CSI: Miami Heat Wave Game Review #CleverCSI

As a lot of you know I am a big online gamer. Facebook games are a big addiction of mine. I play all kinds of games like Battle Pirates to Tail Towns Friends...and now I have found CSI: Miami Heat Wave.

Oh my sweet gracious. It is SO much fun. I can't stop playing it.

If you like the television show CSI: Miami and solving mysteries you will LOVE this game. It is so awesome. Seriously! Best of all it is FREE to play. As like most other games you have pay options but it's not necessary. You can have as much fun playing without paying out any cash.

CSI: Miami Heat Wave has all of your favorite characters from the show; like Horatio Caine, along with Detectives Eric, Calleigh, & Ryan. First you create your own character. which you customize by changing it's physical appearance and clothing. You, of course, are a rookie investigator and are put through the paces of solving crimes. As you solve each crime you are rewarded with money and items you will use during the game.

Each new quest begins with a short animated crime. From there you have to investigate the crime area, process the evidence and then question the suspects. It is so real to the show, it's amazing! Horatio gives you a case to solve, Detectives Eric & Ryan assist you in searching the crime scene(s) and Calleigh processes the evidence. You move from the crime scene to the CSI lab. 

Here are some screen shots I took of the game while I was playing. 

Here I am searching the crime scene.

Collecting resources I'll need in the CSI lab.

Calleigh processed the evidence. Now I have to examine it.

Questioning the suspect.

 The game is really easy to play and it's FUN! I can't say that enough. :)

If you think you would like to play this game just click here and be prepared for lots of gaming fun! 

I Touch My Boobs

I bet that title got your attention, didn't it? Good. I wanted it to. This is some serious stuff.

We all hear about October being Breast Cancer Awareness month but do we take the time really think about it? What it means to us as women. How serious this can be? You know when we were kids we always thought when something bad happened that it couldn't happen to us. And if you're honest...you still think the same thing. Well, I'm here to tell you it can happen to you. It'll turn your world upside down.

Mom is such a fighter! 

In 2008, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 64 years old when she found the lump. We watched her go through chemo, radiation, and surgery. She lost her hair. She was so sick. And it was scary. Here we are dealing with a disease that kills. I wasn't ready to lose my mommy. You learn to pray a lot and pray hard. Thankfully, she is okay. She was able to beat this and has been cancer free for 3 years now.

Some aren't so lucky ... like my friend Ashley.

Ashley - 1st chemo treatment
- just look at the beautiful smile!

Ashley was 30 years old when she was first diagnosed. She had 2 sons and an amazing husband. She fought with everything in her to try to conquer this evil disease. And she couldn't. Chemo, radiation and it still spread to her spinal cord and brain and in March 2011 Heaven got an angel. Ashley hated the thought of leaving her family behind. She wanted to grow old with her husband and watch her kids grow up, marry and give her grandkids. God had other plans for her and we have to accept that. She had. Ashley told me, "I have to admit I am scared to death, but I know God hasn't been moved off the throne so even if everything is not alright now no matter the outcome things will be ok". I know we will see her again one day and that's how one gets through each day without her.

If Ashley were here today, she would tell you to not be stupid (because Ashley wasn't shy - she told you how it was) and that you needed to do self breast exams. And if you even think that you feel something, anything - go to the doctor. Don't wait. Call right away.

I know it's scary. I'm so paranoid. The thought of going through what these two women went through terrifies me. I don't know if I could do it with the grace that they did. I also don't want to not do anything and then have my kids grow up knowing I didn't fight to stay around for them.

I am begging you to please do self-breast exams and have mammograms. This is a matter of life and death.

To learn how to do a self-check go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website . Do this once a month (at least) in the shower or when laying in bed at night. Mark it on your calendar. Just do it!

#ShapelyGirl Fitness - Week 2 & 3

When Blogger was acting up on me last week I missed the deadline for week 2 post. So instead of doing 2 separate posts I decided to combine them. :)

Week 2
What can I say about it? It sucked.

I had absolutely no motivation. Lots of stuff was going on in my head and I failed at being able to push it away. I did get one workout in which was really good. I felt a little burn I think mainly just because I hadn't done it in so many days. As far as food - I did okay. Not a lot of snacks. A little more pop than what I should have...but still not horrible. I just felt really bad that I allowed myself to dwell on negative things and not continue doing well.

