Destiny Review & Giveaway at Life in a Lost World!

Ever since I was in first grade, all I ever wanted to do was write books. And if I take the time to write them, I want people to read them. I remember in high school and college, my friends and I would read aloud from my manuscripts.  I was always anxious to hear what they thought. Every one of them told me they loved my stories, but I always wondered if they just didn't want to hurt my feelings because they were my friends. Now every time I read a review for Destiny, I get butterflies because I know the reviewers won't care about my feelings. They are going to be honest.  So of course, it always excites me when I read a really positive review. At Life in a Lost World, I got a two for one, because both Jaydee and her daughter Caitlyn read Destiny, and I was thrilled to see they both enjoyed it. If you want to see what these two fabulous ladies had to say about my book, head on over to her blog. While you're there, you can enter to win a signed copy as well as a box of incense.

Crones Magical Crafts Winner!

 The winner of the Crones Magical Crafts Giveaway is #107

• Name: Kayla Syslk Facebook
• Email: raised.alternative@
• Option: Heart the Crone on Esty
• Extra Info: Kay

Destiny is Featured at the Celebrity Cafe!

My novel, Destiny, is being featured on the Celebrity Cafe! I am very excited about this promotion because the Celebrity Cafe is a HUGE website that has something like 7.5 million readers! They are hosting a fun giveaway where two winners will receive the following prize pack valued at $50 each:

1 Signed Book
2 boxes of Incense (scents may vary)
1 Crystal Point
5 Desert Rose Wishing Stones

If you would like to enter this giveaway, just head over to Celebrity Cafe. They have a simple entry form that will only take a few seconds to enter. Giveaway ends on 2/29/12, so head over now before its too late! And don't forget that Destiny is available in paperback and e-book formats on Amazon!

More Cover Options for Destiny Unveiled

These are a few more cover options for Destiny Unveiled. I am leaning towards the one of the left. The red moon seems like a little too much color. Would love to get some input.

Destiny Unveiled - Rough Draft of the Cover

We are working hard on the cover for Destiny Unveiled. This is a very rough draft. The raven might change a little, and the chain for the necklace hasn't been added in yet. We are also thinking about using color in the letters of the title. We used green last time to go along with the leaves of the rose, but want something different this time. I am also considering making the moon red, but it would have to be subtle. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them. Of course the final decision is made by the publisher, but input is always appreciated.

Belly Dance Winner!

The winner of the Belly Dance Skirt is #35

* Name: Susan Franklin Facebook
* Email: sallsue@
* Option: Blog Post

Meditation Creations Review & Giveaway ($85 ACV)

Meditation is a spiritual practice that spans all belief systems. Whether you're pagan, Christian, Hindu. Buddhist, Jewish or Muslim, we all search for that inner peace and stillness within ourselves that comes with meditation. While meditation tools are not mandatory, but they can certainly enhance the ambiance of the experience.  I would love to be able to sit out in the glory of nature, and lose myself in the waves of the ocean or of the shade of the forest trees. But as a mother of four, my meditation time usually comes late at night when the kids are sleeping. That means I am stuck in the house. But I have a little corner of my room where I have created a mediation sanctuary. Its where I keep my crystals, incense, and candles. The newest addition to my sacred space is the "Prayers Have Wings" decorative plaque from Meditation Creations.

"Prayers Have Wings" plaque is a beautiful handmade piece. Like many of Vickie's creations, this plaque is made using upcycled materials, and then decorated with mirrors, Swarofsky crystal gems, acrylic paint and more. This piece is painted in lavender, which is the color of serenity. The birds in flight seem to lend you their wings, helping your spirit sour free as you take flight on your spiritual journey. Its a truly amazing meditation piece that I am excited to add to my collection.

Another item that I have added to my wish list is the Ganesh Mediation Box. Ganesh is the Hindu Elephant God, said to be the remover of obstacles. Whenever I am struggling with writers block, I turn to Ganesh to help clear the cobwebs from my mind.  I have a few statues of Ganesh, but none so stunning as this brass likeness housed in a lavender encasement, enhanced  by sparkling crystals ans 18k gold leaf. It is a home worthy of this ancient and wise deity.

What I love the most about Meditation Creations, is how the artist has managed to merge the beauty of so many different religions. I see hints of Christianity, Native American traditions, pagan goddesses, and Hinduism to name just a few. With the beauty of her work, she is breaking down barriers, and helping to teach us that all spiritual practices derive from the same basic system of belief. Her work invokes feelings of peace, love, and tolerance in addition to the serenity you need for meditation. To see all the one of a kind pieces available from Mediation Creations, you can visit their Etsy shop.

One lucky winner is going to receive the beautiful intuition shelf shown in the photo above, an $85 value. This is the perfect place to store magical treasures. You can line up your statues and incense  along the shelf to create the perfect meditation space! 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 Meditation Creations for offering this great prize.

Sabbat Cooking ~ Imbolc by Stacy Evans

 

About the Book-From the Publisher's Website

Dairy - that wonderful, creamy source of goodness. Imbolc food focuses on dairy - and it can be hard to find dairy centred recipes!  

This Imbolc eBook contains appetizers, side dishes, mains, and desserts - even a how-to for butter! Included are the magickal properties in many of the ingredients, as well as ways to utilise them while cooking. This interesting seasonal eBook is a great addition to your collection.  

