Saganizer Tea Box Tea Storage Bamboo Natural

Absolutely beautiful tea box. It is made of bamboo so no wood smell to it, which is great, I really don't want my tea to taste like a tree. It is a lot bigger then I pictured in my mind. It measures 7-1/2 by 12-1/2 by 3-3/4 inches. There are 8 sectioned off areas in the box. Great for separating flavors. The lid has a very large acrylic window to see into the box. There is no hasp to keep it closed and have to fiddle with. I put about 60 tea bags in mine and it is no where near full.

We drink a lot of tea in my house, and I do not mean just iced tea, My Daughter and I love a glass or cup of flavored tea. I do not drink coffee, just tea. So there is a lot of different teas in my kitchen. Until now they were just in cardboard boxes they were bought in or I had a bunch in a gallon zip top bag for storage purposes. Now they are all nice and neat in this beautiful tea box. They are so much easier to get to the flavor I want.

With a few adjustments this could also be used as a beautiful shadow box by hanging on a wall. Just add a hanger on the back, and maybe a small hasp if you wanted. I am thrilled with this box. It is on the counter in the kitchen.

  I received this product free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT TOUR: Coins in the Fountain: A Memoir of Rome by Judith Works

Coins in the Fountain: A Memoir of Rome by Judith Works

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Coins in the Fountain: A Memoir of Rome by Judith Works
Category:  Adult non-fiction, 283 pages
Genre:  Memoir / Travel Memoir
Publisher:  Booktrope
Release date:  January 2016
Tour dates:  February 29 to March 18, 2016
​Content Rating:  PG 

Book Description:

Innocents Abroad collide with La Dolce Vita when the author and her husband arrive in the ancient city of Rome fresh from the depths of Oregon. While the author endeavored to learn the folkways of the United Nations, her husband tangled with unfamiliar vegetables in a valiant effort to learn to cook Italian-style. In between, they attended weddings, enjoyed a close-up with the pope, tried their hands at grape harvesting, and savored country weekends where the ancient Etruscans still seemed to be lurking. Along the way they made many unforgettable friends including the countess with a butt-reducing machine and a count who served as a model for naked statues of horsemen in his youth.

But not everything was wine and wonders. Dogs in the doctor’s exam room, neighbors in the apartment in the middle of the night, an auto accident with the military police, a dangerous fall in the subway, too many interactions with an excitable landlord, snakes and unexploded bombs on a golf course, and a sinking sailboat, all added more seasoning to the spaghetti sauce of their life. 

Their story begins with a month trying to sleep on a cold marble floor wondering why they came to Rome. It ends with a hopeful toss of coins in the Trevi Fountain to ensure their return to the Eternal City for visits. Ten years of pasta, vino, and the sweet life weren’t enough. 

Part memoir, part travelogue, Coins in the Fountain will amuse and intrigue you with the stories of food, friends, and the adventures of a couple who ran away to join the circus (the Circus Maximus, that is). 

Buy the book:   Amazon   Barnes & Noble   iTunes   Amazon.UK

City of Illusions:   Amazon

Meet the author:

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Life was routine until the author decided to get a law degree. Then a chance meeting led her to run away to the Circus (Maximus) – actually to the United Nations office next door – where she worked as an attorney in the HR department and entered the world of expat life in Rome.

Her publishing credits include a memoir about ten years in Italy titled Coins in the Fountain, a novel about expats in Rome, City of Illusions, and flash fiction in literary magazines. She continues to travel in her spare time, having fitted in over 100 countries. And when she is in Rome, she always tosses a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure another visit.

Connect with the author:  Website   Twitter   Facebook   Pinterest   Instagram   Blog

Interview with Judith Works

What genre do you write and why?

My memoir, Coins in the Fountain, was written to tell armchair travelers and dreamers about what it’s really like to live in Rome with all the marvelous food and art. My first novel, contemporary fiction titled City of Illusions, looks at the darker side of expatriate life and explores the effect that life has on a marriage. I’m now working on my second novel that tells the story of a woman whose husband is murdered in Rome and the aftermath as she searches for meaning in her life.

What is your next project?

I will be featured in a magazine that pairs modern jewelry designs with short stories. I’ll receive the photo of the specific piece of jewelry next month and then will have to dream up a thousand –word story inspired by the piece.

What is the last great book you’ve read?

I’ve read a number of great books recently:  One that comes to mind is Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being, about a Japanese girl’s diary that washes up on the shore of an island off the west coast of Canada and a kamikaze pilot in World War II.

Where do you write?

I’m fortunate in that I have a room of my own. It’s sunny in the mornings and filled with memories of my travels – a painting from Ethiopia, a watercolor from Rome; an icon from Bulgaria, a carving from New Guinea, a design of tribal symbols from Togo. And of course, loads of books about travel, history and Italy, and the inevitable Thesaurus, a number of dictionaries and all the other things writers accumulate.

Do you write every day?

I do try to write every day although sometimes it isn’t possible when I’m traveling. Even if I only write a few lines I think the practice is important. We have a number of writing groups locally that have drop in opportunities – we agree on a start line, write for 10 or 15 minutes and then share our work.

