Ecolissa Chunky Infinity Scarf - Review and Giveaway

When the weather gets chilly, I enjoy something warm around my neck.

The trouble with most scarves is that they don't seem to stay in place and, for me, they are hard to tie properly to ensure continued warmth.

Chunky Infinity Scarf by Ecolissa

I was invited to try a beautiful Sky Blue Chunky Infinity Scarf by Ecolissa.

Using 70% acrylic and 30% recycled polyester, these vegan scarves are handmade in the USA.

As you might guess from the name, the scarf is one continuous loop ... so no hassle with tying or getting it to look nice. One can simply drape it around the neck or (my favorite) loop it a second time to make it nice and cozy. It is very attractive and dresses up a coat or outfit.

This product can be machine washed and tumble dried.

Let me tell you a bit about Ecolissa. Melissa, the owner, has always wanted a woman’s clothing store. But not just any store. She wanted a fashionable line of clothing which respected her environmental philosophy. In 2010, her dream was realized with Ecolissa.

The store carries only fashionable, Eco-friendly, vegan woman’s clothing and accessories made of sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, soy, and hemp. Ecolissa, a Green America Approved Business, specializes in casual dresses and easy to wear separates.

I think that these scarves would make a wonderful gift ... for someone on your list or yourself! And, for a limited time, you'll find a 20% discount code on our Special Offers Page.

Giveaway

The generous folks at Ecolissa have agreed to give one lucky Reduce Footprints' reader a scarf of their own. WhooHoo!

All entries are optional ... the more you complete, the better your chances of winning! Good Luck Everyone!

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I received a Chunky Infinity Scarf from Ecolissa in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the product reviewed.

Review & Giveaway - "The Big Tiny" by Dee Williams

At the age of 41, Dee Williams nearly lost her life. After collapsing in a grocery store, she was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. While in the hospital, she witnessed a tragedy ... the death of the woman in the next bed. Those experiences reminded Ms. Williams that life is short and gave her a new appreciation for the important things in life, namely her friends, family, and home.

While she loved her home, she now saw it with new eyes. She questioned the need for so many rooms and realized that they were filled with unused stuff. She thought about the cost of maintaining a large home and the time required to do so. Ultimately, she decided to downsize ... in a big way.

An Excerpt From The Big Tiny by Dee Williams:

"... I chose this path because the idea of building a house sounded like the old, fun me—the woman who thought it was a total jazz-up to hang by her thumbs fifty feet in the air, scaling some rocky crag to get a better view of the valley below. I chose this because I thought I could be happy living in a one-room house without running water or a refrigerator, and I imagined I’d learn something about myself by stripping myself down to the basics—by living with two dinner plates, three spoons, two pairs of pants, a dress, and my wool skivvies. And I figured I could be happy, at least for a while, living in the shadow of my friends Hugh and Annie’s house, in their old garden plot just off the alley.

I thought I’d find something in all of this, and I got more than I bargained for. I discovered a new way of looking at the sky, the winter rain, the neighbors, and myself; and a different way of spending my time. Most important, I stumbled into a new sort of “happiness,” one that didn’t hinge on always getting what I want but rather, on wanting what I have. It’s the kind of happiness that isn’t tied so tightly to being comfortable (or having money and property), but instead is linked to a deeper sense of satisfaction—to a sense of humility and gratitude, and a better understanding of who I am in my heart.

I know this sounds cheesy, and in fact, it sounds fairly similar to the gobbledygook that friends have thrown at me just after having their first baby. But the facts are the facts: I found a certain bigness in my little house—a sense of largeness, freedom, and happiness that comes when you see there’s no place else you’d rather be. ..."

When I first agreed to review this book, I thought it would be a Do-It-Yourself guide, of sorts. While it does talk about green building concepts, such as using recycled materials and minimizing waste, it speaks more to the realities of living in a very small space (84 square feet). It answers some of the questions I have about small homes. For example, where does one put (or in this case, park) a tiny house? Is it connected to water, sewer, and electricity or is it totally off the grid?

The book reads as a wonderful story. I felt Ms. Williams' determination as she filled a cart with lumber and I sensed her exhilaration when she cleared an overpass on the highway. I found myself quickly turning pages to find out why she was running across a backyard in a towel and why her dog took to hiding under the house.

Moreover, I understood that freeing ourselves from stuff and large spaces gives us the opportunity to experience nature in an intimate way.

The Big Tiny is appropriate for everyone. Whether you're interested in downsizing, building your own home, eliminating excess stuff, or simply slowing down to appreciate life, you'll benefit from Ms. Williams' experiences.

To buy the book, click HERE.

Giveaway

The generous folks at Blue Rider Press and Penguin Random House want to give one lucky Reduce Footprints' reader a copy of The Big Tiny. WhooHoo!

This giveaway is open worldwide and will last for one week. Good Luck!

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Images and permission to reproduce excerpt from Penguin Random House

I received a copy of "The Big Tiny" in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the material reviewed.

