Treasures of Norway SWEEPSTAKES by Lauraine Snelling!

To celebrate the release of her new novel, An Untamed Heart, author Lauraine Snelling and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the TREASURES OF NORWAY Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three spectacular prizes, all closely connected to the story.

Read on!!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Twenty-year-old Ingeborg Strand is certain she is destined to be an old maid.

She’s had several suitors but none she deemed worthy of spending her life with. That is, until she meets a university student from Oslo, and feelings stronger than friendship begin to develop between them. But tragedy strikes, and the future begins to look bleaker than ever.

Grief settles heavily over Ingeborg, and her mother suggests that she leave Norway and start afresh in America, as so many others have done before her. But how will she accomplish that with little money and no one to accompany her?

It isn’t long before she meets Roald Bjorklund, a widower who has been planning to go to America for some time, lured by the promise of free land. He’s a good man, a hard-working man–and he has a young son who desperately needs a mother. He’s clearly interested in Ingeborg, but is he the answer to her prayers? And what about love? This isn’t how she’s always imagined it.

Ingeborg Strand has a heartrending decision to make…

(Click on the book cover to read an excerpt!)

GIVEAWAY!!
TO ENTER, click the banner below and complete the entry box, anytime between October 5 and October 24.

Check out these amazing prizes!!


GRAND PRIZE:

HAPPY HOUSECLEANER PRIZE PACK

In An Untamed Heart, young Ingeborg Strand is tasked with cleaning her Onkel Frode's house, an ominous task indeed! But Ingeborg never backs down from tough tasks, and the result is a house so clean, any woman in Norway would be proud to call it home.

We might not have the luxury of a housecleaning visit from Ingeborg, but our Grand Prize winner will win the next best thing: a $200 housecleaning gift card to Maids.com, plus a handmade Tokheim Fjordhorse Mug and a bag of Ingebretsen's Viking Coffee so you can brew a cuppa, sit back, and relax while your house is transformed.

SECOND PRIZE:

GUNLAUG'S GOURMET PRIZE PACK

Ingeborg and her cousin Gunlaug are some of the best cooks in the in the mountain village of Valdres, Norway. Cookies, cheeses, flatbreads, jams...their cooking and baking is a culinary-lover's dream!

Our Second Prize winner will have Gunlaug's and Ingeborg's favorite Norwegian foods delivered right to their door with this $120 Norwegian gourmet prize pack.

This package includes fresh Norwegian lefse, cheeses, flatbread, Nordic butter, jelly, Romme Grot cream porridge, Gjende shortbread, Uff Da chips, Fattigman cookies, and Norwegian chocolate.

THIRD PRIZE:

CHRISTMAS IN NORWAY PRIZE PACK

Ingeborg and the Strand family prepare for Christmas with music and handmade decorations, while secretly weaving and carving special gifts to give each other in celebration of Gott Jul.

Our Third Prize winner will have the chance to bring Gott Jul to their home this holiday season, with this $100 Christmas In Norway prize pack.

This prize includes a Norwegian Christmas CD, a set of 2 Norwegian wood spool candle holders, and a woven, 14" wide x 43" long, Åttebladrose Christmas table runner, perfect for dressing your dining table in the warm colors of Norway.

This giveaway starts October 5, 2013 and ends October 24, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Friday, October 25, 2013, and announced at laurainesnelling.com.

**DISCLOSURE: Lauraine shared a thank you gift with me in exchange for sharing this giveaway with my readers. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Onion Crunch - Review and GIVEAWAY!

Have you seen Loeb's Onion Crunch yet?

Onion Crunch is a new crunchy, onion condiment and the only all-natural kosher (parve), vegan and non-gmo, crunchy onion topping in the US - and it tastes great! 

It’s a great healthy topping for holiday green bean casseroles, mashed potatoes, veggies and stuffing (plus hot dogs, pizza and hamburgers!) Kids even eat their vegetables when Onion Crunch is sprinkled on them.