What is writing schedule?

My normal writing schedule is get going about 5:30 or 6:00 and get to my computer by 6:30. I’m an early bird and almost never write in the evenings.

In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

I’ve never written parts of either of my books on paper except if I’m editing on hard copy and want to insert a new paragraph. On the other hand, I always write by hand in the writing groups. I find it is an entirely different brain function but my handwriting is so terrible I have trouble reading what I’ve written.  

If you could go back in time where would you go?

There are so many places I’d like to visit for a day I would have trouble deciding which one: A day in Pompeii before it was buried in ash with the eruption of Vesuvius; a Renaissance banquet in Florence; Anne Boleyn’s trial (not the beheading); Versailles before the French Revolution; the signing of the Declaration of Independence to name a few.  

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Prize: ​

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InnKeeper's Daughter by Dormaine G. Release Blitz

Book Title: Innkeeper's Daughter 

Author: Dormaine G. 

Genre: Romance 

Release Date: March 11, 2016 

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Sterling wanted to believe in his marriage; he wanted to believe that he had disappointed his wife for the last time. That might've been possible, if he hadn't met the young, beautiful and willing Hanna. This time however, he wasn't the aggressor. Yet as he allowed his heart to be captured, he knew that life would never be the same.

Sterling's trip to the mountains of Colorado leads him straight into the arms of Hanna, the Innkeeper's Daughter.

Once again I called down for towels and once again it was Hanna who delivered them. I had barely pulled up my pants before there was a knock at the door.

“Give me a minute,” I shouted while grabbing a shirt off the hanger. Before I could put it on Hanna walked in carrying fresh white towels.

“I brought you towels,” She said this time placing them on the table then walking over to me. I had forgotten to put on a shirt, surprised that she was back again for the second night. She closed the distance between us with her hands behind her back staring at my still wet chest then back to my eyes. She stood so close that I didn’t know what to think for a minute.

“Hanna…” I stepped back.

“Yes,” she responded but in a way as if answering a question only she knew.

Her eyes burrowed into me like they were digging their way to my soul. “You shouldn’t be here,” I whispered gripping my shirt. She said nothing. For a long while neither of us did.

God, get this child who so desperately wants to be a woman out my room, before I break.

But all I could think of was how long had it been since I’d made love to a woman, a woman who desired me like a thirsty creature in the dessert. I was that creature who so desperately wanted his needs to be quenched.

Dormaine was born in Long Island, New York where she lived most of her life. As an adult she liked to travel out of the country though her favorite places to explore were her fantasy worlds as an author. She may be a nurse by profession but her heart has always belonged to writing. As a young child she spent many Saturdays in the library nurturing her love for books. There she discovered her fascination for the science fiction genre, through books, movies and graphic novels.

Now she resides in Colorado with her husband and two feisty dogs. After many years of working in hospitals and travel nursing she took time off to pursue a career in writing. Her first novel "Connor" is in one of her favorite genres, young adult urban fantasy. Her second love is for horror of which she created the "Madame Lilly, Voodoo Priestess" series. This is just the start of her exploration as she stays locked up her office in Colorado spinning more tales.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Pinterest

Amazon US | Amazon UK

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tour for Spies R Us by Amber Malloy

Spies R Us

Amber Malloy

Release date: February 2

Genre: Erotic Action Adventure. 

Publisher: Totally Bound

Book Description:

The top African American spy, Eden Morgan, was living the good life…

Days away from permanently leaving the spy game, Eden Morgan plan of being a stay at home mom goes up in smoke. Number one on the Russian hit list, Eden must leave her beautiful family and figure out who’s trying to kill her.

Unfortunately, her agency burns her status, so what should have been only weeks on the run turned into years. Instead of accepting her fate, Eden claws her way from the dead to save the next people on the Russian’s hit list… her kids. However, after three years missing, her homecoming isn’t well received. She finds that her awesome husband has moved on with a perky school teacher; not to mention her twins barely remember her. With a good idea who’s behind the plot to kill them, Eden must navigate car pool lanes, bitchy moms, and one angry, sexy husband.

By definition, Vann Morgan was charmed. One gorgeous wife and twins, and the most difficult thing in his life was reconstruction of his Chicago brownstone. Unfortunately everything changes when his lovely wife disappears and no one but him seems to care. After some years, Vann makes a new normal as a single dad, but his routine is blown apart when his long lost wife comes back. Unable to trust Eden with his heart, he soon uncovers that everything surrounding her disappearance was all his fault.

Amazon    Totally Bound

About the Author

Amber Malloy dreamed of being a double agent but couldn't pass the psyche evaluation. Crushed by despair that she couldn't legally shoot things, Amber pursued her second career choice as pastry chef. When she's not writing or whipping up a mean Snickers Cheesecake, she occasionally spies on her sommelier. Amber is convinced he's faking his French accent.

