Dry Idea AdvancedDry Deodorant Giveaway ending Soon!

Check it Out!  There is only 2 days left to enter the Dry Idea AdvancedDry Deodorant Giveaway!

GO HERE and enter to win one of 3 coupons good for a Free Dry Idea AdvancedDry product! 



Homeschool Resource: Free Look What I Can Do! easy reader from SAMHSA

Check it Out!  SAMHSA has another really great Free Publication available!  Head over HERE and you can get Look What I Can Do!, an easy reader for ages 5 - 6. 

 This 16" x 19" oversized book reinforces positive, healthy choices. It's suitable for parents or educators and features the Building Blocks for a Healthy Future characters in a story that encourages children to read, learn to solve problems, and make healthy decisions.

This is an excellent homeschool resource.

Free Circus tickets for babies up to 12 months old!

Check it Out!  The Ringling Brothers and Barnam & Bailey Circus wants to help your child experience the circus!  They have a Baby's First Circus program that allows parents of any child up to 12 months old to get a Free ticket for them to attend the circus and a certificate too! 

GO HERE and get all the info and to register.



Book Review: Escapement by Rene Gutteridge

Escapement

By: Rene Gutteridge

 

About the Book:
"In each installment of 7 Hours, a character is visited by the enigmatic Thomas Constant, who makes a heart-stopping statement: “You are about to die. But you may choose from one of three options: Live seven more hours, travel back in time and relive seven hours, or accept the inevitable and die now.”
Mattie Bigham has lost his job, is losing his wife, and is not losing any weight. At just under four hundred and fifty pounds, he figures his doctor’s prediction that he's going to drop dead any second is about to come true. He is right.
When Thomas Constant appears, Mattie chooses murder—to carry out revenge on the bully who tormented him all through school. Except when he arrives for the showdown, he’s shocked to find this man in a scenario not unlike his own. Things get complicated quickly, and time is running out.
The clock is ticking. What will you do with the time you have left?"

About the Author:

"Rene Gutteridge is the author of eighteen novels, including Listen, the Storm series (Tyndale House Publishers) and Never the Bride, the Boo series, and the Occupational Hazards series from WaterBrook Press. She also released My Life as a Doormat and The Ultimate Gift: The Novelization with Thomas Nelson. Rene is also known for her Christian comedy sketches. She studied screenwriting while earning a mass communications degree, graduating magna cum laude from Oklahoma City University and earning the Excellence in Mass Communication Award. She served as the full-time director of drama for First United Methodist Church for five years before leaving to stay home and write. She enjoys instructing at writers conferences and in college classrooms. She lives with her husband, Sean, a musician, and their children in Oklahoma City. Visit her Web site at www.renegutteridge.com."

 

My Review:

Since I have become a Rene Gutteridge fan I just had to read Escapement, and I was super intrigued with the whole collection of 7 Hour novellas.  In this one Rene has created quite a character in Mr. Matthew Bingham.  Overweight and loosing it all, Mattie's takes the option to extend his life and plans to murder the person who bullied him.  But unfortunatly his plan isn't perfect by any means.
I am not to sure I liked Mattie at first but as you read you begin to almost empathize with him and his situation.  He is one big mess and once Mattie finds his bully he realizes that things are exactly like he thought they were and now he has to alter his plan because after all he only has 7 more hours to live!  Through a series of revelations and events Mattie realizes that he does need God, but will it save him?
This is a quick, although slightly strange story that kept my attention from beginning to end and I can't wait to check out all the other 7 Hour installments now!

*I received this book compliments of Tyndale House Publishers for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.

Today's All You Free Sample - Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut

Check it Out!  Today's All You Free Sample is Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut.  You can GO HERE to find out how to get yours.

Sunday Coupon Preview - 6/30

Check it Out!  It looks like there will be 1 P&G coupon insert this week.  As always you can GO HERE and get a rundown of what specfic coupons to expect.  Happy clipping!



Free Starbucks Tall Hot Brewed Coffee 7/4 only

Check it Out!  If ya stop by a Starbucks on July 4th you can snag a Free Tall Hot Brewed Coffee!  Valid July 4th only, no coupon needed!

Today's All You Free Sample - Free Popcorn at Regal Cinemas

Check it Out!  Today's All You Free Sample is Free Popcorn at Regal Cinemas.  You can GO HERE to find out how to get yours.

50% off Papa John's online via Party City thru 7/4

Check it Out!  Party City and Papa John's Pizza have teamed up to help you have a super Pizza Party and when you order online at Regular Menu price from PapaJohns.com and use Promo code:  PARTY50, you will get 50% off your order!  Can't beat that!  Available online only thru 7/4/12!