Please note, most recipes in this collection can have soy, tofu, or other lactose friendly products substituted for dairy. Slow Cooker Creamy Cheese Soup, Individual Ice Cream, and Butter are the only recipes where substitutions are not suggested. 

My Thoughts:  Every time my coven gathers for a Sabbat, we celebrate with an elaborate feast. We always look for different recipes to incorporate into the meals that are meaningful and well as flavorful. This has always presented a challenge, until now.  In Sabbot Cooking ~ Imbolc, Stacy Evans has done all the work for you. She has compiled a variety of recipes from appetizers to desserts that are easy to prepare, and will make a wonderful addition to any Imbolc celebration.  The best part about them is that they include the magical properties of many of the ingredients as well as their culinary advantages. Imbolc has always been one of my favorite Sabbats because it honors my patron Goddess Brigid.  Brigid is often depicted carrying a flame with a ewe by her side. This is symbolic of the turn of the seasons. Despite the fact that the air is still cool, we know that spring is coming, and the seeds of life are quickening beneath the ground. This cookbook manages to take this magical time, and turn it into a symbolic feast.  

Most of the recipes in the book use cheese or other dairy ingredients, but in most cases these can be substituted with lactose friendly products. I have never been very good in the kitchen (must be why I married a chef--twice).  Yet even I was able to find a few recipes that were simple enough for me to manage. My favorite is the Simple Braid Bread which uses canned bread. But for those who like a challenge, there are also many recipes that can be made from scratch.  I shared the book with my coven's resident High Priestess/Executive Chef, and she was thrilled. I know we will be enjoying many of these amazing dishes at this year's Imbolc celebration.

If you would like to get a copy of Sabbat Cooking ~ Imbolc by Stacy Evans, it is available in most e-book formats and can be purchased online at Wyrdwood Publications for only $4.99.  In addition to the Imbolc addition, Stacy has also written a cook book for Samhain, and plans to write books for all eight Sabbots over the course of the next two years.  These books are a must have for any pagan library, so be sure to pick up a copy today.

Stacy Evans is a Pagan Author, Blogger, and Priestess.  She lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband and daughter.  You can find her on Facebook, Google+ or at her blog. Inspired By Life.
















***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. ***

Winter Solstice Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Winter Solstice Giveaway is #235

# Name: Bella Jewel Facebook


# Email: bellajade34@
# Option: Follow Author Laura DeLuca on friend connect

Win a Copy of Destiny from Hanging Off the Wire!

I am so excited to share yet another awesome review of Destiny.  Hayley from Hanging Off the Wire said she read it from cover to cover in just one day.  Head over to her blog to see what else she had to say. While you're there you can enter to win a signed copy of my book as well as a box of incense.   Good luck to all who enter!

Destiny Review & Giveaway at The Gerber Babies Blog!

If you still haven't gotten your hands on a copy of Destiny, here if your chance. Head on over to The Gerber Babies blog and check out Julie's awesome review. While you're there, you can enter her giveaway for a chance to win a free autographed copy and a box of incense! The giveaway ends on 1/20/11.  If you don't win, you can still order a copy of Destiny on Amazon.  Both the Kindle and the hard copy are available with free Super Saver Shipping!

Witchy Kitty

Our cat, Stripes, has spent most of the day admiring our new crystal cluster.

Crones Magical Crafts Review & $50 GC Giveaway

In my coven, we have a little secret sister exchange at our monthly gathering. Its never anything big.  Just a little something special to make us smile, because as my High Priestess always says, when do women ever spoil ourselves? This way we get to spoil each other a little. I think I enjoy shopping for my secret sister even more than I enjoy opening my gifts each month. The one problem I have is finding something new that my Sister doesn't already have. I am the baby of my group, and the older crones have been collecting their Wiccan treasures for years.  I have found that Etsy is the best place to find new goodies I know they won't have yet.  Recently I discovered an amazing little shop called Crones Magical Crafts that sells gorgeous vintage style pagan jewelry and handmade altar supplies at surprisingly affordable prices. 

My secret sister loves the triquetra and has just about every classic piece with the the symbol on it. I was excited to find Crones Magical Crafts had some unique options. I bought her the  Celtic Triquetra Cuff Bracelet for only $21.99, and eventually I will have to come back for the matching necklace!

While I very rarely splurge and buy things for myself, I just couldn't resist getting a few things from Crones Magical Crafts.  The Raven and Pentacle Cuff Bracelet was perfect for me since the cover of "Destiny Unveiled" is going to have a raven on it. Plus its a symbol of the goddess Morrigan, which is the title of the novel I am working on now.  This bracelet will not only be excellent ritual wear, but also provides me with divine inspiration every time I look at it.




These are only a few examples of the mystical pieces you can find at Crones Magical Crafts. Many items are made using genuine quartz crystals and/or semi precious stones.  They also carry elegant wands, altar sets, hand painted runes, and so much more. Custom items are available by request. You can order on Etsy, Ebay (under Primitive Magic), or their website. To see a lovely selection of the artwork they create, you can view the video above. And be sure to turn on the speakers to hear the melodic Goddess Chant by Shawna Carol.

One lucky winner is going to receive a $50 Gift Certificate to Crones Magical Crafts. This can be used to purchase any items in the Etsy shop or you can have them create a custom item! 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 Crones Magical Crafts for offering this great prize.

Mystic Sea Angel Winner!

The winner of the Mystic Sea Angel Giveaway is #365
# Name: Karen Fielfd


# Email: renfie.fields@
# Option: Subscribe to Author Laura DeLuca