Website www.ambermalloy.com

Twitter @ambermalloy

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The Island by Clarissa Johal - Paranormal Horror

Book Details: 

Title: THE ISLAND
Genre: Paranormal Horror
Author: Clarissa Johal
Editor: Marisa Chenery
Booktrope, Forsaken Imprint (2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1-5137-0161-5
ASIN: B010TE7W1G
Number of Pages: 210

About THE ISLAND:

Exploring a remote island can sometimes get you into trouble.
Especially when you stumble upon a cave and awaken two demons.

Rumors and superstition.

That’s what Emma thinks about local gossip concerning her grandmother’s “cursed” private island. Emma journeys to the island to ready it for sale. While out exploring, she unearths a hidden cave–a cave which holds answers to the island’s dark past.
There may be more to the rumors than she thought.


Excerpt from THE ISLAND:

She was jarred awake by a cry. The vestiges of her nightmare dissipated as she orientated herself. Nightmare. Emma let out a sigh of relief. The cry sounded again. A distant sound, high and wailing. A baby’s cry. Her heart quickened. Good god, surely that can’t be a baby?

The fire in the stove had burned down, its embers lending a glow to the living room. Emma looked out the front window. The yard was still. She unlocked the door and opened it a crack. The cry drifted in with the breeze, faint but unmistakable. She ran through her mind what possible bird or animal could make the sound and came up with nothing. Characteristically, the island was blanketed with silence, almost like a vacuum. She stood, uncertain. After several minutes, the sound started again—the unmistakable high wail of a baby. She slipped on her boots and parka.

Fog trailed like cobwebs in her wake. The mournful cry threaded through the trees and came from the direction of the house ruins. In spite of a growing anxiety at what she’d find, she quickened her pace. If that is a baby, it’s still alive, and I need to get to it. If it’s not a baby… She blocked out the possibilities of what else it could be.

She approached the ruins and the sound stopped. Her heart raced. I know it was coming from here. The area held an unnatural heaviness. A branch cracked behind her and she turned with a start. Something dark darted through the trees.

“Hello?” Her voice sounded muffled in the fog. Emma’s attention snapped to the left. The dark figure ducked out of sight. She took one step backward, and fled.

Heavy footsteps echoed from behind as she plunged through the trees. They were catching up with her. Emma pushed herself to run faster, terrified she’d lose her footing on the uneven ground. The cabin loomed large, a haven in the thick fog. Stumbling across the cabin’s porch, she hurdled through the door and slammed it shut, locking it.

Emma rooted her feet to keep from running around in circles. Straining to hear, she was greeted with eerie silence. Several moments passed before the baby’s cry started again. And this time, it sounded from right outside the door.

***

During the tour The Island will be on sale for $.99



Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/pxq99em
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/nwbq3oz
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/q36rel8
Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/zhe7cej

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of the paranormal genre. Especilly ones that include ghosts or spirits.
Usually I will give up on a book that the action doesn't begin quickly. The action did not begin on this book until about 1/3of the way through the book. But the story leading upto the action was very good and kept me interested.
I really liked getting to know the characters of this book even the one I wanted to puch in the face.   Every good story has to hqave at least one person you hate.
The story flowed along nicely and I hated to put he book down for anything. I actually finished the whole book in about 7 hours. I do read kind of quick though.
This was my first book by Clarissa Johal but I will be on the look out for more of her books.

About the Author:

Clarissa Johal is the author of paranormal novels, THE ISLAND, VOICES, STRUCK, and BETWEEN. When she’s not listening to the ghosts in her head, she’s dancing, taking pictures of gargoyles, or swinging from a trapeze. She shares her life with her husband, two daughters, and every stray animal that darkens their doorstep.

Find Clarissa Online:

Author Website: http://www.clarissajohal.com/
Blog: http://clarissajohal.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarissa.johal.9
Twitter: @ClarissaJohal
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4502113.Clarissa_Johal
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/clarissajohal/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/101586327494596967316/posts

Follow the rest of the tour here: http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/virtual-book-tour-schedule-island-by.html
THE ISLAND Buy Links:

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Itechor water resistant flashlight

Very nice flashlight. It i very bright as well. It is a little over 5 inches long. It has a wrist strap and a belt clip. It comes with the flashlight, a battery compartment that fits 3 AAA batteries and also a battery sleeve for a rechargeable battery. The batteries do not come with it. It will take a Li=ion 18650 battery if you have one. I like that it has a ring just below the bulb area to adjust the view. It is a metal flashlight and is waterproof. My husband really likes this light and it has become his new work light.

  I received this product free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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Boxeroo 3 Pack 6ft 2m Premium Micro USB Cable High Speed USB 2.0 A

Very nice cables. These fit all of my devices that I use Micro USB cables. I like that these are 6 foot long. They connect very well to the charger and the device and so fat have not slipped or come loose. I like having the ability to move around a little more with the 6 foot cables versus the 3 foot cables. The kids can use their tablets setting on the couch instead of crouched beside a wall socket. These are also great in the car, they can use their tablets in the back seat while riding. I like that these are nylon braided cables. To me the braiding helps keeps the cables working longer. They are just as flexible but much more sturdy then the just rubber wrapped cables.  I also like that these came in different colors. Now every one can be assigned a cable. No more fighting.

I received this product free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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