The Kent Chronicles DVD Review

I have always been a sucker for a historical a television mini series. The Kent Chronicles centers around life in the early America during the time on the revolution.  Once I started watching this additive series, I couldn't stop until I had watched the whole box set. You follow the tale of a young Frenchman, played by William Shatner, journeying to America and meeting American including Ben Franklin and Paul Revere, and George Washington.  The combination of a powerful story line filled with historical facts and stunning costume design left me glued to my seat.  The stories were based on the bestselling novels of John Jakes, and after seeing the show, I am itching to pick up copies of the books. Here is a little more info straight from Acorn Media.

 Chronicling the saga of the Kent family in early America, the star-studded Revolution-era romp, The Kent Chronicles, makes its North American DVD debut from Acorn Media on July 31, 2012. Based on the bestselling novels by John Jakes (North and South), the “godfather of the historical novel,”these three miniseries follow the fortunes of a young Frenchman (Andrew Stevens, Dallas) as he immigrates to America during the Revolutionary War and crosses pathswith historical heavyweights including Paul Revere (William Shatner, Star Trek), Benjamin Franklin (Tom Bosley, Happy Days), Samuel Adams (William Daniels, St. Elsewhere), and George Washington (Peter Graves, Mission: Impossible).Nominated for two Emmys® and a Golden Globe® and broadcast in the late 1970s, the DVD 3-disc set includes three miniseries based on the popular Kent family novels: The Bastard, The Rebels, and The Seekers, plus the original 2-min. trailer ($59.99, www.AcornOnline.com).

Filled with adventure and romance, these three miniseries chronicle the saga of the Kent family in early America. In The Bastard, Frenchman Phillipe Charboneau adopts a new identity as Philip Kent in the colonies. In The Rebels, Kent fights in the War of Independence and strikes up a friendship with a dashing and reckless Virginian (Don Johnson, Miami Vice). The Seekers completes the story as Philip’s sons and grandson forge a life on the western frontier and fight in the War of 1812. The set also stars Patricia Neal (Breakfast at Tiffany’s), George Hamilton (Where the Boys Are), Olivia Hussey (Romeo & Juliet), Delta Burke (Designing Women), and Kim Cattrall (Sex and the City).

Besides The Kent Chronicles, Acorn has released other U.S. miniseries including The Adams Chronicles, Backstairs at the White House, and, most recently, Washington: Behind Closed Doors.

If you want to get the advantage a mini series that will leave you on the breathless from the drama and suspense of the old world, than this is the box set for you. You can order The Kent Chronicles for only $59.99 at Acorn Media.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***

Scalene DVD Review & Giveaway

A perceptual thriller told from three points-of-view revolving around the rape of a female college student by a mentally handicapped man and his mother's subsequent revenge after his incarceration.


 Where to Buy
 You can order Scalene on Amazon for only $19.99 for the DVD or $24.99 for the Blu-Ray.

Our Thoughts

Scalene is not a movie for the faint of heart. It deals with many touchy issues including rape, murder, abuse and the effects of drug use. The story revolves around a young man named Jakob. When he was twelve, he was experimenting with his friends. His attempts at a cheap high resulted in severe brain damage which left him childish and unable to speak. His mother is dealing with this alone, and when she meets a gentlemen who displays an interest in her, she hires a college student named Paige to help with Jacob.

While this is the basic gist of the film, it was told in a way that made it quite unique. It starts out going backwards, starting with Jacob's mother coming to try to attack Paige and saying, "I want him back." From there you go backwards, seeing the events that led up the possible rape from the mother's perspective. Then there is a scene where Jacob gets burned and for a few minutes you see things though his eyes. Then it switches to Paige's point of view, and you start moving forward in time again, leading back up to the initial attack. This may sound confusing, but it actually worked well. It gives you the perspective of all the main characters, without giving away the climax to soon.

This film invoked some mixed emotions in me. On the one hand, I liked the idea. It was unique, and the little known cast were all amazing.  As someone who can relate to the struggles of having a mentally handicapped family member, I understand the frustration the  mother encountered. I could also relate to Paige as the young girl who suspects abuse and isn't sure how to handle it. Though, I honestly think that anything else would have been a better than than what she decided. Paige's decisions made me feel that she was the most disturbed of all the characters, and yet, this is what made the story compelling and original.  Scalene is definitely a film worth watching if you want a psychological thriller that will leave you with you mouth hanging open, long after the final credit have ended.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***

Healthy Hair Giveaway

Welcome to the Healthy Hair Giveaway sponsored by Keranique

hosted by Iowa Mom and Mom Blog Society

Prize Package Includes ($209 in fabulous professional haircare products):
Keranique Volumizing Shampoo
Keranique Volumizing Conditioner
Keranique 8-Day Intensive Scalp Treatment
Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

