The Little Black Book of Big Red Flags: Relationship Warning Signs You ... Review

The Little Black Book of Big Red Flags: Relationship Warning Signs You Totally Spotted . . . But Chose to Ignore

by Natasha Burton, Julie Fishman, and Meagan McCrary

Red Flag (noun): 1. A sign of danger.

2. The point in time when you notice something is a tad off with the guy you're dating, but decide to let it go because you really like him, you're tired of being single, you really really want to get laid, whatever. Then, when things start going downhill, you look back on that seemingly insignificant moment you dismissed and think: That's when I should have known.

YOU'VE DONE IT BEFORE.

Saw something wrong with him -- whether it was suspect grooming habits or ridiculously childish behavior -- but let it slide. It's not that big of a deal. Except it totally was. You wanted to fall in love, but ended up going insane. You swore you'd never do it again. But did.

Don't beat yourself up. In the search for love, we've all either blatantly ignored or completely missed red flags. Instead, smarten up. It's time to figure out what you missed and learn how to avoid similar flagtastic fiascos in the future. If you raise your red-flag awareness now, you'll be able to greenlight a real relationship down the road. 

Read an Excerpt
My Thoughts - Oh to the days where I wish I would have had this book.It all seems like common sense now that I've found the love of my life but I had to kiss some toads. This book shows you what to look for so you aren't wasting your time.The big RED FLAGS that I was so oblivious to before. Single ladies - PICK THIS UP!

Never again.

Remember when my computer crashed? It was not a happy situation, I was extremely stressed out and all because some idiot attacked my computer. As much as I have going on now I couldn't imagine what I would do. Maybe FREAK out and have to buy yet another computer - Expensive! Just because I didn't have Anti Virus Protection.  I will never go through that again. Not when it 's so inexpensivecompared to losing your sanity and spending so much money on *sigh*  a new computer. (Thank goodness my friend gave me a computerwhen mine crashed! Not everyone has that luxury.)
Since then I have gotten Internet security software . Anyone with a computer needs virus software end of story! It's so sad the phishing and spyware that goes on. I used to be so naive, you know - everyone is a good person. When I got the program I found out I had spyware - AGAIN! Thankfully not anymore! Have any of you had your computer crash due to viruses or spyware? Last time my harddrive was melted and I couldn't even get any info off of it.So many evil people :(

This post was brought to you by bitdefender but the opinions are 100% my own.

Creep Book Review

Pulsing with the dark obsession of Radiohead’s song “Creep,” this taut thriller—Jennifer Hillier’s superb debut—rockets from its seductive opening to a heartpounding climax not easily forgotten.

If he can’t have her . . .

Dr. Sheila Tao is a professor of psychology. An expert in human behavior. And when she began an affair with sexy, charming graduate student Ethan Wolfe, she knew she was playing with fire. Consumed by lust when they were together, riddled with guilt when they weren’t, she knows the three-month fling with her teaching assistant has to end. After all, she’s finally engaged to a kind and loving investment banker who adores her, and she’s taking control of her life. But when she attempts to end the affair, Ethan Wolfe won’t let her walk away.

. . . no one else can.

Ethan has plans for Sheila, plans that involve posting a sex video that would surely get her fired and destroy her prestigious career. Plans to make her pay for rejecting him. And as she attempts to counter his every threatening move without her colleagues or her fiancé discovering her most intimate secrets, a shattering crime rocks Puget Sound State University: a female student, a star athlete, is found stabbed to death.

Someone is raising the stakes of violence, sex, and blackmail . . . and before she knows it, Sheila is caught in a terrifying cat-and-mouse game with the lover she couldn’t resist—who is now the monster who won’t let her go

My Thoughts - Wow!! I can't believe this is a debut novel! Sheila is a recovering sex addict who had an affair with her teaching assistant but called it off before her wedding. Ethan doesn't take that too kindly so he threatens to expose a sex tape of them. Since this would ruin everything Sheila has been striving towards so she pushes back. 

