Will Post Your Giveaways Here!

I'm running a giveaway over at The Book Connection right now. I figured I would send an email off to West of Mars, who would often post my giveaways for me. I was saddened to see, however, that they stopped posting them in September. The ladies there did a wonderful job, and I hope they know how much I appreciate what they did.

I'm guessing there are other sites that post about blog giveaways, but I felt this would be good for my readers too. Starting Monday, January 16th I will post family friendly giveaways for other bloggers. These posts must be copy and paste ready and follow this format:

BLOG TITLE:

GIVEAWAY ITEM:

GIVEAWAY RESTRICTIONS:

GIVEAWAY DATES:

GIVEAWAY LINK:

The only thing I ask is that if you send in a giveaway request, you become a follower of my blog (see sidebar). If anyone is interested in liking my Facebook page, you can find it here. You can also follow this blog on Twitter. See my giveaway page above for contact information.

Kindle Fire Giveaways Kicked Off Yesterday!

Free books and Kindle Fire contest entries started midnight, U.S. Pacific Standard Time (3 a.m. Eastern Standard Time) at http://epickindlegiveaway.blogspot.com/. They are also giving away two $25 gift cards today for sharing the contest on Facebook and Twitter, as well as random $10 gift cards and signed paperbacks given by the Kindle Fairy. They're also having a Epic Kindle Giveaway meme contest on their Facebook wall so get creative!

See their website at http://epickindlegiveaway.blogspot.com/ for the details, but don't delay, the contest runs January 11th - 13th.

WSJ Wednesdays

In the December 28, 2011 issue of The Wall Street Journal, Miguel Bustillo and Ann Zimmerman collaborated on a front page article titled, "Holiday Sales Woes Cast Cloud Over Sears." The article discussed Sears Holdings Corp.'s decision to close as many as 120 stores and record up to $2.4 billion in quarterly charges after another lackluster holiday season.

While other challenges were mentioned, including how company chairman Edward S. Lambert has "struggled to retain qualified executives," for the average American, what the closure of select Sears and Kmart stores (see complete list as of 12/30/11 here) boils down to is more lost jobs in an already dismal economy. With the unemployment rate down slightly to 8.5% as of December, the closings are still another kick in the teeth to those looking for work.

Thankfully, Massachusetts was spared, but they've had woes of their own. In October of last year, Friendly Ice Cream Corp. shuttered 63 stores--several in Western Massachusetts. Friendly's, the largest employer in Wilbraham, MA, announced additional closures this week.  One has to wonder when--or if--this trend will end anytime soon.

This is more than a political issue to be argued over. It's about more than assigning blame. Americans are struggling. Think about the good that could be done with all the money raised to finance the campaigns for those politicians running to secure their party's nomination for the 2012 presidential election. What if these organizations invested in America instead of their special interests? How much of a difference can we each make if we help a neighbor in need? How can we use our God-given talents to help each other?


"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

Have You Ever Hosted a House Party?

Have you ever hosted a house party? There's this great site that I was invited to join a while back that allows you to apply to host a house party for sponsored products. I just applied to host a Dole Salad Circle House Party.

• How this works is you apply to host a party where you are shipped a party package that includes a variety of items.
• You help increase your chances of being selected by promoting the upcoming house party on social networks.
• If selected, you receive a party package that includes a variety of items.
• You host your party on the given date.
• You provide feedback after the party is over.

There's even a section on the site where you can purchase party supplies.

What kind of house party would you like to host?


This is an unsponsored post. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Thanks to Our New Followers!

We're working our way toward that 500 followers mark. When we get there, I'll begin our 500 Follower Giveaway. Check out the great prizes up for grabs at http://booktoursandmore.blogspot.com/2011/12/books-products-and-more-500-follower.html

Don't forget that I'm also participating in the February Follower Love Giveaway Hop. Keep your eyes posted for that.

Thanks to the new followers who joined us over the past couple of weeks. Also, don't forget, you can subscribe to our RSS Feed by clicking the link in the sidebar. That way you'll receive notice of all the great things happening here at Books, Products and More!

Motivational Quotes

I used to post motivational/inspirational quotes on a regular basis when I ran The Aspiring Author. I moved them over to The Book Connection, but I forgot to update them (my bad). I thought this might be a nice addition to Books, Products and More. Here are two that are perfect for a new year:

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."

-- George Eliot

"The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."

-- Mark Twain

Book Spotlight: Life Promises for Couples by Gary Chapman

Married couples of all ages will enjoy the daily inspiration and encouragement provided by Gary Chapman in Life Promises for Couples. Words of wisdom and key Bible verses illuminate God's plan for marriage. The padded cover, two-color interior, and ribbon marker make this an excellent gift for weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions.

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 224
Vendor: Tyndale House
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 1414363915
ISBN-13: 9781414363912

PURCHASE AT CHRISTIANBOOK.COM OR AMAZON!