I received a sample of Onion Crunch to try and our whole family loved it! The smell was amazing - very fresh - and the ingredient list impressed me: onions, palm oil, wheat flour, and salt!

We continue to weed out the processed foods, and I was pleased to see how natural (and non-gmo) Onion Crunch is!

I tested the yummy smelling topping with Onion Crunch Chicken:

Sometimes simple is the best...and Onion Crunch Chicken was some of the BEST chicken I've ever eaten. It was so moist and flavorful! My husband, who admittedly thinks I'm a pretty good cook, grabbed leftovers the next day and said to me, 'Hey! I had some of that oniony chicken you made and...WOW.'

Yes, it was really that good. So simple. So good!

I've already seen Onion Crunch in my local grocery store, but if you can't find it, you can buy it online HERE. You can also have a chance to try Onion Crunch FREE by entering to WIN a 6 oz bottle below (open to US residents only)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Barrie, from Onion Crunch, for sending me product samples to review and give away!



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

PrintRunner GIVEAWAY! Hurry! Ends Monday 5/28!

I've got a great, quick giveaway for you, courtesy of PrintRunner! PrintRunner is an online printing company that offers print business cards, brochures, magnets, and much more!

PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later our company became one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. Our commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price made our company grow. PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California.

PrintRunner is going to give one of my readers 250 Business Cards! These little cards aren't just for big 'business' anymore! These small cards are perfect for work-at-home moms, gaining readers for your blog, mommy calling cards, lending cards for your home library, or just about anything you can think up!

Enter using the rafflecopter form below! Hurry, giveaway ends Monday, May 28!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Details: Winner will receive Business Card Size and Style Business Cards - 2x3.5 (Standard), Quantity 250, Colors 4/4 Color Both Sides, Paper 14 pt. UV Coating on Front, 14 pt. UV Coating on both sides, Proof NONE, Rounded Corners NO
*Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above.

Thank you to PrintRunner for providing A Cooking Bookworm with this giveaway as well as a set of free business cards for hosting.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for hosting this giveaway. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

The Woodcarver DVD with John Ratzenberger - Review and Giveaway

I had the opportunity to review another addition to the ever growing, faith-based films, The Woodcarver.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

MY THOUGHTS:

Obviously, the family problems are important to the movie's

A Mile in His Shoes DVD Review and GIVEAWAY!

Looking for a movie the whole family can watch? A Mile in His Shoes fits the bill.

Mickey, a young man diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism), is discovered by a minor league baseball coach and offered a spot on the team. His parents reluctantly agree and Mickey is thrust into a world of new, and sometimes frightening, experiences.

Jealous teammate Lefty causes trouble for Mickey, but the boy's spirit is not broken. Despite the obstacles, Mickey's determination becomes an inspiration for his whole team, and even his gruff and skeptical father.

The PG rating

My Memories Software Review and GIVEAWAY!

Have you ever wished you could get into digital scrapbooking, but aren't sure where to start? Or, you're just plain overwhelmed after hearing you'll need expensive programs or have to scour the internet for digital scrapbooking kits?

Well, I've got good news for you! I was recently introduced to My Memories, an affordable and powerful digital scrapbooking software.

In just minutes (yes!), I was able to utilize the pre-installed templates and quick pages and come up with these pages:

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer and GIVEAWAY

I just finished Tricia Goyer's newest book, Beside Still Waters.

Marianna's family is talking of moving to Montana, a plan she does not want, especially with the promise of a life in Indiana with the boy she (thinks she) loves. However, she has always tried to be the 'perfect' daughter, so she agrees to travel with her family, but plans to stay in Montana for only six months. But, the more Marianna learns in Montana, the more she wonders if she can go back to what she always knew.

Although Tricia has jumped on the Amish band wagon that seems to be flooding the Christian Fiction market, Beside Still Waters wasn't exactly your typical Amish book. It appeared that Marianna's father and uncle were seeking and open for the truth of God's Word, and that Ben was going to share it.