Don't forget to join Papa John's Rewards and start earning Free pizzas for your purchases!

End of the Month Coupon Rundown

Check it Out!  It's the end of the month so it's time to fire up the printer and get those you printables coupons you want before they are gone. Here are a few that caught my attention this morning:
 

Buy 1 POM Wonderful 48 oz. Juice, Save $2.00. Expires 7/31/2012.

Save $5.00 when you spend $15.00 on any Wisk® products by August 8, 2012.. Expires 8/8/2012.

$1.00 off any 2 Welch's Sparkling Juice Cocktails

$0.50 off two Softsoap Liquid Hand

 

And here is a rundown of what is available at Coupons.com right now:
Apparel

$3.00 off Dr. Scholl's insole item


Automotive$1.00 off on any ONE (1) Armor All Air Freshener


Baby & Toddler$0.75 off ONE Pampers Wipes 60 ct or larger

$2.00 off one package of GOODNITES Underwear

$2.00 off Any Similac SIMPLYSMART Bottle

$1.00 off Huggies Little Swimmers

$1.50 off ONE Pampers Swaddlers Diapers

$1.00 off two Gerber Organic baby food

$1.00 off U.S.A. Kids Cups Product

$1.50 off ONE Pampers Cruisers or Baby Dry Diapers

$2.00 off any 2 Playtex OrthoPro or Binky Pacifier


Beverages$0.60 off any (1) Silk Half Gallon or Larger

$1.50 off ON ONE (1) BOTTLE OF SK Energy

$1.00 off any 2 Welch's Sparkling Juice Cocktails

$1.00 off any (1) Silk Pure Almond Half Gallon

$1.25 off (2) Silk Pure Almond Half Gallons

$2.00 off two or more frozen Bacardi Mixers

$1.00 off (1) One NEW! Almond Plus

Buy One get One Free om SK ENERGY SHOTS


Books & Magazines$0.75 off July issue of People en Espanol

$1.00 off People Country Special


Entertainment$30.00 off monthly Dish Network

$29.99 for DirectTV Channels and a $75 Visa Card


Foods$1.00 off 2 HORMEL Bacon Toppings

$1.50 off any flavor Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entrée

$2.00 off ten Weight Watchers Smart Ones Product

$0.75 off any TWO (2) Bagel-fuls (4ct)