Review & Giveaway - SoapBox Soaps

Eco-friendly products are better for us! I get that! With some products, we accept the "better for us" concept on good faith. Logically we know the truth but we don't really experience the difference in a day-to-day manner.

Natural body soaps have allowed me to feel the difference. I have very sensitive skin and have suffered from allergies all my life. Since switching to Eco-friendly soaps, my skin has actually gotten healthier. Rashes and skin irritations are things of the past.

So, I have tangible proof that Eco-friendly body soaps are good for us!

I was thrilled to receive an invitation to try products from SoapBox.

Bar Soap

Body Wash

Liquid Hand Soap

A Little Research

Before accepting the products, I did a little research and asked some questions.

SoapBox products are made in the US using natural ingredients such as organic shea butter, aloe, and essential oils. They are cruelty free (and vegan certified), and do not contain gluten, palm oil, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, or sulfates.

From the website, I learned that bars of soap come in Eco-friendly cardboard boxes. I was curious about the packaging for liquid soaps and learned that bottles are made of 100% recyclable plastic. The representative even gave me a link to the materials used to package samples (Xela packs).

About The Company

A company's philosophy is important!

The people at SoapBox are dedicated to changing the world with their products ... and they invite customers to join their mission. Each purchase generates a donation to people in the US and around the world. For every bottle of liquid hand soap sold, they donate a month's supply of clean water through RainCatcher. A bottle of body wash means a year's supply of vitamins through Vitamin Angels. And a person in need receives a bar of soap every time SoapBox sells a bar.

There is a Chinese Proverb which says, "If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime." SoapBox embraces that philosophy and works with soap makers around the world to empower communities.

The Products

I received a bar of eucalyptus soap, a sample of mandarin liquid hand soap, and a sample of lavender body wash.

The bar soap is delightful. The scent is refreshing and pleasing, lingering slightly on the skin after use. It left my skin feeling clean and moisturized.

The liquid hand soap smells wonderful ... similar to the fabulous fragrance experienced when peeling a mandarin orange. The soap lathers just a bit and washes off completely.

The body wash turns a shower into a spa moment. It is silky on the skin and the scent of lavender is lovely!

Conclusion

SoapBox gives me that tangible proof that Eco-friendly items are good for my body. They also redefine the meaning of success. It can no longer be only measured by the bottom line reported to shareholders, but rather by the amount of good a company does in the world ... for both people and the planet.

In my book, SoapBox is a success!

Purchase SoapBox Products

SoapBox products are now available at Target. Click HERE to see if your local store carries them. You can also purchase products from the SOAPBOX SITE. And remember, every purchase means a donation to someone in need.

SoapBox Giveaway

SoapBox has generously agreed to give one lucky Reduce Footprints' reader a gift package of their own. WhooHoo!

This giveaway is open worldwide and will run for one week. There are only four, easy entry methods. Good Luck!

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I received SoapBox products in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the material reviewed.

Tasha Hussey Body - #Review and #Giveaway

I recently had the good fortune to try out some great body care products by Tasha Hussey Body.

Eucalyptus Mint Body Butter

Eucalyptus Mint Loofah Soap

One of the things that I enjoy about doing reviews is getting to know the people behind the products.

Tasha Hussey, who studied Fashion Design, had a clothing line for 12 years. Each item was made from natural or organic fibers. Currently, she has a line of Vintage re-purposed jewelry. Old focal pieces, some of which have been sitting in warehouses for over 40 years, are mixed with new findings.

Two of Tasha's children suffer from eczema. So she changed their diet, switching to wild caught fish, and organic vegetables and fruits. At one point, she realized that it didn't make sense to eat so well while, at the same time, adding chemicals back into her body via body care products. And, those products were negatively affecting her children's skin.

Tasha decided to make her own body care products ... products made from natural, safe ingredients ... and Tasha Hussey Body was born.

Tasha Hussey Eucalyptus Mint Body Butter

This body butter is wonderful! It comes in a Tin. The ingredients are clearly listed and include things like avocado, mango, and essential oils. The scent is so nice ... a delightful mix of eucalyptus and peppermint, which is strong enough to linger on your skin but not too heavy to be overwhelming.

The white butter inside is semi-solid, along the lines of a soft wax. A little goes a long ways. I love the feel of it and the way it is immediately absorbed into my skin. I tried it on my face, hands, arms, and even the heels of my feet. It did a very nice job of moisturizing and softening my skin.

Tasha Hussey Eucalyptus Mint Loofah Soap

What a clever invention! Adding a slice of organically-grown loofah to the bar itself means that one can wash and exfoliate at the same time ... no wash cloth or scrubbing brush necessary.

This beautiful, vegetable glycerine soap comes in an Eco-friendly wrap. I was concerned about one ingredient, Palm Oil, so I asked Tasha about it. She replied that she sources only certified sustainable palm oil and that she buys all of her products from reputable companies.