Boot Camp for Your Scalp
Keranique Introduces New 8 Day Intensive Scalp Treatment to Address Seasonal & Stress Related Hair Thinning
Environmental changes including the transitioning of seasons can do a number on the skin. We prep and cleanse with scrubs, moisturizers and a variety of skin treatments - but what about our scalp?Fluctuations in temperature, excessive styling and stress all attribute to thinning hair. According to WebMD.com, a major development as of late has been the application of skin care ingredients to hair care.Peptides, for example, provide extra conditioning and make the hair shaft stronger by depositing a shield on the shaft.
Keranique’s new 8-Day Intensive Scalp Treatment uses the science of skin care to help stimulate and rejuvenate the scalp, creating healthy conditions for hair to grow. This intensive, leave-in scalp therapy features the highest recommended concentration of a clinical strength, patented peptide to help strengthen and “anchor” the hair at the root. It also helps reduce DHT on the scalp, stimulate skin proteins, and reduce scalp irritation to support thicker, healthier hair as it grows. Results can be seen in just 8 days.

The Power of Peppermint
Peppermint oil has been used for centuries to cure a number of medical issues including stomach ailments, cold symptoms and headaches. This powerful ingredient also helps to enhance hair and scalp health.
Keranique has incorporated peppermint oil into its new volumizing shampoo and conditioner. The ingredient works to gently moisturize the hair shaft while stimulating micro-circulation and new hair growth. A tingling, cooling effect occurs when peppermint oil is massaged into the scalp, helping to balance the PH levels and banish oily hair – and the fresh, invigorating scent of peppermint will last all day!
The Keranique Volumizing Shampoo gently deep cleans, stimulates/nourishes the scalp and follicles, and removes oil/build up that drags hair down. The shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens and synthetic fragrances. $35
The Keranique Volumizing Conditioner coats the hair to make each strand thicker and protects fine hair with a unique cream-gel formula that doesn’t weigh it down. It is also formulated to help hydrate and stimulate micro-circulation around the hair follicle to help nourish the hair. The conditioner’s blend of technologies penetrates each hair shaft to help smooth cuticles, mend split ends and decrease hair breakage. $35

Keranique products are available now via www.hsn.com and www.keranique.com.

Kline Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron ~ sponsored by Secret Southern Couture

Great for transforming dull and frizzy hair into gorgeous, shiny, straight locks. Equipped with a variable temperature control ranging from 230 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit and 1” free-floating plates, it’s sure to help you achieve the style you’re looking for.
Aside from straightening, this styling iron curls and flips hair beautifully. Its tangle-free 360 degree swivel cord provides maximum control while working with various hair types. Plus, the convenient travel pouch means you can take your styling iron with you wherever you go, so you’ll never have to suffer through a bad hair day again!

Get healthy, thick hair by fall with Keranique!

One lucky winner will receive Keranique Volumizing Shampoo, Keranique Volumizing Conditioner, Keranique 8-Day Intensive Scalp Treatment and a Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron.

Giveaway ends August 16th at 11:59pm, open to US residents only, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



 
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. New Age Mama is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. 

Destiny Unveiled Blog Tour & Giveaway

 

 Title: Destiny Unveiled

Author: Laura DeLuca
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal

Release Date:  April 10th 2012

Find It:  Goodreads | Amazon  | BN | The Book Depository

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Gabriella's coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.

 

 

 

You can win this prize pack my visiting any of the sites of this blog tour list! Giveaway is only running for five days, so hurry over for your chance to win.

 

1. Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

2. Bookhaven Extrordinaire

3. FireStarBooks

4. YA Book Season

5. Oh! For the Love of Books

6. Books, Books, The Magical Fruit

7. The Solitary Bookworm

8. LovLivLife Reviews

9. Teen Reader's Diary

10. My Cozie Corner

11. All The Days Of

12. Reading a Little Bit of Everything

13. My Little Pocketbooks

14. Masquerade Crew

15. A Dream Within a Dream

16. Tea, Daydreams, and Fairytales 

Destiny Unveiled Altar Set at The Whimsical Pixie!

You might remember a few months back I hosted a giveaway for an amazing pagan altar set which was created by Paula from The Whimsical Pixie and inspired by my novel, Destiny Unveiled.  Well, Paula never ceases to amaze me! She has now created a another altar set with even more goodies included. Because their is a scene in the book where on the characters have a impromptu beach ritual using seashells and a driftwood wand, she even threw in those items! Here is the description and a few more photos so you can see everything you get with the package.

 The book's cover was recreated on the altar box lid; the design was first set in pyrography, painted, stain and given a protective coating of high gloss polycrylic. The flower Celtic knot pentagram is seen and talked about in both books. In the original kit the catch phrase "Unveil your Destiny" was pyrographed on the back of the tile. I have left this one blank allowing you to choose your desired phrase or leave blank. Red paint was floated around the perimeter to coordinate with the Blood Moon of the cover. A red rose in full bloom was used on both millefiori* pieces; the censor and charcoal tongs. It symbolizes the main characters destiny being unveiled.

A scene in the book tells of the young hero doing spell work on the beach using a drift wood wand to cast a circle and sea shells to form a pentagram. Both of these have been included as well as censor sand and a roll of charcoal disks so you can perform your own ritual. Whether you're just starting to walk the path or have for years, this kit makes an attractive addition to your ritual tools.