$0.55 off 1 Sargento Sliced Cheese

$1.00 off 1 IHOP at Home Frozen Breakfast item

Free Rice cup w/ purchase of 3 Ready Rice pouches

$1.00 off 1 package of Butterball Turkey Burgers

$0.55 off any Reser's Deli Salad

$2.00 off LLOYD'S Barbeque Ribs

$1.00 off Reser's American Classics 3 lb Salad

$0.55 off any Florida Crystals Sugar product

$1.00 off (4) LEAN CUISINE Varieties, 5-16 oz

$0.75 off Truvia Natural Sweetener

$1.00 off one Jimmy Dean Quesadilla

FRENCH'S HONEY MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE

$0.75 off 3 any variety LÄRABAR bars

$1.00 off Any Three Good 'n Natural Bars

$0.50 off FRENCH'S Dijon Mustard

$1.00 off 2 Weight Watchers Smart Ones Desserts

$1.00 off off any TWO (2) Post Kids Cereals- only

$0.50 off 8 CUPS any variety Yoplait Yogurt

$1.00 off HORMEL ALWAYS TENDER meat

$1.50 off When you buy Hidden Valley and Glad

$1.00 off Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices

$0.40 off one package Treasure Cave Cheese

$0.70 off ONE Kellogg's Crunchy Nut™ Cereal

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Yosicle™ product

$1.00 off TWO BOXES Cheerios cereals

$0.55 off 2 HORMEL Chili products

$0.55 off PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE Cream Cheese

$0.95 off 2 boxes of LEAN POCKETS Sandwiches

$1.00 off 2 General Mills adult cereals

$1.00 off two Nestle Stand Up Bag candy

$1.00 off 3 General Mills divisional cereals

$0.50 off TWO Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars

$1.00 off 1 package of belVita Breakfast Biscuits

$1.00 off 2 BALL PARK hot dogs

$0.50 off Newman's Own Salad Dressing

$0.50 off TWO Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Mixes

$1.00 off ONE MorningStar Farms Veggie Foods

$1.00 off 2 bags of NESTLE or WONKA candy

$1.00 off LLOYD'S Tubs or BBQ

$1.00 off TWO (2) LUNCHABLES with Fruit

$0.30 off 4 oz. or larger HARIBO product


Health Care$2.00 off any Lotrimin or Lotrimin Ultra

$3.00 off any ONE TruBiotics™ product

$1.00 Off any One A Day Multivitamin product

$2.00 off Florastor probiotic

$4.00 off any Slo-Niacin

$1.00 off On LIttle Tummys Gripe Water or any Lit

$1.00 off Ocean Nasal Saline product

$1.00 off on any one (1) Vanquish Product

$5.00 off Centrum ProNutrients Supplement

$1.00 off any Citracal

$1.00 off ANY NEO-SYNEPHRINE PRODUCT

$1.00 off any Flintstones™ Multivitamin Product

50% off prescription

Up To 50% Off On Prescription Medication

$1.00 off Sundown Naturals Vitamin or Supplement

$2.00 off ONE (1) Konsyl Senna Prompt

$5.00 off on any size NasalCrom allergy product

$3.00 off Off the purchase of (1) Whey Protein OR

50% off any medication for one (1) year

$3.00 off on Florastor probiotic

Up To 50% off Prescription Medication

$1.00 off Nature's Bounty Vitamin or Supplement


Home Entertainment$3.00 off Predator on Blu-ray

$3.00 off John Wayne Film Collection on dvd

$3.00 off Valkyrie on Blu-ray

$3.00 off Alien Anthology on Blu-ray

$3.00 off Die Hard Collection on Blu-ray

$5.00 off THE BIG C: SECOND SEASON dvd

$3.00 off Man on Fire on Blu-ray

$3.00 off X-Men Trilogy on Blu-ray

$5.00 off Drop Dead Diva Season 3 dvd

$3.00 off City Slickers on Blu-ray

$3.00 off Kevin Smith 3 ? Film Collections


Household$1.00 off Palmolive Dish and Fresh Sponge

$1.00 off any TWO Shout products

$1.00 off Scotchgard Protector or Cleaner

$1.00 off Glade PlugIns Scented Oil refills

$3.50 off any Glade Sense & Spray starter kit

$1.00 off 2 Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles or fantastik

$1.00 off Comet stainless steel cleaning item

$5.00 off any 1 Rug Doctor™ Machine Rental

$10.00 off any FoodSaver Appliance

$1.00 off On the Purchase of Spot Shot Pet Aeroso

$20.00 off Bissell Steam & Sweep

$3.00 off AmeriGas Cylinder Exchange or Purchase

$2.00 off FoodSaver Heat-Seal Bag or Roll

$1.50 off 2 Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush Refill

$2.00 off Any ONE Garden Safe Fungicide

$5.00 off any ONE (1) gallon of Benjamin Moore

$3.00 off Glade PlugIns Scented Oil starter

$1.00 off any TWO Glade Decor Scents™ refills

$1.25 off on any Glade PlugIns Scented Oil warme

$0.50 off Lysol Brand Scrubber Sponges

$2.00 off any Glade Decor Scents™ holder

$0.75 off 1 Comet Bathroom Spray

$2.00 off Armstrong Concentrated Floor Cleaner

$2.00 off 2 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet gel

$1.00 off 2 Glade 4 oz. Jar candles


Office Supplies$0.50 off 1 roll Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape


Personal Care$2.00 off one EUCERIN PRODUCT 13.5 oz or larger

$1.00 off any gud product!