I didn't bother weighing myself. I know I would have just felt worse.

Week 3
A much better week workout wise! I got back in the groove and my body didn't ache. It just felt worked out. Does that make sense? I think it does. :)

The workouts on the dvd really get my body moving and it feels good. It's hard to explain the feeling if you don't do it. Maybe it's the high from the endorphins that get released. I'm not sure but I like this feeling! Debra Mazda, creator of the ShapelyGirl Fitness videos stresses the importance of getting up and moving and being healthy at any size. And I am feeling very good about where I am at right now.

I didn't do well at eating....this was my pms week. So anything went. I ate and drank more than what I normally do and I'm sorry but I can't feel bad for that. This is only week I ever really binge. And for what I'm looking forward to, I allow it. I know there are other ladies out there who think the same way.

Again I didn't weigh...because I know the scales will be off. Water weight during this week would make me feel like a whale.

Now the good thing for the start of this week - week 4 - is...I woke up this morning feeling great! I had a super grouchy little girl on my hands but that got settled fast. I had coffee which I normally don't do because I just don't drink it everyday. But I feel good and energized and ready to take on the world! Or at least my little piece of it.

So let's get moving with Debra and make it a good day!

Music Monday: U Drive Me Crazy

Well, I haven't done this in awhile...have you missed it?! And again it'll be a flashback because that's the kind of music I like :)

A few weeks ago on Glee they had another Britney episode, which was totally awesome. Of course the songs have been in my head and I woke up with U Drive Me Crazy in my head. I've literally been singing it since about 7am this morning. I think I'm driving Matthew crazy!

Anyways I wanted to share the original Brit video. Do you remember when Melissa Joan Hart (while she was still Sabrina the Teenage Witch) and Adrian Grenier (before he went all Entourage) made the movie Drive Me Crazy? Popular girl tries to make nerd boy popular and then falls for him? Awesome movie. Which by the way I still have on dvd. They are actually in the music video. So it really took me back to when I was a teen and then it kind of made me feel old. But I'm ignoring that feeling and drowning my Monday in coffee....

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Life with Lily ~ Book Review

{ABOUT LIFE WITH LILY}

Book 1  ‘Adventures of Lily Lapp’ series.

Lily is six in this story, just starting first grade in a one-room schoolhouse in upstate New York. Her parents are busy building a farm, and soon animals join the family—Jenny the cow and Chubby the miniature horse. A baby brother arrives, too, which Lily has mixed feelings about. (She wanted a sister!) Aside from a mischievous friend like Mandy Mast, Lily is happy at school and even happier at home. Trouble is brewing at the schoolhouse and change is on the horizon for Lily and her family. Read an excerpt now.

You can purchase a copy of Life with Lily on Amazon.

{WATCH THE TRAILER}

{"ADVENTURES OF LILY LAPP" INTERACTIVE WEBSITE}

This site is fun for all ages and loaded with games, downloadable coloring pages, Mama’s recipes, a way to ask Lily questions, book giveaways …and more! Check it out by clicking on the logo.

{ABOUT SUZANNE WOODS FISHER}

Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has one husband, four children, one son-in-law, a brand new grand-baby, and a couple of dogs. She graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.

Suzanne has contracts with Revell for six more books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also the host of “Amish Wisdom·” on toginet.com, a weekly radio program featuring guests who are connected to Simple Living.

Find out more about Suzanne at http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/.  You can also find Suzanne on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. 

{MY REVIEW}
This book was totally adorable! It's been awhile since I've read a book from a young child's point of view. Normally, my kids have books that tell the story through a 3rd person. Reading Life with Lily was a refreshing change!

I have always been enchanted by all things Amish. Their lifestyle is fascinating to me. I could never do it though because I love my technology too much. But I do think they way they live is wonderful. Life with Lily is a great way to introduce your child to the Amish way of life and to teach them about other cultures.

There are so many stories to tell about Lily. The book is very big, 288 pages. Which can seem a little daunting to a child who would be interested in it. Amazon says that it's for ages 8 & up. I think that is more for the age at which the child could read it easily. However, I believe that children as young as 5 years old would find it interesting and sit while a parent read the story. One thing I loved was that it's so easily read chapter by chapter. You could read one chapter at a time and never feel like you were missing out. This is good for those with a small attention span.

I really think if you have a young daughter that she will enjoy this book. It's full of family, fun, and a bit of mischief.

*Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge for participation in a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour. All opinions are my own and were in no way influenced.*

You Don't Know Me ~ Book Review

{ABOUT THE BOOK}
A Deep Haven Novel

Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.

To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

You can purchase a copy of You Don't Know Me on Amazon.

{MEET SUSAN}

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.

{GIVEAWAY CHAT PARTY}
Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The entire set of Deep Haven Books

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the ”You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

{MY REVIEW}
I have read quite a few books by Susan May Warren. I really like her as an author. She has a way of telling a story that makes you feel as if you are there watching it all take place. And she definitely did not disappoint me this time.

You Don't Know Me is the story of a seemingly perfect family who within the first chapter starts to unravel.

Secrets are everywhere...and the biggest is that Annalise isn't who she says she is. Years before she had witnessed something horrible and was placed in the Witness Protection program. Now today the person she helped place behind bars is out .... and looking for revenge. Annalise has turned her life around and no one knows her secret. So how can she keep her family safe without them finding out the truth?

That's where it gets tricky. While I was reading it I have to admit I got mad at Annalise a few times. I wanted to tell her to stop being stupid and straighten up. Secrets aren't good for anyone! But if she would have listened to me half of the story wouldn't have happened and well that would have been a shame!

I laughed and cried so many times through this book. I had such a connection to the characters that I really cared what happened to each of them. It was a very emotional book and those are the best kind!

If you like family dramas with the ability to make you cheer them on this is the perfect book for you. Grab it up and start reading today!



*Disclosure: I received this book free of charge for participation in a Litfuse Publicity Blog tour. All opinions stated are my own and were in no way influenced.*

Just a Small Heads Up...

So I know I can't be the only one who has been having problems with Blogger. Can I? I haven't been able to post anything in days! I could log in but then when it went to the next page I got an error message. Anybody have this happen? 

 And I had reviews due so this was equally irritating. :( 

 However, for some unknown reason, which I am eternally grateful to whatever internet fixing fairy fixed it, things seem to be working properly now. *fingers crossed* So I'm going to bombard you with some posts. Well not too many and hopefully you'll read them all and comment accordingly. ;) 

 Anyways, I'm baaaaack. Until something else screws up the internet. 

Happy Thursday!

Thursday Pictures

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However, I have many friends that are going back to school and really enjoying what they are doing. My cousin just started his first year at WVU. I know he will do wonderfully. He was able to receive a full ride and that was just an amazing blessing to his family.

College is expensive and when you add in the cost of books ... it can be very scary. Daunting to say the least. Before making any big decision you have to research and find ways to save money. Yes, you can get grants and loans but eventually that will run out and you still have expenses.

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*Disclosure: I received compensation for writing this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

ShapelyGirl Fitness - Week 1 #shapelygirl

Well, week 1 of my ShapelyGirl Fitness journey is done.

Starting out I made sure to watch all of the Walking Fit and Fabulous DVD before jumping right in. I wanted to know just what I was getting myself into. :) There was an intro from Debra Mazda that made me think I CAN do this.

Oh wow. Let me tell you I was really out of shape! Shew! Man, could I feel the burn! Hot and out of breath I was wondering just what I had gotten myself into. However, the next two times were not as bad. The workouts themselves are designed to be low impact but for someone who hasn't done anything like this for awhile ... I was feeling it pretty good. My muscles were aching but in a way it felt good. I know that's strange sounding but if you do exercise programs you'll know what I mean.

My goal was to workout at least 3 days during the week. Our house is a little small and I knew I didn't want to be do it on weekends. My husband would get a good chuckle out of watching me. *blushes* And even after 12 years of being together and having so truly embarrassing moments, that's not something I want him to see. Anyways, I was able to do it! 3 days completed!

A few other changes I have been trying to make is not eating as many sweets and not drinking as much pop. Last week I had to consciously make the choice to not drink the pop and choose water. After a few days it wasn't a problem at all. As for the snacks...that was easier because I hadn't gone to the grocery store and was running low on everything. I went yesterday and I admit it's going to be an adjustment to not just picking up something sweet to eat. I have some fruit and pretzels and hopefully I can have some self control.

I didn't measure. I think I'm going to base this on how I feel and how my clothes fit. I'll also weigh myself on the scales. I weighed myself yesterday and I was down 4 lbs. I was so excited!

Now let's start on week 2....