Book Tour: Beauty to Die For

I recently received a copy of the book "Beauty to Die For : A Spa Mystery", for review. Supermodel Kim Alexis is the co-author.

When I really get into a book, I feel as though I am watching it on tv.  When I was reading Beauty to Die For, I felt as if I was watching a soap opera - which isn't a bad thing, as I am a soap fan. I had a very easy time getting into the book, and it was a great escape at the end of a long day with the boys. It's kind of a combination of romance and mystery, with more focus on the mystery.  There is a romantic story going on as well, but it's not your typical, steamy novel.

Below is the press release for the book:

Kim Alexis: A Model Storyteller

Supermodel co-authors B&H's new spa murder mystery, Beauty to Die For

"Supermodel Kim Alexis has taken her experiences and her heart for healthy living and woven them beautifully in this cozy mystery. Beauty to Die For will leave you cheering for Juliette and Marcus as they work to solve their feelings and the murder." ­ Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs

NASHVILLE ­ Supermodel Kim Alexis was one of the most famous faces of the '80s, walking alongside Iman, Christie Brinkley, and Kelly Emberg on the runways. Today, she is an avid fitness enthusiast, public speaker, and her most recent venture: mystery author.

Along with best-selling author Mindy Starns Clark, Kim's new bookBeauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery (B&H Books, August 2012, paperback, $14.99) introduces us to Juliette Taylor, a fictional former supermodel who co-owns a beauty line. But when Juliette's products are the victim of a counterfeit scheme, it sets into motion a sinister chain of events.

When Juliette arrives at the Palm Grotto Spa to host a spiritual retreat for women, she runs into an old modeling colleague, Raven, who had always been disliked in the industry. Demanding and rude, Raven doesn't have a lot of fans at the spa, either.

When Raven makes a cryptic threat to Juliette ­ and is then found dead, hours later ­ suspicion is directed at Juliette. Juliette has a rocky history with Raven, and certainly knows how to use beauty products Š but for murder?!

Now, Juliette must find the actual killer before the police really take care of her.

A crackling story co-authored by one of America's most beloved supermodels, Beauty to Die for is a must-read for mystery fans and spa lovers alike.

KIM ALEXIS has been the spokesperson for several iconic American beauty brands, such as Revlon's premium Ultima II line (replacing Lauren Hutton), Tiffany Perfume, Fitness Quest, and many more. Her desire is to encourage other women to be their best in all areas of life, from health, to beauty, to spirituality. She is based in Florida, married to NHL alum Ron Duguay, and together, they are the proud parents of five children. To learn more, visit kimalexis.com.

I received the above book free of charge in exchange for this review; the opinion stated belongs to Tales of Mommyhood, and your opinion my vary

I See Me - My very own pirate tale

My oldest has loved pirates for the last 2  years or so. His 4th birthday had a pirate theme, and he was *this* close to another pirate party this year, when he opted for super hero's instead. Even though he changed his mind on the party, he is a real pirate fan.

When the opportunity came for me to review a copy of "My Very Own Pirate Tale" from I See Me books, I jumped at the chance.

It arrived around the time of his birthday, so he was thrilled with another birthday gift.  When you order the I See Me books, it gives you the chance to have a personalized message written to the child on the first page of the story.

The story is done in rhyme, and they use the letters of the child's name (first and last) and each letter is associated with some sort of sea creature, and a picture of that creature. At the end of the book, there is a glossary from A-Z with the creatures that are used, and a little bit about them.

Julien absolutely LOVED listening to me read the story - when he realized his name was in the book, he was so excited, but then confused.....but then excited again when I told him it was a special book JUST for him.

I See Me has a number of different personalized books and other items to choose from. The pirate book came with a pirate bandanna that was also personalized for Julien, and there is also a place mat that matches as well.

Until the end of August, you can use the code "MATEY" to receive 15% off any of the pirate items from the website.

Don't forget to connect with them on twitter and facebook.

I was sent the above product free of charge in exchange for a review; the opinion stated belongs to Tales of Mommyhood, your experience and opinion may vary.