$2.00 off 20oz RevitaLens OcuTec Solution

$2.00 off any one (1) Clearasil PerfectaWash™

$1.00 off any adidas Deodorant Product

$3.00 off one Lac-Hydrin Five Product

Up to 50% off or more FDA drugs

$1.00 off any Mitchum or Mitchum for Women product

$1.00 off any (1) LISTERINE SMART RINSE 500ml

$2.00 off 2 packages of KOTEX Natural Balance

$1.00 off any Sally Hansen Nail Color Product

$1.00 off Sally Hansen Nail Treatment and Color

$2.00 off one GARNIER MOISTURIZER Product

$1.00 off ALMAY Cosmetics & Makeup Removers

$1.25 off ONE package of POISE Pads

$2.00 off 2 packages of U by KOTEX products

$1.00 off one GARNIER FRUCTIS Styling Product

$1.00 off Garnier Fructis shampoo or conditioner

$2.00 off any L'Oreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss

$1.00 off two Tone Body Wash

$0.50 off two Softsoap Liquid Hand

$1.00 off any Banana Boat Sun Care

$0.75 off ONE (1) Suave Body Wash

$0.75 off Clear eyes Product

$1.25 off ONE package of POISE Liners

$1.00 off 2x2 oz RevitaLens OcuTec

$2.00 off Any adidas for Him Fragrance Purchase

$1.00 off any New Skin product

$1.00 off Any Blink Tears or Blink Gel Tears

$4.00 off ONE Tube of AmLactin Ultra

$3.00 off any Heidi Klum Shine Fragrance

$2.00 off Any Jovan for Him Fragrance Purchase

$2.00 off Any Tim McGraw Fragrance Purchase

$2.00 off Any Stetson Fragrance Purchase

$2.00 off ROCK Natural Deodorant Men's Body Spray

$1.00 off any one Compound W product

$1.00 off L'Oreal Paris Sublime Sun Sunscreen

$1.00 off ONE DEPEND Real Fit or Silhouette, 12ct

$1.00 off 10oz or Larger RevitaLens OcuTec


Pet Care$3.00 off World's Best Cat Litter™ Formula

$1.00 off two (2) Cesar Cookie Crunchies

$1.00 off any TWO (2) Pounce Cat Treats

$1.00 off any ONE Milk-Bone Trail Mix dog snacks

$15.00 off $30 or more Dingo Dog Chews

$1.00 off Cat's Pride cat litter


Professional Services$100 Visa Card and ADT Security System

$5.00 off Your $25.00 Order at Vistaprint


Toys and Games$5.00 off Two (2) Polly Pocket Items

MyMemories Fab Friday Freebie - Purse Cards

Check it Out! It's time for another My Memories Fab Friday Freebie where every Friday you can come on back here and check out a new link to an exclusive Free My Memories download.

This weeks Freebie is a fab Purse Card that you can GO HERE and get.

All of the Friday Freebies will now be MyMemories Suite Compatible. What does that mean??? It means that you can now load the freebies directly into your MyMemories Suite Software, and then completely customize them with any paper and embellishments that you have.

Don't have the software? You can purchase the My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software and get a great deal on it right here at Check it Out! with Dawn! When you use code: STMMMS78766 you will get $10 off your purchase plus a $10 credit towards purchases in the My Memories store.

Using MyMemories Software to Customize your Purse Cards

1. Download template file and install it into your software
2. Using MyMemories Suite, choose Create Album From Designer Template and find your project
3. Now you can print and enjoy the provided template, or customize it with your own papers and embellishments.

Purse Card Tutorial

1. Print your Purse Card templates on cardstock and gather supplies. (Recommended supplies: small craft scissors, bone folder, 8-12" of ribbon, stapler, tape or velcro)
TIP: To print your information on the inside create another page with the template in place. Put all your text and embellishments in (leaving a little room on the edges) and then remove the template right before exporting or printing the inside page on the back of the first. This will keep from having to worry about if the templates line up exactly when cutting out your card.


2. Using the scissors cut along outside line.



3. Fold card at indentations.
TIP: Using a bone folder will help you get crisp edges on your project.


4. Repeat by folding down top flap.


5. Staple ribbon to both sides of your card on the inside to look like a strap or handle.


6. Enjoy the finished cards and share. Don't forget to use your imagination. The possibilites are endless!

TIP:
You can right-click on the white guide and lock it in place to keep it from moving while you are working. Make sure this is the top layer of your project before printing.
Instead of adding the paper as a background paper, you can add it as an embellishment so that you can move the paper around. This is especially useful when using papers with stripes or circles, so you can decide which part of the paper you want to use.
Once it is added as an embellishment, you can now select the paper and move it into the position you want it.
Just SAVE and PRINT on cardstock. Fold it up following the lines to create your photobox.

Check out this Video Tutorial that shows you how you can use outside content with your My Memories Suite Software and see how easy and versatile this scrapbooking software is!
Just look at my fab blog header! I made it using my MyMemories Suite!


*Using outside content in your My Memories Suite software* from Lisa Jurrens on Vimeo.
Don't forget to come back next Friday and snag another new MyMemories Fab Friday Freebie at Check it Out! with Dawn.

It's Mega Swagbucks Day



It's Mega Swagbucks Day and that means more chances to win more Swagbucks. Have you Swagged today? If you haven't signed up for Swagbucks, you have got to Check it Out! You can actually earn money via PayPal or Amazon.com Gift Cards for doing things you already do anyway! If you use a search box at least once a day then you can get you some Swagbucks too! And there are SO many ways to get Swagbucks that you will be so amazed at how quickly they add up.