The retail value of this set is $90.95, which is a great price for so many hand made pieces. But as an added bonus, the first person to make a purchase will also receive a FREE signed copy of Destiny Unveiled.   So head on over to the Whimsical Pixie and get your altar set today.

Guest Post - Surfing the Flow, Literary-Style By Fierce Dolan

Or, for those of you not in touch with your cosmic sides, how to come up with writing ideas. 

I confess, I'm rarely short on ideas, actually, just time and sleep to bring them all into being.  Still, on occasion I find myself needing to submit an article that just isn’t coming together, and I’m forced to use Other means to get the creative juices flowing.

For those who don't know, in my other life I’m a lifelong intuitive and have done readings (and energy work) for others for years.  Despite my natural intuitive gifts, or may in spite of them, I’ve never jelled with set divination systems such as the Tarot, I Ching, or anything that requires a close relationship to specific symbols and their meanings.  More of a renegade, I often break from esoteric tradition and do what's considered a chaos reading.  Chaos magick is considered a contemporary practice of working with whatever you have, to intuitive ends.  The method draws on the resources of what is right in front of me, and my ability to intuitively connect with it on the spot.  

I am clairsentient, meaning, I can touch objects and read from them what they have to say about whatever situation I’m in, etc.  Pretty nifty skill when I need insight on the fly.  Over years of coming up with topics on the run, it only seemed appropriate to blend chaos readings with finding writing topics.  Ultimately, I’ve honed a cool skill that keeps my mind open and my skills fresh.  

Try this:

Think of the venue you need to write for, the qualities it embodies, and hold your mind open.  If you are stumped on a current writing project, think about the part of it that needs attention.  

Look around your immediate area and find three objects.  Doesn't matter what they are, but go with the first three that grab your attention.  Don’t cheat and choose them with intention.  Go with the first three that catch your awareness.

Remember the order you noticed them in and write it down.  

For each object, go back and write down everything it stirs for you.  What does it make you think of?  What memories does it jog?  What feelings are inspired?  What senses does it affect?  Be as descriptive or vague as you like.  The point is that you be honest and thorough in regarding each object.

When you have exhausted how you relate to each object, write a summary statement for each, emphasizing how each leaves you feeling.

The order in which you engaged the objects is significant.  The order carries the following associations:

1-      The first object represents the way you've been approaching the lack of topic, or the point in the project that’s unclear.  

2-      The second object represents the change in how you need to approach it.

3-      The third object represents the best approach you can take on this project.

Now that you have identified clear feelings about each objects and how they relate to your project, you can form an overall connection to the project.  For instance,  I've been stuck on how to approach cover art for a current project. With that in mind I gather:

1 - bottle of lavendar oil

2- pencil, old school style

3 - a feather

(my desk is an odd mix of function and poof)

Lavendar oil helps me feel peaceful.  Having it beg my attention tells me I've been too emotionally involved in determining this cover art.

The hand-sharpened pencil stirs feelings of a simpler time, when things weren't overly complicated.  It reminds me to keep this art organic.

The feather leaves me feeling like I can rise above.  It tells me to trust my instincts.

Point to consider in deciphering the message before you are:

1-      Where do these feelings manifest in my project?  In the way I think about my project?

2-      How can these feelings inform me of approaching this project in a stronger way?

3-      How do these feelings foster your ability to trust your project's process?

Remember, sometimes the information you get isn’t about manifesting the project, it’s about taking care of yourself while you do.  In the throes of tending your own needs, clarity comes.

So.  What sages are on your desk?  What do they have to say about your current project?  The next time you are stuck on a project, remember your allies are right in front of you—literally.

 Long in passion’s service, confident Asif enjoys his life as a thirty-something escort, bringing romance into the lives of metropolitan socialite cougars. Gifted at seducing wealthy white MILFs and bringing them endless pleasure, the arrogant Persian eschews investing in a personal life. A chance meeting with young artist, Cass, while on the job at a gala event, changes his perspective on women forever, and unleashes desires Asif never knew he had.

You can order a copy of Gigolo Seduction of Amazon for only $1.99.

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Coach Madison Op Art Sateen Handbag

One of Coach's favorite silhouettes, updated in lustrous sateen with an intricate Op Art pattern: tailored on the outside, beautifully organized on the inside. Heritage hardware and our horse-and-carriage logo plaque lend it a classic Coach look, while a slender strap keeps it squarely on the shoulder.

• Op Art multi print fabric with leather trim
• Inside multifunction pocket
• Zip-top closure, fabric lining
• Handles with 7" drop
• 9 1/2" (L) x 7 1/2" (H) x 3 1/2" (W)

Big thank you to Mom Powered Media owners: Mom to Bed by 8, Powered By Mom and Real Mom Reviews for organizing this coachlicious fashion event.

As well as our fantastic co-hosting blogs Freebie Spot, There's a Contest for That and Keeping Your Cents.

One lucky winner will receive a Coach Madison Op Art Sateen Handbag.

Giveaway ends August 22nd at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. New Age Mama is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.