This ticks Ethan off and he decides if he can't have her no one can. Fabulous book! I wonder if there is to be a sequel. If so, I have to have it!

Now I'm hungry and it's healthy

I'm a bit of a foodie - If you couldn't tell by our recipe link up every Wednesday. So when I find a recipe I love or great foodie blog I have to share it. I came across a food blog that makes delicious  Kosher food. The picture to the left is what caught my eye. It's calledRugelach ~  and is make with Chocolate, Cinnamon Walnut or Jam Looks so delicious doesn't it? I'm going to try it, Leah (the author) also has step by step instructions with pictures to make it easy. It doesn't look too difficult.
 Leah also has a page called Kosher pantry where she shares where to find Kosher ingredients and products. There are categories for holidays, Vegan, Dairy Free, and she also breaks it down by entrees, appetizers, etc.

Okay now that I'm completely drooling and STARVING,

 you can go find our about Leah

and the Winners are....

The winners of Dark Corners are.....

Mandy83 and tlcrub06  Congrats ladies!
If you didn't win and want this book - Trust me you do.
Go to Smashwords and get it for only $1.50 for your e-readingdevice. Use codeSSW50for Smashwords big July Sale!

Freebie Alert - Reading Games for the Kids

More Free Homeschooling resources! My 4 yr old is learning to read so this is great for us. My 6 year loves to read the stories and work on her memory skills.
You can sign up HERE for FREE!

Time 4 Mommy Recipe Wednesday

Welcome to Time 4 Mommy's Wednesday Recipe
Hop






Share a Recipe and Find New Recipes to
Try!!

To
participate, please leave your direct url to your recipe, Go check
out some yummy recipes (don't forget to leave comments - we all
love those!)

Sun TeaMy mom use to make this when we were growing up andit brings back great memories so I make it for my girls.Super Easy!Put 4 - 6 bags of tea into a 2 qrt pitcherFill it with water, slice some lemon, and cap it.
Let it sit for 5 hours ( I usually put it out in the morning and let it sit until evening)
It will be a nice mellow taste, you can add some simple sugar to it to sweeten it up.Enjoy!

National Geographic DVD sets Starting at only $12

National Geographic Store – Online Deal

Complete DVD Sets or Companion Book, Including Free Shipping. Five Options Available.

Starting at only $12!

Sign up HERE

Flipflop Merlot Review

Merlot is a staple in my house. While I have to admit the Cabernet was my personal favorite the Merlot is the wine I keep around to please everyone's palate.  I had the Flipflop Merlot with some of my girlfriends.
Everyone loved it and kept asking me what is was, where I got it and NO ONEbelieved me when I said it only cost $7.The Flipflop is Medium-bodied, silky Merlot with plum and mocha notes, soft tannins and a balanced, luscious finish.Great to sip with your friends or with a cheese burger.
Buy it HERE  For every bottle of flipflop wine purchased, Soles4Souls
will distribute a pair of shoes to someone in need

Great Read, Low Price - Dark Corners & a Giveaway

     If you are a regular follower of this blog, you know how much I love this book. I bought it, loved it, and stalked tracked down the author.

    She was kind enough to offer 2 copies up for grabs (ending tonight) e-book or print.

   But I wanted you to know that throughout the month of July Smashwords has it on sale for only $1.50 if you use the code SSW50. Go HERE to buy an ebook copy. 

Well worth the price. I would spend $20 on one of her books & feel completely satisfied. (Shh don't tell her that.)

    Smashwords sells e-formats for all devices or even for you to read it on the Computer!

Time 4 Mommy Tuesday Blog Hop

Welcome to Time 4 Mommy's Tuesday Blog
Hop.




Find Great Blogs to follow and Gain new
followers!

To participate,
Follow your Host Time 4 Mommy on GFC, leave

your blog link Below, and follow the blogs listed

Fandango – Online Deal $2 for One Movie Ticket from Fandango.com

 Movies are So expensive so any little bit off helps.Fandango has an Online Deal of
$2 for One Movie Ticket from Fandango.com (Up to $12 Value)
Check it out HERECity Daytona

Newman's Own Organics Review and Giveaway

   I love Newman's Own Organics. Especially their chocolate bars. So silky and melt in your mouth, high quality chocolate too.I can't do Hershey's any more. They are just gross to me.

