Month: June 2014

June 7, 2014

Take Back the Summer with Allergy Relief from Pharmasave #shop

I am a member of the Collective Bias Social Fabric Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

Allergies. They are the bane of my existence! Every spring it starts slowly with the sneezing which then leads to the runny nose, itchy eyes and skin until I am full blown tissues stuffed in my nose to keep from dripping everywhere – paints a pretty picture right?

What doesn’t help is that my children are extremely active in sports and love hiking and camping – and so do I! I don’t want to not be able to participate no matter how awful I am feeling. Finding an effective allergy medication is so important and it makes the difference between being exhausted and miserable and being able to enjoy the day with my family.

I was excited to take part in the #CollectiveBias campaign to shop for allergy medication at Pharmasave. I had already used up a good portion of my medication stock already so I was eager to get in and shop.

Pharmasave has a huge selection of allergy medications and allergy symptom maintenance medications (such as rinses, sprays, drops,etc.). They also have a great variety of non drowsy medications (because we still need to be able to function during the day!). I typically look for non drowsy allergy medications (nothing is worse then being exhausted after taking your medication). I also look for a combined sinus medication as well (sounds odd but trust me it makes the world of a difference for me and my nose).

I also always purchase a good nasal rinse. It completely removes the sinus build up and pressure that happens during the allergy season. I found that this significantly decreases my sinus headaches as well. It has helped alleviate so many of my symptoms in combination with medication. A definite must have in an allergic individuals medicine cabinet!

I ended up purchasing the Claritin Allergy and Sinus because it not only covered all the bases but also had a non drowsy formula. The medication took control quickly and I was able to enjoy the gorgeous weather at the park with my kids playing soccer! There is nothing better then a quick acting formula that allows you to function at your fullest.

The best part of purchasing allergy medications at Pharmasave? I was able to get back to being me and enjoying my time with my family doing what we love the most!

For my fellow allergy sufferers here are some helpful tips for the allergy season:

using an air purifier as well as a cool mist humidifier
using saline nasal rinses
keeping yourself hydrated (think lots of water!)
some people have found that diets high in Omega-3 acids as well as probiotics helps. There is no scientific research but allergy sufferers have also agreed that local honey can be helpful too.

Do you suffer from allergies? What are you go to methods for allergy season?

June 6, 2014

The Hatmaker’s Heart #review

In The Hatmaker’s Heart by Carla Stewart, Nell Marchwold finds bliss in seeing the transformation when someone gets a glimpse in the mirror while wearing one of her creations and feels beautiful. Nell has always strived to create hats that bring out a woman’s best qualities. She knows she’s fortunate to have landed a job as an apprentice designer at the prominent Oscar Fields Millinery in New York City. Yet, when Nell’s fresh designs begin to catch on, her boss holds her back from the limelight, claiming the stammer that she has had since childhood reflects poorly on her and his salon.

But it seems that Nell’s gift won’t be hidden by Oscar’s efforts. Soon an up and coming fashion designer is seeking her out as a partner of his 1922 collection. The publicity leads to an opportunity for Nell to make hats in London for a royal wedding. There she sees her childhood friend, Quentin and an unexpected spark kindles between them. But thanks to her success, Oscar is determined to keep her. As her heart tugs in two directions, Nell must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her dream and what her dream truly is.

Nell’s story is fantastic. A young girl, troubled from her past that has left her with a stutter is trying to make her way in America. She finds her call but is constantly put in the back by her male boss. A good reminder of how far women have come from the days when we were not allowed nor thought to be appropriate for women to run businesses. I felt for Nell and kept wanting to guide her and encourage her to stand up for herself. She has so much strength but it is kept hidden inside. A truly lovely story!

You can find more reviews on The Hatmaker’s Heart on the Litfuse blog tour here. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 4.5/5

Carla Stewart is offering a giveaway on her blog to celebrate The Hatmaker’s Heart – you can enter here.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 6, 2014

All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti #review

In All My Belongings, a new life and a new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and a new job caring for the ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she is wondering if Isaac and herself are headed for a relationship, Becca’s patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of homes and hopes for love. Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?

At first I found it hard to get into this book but about a quarter of the way it really sped up and left my mind reeling. It is such a realistic story and makes me wonder about all the people that live in Jayne’s shoes. How do they go on with life (if I say more it would be the worst spoiler ever) and how do they ever erase the stigma that someone has left on the family name. She is incredibly strong and determined even when fingers were pointed at her. She trusted in herself, God and Isaac.A definite must read! it was definitely not the type of book I expected it to be.

You can find more reviews of All My Belongings on the Litfuse blog tour here. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 6, 2014

Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett #review

In Out of the Ruins, Abby’s faith in God and her fellow men is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect however is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

A wonderful story of faith and learning to trust in God. Abby is devastated by her sister’s illness. I can’t even begin to imagine how heart breaking this is for her. She blames everyone but especially God. Her faith wavers. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and hurt she is feeling and it can be easy to see how she would blame God when we don’t understand why bad things are happening to us. The earthquake and subsequent fire that starts in San Francisco and quickly spreads is devastating. It also brings her closer to God and to her own heart. I felt connected to Abby and I love how her faith grows.

You can find more reviews on, Out of the Ruins, on the Litfuse blog tour here. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 4, 2014

OUT OF THE RUINS BY @KarenBarnettAuthor | Enter to win a Kindle HDX & RSVP for 6/19 Facebook Party!

Don’t miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett‘s new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.

Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.

One winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire HDX
Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, 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 19th!