Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Lady Lynn's Gift Boutique Review & $30 GC Giveaway



I love designer jewelry, but I don't like designer price tags. With four kids and a tough economy, I have to set a limit on my jewelry purchases. Its not easy to find nice sterling jewelry that is within my budget, but still fits my personal style. Luckily I found Lady Lynn's Gift Boutique. They offer hundreds of unique designer inspired jewelry at a fraction of the cost. Whether you like chunky bangles or delicate earrings, you can find it all and more at Lady Lynn's Gift Boutique.



For my review, I was able to pick out one item, and it was not an easy decision. There are so many beautiful pieces! I have always been a fan of natural stones, so I decided on the Genuine Brown Drusy & Garnet Pendant in Sterling Silver. The necklace comes with a black cord, but can easily be worn on a silver chain as well. On the top is the tiny red Drusy stone and hanging dramatically below it is the brown garnet. It is a beautiful slice of stone with a sparkling crystal center. It is not only a lovely pendant that can be coordinated into almost any wardrobe choice, its also a remarkable piece of nature that vibrates with the power of Mother Earth. At only $28.95, its a great deal and the perfect choice for those who love the boho style.



The garnet pendant is only one example of the beautiful jewelry you can find at Lady Lynn's Gift Boutique. She also offers inspirational jewelry, casual chic jewelry, and fashion jewelry to name just a few categories. Choose from pins and brooches, bracelets, pearls, and even bejeweled key chains. This beautiful designer inspired jewelery is available at remarkable wholesale prices. And right now you can get even more savings because many of their pieces are on sale. And if that isn't reason enough to start shopping, every month Lady Lynn donates 10% of their profits to various charities. You have to love a company that gives back! With the holidays only a few weeks away, this is a great place to start shopping for all the ladies in your life.



One lucky winner is going to receive a $30 Gift Certificate to Lady Lynn's Gift Boutique. To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form below. You will be able to enter this giveaway at both the New Age Mama and Author Laura DeLuca blogs. You only need to enter ONCE. Please do not enter on both blogs. Entries will be merged and one winner will be chosen. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Lady Lynn's Gift Boutique for offering this great prize.






***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.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. **

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Gaiam Massage Therapy Kit Review & Giveaway



After months of being on bed rest and then adjusting to a new baby, I am finally getting back into a normal routine. For me, that includes daily yoga exercises. Having four children can take a toll on your body. I not only need to get back into a size seven jeans. I also need to get sore back and leg muscles strained from a difficult pregnancy back in good working order.  Gaiam has always been one of my favorite stores for all my yoga supplies, and the first place I look when I want to add something new to my collection. Recently, I tried out their Massage Therapy Kit, and I couldn't be happier with the results.






 The Restore Massage Therapy Kit includes everything you need to ease stress and experience an enhanced yoga workout.  There are three massage balls, one large and two small, which you roll underneath the problem areas as you work out. The gentle motion of your yoga poses will allow the balls to knead troubled areas, which stimulates muscle tension and circulation, and eases stress and stiffness. The set also comes with a 25 minute yoga stretch routine with is perfect for beginners, someone a little out of practice (like me), or even an expert who just wants to take it easy for the night and give their muscles a little TLC.  If you are looking for a holiday gift for a yoga enthusiast, the Restore Massage Therapy Kit would be the perfect choice.




The massage kit is only one example of hundreds of yoga themed products you can find at Gaiam, all of which would make excellent gifts or a well earned indulgence. If you thinking about making a purchase, this would be the perfect time. Now through 11/30/11, you can receive free shipping and 20% off all orders of $75 or more by entering the code HOLSAVE752P.  If you're reading this too late for that sale, no worries!  You can still get free shipping and 15% off your order until 12/31/11 by signing up for their newsletter.  Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for years, you should definitely visit Gaiam for a great selection of fun and unique products and everyday low prices on clothing, DVD routines, and accessories.



One lucky winner is going to receive the same Massage Therapy Kit that I received to review. To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form below. You will be able to enter this giveaway at both the New Age Mama and Author Laura DeLuca blogs. You only need to enter ONCE. Please do not enter on both blogs. Entries will be merged and one winner will be chosen.  Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Gaiam for offering this great prize.












***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.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. **

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Sara B Illustrations Review & Giveaway


 As a writer of fantasy, I often find inspiration in the beautiful artwork of others. I have a little corner in my room that is my workspace. Its where I hand write the first draft of all my books. In that corner, I have all my favorite statues, carvings, crystals, and art prints of all things mystical including Goddesses, Gods, elves, and of course whimsical fairies. I am very happy to have a new addition to my collection--a beautiful art print by Sara B Illustrations. This is the type of art work that will make anyone's imagination soar.



For my review, I received an art print entitled, "Celtic Fairy in Forest". Of course this would appeal to me as a Celtic Wiccan, but its only one of dozens of beautiful prints that will make you feel like you just parted the mists and entered the world of fairy. When I look at this print, I feel as though I could step right through those mists and join the maiden fairy in her domain. The fairy is so incredibly detailed, from her ivy covered gown to her crown of antlers. The butterflies fluttering around her, the little birds on her wrist and shoulder, and mushrooms around her feet, are all pleasant reminders that spring and rebirth it brings are never too far away.