  Every time we go the health food store my girls ask for a 'special treat' and usually get some Fig Newmans or split a chocolate bar. We also use to get the Alphabet cookies when my little one was learning her ABC's. Now that is a fun way to learn :)

  Newman's Own Organics sent Amanda and I a box of all kinds of yummy treats. They had the Chocolate bars, Fig Newmans, Chocolate cups, and Alphabet Cookies just to name some.

  Got this from their Site....
Great tasting food that happens to be organic.' (That's what we kept in mind when we created our products.) We focus on the kinds of products we loved as kids, but take them one step further by using the highest quality of available organic ingredients. 
 
We find that people really want to know how the ingredients are grown and processed on the way to their grocer's shelf. When people see how much organic foods have improved since the early days of packaged 'health' foods, we hope they'll try other organic food products.
But 'organic' may be the last thing you think of when you try our tasty Pretzels, Chocolate Bars, Fig Newmans™, Champion Chip Cookies, Chocolate Cups, Newman-O's, Pop's Corn, Alphabet Cookies , Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar, Dried Fruit , Soy Crisps, Hermits, Mints, Coffee and Royal Tea. They're just so good!

One of the BEST things I love about Newman's Organics..... I can find it in my REGULAR grocery store too. I only go to the health food store once a month but I go to our Publix much more than that and I pick up the girls' cookies or pretzels. I feel good about Newman's Organics and their products.

Newman's Organics are gracious enough to allow me to give one lucky reader some of their yummy treats. You will receive a chocolate bar, chocolate cups, Fig Newmans, and Alphabet Cookies. YUMMY!!!
Fill out the form Below!





Visit our Giveaway Group to find More Great Giveaways from our Members.

Time 4 Mommy Meme Monday

Welcome to Time 4 Mommy's weekly
Meme.

<center><a target="_blank" href="http://time4mommy.com/page/weekly-meme"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/oldcityreds/mememondaybutton.jpg" /></a><br /> <center><br />

To participate, answer the
questions on your blog and link up
If you don't have a blog, post your answers
HERE
***Only add your link on here if you are participating in
the MeMe***
Every Monday I'll add three questions, the first one
will always be the same.
1. What did you do this week to take time for
yourself?I started my reading blog. http://ereadingonthecheap.comI'm passionate about books. I'm also working on my book promotional site, and myauthor website.


2. If your life was a movie, what would the name of
it be and what would it be about?Super Mom homeschooling blogger by day Author by night.Name- Super Mandie? Or Psycho cleaner? yeah, I know corny but that's the best I have.


3. When was the last time you swung on a
swing?Every day (unless it's raining) I take a few minutes to swing a little.

It's comforting and relaxing.... until a child steps in front of the swing.

Cream Perfumes Review & Giveaway

I recently discovered the most amazing fragrances and body lotions from kaponga.com. They sent us 3 different ones to review. Two were their signature cream perfumes, fine French perfumes in a moisturizing cream base,  a Ylang Ylang and a Raspberry, and the other was a Mandarin body lotion. The Mandarin body lotion is a fantastic moisturizer. The scent surprised me though. I was expecting more of a fruity smell, yet there was a distinct earthiness to the fragrance. I wasn't really thrilled with the fragrance, but I think fans of Patchouli, like my mom, husband and many friends, would really like this body lotion. The Ylang Ylang cream perfume, on the other hand, really won me over. The sophisticated smell really seems expensive, but they are actually quite inexpensive at just under $10 per container. The body lotions are even less expensive and range between just $6 and $8. I also liked the Raspberry cream perfume, and would probably wear that around the house, and to the store, but would definitely stick with the Ylang Ylang on nights out, as it's a much more elegant and sexy fragrance. I will definitely be reordering the Ylang Ylang.