I myself have made over $250 (in Gift Cards and PayPal cash) since I joined over a year ago! Downloading the Toolbar is one of the first things you should do after joining, I know nobody likes all those toolbars, but this one you NEED, not only does it remind you to do your searches with Swagbucks but you will get exclusive codes from TSG (The Swag Guy), not to mention that you get 1 SB everyday just for having it. You can snag 3 SB's everyday by visiting the Trusted Surveys page as well as participating in the Daily Poll and the NOSO (No Obligation Special Offers). Doing those things everyday will get you 4 Free SB's per day minimum. Taking advantage of Special Offers is one way to make quick SB's too, the new SBTV gives you SB's for watching videos. Be sure and Check out the How it Works Section to all the inside info and all the new ways to earn those Swagbucks including playing games! You can come back here to my blog at anytime and check out the widget at the bottom of the page. When you click on the SC tab it will tell you if there is an active Swagcode out. When you find a Swagcode just enter it into the gimme box on your Swagbucks homepage. Be Rewarded at Swagbucks.com, home of the web’s premier digital dollar: The Swag Buck! Start earning bucks today and you'll soon be cashing out for Free Prizes. No strings. No Bull. Start today! GO HERE to get started and get Swaggin'!

#AsurionSaves your mobile mishap & enter my $40 iTunes Giveaway

Check it Out! Cell phone mishaps are something everyone deals with at some point! I mean who hasn't dropped their phone in the toilet??? I sure have and it was not fun! Thankfully it wasn't dirty water or I would have freaked, but the cost was lost data and some damage to my phone :( Take your phone out of your pocket before squatting to use the toilet, especially if ya have them little pockets!

Sadly 1 in 4 people have a mobile mishap and that means lost photos, information and contacts, some of which are irretrievable and can not be replaced.
If your like me, your cellphone is sacred! For me, it's the only phone I use. I don't even pay for a landline anymore because of all that I can do with my smartphone, so when a mobile mishap occurs the results can be devastating.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Asurion.

As an Asurion Influencer I wanna share with you why handset insurance is so important!
From drowning to dropping to burying, cellphones are prone to so many accidents and with a complete Asurion Protection Package, that is available through most wireless companies, you can rest easier knowing that your technology is protected. Not only can you get coverage to replace your phone as soon as the next day, but you can even get expert device advice in just a click or call! File claims quickly and easily and know that your phone content in secure with Asurion.

Have you had a mobile mishap? Asurion would love to hear about it! You can GO HERE and share your story and you can read other stories as well. Very interesting I must say!

I am so excited that thanks to Asurion I get to give away a $40 iTunes Gift Card to 1 lucky Check it Out! with Dawn reader, so if you have recently lost data due to a mobile mishap, you are definitely gonna wanna enter...


*This Giveaway is Closed*

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.  Open to US residents only. 

Join the #DewCrew and help Call the Shots for the #88 Team

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Mountain Dew.

Check it Out!   I am SO excited that I am now a Dew Crew Insider and that means I get to spread the word about the Dew Crew and who could be better for that than a super Dale Jr. fan?  As a long time Jr. fan I have also been a Diet Dew fan and wow was it exciting to watch them win at Michigan. 
If your a Dale Jr. or Diet Mtn Dew fan you are definitely gonna wanna check out The Dew Crew! 
So what is the Dew Crew? 
Well it's a fab group of  Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Diet DEW Chevy, fans on facebook who actually help call the shots for the #88 team!  And they get access to amazing Dale Jr. and #88 team content like videos, trivia and sweepstakes. 
Head over HERE and get yourself in the Crew now!!!
See ya there!

*As a Dew Crew Insider I received information for purposes of this post however all opinions are my own!

Get a $1.50 off Children's Advil Coupon

Check it Out!  Head over HERE and "Like" Children's Advil on Facebook to snag a coupon good for $1.50 off any one Children's Advil product!

Read it Forward - 6/28

Check it Out!  Read it Forward has another opportunity to possibly win a free book!  The book this time is January First by Michael Schofield.  You can GO HERE and read what the book is about and enter the giveaway.  Ends 7/2/12

Free Mrs. Dash Samples - 30,000 a day!

Check it Out!  Head over HERE and you can snag 4 free Mrs. Dash samples for free!  They are giving away 30,000 samples a day and all you have to do is "Like" them on Facebook!