The Celtic fairy is only one example so many lovely art prints available from Sarah B Illustrations. She  also creates magical mermaids, warrior angels, and even grumpy old trolls. In addition to the art prints, you can purchase bookmarks, postcards, and ornaments that can be used all year long but which would certainly add a touch of magic to your holiday tree. If you want to add some of this beautiful artwork to your collections, you can visit the Sara B Illustrations Etsy shop.



One lucky winner is going to receive a Grumpy Troll card deck. This game is similar to Old Maid but created using Sara's amazing artwork. To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form below. You will be able to enter this giveaway at both the New Age Mama and Author Laura DeLuca blogs. You only need to enter ONCE. Please do not enter on both blogs. Entries will be merged and one winner will be chosen.  Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Sarah B Illustrations for offering this great prize.








***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.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ** 

Friday, November 18, 2011

Planet Earth Essentials Winners!


The two winners of the Planet Earth Essentials Giveaway are #258
* Name: Lily Kwan


* Email: mslilyk@hotmail.com Send Email

* Option: Follow @authorldeluca on Twitter

* Extra Info: likwan


and #188

# Name: Niecey Docherty


# Email: nieceyd@
# Option: "Like" Author-Laura-Deluca on Facebook

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Destiny Unveiled - First Draft for the Cover


The publisher and I have decided on a title for the Destiny sequel! It will be "Destiny Unveiled".  The picture above, drawn by my wonderful husband, Timmie, is a rough draft of what the cover will look like.  I am very excited about this upcoming release, and if things go well, I may even write two or three more books in the Destiny series!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Destiny Kindle Edition is Now Available!



It has taken awhile, but I am excited to announce that the Kindle E-book version of Destiny is now available! I personally prefer the feel of a real book is my hands, but for all you techies out there, you can order the e-book on Amazon for only $3.99!  The hard cover is listed on Amazon as well as the publisher's website and Barnes and Noble for $14.95. Check out Destiny today and let a little magick into your life!

Monday, November 14, 2011

The Destiny Sequel is Coming in June!






Earlier this week, I was talking with the owner of Free Focus Publishing, the house that released Destiny last year. I am excited to announce  that they have agreed to publish the sequel to Destiny! We are looking at a  June release date to correspond with the setting of the book.  You can read a short excerpt from the novel here.  The working title of the sequel is "The Search for Destiny" but we are working on some alternatives. We are pretty sure the cover will feature a raven holding the signature necklace in its mouth. I am very excited about it! I am working on writing a short summary for the back of the book and will post that as soon as its ready. I hope everyone who read the first Destiny is as excited about the sequel as I am!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Excerpt from My Young Adult Novel Phantom



I wanted to give everyone a little taste of what is to come with Phantom, my new young adult novel which will be published by Pagan Writers Press sometime in the coming year. The scene below is from the first chapter when the school is holding auditions for the musical "Phantom". It will give you an introduction to some of the main characters without giving away too much. Please keep in mind that this is the unedited version and the final draft might be a little different.


**********

“Lord…Justyn?”

     It sounded more like a question than an audition call. Miss King looked slightly baffled as she scanned her paperwork and read the last name on her list of male candidates. Once she was certain she had read the name correctly, she called it out once more with a little more confidence. When she received no immediate response, she seemed ready to dismiss the whole thing as a joke. But then a strange black clad figure seemed to materialize in the corner of the stage, and with practiced grace, he moved towards the center of the platform and the waiting microphone.

     “That’s Justyn Patko,” Carmen informed Rebecca matter-of-factly. Luckily her best friend was the queen of gossip. “He just moved here this year. From Vegas, I think. He’s in my Calculus class.”

     “He’s a little creepy if you ask me,” Debbie whispered.

     Creepy he might have been to some, with his black clothes trimmed with silver chains, black hair, and black fingernails. He was obviously Gothic to the core, a fashion statement Rebecca had always thought was secretly a cry for attention. But for Justyn, there seemed no other possibility. She couldn’t imagine the darkly mysterious figure dressed in earth tones or preppy, button-down shirts. They would have clashed with his dark eyes and pale skin. She had seen him in the hallway a few times, but they didn’t share any classes together, so Rebecca had never really taken the time to study him before. Despite his odd style, there was something strangely appealing about Justyn. In his own way, he was just as handsome as Tom.

     The orchestra tuned for its virtuoso, and Justyn stood ready. But no one else was ready for the magical performance he began. Beside her, Carmen was rambling on about something mundane. Rebecca elbowed her to silence so she could listen to the perfectly thrilling tenor. As she listened to the song unfold, the world around her started to slip away. Gone was the high school auditorium. Gone were the rowdy teenagers. The Gothic stranger on the stage had become the embodiment of Erik, and Rebecca watched him in all his dark glory, belting out his tormented love through the words of his song. And she was as breathless with wonder as Christine herself must have been when the masked stranger serenaded her in the candlelit labyrinth of the opera house. In that moment, Justyn wasn’t just portraying the phantom. Justyn was the phantom.