The wonderful folks at Kaponga.com are offering one lucky reader their choice of any product in their store, and you can enter below!

Best Movie I've seen in Awhile

I know I'm a little late to the game and everyone and their mother has already seen Inception but I FINALLY saw it last night.My husband and I rarely agree on a movie but we both wanted to see this one. Last time we watched True Grit - which HE picked out, we did both agree that one SUCKED.
I'm a Sci-fi nerd so this was perfect for me. 

       Visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) writes and directs this psychological sci-fi action film about a thief who possesses the power to enter into the dreams of others. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) doesn't steal things, he steals ideas.

     By projecting himself deep into the subconscious of his targets, he can glean information that even the best computer hackers can't get to. In the world of corporate espionage, Cobb is the ultimate weapon. But even weapons have their weakness, and when Cobb loses everything, he's forced to embark on one final mission in a desperate quest for redemption. This time, Cobb won't be harvesting an idea, but sowing one.

    Should he and his team of specialists succeed, they will have discovered a new frontier in the art of psychic espionage. They've planned everything to perfection, and they have all the tools to get the job done. Their mission is complicated, however, by the sudden appearance of a malevolent foe that seems to know exactly what they're up to, and precisely how to stop them.

This was action packed, deep on many levels, and since I've had a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio since Titanic, momma got some eye candy.
I HIGHLY recommend this movie! We will be buying it to add to our must have collection.

Homemade Sodas

I'm one of those mean mommies that doesn't let me kids drink Coke or Colas unless it's a special occasion like Christmas or their Birthdays.
However I do make them homemade sodas.
So easy and delicious too!
I take club soda and fill up the glass 3/4 and add fresh juice or pulp.
I also like to use the Mango Juicy Juice when it's on sale. This is DELICIOUS, cheap, and a Much healthier version of a soda.
The kids love how the fizz tickles their noses. I also like to add fresh strawberries to it to. Super YUMMY!

For more Great Recipes Check out our Foodies Group on our Community

Dark Corners Review & 2 Book Giveaway

      Dark Corners Description

  Ella Reynolds knew from the first moment she walked into the old house someone or something was watching her. Waiting. Her husband's violent murder sent her spiraling into a world of grief and isolation, but Ella isn't alone. Who or what is responsible for her husband's death is still with her. Darkness has engulfed the past year of Ella's life. Everyday reality slips a little more between her fingers as she struggles to break free from her memories. 

     She must look deeper into her past as well as the present to discover truth of her husband's homicide. A string of uncanny events takes place and practical explanations run thin as Ella follows the terrifying road to closure. As the past and present come to a head, Ella must decipher who or what the murderer is before it takes her as well. 

                                                   

Mandie's Thoughts - First I want to say that I wasn't given this book to review but that I bought it. I know you'd think as many books that are sent to me I'd never have to buy a book again. Well this one came highly recommended on a book club I'm in and I figured it was only $2.99 for the kindle version, how could I not get it? As soon as I picked it up I couldn't put it down.

    Ella is so flawed. She's paranoid, crazy, and a drunk but I really connected with her (& not because I'm any of those things). From the very beginning you have to know why she's nuts. You know there has to be much more to it and as you read you see that there is something about her house...

    This book provoked so many emotions in me. I was angry, scared, curious, but most importantly entertained. I couldn't put this book down and it literally had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Dark Corners had me stumped and I'm really good at guessing the end. I was second guessing everyone and everything! I probably guessed every character in the book before it was over and I was still surprised.  
    I honestly think Dark Corners would make the perfect movie, one that even my husband would watch..

