassler had been a great author who wrote about the Amish people and she was doing quite well until her husband and daughter died. So she quit talking to God and so God sent her Rufus, the miniature Schnauzer. She was shocked to learn he could talk to her and to God!

Rufus will lead her on a little adventure and boy, does she really take a leap of faith based on what her dog, Rufus is saying. Would I or you be able to do what Mary did? Wow, it was something big and I hope you get the book and read for yourself. It is definitely a very good healing book if you are in need of something to believe in again.

Happy Reading!

Meet Jim Kraus:

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has spent the last twenty years as a vice president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than twenty books and novels, including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God. He and his family live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature Schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat named (of course) Petey. www.jimkraus.com

Read what others are saying:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/jkraus

“I received the books for free from Litfuse Publicity Group/ Abingdon Press for this review”.

Private Selections Upside Down Cake Review

I recently had the pleasure of getting one of the above Upside Down Cakes and unfortunately, at my Kroger I only had 2 choices and that was the Amber Honey Apple Cake or the Chocolate and I knew we wouldn't eat the Apple Cake so I got the Chocolate Upside Down Cake. These cakes are all Private Selection cakes which is Kroger's premier line of products.

This top picture is what it looked like before we flipped it over.

Once you flip it over, the color changes because that darker part is the actual syrup icing.

We ended up liking the cake better than we thought we would. The cakes come frozen and once you heat them up as you can see from above, the chocolate syrup melted and was a little like a Brownie with Icing and then we added Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and boy, was that awesome! Mike added more chocolate syrup on top of his Vanilla Bean Ice Cream but I left mine alone.

I loved the two flavors, actually make that three, because the cake beside itself if you scraped the icing off was good, then adding the syrup changed it into a more dark chocolate like cake and then the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream gave it back some of it's sweet taste.

Of course when Mike proceeded to top his off with even more syrup, it really got sweet then because he used Hershey's syrup that you use to make Chocolate Milk.

I ate mine plain a few times to just get a whole new taste plus had to stop that ice cream kick as I am sure it added a lot more calories than I care to admit. All in all though, I think this was an awesome cake and I hope to be able to taste the German Chocolate Cake sometime. Don't know how that will work because Mike hates German Chocolate because he can't stand coconut!

I can't even have a regular Coconut Cake or a Coconut Pie because he refuses to eat either one. So, about the only time I get Coconut Cake is at Thanksgiving when his whole extended family get together and one of the Aunt's make a Coconut Cake that is to die for! My Mom used to make the best Coconut Cream pie, I can still imagine how it looked and tasted! Pure heaven.

Oh, one thing I should mention, I keep my cake in the fridge and we only heat it up when we want a slice. I did not bake the whole cake because I got to thinking, the runny chocolate icing/syrup will not be good for the cake either from making it soggy or just not tasting good after being baked in the microwave and then put back in the fridge.

I found this in the About Us section:

Private Selection™ places an emphasis on fresh, authentic ingredients to bring you only the finest culinary experiences. Our gourmet and artisan items continually change as food trends evolve, so you can be sure we’re always offering you the best.

From artisan-inspired breads to creamy Greek yogurt to applewood-smoked bacon, our products will feed your passion for gourmet food experiences in your own kitchen. Indulge your senses, enliven your taste buds and enjoy the moment with Private Selection.

Don't forget to go by Private Selections and grab your $1 or $2 off coupon of an Upside Down Cake so you can try one too. Now, just remember, that all Kroger's might not carry all three cakes, like the one near me just had two. Then there may be those of you who live in larger cities that will get to choose from all three.

Doesn't that German Chocolate Cake look awesome? I can't understand why Mike would not want to taste this! Well, I may have to get one anyway and just keep it all for myself! If any of you get to try this one, I would love to know if it tastes as good as it looks.

Connect with Private Selections:

Facebook | Pinterest |

Contact by Phone: 800-576-4377

Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop

Love in Bloom

Giveaway Hop

Featuring Lighthearted/Contemporary Young Adult Romance

& Sweet, Clean Adult Romance

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Portrait of a Book

Open from May 16th to the 22nd

Welcome to Mary's Cup of Tea and my contribution to the Love In Bloom Giveaway Hop! I have two really romantic books that I think you will enjoy!

1.) Blue Moon Promise

2.) Sixty Acres and A Bride

Good Luck Everyone! Open in the U.S. only. Don't forget to follow the list below to enter to win some more awesome books! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

$500 Visa or Amazon GC Giveaway Sign Ups

Calling all bloggers! Here's a FREE HUGE GIVEAWAY EVENT for you to join!

Open to ALL SELF HOSTED BLOGS only. No wordpress.com, blogspot.com, tumblr and the likes. You're entitled to ONE FREE LINK to your social media network in exchange of:

1. Posting an announcement post. Grab the announcement post here.
2. Posting about the giveaway event. The HTML code will be provided.
3. Promoting the giveaway AT LEAST ONCE A DAY.

Sign-up closes on May 19, 2013. We are taking up to 50 bloggers only. SO SIGN UP EARLY! Dates to remember:

Start: May 21, 2013 12:01 AM EST End: June 11, 2013 11:59 PM EST

GIVEAWAY PRIZE: $500 Visa Gift Card or Amazon Gift Code (or Paypal Cash equivalent)

Eligibility: Open WORLDWIDE

BLOGGER REFERRAL PRIZES: 1 WINNER - $80 Paypal cash 2 WINNERS will host a follow page (of Rafflecopter code)

Big thanks to our generous sponsors:

| Complete Personal Finance | Life and Leisure | Travelers' Joint |

By signing up, you agree with the terms mentioned above.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Air Walker Bounce Castle Giveaway Sign Ups

Free Blogger Opp!!

Air walker Bounce Castle Giveaway

Hosted by: So Sew Mama

Also looking for additional sponsors.

Please contact me at sosewmama @ gmail dot com

Referral Prize! Free co-host!!

5/20 - 6/14

Free Twitter link!

Free second link with announcement!

SIGN UP HERE!!

This looks like a lot of fun and could give your youngster plenty of hours of fun and physical activity which is a good thing. Please let them know that Mary Bearden at Mary's Cup of Tea referred you.