I know many people think the Amish are godly...but, most, if not all, are not saved. They believe good works get you to heaven. This belief seemed evident in the book, and yet Tricia stopped just short of sharing the gospel - true salvation. That disappointed me.

Also, the ending was a bit stilted. Marianna was so set on going back to Indiana, but in a short conversation, she was hopping off the train.

Although the Amish genre is beginning to feel a bit overdone to me, Beside Still Waters was good overall, because Tricia had a fresh and different angle from the average Amish subject matter. Perhaps Tricia will write a sequel to see what happens in this small Montana community, especially because of the not-quite-satisfactory ending!

That's what I thought! Click HERE to see what others are saying about Tricia's newest book!

Many thanks to Tricia and Litfuse for sending me Beside Still Waters to read and review!

GIVEAWAY ALERT:

Tricia is hosting a giveaway on her blog! She'll be giving away 10 copies of Besides Still Waters as well as some other prizes! Hop on over and ENTER!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.

Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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Don't forget to connect with A Cooking Bookworm!

It's complete! Celebrating A Cooking Bookworm with a GIVEAWAY!!

After much deliberation, I finally decided to rename my blog and buy my own domain.

Goodbye, The Creative Side of Me!

Hello, A Cooking Bookworm!

Woot!

The whole process went much smoother than I expected...and I am quite pleased with the final result!

If you're new, don't forget to subscribe to A Cooking Bookworm by email! Then check out a few of my favorite posts (don't forget the slider at the top of my site, too!):

Fluffy Biscuits

Digi Scrapping

To Die For Blueberry Muffins

Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

To celebrate my 'new' blog, I'm giving away a $25 Amazon gift code to one of my readers - old or new!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift code! To enter, you must be following A Cooking Bookworm via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) OR confirmed email subscription. Then, comment and tell me so along with what you like or dislike about the new look. I'd love some feedback! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Browse A Cooking Bookworm and comment on another non-giveaway post and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow A Cooking Bookworm via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry) 
• Enter another one of my giveaways. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan A Cooking Bookworm on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)
• Follow A Cooking Bookworm on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry, daily):

Enter to WIN a $25 Amazon GC! @CookingBookworm Details: http://bit.ly/fTNYT5 Ends 4/30 #giveaway #contest

Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!
Entries accepted until Saturday, April 30, 11:59 PM (EST).Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.



**Disclaimer: Giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by Amazon. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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My Kitchen Problem...and a GIVEAWAY!

Have I ever shown you pictures of my kitchen? Probably not.

It's the one room in our house that needs a little TLC. Visible studs, ceiling beams, and plywood is my current decor. The kitchen is the project that tops my husband's home improvement list.

After looking at these pictures, can you tell what is #1 on my new and improved kitchen wishlist?

Not a dishwasher (although that would be lovely!), but better lighting!!

Now, I'll show you my inspiration kitchen:

Isn't it purty?! Not only do I love the bigger-than-I-currently-have window for natural light on even the gloomiest days, I LOVE the unobtrusive recessed lighting. We've got recessed lighting in several other areas of our home and it is so very, very nice.

Now since you read all about my kitchen, here's something for you!

Once again, the great people over at CSN Stores have offered one of my readers a gift certificate to spend at any of their 200+ stores. Perhaps you'll find something to fix a kitchen problem of your own!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? One winner will receive an $65 gift code good for any of the 200+ CSN Stores. To enter, tell me what a problem area is in your kitchen OR what appliance or gadget would be in your dream kitchen! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) or a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow The Creative Side of Me via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan The Creative Side of Me on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)
• Follow The Creative Side of Me on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry, daily):

Enter to WIN a $65 CSN Stores GC @creativeSOme Details: http://bit.ly/hnf7u0 Ends 3/28 #giveaway #contest
Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!
Entries accepted until Monday, March 28, 11:59 PM (EST). Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.


**Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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Oh, spring...? And a GIVEAWAY!

Right about this time every year, I begin to realize how far away spring still is. Although I love being in a cozy sweatshirt and warm socks, curling up with a good book and drinking hot chocolate, I long for spring.

Spring.

My favorite time of year.

Fresh air.

Tulips.

Thunderstorms. 

Pushing my kids on their swing sets.

Gardening.

Mud.

Oh, yeah. Mud.

You know what? I don't even mind the mud.

But, there's still a long wait until even a hint of spring. So, to help you through these last few weeks of winter, I thought a GIVEAWAY would cheer you up! It cheered me! :-)

CSN Stores has offered to give one of my readers a $65 gift certificate to be spent at any of their 200+ stores! Wahoo for YOU!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? One person will win a $65 gift certificate to CSN Stores. To enter, tell me what's your favorite way to beat the winter blues! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) or a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow The Creative Side of Me via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan The Creative Side of Me on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)

Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!
Entries accepted until Monday, January 31, 11:59 PM (EST).Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.


**Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post. Giveaway is hosted by me and provided by CSN Stores.**
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Are you the Walmart gift card WINNER?!

Christmas shopping has already begun in my house. Truthfully, it began this summer when I found a train table for my son at a garage sale for only $10! He's all into Thomas, so Christmas morning is going to be pretty exciting around here!

I'm sure many of you have begun your shopping, too! Someone is going to be happy to have a little extra moola to spend on someone on their list!

Commenter #16, MARCI, has won the $15 Walmart gift card from Febreze and MyBlogSpark.

CONGRATULATIONS! And Happy Shopping!

Marci, I've emailed you with instructions to claim your prize! Check your inbox!


**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick Candle - and Walmart gift card GIVEAWAY!

{COMMENTS CLOSED - WINNER ANNOUNCED SOON!}

I love candles.

Love them.

Although I burn them all year long, as the chillier days of fall and winter approach, I find myself burning candles more often.

I was excited to have a chance, through MyBlogSpark, to test Febreze's new wooden wick candles.

No fireplace, no problem. Breathe a sigh of relief because the new Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candle has you covered. Bring the calming crackle of a burning fire into your home anytime of year with 80 hours of “ahhhhhhhh.”






Available in nine premium scents, these tranquil candles are specially designed with a wooden wick to recreate the ambiance and sound of a crackling fire indoors. Offering a brilliant range of everyday fragrances, Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candles can help inspire a scent and design transformation in your home.

Be sure to look for Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candles at your local Walmart in fragrances like Green Tea Citrus, Pomegranate Mango, Cranberry Pear, Orange Honeycomb, Rosewood Plum and Willow Blossom; as well as seasonal scents that include Anjou Pear Spice, Gingersnap Vanilla, and Yumberry Sangria.

When burning Febreze's new candles, I'm not quite sure you'll feel you're sitting in front of a fireplace. You have to listen pretty close for any 'crackling.' But, the candles are strongly and pleasingly scented, and I thought they flickered more than a normal wick, providing a warm and romantic atmosphere.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? One winner will receive a $15 Walmart gift card to buy her own Febreze wooden wick candle! To enter, visit Febreze and tell me which Febreze wooden wick candle scent you'd most like to try! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) or a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow The Creative Side of Me via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan Febreze and The Creative Side of Me on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)
• Follow Febreze and The Creative Side of Me on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry, daily):

Enter to WIN a $15 Walmart gift card @creativeSOme and Febreze! Details: http://bit.ly/9Dn1nu Ends 11/8 #giveaway #myblogspark #contest
Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!
Entries accepted until Monday, November 8, 11:59 PM (EST).Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.

Recommend: YES

**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only, as well as a Walmart gift card to share with my readers, from P&G, through MyBlogSpark. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. P&G does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statement or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite. Post *may* contain affiliate links..**
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