Hurry-today only FREE Bottle of 5-hour Energy

Check it Out!  Do you ever have that 2:30 feeling? 5-hour Energy FIXES TIRED FAST. It is for anyone who works hard day or night. Buy it at everyday low prices Online and receive Free Shipping on every order!  GO HERE to the only place on the web where you can try the nations #1 Energy Shot for Free. Order your free sample today only!!! Hurry!!!



Exclusive I Caught the Tooth Fairy offer!

Check it Out!  I don't know about you but loosing a tooth is such a memory for me and especially for my kids.  I still have all their baby teeth!  Eww, might seem gross, but that's just how sentimental I am!  My kids are older now and know all about the realities, but if you have a child that's questioning whether the Tooth Fairy is real, here is an awesome offer to get them proof that yes she is real!! 

At iCaughtTheToothFairy.com you can snag a Free Photo of your child in their own room with the Tooth Fairy looking over their shoulder!  In just 3 easy steps and using coupon code:  FAIRYFUN you can get proof that will blow your child away!!  How fun!  Capture a pic of your child sleeping and head over HERE to get started.  This coupon code is valid thru the end of the year!

Today's All You Free Sample - Sun-Maid Recipe Booklets

Check it Out!  Today's All You Free Sample is Sun-Maid Recipe Booklets.  You can GO HERE to find out how to get yours.

Beauty Box 5 delivers beauty must haves!

Check it Out!  If you love cosmetics, you might wanna check out Beauty Box 5.  Beauty Box 5 delivers a monthly Beauty Box with 4 - 5 cosmetic samples directly to your door for a small monthly fee. Your beauty box includes a variety of packet samples, deluxe samples, and full size product. You'll be introduced to innovative products and beauty must-haves without having to pay the retail value. Try before you buy and you'll never buy the wrong products again.

Today's All You Free Sample - Finish Quantum Dishwashing Detergent

Check it Out!  Today's All You Free Sample is Finish Quantum Dishwashing Detergent. You can GO HERE to find out how to get yours.

Check out USFamilyGuide.com for all your Family Fun needs!

Check it Out!  I am so excited to announce that I am now a USFamilyGuide.com Moms Connect Member!  What does that mean?  Well that means I will be sharing awesome resources and information for family needs like local family events and kid freindly restaurants!
At USFamilyGuide.com you will find resources like this and more right at your fingertips!  You will definitely want to Favorite this one!

*I received no compensation for this post and all opinions are my own.

Wednesday's Wares - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Platform: Playstation 3

Type: 3rd Person Adventure/Shooter

ESRB Rating: T for Teen

Story: Take control of Nathan Drake in his quest to find the lost "Atlantis of the Sands" and solve a long lost mystery, but beware a devious villian hides in the shadows, and is also after the treasure. Wield a variety of weapons and tactics to defeat your enemies, traverse dangerous terrain, and solve the mystery of Drake's Deception.

Graphics:  Graphics are absolutelly stunning. There are hardly any glitches or bugs, and the graphics makes you feel like you were actually up close with the hero.

Sound: Amazing orchastrated music enhances your adventure, from the quiet streets of a desert village, to the fast-paced bar fights in a London pub, the music adds a whole new layer of action and adventure.

Controls: Basic controls are mapped out easilly onto the Playstation controller, and new abilities are taught as you go, making the game very easy to master.

Extras: Along with it's main campaign, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception features a great Multiplayer feature, this however costs extra, and can be purchased from the Playstation Store. However, if you just want to play with a friend or familly member, you need only to hook up a 2nd controller, and play in the Co-Op Mode's Split Screen mode.

Overall Rating: 10 out of 10

Book Review: Submerged by Dani Pettrey

Submerged

by:  Dani Pettrey

About the Book:

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.
Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.
Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?

My Review:

Awesome!  I read this in less than 3 days and I don't get alot of time to read!  But I just couldn't wait to get back to it, once I had put it down.

Bailey Craig has a past and it is not one she is proud of, in fact it is Bailey's crutch in life, and the one man that she has ever loved is in the one place she vowed never to return to, Yancy.   The small town in Alaska is full of memories, bad and good but Bailey doesn't have a choice, she has to go back because her beloved Aunt Agnes has been killed and Bailey needs to settle her affairs.  Once home though, Bailey is pulled into a mystery involving dear old Aunt Agnes and some murders that may very well all be connected and not only does she have to face the one man that she thought she never would see again but she has to work with him to possibly save her own life.

There is a message of redemption and knowing that God can forgive you of your mistakes can be very liberating but it also takes courage and support, something Bailey has trouble with. I love the pace that the writer sets for the story, she lets you get to know Bailey and Cole and the rest of the characters all seem to fall into place.  The suspense builds in the beginning and the action continues til the end.  I really like the whole family dynamics and would love to get to know more about the other characters as well. 