                                               “Let the music touch your soul.
                                                 Let the darkness make you whole.
                                                 Do not fear what is unknown.
                                                 Your true path has now been shown.
                                                 Listen to the words I sing.
                                                 Embrace the peace that night will bring.”

     As he continued to sing in his deep but somehow angelic voice, Rebecca found that she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. With every line, her heart began to beat faster.  She truly felt the arms of night wrapping her in a warm embrace. She could almost feel the hands of the phantom glide along her body as the words poured forth. The music caressed her. It possessed her—mind, body and soul. Each word left her longing, yearning for more.

     She was gawking so obviously, it was hardly surprising when Justyn felt her eyes on him and steadily met her gaze. She realized her mouth was hanging open in stunned awe, and she quickly snapped it shut. His lips moved into just a small hint of a smile. He never took his eyes off her while he sang the final verse, making her cheeks flush to the point that she felt almost feverish. But it wasn’t embarrassment but excitement, arousal even, which was sending her mind spinning in so many directions.

      When the song was over, and Rebecca had recovered just a hint of her composure, she couldn’t help but burst into a healthy round of applause. A few scattered people joined in, including Debbie and Carmen after she nudged them in the ribs. But only Miss King seemed to truly appreciate the brilliance of his talent as much as Rebecca did.

      “That was amazing, Justyn!” the teacher gushed.

      “Lord Justyn,” he corrected as he stepped down from the stage.

      A few others complimented him as well, but he took in all in stride. In fact, his serious expression never faltered as he stepped down from the stage. He seemed almost bored, like it was all he could do to hold back a yawn, despite the smiles and words of encouragement.

     But not everyone in the crowd was pleased as Justyn glided down the aisle, so ethereal in his dark garments that he still resonated the spirit of the Opera Ghost. Miss King might have been excited about the newest male addition to her cast after being limited for many years, but Tom and his group of boisterous companions glared at him as he passed them by.  Jay sneered and tossed a balled up piece of paper in Justyn’s direction, but the Goth was quick, and caught it in his hand without missing a beat.

    “I think you dropped something,” he said.

    His speaking voice was no less melodic than his singing voice, but something about his tone made Rebecca shiver. He tossed the paper back at Jay, who was nowhere near as coordinated as Justyn. He practically fell off his seat in his efforts to catch it.

     “Hey vampire,” Tom called when Justyn went to walk away. “Are you sure you can handle the competition?”

     Justyn smiled, a cool, sarcastic half-smile, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you?”

     Miss King didn’t notice the short confrontation, and Justyn vanished from the auditorium as quickly and mysteriously as he had appeared. Only Rebecca had noticed the very real tension between the two boys. She wondered if it was a bad omen for them to start off the production with hard feelings and envy. That could only lead to trouble. The kind of trouble that could end with someone getting hurt.  The kind of trouble that Rebecca would do whatever it took to avoid.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Destiny Review & Giveaway at Just One Opinion



Melissa is the owner and editor of Just One Opinion, a mom of two, and a resident of my own home state of New Jersey. So when she contacted me about a review of Destiny, I was more than happy to send her a copy.   I am always excited to see what people think when they read my books, but I was thrilled this morning when I read the review on Just One Opinion.  Not only because she was happy with the whole story overall, but because she said that Flora was her favorite character. Flora is Gabriella's best friend, and provides some much needed humor even in the darkest of scenes. But she is also the character that is based on my own personality. From her awkward clumsiness to having the tendency to put her foot in her mouth, Flora is probably one of the most fun to write about. You can meet Flora for yourself by purchasing a copy of Destiny on Amazon.  Or head over to Just One Opinion and see what Melissa thought of the rest of the gang. While you're there, you can enter to win a signed copy of Destiny and a box of incense!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

My YA Novel "Phantom" is Being Published!



I am so excited to share that by second young adult novel, "Phantom" has been accepted my Pagan Writers Press! It will be awhile before I know the release date, but I couldn't refrain from sharing the good news. I have always been fascinated with the "Phantom of the Opera" from the classic Gaston Leroux novel to the divine musical by Andrew Lloyd Weber.  This obsession led to  create my own modern day Erik is my YA thriller, "Phantom."   Here is just a short summary of the plot to give you a tease of what is to come:

“Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. But when her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their next production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva. And like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars--Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Lord Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents, but Rebecca keeps receiving notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. But no one takes her seriously, even after the strange death that occurs at the Halloween Dance.

Rebecca is on her own at figuring out this mystery. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. When the mask is finally stripped away, who will be revealed as the twenty-first century phantom!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Beatrix Bell Winner!



The winner of the Beatrix Bell Giveaway is #233
 
# Name: heather stevens
# Email: damiesmom@
# Option: Network Blogs