                     I loved this book so much I contacted the author and asked if I would offer my readers a copy. She was kind enough to allow 2 copies to give away! Your choice of e-book (international) or print (US)
 Mandatory Entry - Tell me you want it and promise me you won't jump to the end ;) BUY IT HERE or if you go to Smashwords & use code SSW50                                                      It is on sale for $1.50for their big July Sale!
Extra Entries -  +1 Follow Liz's Blog Entering Bat Country  on GFC +1 Follow Liz's Blog 4 Corners Press on GFC
+1 Follow Time 4 Mommy on GFC
+1 Follow Dark Corners Fan Page on Facebook +1 Friend Liz Schulte on Facebook  +1 Follow Time 4 Mommy on Facebook
+1 Follow Liz Schulte on Twitter
+1 Follow Time 4 Mommy on Twitter
+5 Join our Time 4 Mommy Community (we have a book club!)
         Giveaway will end July 19th at 11:59pm. The winners will be chosen by random.org and emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to U.S Residents 18+ for the print version or international for the e-book

Summertime Crafts for Kids

Summertime Crafts for Kids

Guest post by Rachel Paxton

ROCK PAPERWEIGHTS

Give each child a rock that has been washed with soap and dried. Have the children decorate the rocks with craft paint to create their own unique paperweights.

MASKS

Cut 8 ½ x 11 pieces of paper in half. Give each child a piece of paper and a crayon or marker. Have each child fold their piece of paper in half and cut a hole that their nose will fit through. Have them cut a small hole first, then adjust the hole to fit the size of their nose. Have the children try on their masks and let them try to figure out where the eyes should go. They can then cut out holes for the eyes. Let the children decorate their masks with different facial expressions.

JIGSAW PUZZLES

Give each child a piece of cardboard, a picture from a magazine, some scissors, and some glue. Have the children glue their pictures onto their cardboard. When the glue is dry, have them cut their cardboard into the shape of jigsaw puzzle pieces. When they have finished, have them trade puzzles and have a race to see who finishes first.

GRAPH PAPER DRAWINGS

Give each child a sheet of graph paper and a pen or pencil. Have each child draw a picture on the graph paper using only the lines on the graph paper. Curved lines are not allowed. Let the children color their creations. Have them share their pictures with each other when they are done.

COLLAGES

Give each child newspapers, scissors, glue, and notebook paper. Have each child cut words and sentences from newspaper pages and combine them to create a unique story. Have them arrange their sentences on the notebook paper and glue them in place. A theme for the stories can be decided beforehand. Let the children share their stories with each other.

FLUBBER

1 1/2 cups warm water
2 cups white school glue
1 1/3 cups warm water
3 teaspoons Borax
Food coloring

Mix 1 1/2 cups warm water, glue, and food coloring together. In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/3 cups warm water and Borax together. Pour the glue mixture into the Borax mixture and take out of bowl to knead until flubber is soft and consistent in form. Store in a zip-lock bag or tightly sealed container. This stuff is really fun! Enjoy!

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For complete resources for the Christian home, visit her web site at www.Christian-Parent.com.

source

Bill Clinton, Keynote Speaker at Walden University, Receives Another Honorary Degree

I was reading on WaldenU.edu today that Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker at Walden University’s commencement on July 30, 2011. Walden plans to confer President Clinton with an honorary doctorate in recognition of his commitment to civic engagement, youth leadership and education. 


According to Wikipedia, "An honorary degree[..] is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived the usual requirements, such as matriculation, residence, study, and the passing of examinations.".. in other words, the person receiving the degree really has done nothing whatsoever at the university to earn the degree.


Wikipedia goes on to say that "The degree is typically a doctorate or, less commonly, a master's degree, and may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the academic institution. Usually the degree is conferred as a way of honoring a distinguished visitor's contributions to a specific field, or to society in general. The university often derives benefits by association with the person in question."


This got me thinking about money. I was wondering if there was any money exchanging hands here. 


Wikipedia does note that "Some universities and colleges have been accused of granting honorary degrees in exchange for large donations. Honorary degree recipients, particularly those who have no prior academic qualifications, have sometimes been criticized if they insist on being called 'Doctor' as a result of their award, as the honorific may mislead the general public about their qualifications."


Walden University isn't the only one handing out fake... I mean honorary... degrees to Bill Clinton. A quick search on Google shows that Bill Clinton has received many honorary degrees, including ones from McGill University, University of Central Missouri, NYU, and Dartmouth, just to name a few.