This is the first book in the Alaskan Courage series and I can't wait for the second.  Two thumbs up!

*I received this book compliments of Bethany House for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Today's All You Free Sample - Nivea Lip Product

Check it Out!  Today's All You Free Sample is Nivea Lip Care.  You can GO HERE to find out how to get yours.

Free personalized Luggage Tags via KLM! Hurry limited quantities!

Check it Out!  KLM is offering up a Free Luggage Tag and these are some super cool tags!  You can personalize them with your own pic and all for Free!  I always try to take advantage of this offer when it arises, these would make great gifts too for someone who travels alot!

GO HERE to their Facebook page and claim yours, but hurry there is a limited quantity!!!  I got mine!

Tuesday's Tip - Microwaving

Check it Out!  I love my microwave and don't know what I would do without it!!  I reheat or cook with it pretty much everyday so today's tip is all about Microwaving!
So many foods can be cooked in the microwave including pasta, rice, fish, poultry, vegetables, potatoes and meats.  I always make my meatloaf and bacon in the microwave as well as baked potatoes.  Not only is it faster, they taste no different. 
When making meatloaf for the microwave, just remember to put a layer of tomato sauce on the top, I use ketchup, and to cover with saran wrap, leaving a 2" opening.  And for baked potatoes, just pierce the potato on each side with a fork to allow it to vent and cook for about 5 - 8 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoe.
When cooking bacon in the microwave, using a paper plate and paper towels allows for super easy clean up and the longer you cook it, the crispier it gets.  Just lay out strips on a paper plate, cover with paper towels and cook 5 - 7 minutes depending on the amount of bacon and how crispy you want it.

There are a few main things to remember no matter what your cooking or warming foods,
*always cover your dish -this allows the steam to build inside and that helps to kill any harmful bacteria and helps ensure more even cooking
*always stir and/or rotate your dish midway through to eliminate any cold spots and ensure more even cooking
*arrange poultry and fish so that the thinner ends are in the center with the
*always allow "Standing time" - which is just time after the "cooking" is done. When foods are microwaved they continue to cook while standing and allowing standing time lets the heat spread and level off.
*never use metal in the microwave
*make sure the glass dishes you use are microwaveable glass

And after all that cooking of course your gonna have to clean it and there are some easy ways to get that job done
*if your microwave is super cruddy, heat a bowl of water for 3 - 5 minutes and leave the door closed until the steam dissipates, then after carefully removing the hot water, use a moist cloth to wipe out the inside
*place 1/4 cup of vinegar in 1 cup of water and cook for 3 - 5 minutes to freshen and deodorize your microwave
*if a simple wipedown isn't enough, use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the tough spots

 

 

Matisyahu "Spark Seeker" Album Review & Giveaway

Check it Out!  Music is amazing and I love that it invokes so many feelings, memories and emotions.  I pretty much like a little of all music although I have my faves, but I was so intrigued with the song "Sunshine" by Matisyahu that when offered the opportunity to check out the new Album "Spark Seeker", I just had to take it. 

Spark Seeker which will be available July 17th is Matisyahu's bold new studio album that mixes ancient traditional sounds with futuristic electro beats, rapping with singing, songs of the spirit with songs of the body.

"This album is about seeking that spark within.”

Just check out the music video for Sunshine and get a little taste..

So when I first started listening to Spark Seeker, I wasn't sure I was going to like the album and I will be totally honest in that there are some songs I do not care for, but there are more I love than don't.  Songs like Breath Easy and Shine On and Sunshine are all so amazing, but it is Live Like a Warrior that I absolutely love and just cannot get enough of!  It may just be my new life theme!  I love the message and I love the beat.

The collection of music is so diverse, it's all just a wonderful mix of musical instruments and vocals.  From futuristic to traditional and all mixed in together, there is an element of rap and reggae also.  This is unlike any music I have ever listened to before and I kinda like it!

This is Matisyahu's fourth album and he has also announced an extensive summer tour with co-headliners Dirty Heads. 