Let them be messy

The other day, my kids were driving me crazy. With all the hot, humid weather we have had this summer, we have spent more time indoors than I would like. This particular day, it was quite nice outside; I decided that we needed to get out, but Jules didn't want to go for a walk.....so I packed them in the car and we headed to Michael's to buy finger paints.

We came home, put on our sunscreen and headed out to the backyard and playstructure - and I let them get messy. The 3 of us painted the playstructure, and they had sooooo soooo much fun  - Kyle kept running around yelling "I paint, I paint!". All they wanted was some time to be creative, and this allowed them that freedom. When we were done, we came inside and they had a much needed bath!

 A few pictures from our afternoon outside

Kyle with his paintbrush, Jules and Ky painting, and the mommy aftermath

when they pick things up from friends

I knew that once Julien started school, it was inevitable that he would pick up sayings/behaviours from his classmates.

I wasn't quite prepared for all the words he would come home with (LOTS of potty talk, like RIDICULOUS amounts - everything is "poopy pants" or "poopy face" or "poopy ideas") and it is driving me crazy.  Besides telling him that we don't talk like that (which the response is "so-and-so does) or that it is inappropriate, we only use potty words for the bathroom etc etc....what can I do?

Do your kids have friends that they pick up negative things from? How do you deal with it?

#Babyshower:Baby Shield from 7 A.M. Enfant

If you have a little one and will be out in the cold this winter, this is the giveaway for you!  7 A.M. Enfant is offering up a Baby Shield (colour/size of winners choice dependant on availability).  The Baby Shield is a two in one product with two interchangeable covers to protect against different weather conditions. One zippered cover protects from the extreme winter weather while the second zippered cover shields from the windy and moderately windy spring/fall days.

stroller not included

child/stroller not included

Use the rafflecopter form below to enter - US and Canadians that are 18 are eligible.
Thanks to Kidsumers for organizing this giveaway.

#babyshower Playtex giveaway

New parents have a lot of decisions to make - breastfeeding or bottlefeeding? cloth vs disposables? what type of diaper system to use?
Why not enter the giveaway below to win a Playtex prize package? It includes a Playtex gift basket and diaper genie (valued at $150.00), as well as a $100.00 babies r us gift card.

Open to Canadians only

Thank you to Kidsumers for organizing this giveaway

Chic Shoes for Mommy's - guest post

Chic Shoes for Mommy’s

The stereotype of fashionistas doesn’t include mothers, which I think is highly unfair. Any mother can be a chic and wear on-trend shoes, which are guaranteed to turn heads.

The secret to this is to be smart about your choice of shoe. If you’re off to a play day or taking the kids to school or around the park, then you won’t want to be wearing wedges or large heels. But this doesn’t mean that you have to settle for dull flats.

Here’s some inspiration courtesy of DUO…

These cobalt delta snake print pumps are comfortable, especially during the hotter temperatures, and add a fantastic pop of color to any outfit.  You can easily mix and match them with the rest of your outfit, whether you’ve opted for a casual jeans and tee look or a floral summer dress. 

These cascade nude patent sandals are another example of how flat shoes are being spiced up with a little fashionista magic. They remain practical, but nevertheless look elegant. The nude color makes them easy to match with your outfits, and the frills add a touch of femininity.

If you’re not a fan of frills, but you still want that subtle, yet highly effective feminine touch, then take a look at these Lithos black and grey leather sandals. They keep the heat out while showing off your style.

But a chic mommy doesn’t have to stick to flats all the time. There will be (possibly, rarely, but it will happen) that occasion when it’s time to go out for a nice meal, or attend that formal occasion or wedding; and for that you’ll want to show off some heels.

These fuchsia Harrington heels will turn heads especially if you combine them with an elegant black or navy dress, which will help this bright color really stand out.

Metallics and blue hues are a big trend this season, and the best thing about this trend is that you can find great items in a variety of styles, so stock up on high wedges and cool flats. 

Being a chic mommy can be tricky, so be sure to mix and match your shoes according to your day and your mood. Some days you may just need to wear some shoes that highlight your femininity, or you just crave some eye-popping colorful shoes.  

This is a guest post, written by the sponsor; compensation was received for posting