TOUR DATES
**Denotes show w/Dirty Heads

6/16 - Thackerville, OK - Winstar World Casino
7/3 - Del Mar, CA - Del Mar Fairgrounds
7/5 – Quincy, CA High Sierra Music Festival
7/8 - Vienna, VA - The Wolftrap **
7/9 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live **
7/10 - Boston, MA - House of Blues **
7/11 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom **
7/12 - Stamford, CT - Alive at Five
7/14 - Philadelphia, PA - XFINITY Live!
7/15 - Costa Mesa, CA - OC Fair and Event Center
7/18 - Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel **
7/19 - Albany, NY - Northern Lights **
7/21 - Atlantic City, NJ - Showboat Atlantic City House of Blues **
7/22 - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony Summerstage **
7/23 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount Theatre **
7/25 - Portland, ME - State Theatre **
7/26 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom **
7/28 - Floyd, VA - Floydfest
7/29 - Randall's Island, NY - Catalpa Festival
7/30 - Pittsburgh, PA - Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead **
8/4 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Orbit Room **
8/5 – Detroit, MI Fillmore Auditorium**
8/7 - Chicago, IL - The Congress Theatre **
8/8 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave **
8/9 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave **
8/12 - Des Moines, IA - Simon Estes Amphitheatre **
8/14 - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Pavilion *Supporting Sublime
8/15 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion *Supporting Sublime
8/16 - St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless *Supporting Sublime
8/18 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre Outdoors**
8/19 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore **
8/20 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVa**
8/21 - Chesterfield, VA - Pocahontas State Park Amphitheatre **
8/22 - Chattanooga, TN - Track 29 **
8/23 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade - Music Park**
8/25 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues **
8/27 - Mobile, AL - Soul Kitchen **
9/4 – Austin, TX Austin Music Hall**
9/5 – Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom**
9/6 Council Bluffs, IA Harrah’s Casino at Stir Cove**
9/8 – Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium**
9/9 – Aspen, CO The Belly-Up**
9/10 – Salt Lake City, UT The Rail**
9/11 – Albuquerque, NM The Sunshine Theater**
9/12 – Phoenix, AZ The Marquee**
9/15 – Las Vegas, NV Hard Rock Hotel Pool Stage**
9/22 – Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom**
9/23 – Seattle, WA The Moore Theater**
9/26 – Boise, ID Knitting Factory**
9/27 – Lake Tahoe, CA MontBleu**

I am so excited that I get to share this amazing music with ya'll and thanks to Sneak Attack Media, 1 lucky Check it Out! with Dawn reader will win a copy of Spark Seeker once it is released!
Time for...

*This Giveaway is Closed*

Enter via Rafflecopter form below.  US residents only. 
Prize to be shipped the week of release date.

My Monday Mailbox - 6/25

Check it Out!  It's another magazine Monday!  Here is what came today:

*Coastal Living Magazine

*More Magazine

*Dirt Rider Magazine

*Better Homes & Gardens Magazine

*Publix Greenwise publication - has a $3 off Method coupon inside

*Nexcare bandage sample

*Bounty sample & coupon via Vocalpoint

*Coupon for a Free dozen of Eggs at my local Target!



Make It Monday - Bottomless Sandals

Check it Out!  Today's Make It is all about making your feet look just as pretty as the rest of ya!  How about a bottemless sandal?  Well with some beads and some stretch string you have the makings.  It is pretty easy and what is super cool is you can modify it in so many ways!

I have seen similar beaded pieces for up to $60 each!  For real!!!lol

So here are the basics to making the beaded one above:

 

You will need some stretch string, I used Stretch Magic, beads and buttons.

 

I used a 24" piece of string, it allows me for plenty of beading and tying off space.  String on seed beads or similar bead, you will want a small bead at the base for more comfort around the toe, bigger beads are uncomfortable between the toes.  I don't count the beads, I just place the strand around my toe and go by eye, some people have bigger toes, some smaller, so it's up to you how many you use.

Once you've reached the desired amount, then string a larger bead onto both strands creating a loop of beads for your toe.

Then string on your beads to both strands or you can even seperate them now and make two strands and wind them together, again placing the strand on my foot so I know how far up I want to bead.  Once I reached the desired length, then I add a button.

I use the button as my center and wind each strand around the button shank...

And then bead up the 2 strands to go around your ankle...

Once you have reached the length you need, then tie it off and adding a little glue will strengthen the knot.

 What is super cool about making these is how you can make them so many different ways and with different findings. 

Here is another super easy to make version using those stretch cords that come with a metal nut, these are great because they are soft between the toes.

Here is how they go together...

String together a strand that fits around your ankle and then tie it to one side of the nut on your stretchy cord...

Then tie the other end to the other side of the nut...

And then just glue your flower or whatever to the center to cover the nut up...

I use hot glue, because it is quick and a super great bond.

Have you made bottomless sandals before?  I would love to see your versions! 

Go ahead...Make It!