The scent is similar to the body butter ... noticeable but not heavy. The loofah gently scrubs while the soap cleans. There was no residue left on my skin (don't you hate it when it feels like you can't get the soap off?).

After two weeks of use, neither product irritated my sensitive skin. I happily recommend both products and Tasha Hussey Body.

You can browse Tasha's full line by clicking HERE.

Giveaway

Ready to have some fun? Tasha has very generously offered to give one lucky Reduce Footprints' reader the same two products that I got to try. WhooHoo!

This giveaway is open worldwide and will run for one week. All entries are optional ... the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.

Have fun ... and Good Luck Everyone!

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Sneak Peek: We have a new survey for May. Join us tomorrow for another thought-provoking question.

Images courtesy of Tasha Hussey

"Homegrown Tea" - Review and Giveaway

Beautiful rose petals
make delicious tea

Spring is finally here and that turns my thoughts to gardening. Since I live in an apartment with limited space, I grow fruits and veggies in containers. While I love flowers and ornamental plants, I avoid them because ... well ... growing food is a higher priority.

That's about to change!!

I'd like to introduce you to a fabulous book:

"Homegrown Tea" by Cassie Liversidge

Cassie Liversidge
Author of "Homegrown Tea"

"Homegrown Tea" is a gardening book which explains how to grow plants that can be used to brew a cup of tea. It is broken down into sections, each section based on the part of the plant which will be used. For example, some teas are made using the leaves or flowers while others use seeds or berries.

Rosemary is an
evergreen shrub

Over forty plants are featured. Each feature begins with a description of the plant and typically includes some interesting historical facts. Did you know that Rosemary was used in bridal bouquets as a symbol of love and fidelity?

Next the author shares medicinal and/or nutritional benefits of the plant. You'll find out which plants have calming properties and which help reduce cholesterol. Some plants aid digestion and others help clear congestion.

Once you've chosen plants, you'll need to know how to grow them. The author talks about where to plant and whether it's better to start from seeds or cuttings. Some plants prefer a more tropical climate while others benefit from chilly temperatures. She goes on to teach us when and how to harvest. Some varieties are better when dried while others are at their most flavorful when picked fresh.

The information, under the heading "To Make Tea", uses detailed photos to instruct the reader in brewing the perfect cup of tea.

Lavender helps
relieve stress

Each feature finishes with advice on tea pairings and a few tips. For example, I learned that deer, rabbits, and slugs dislike the taste of Lavender so it's a great, pest-resistant plant.

Here's an added bonus to this wonderful book: The author, who studied fine art at Plymouth University, shares her own beautiful paintings of individual plants. They illustrate the beauty of nature and the intricacies of a plant.

I highly recommend "Homegrown Tea". It is a "must have" for anyone interested in gardening.

You can buy "Homegrown Tea" from these sites:

• Indiebound
• Apple
• Books-A-Million
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble

The generous folks at St. Martin's Press would like to give two (2) lucky Reduce Footprints' readers a copy of "Homegrown Tea". WhooHoo! Please use the Rafflecopter form, below, to enter the contest. There's only one mandatory entry. All other entries are optional ... the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.

This giveaway is open worldwide and will end on April 8, 2014, at 11:59 pm (edt).

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Sneak Peek: Join us tomorrow for Change The World Wednesday - we'll wrap up our "Photo" challenge and introduce an exciting, new activity.

Permission to reproduce from St. Martin’s Press.

I received a copy of "Homegrown Tea" in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the material reviewed.

This post is shared at Anything Goes link-up

Briogeo Hair Care - #Review & #Giveaway

Briogeo contains no sulfates

What do you look for in hair care products? Natural, safe ingredients? A product designed for your hair type? Something which cleans and leaves your hair healthy?

I'd like to introduce you to Briogeo Hair Care and their fabulous products.

Briogeo (Brio meaning vivid, full of life, and distinct & Geo meaning of earth, nature) is free of parabens, silicone, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors. It is never tested on animals, made in the US, and comes in a container made with 25% PCR (Post Consumer Resin) plastic.

The list of ingredients includes items such as aloe, green tea, tomato extract, organic shea butter, and organic sweet almond oil. There are also some hard-to-pronounce ingredients which I looked up on EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (they got green marks meaning that they are safe).

I was very fortunate to try out three products:

Be Gentle, Be Kind

Curl Charisma

Don't Despair, Repair!

"Be Gentle, Be Kind" shampoo has a light, fruity scent. A very small amount worked nicely, leaving my hair squeeky clean. I felt no irritation, not while using the product nor afterward.

I applied a dollop of "Curl Charisma" after rinsing out the shampoo. It immediately eliminated tangles and made my hair feel soft and silky. Again, no irritation. This product has a clean scent and reminded me of almonds and vanilla.

Towards the end of the week, rather than use the curl defining conditioner, I tried the "Don't Despair, Repair!" deep conditioning mask. After shampooing, I applied the product and, per the instructions, let it sit on my hair for 3-5 minutes before rinsing out. It left my hair feeling soft and looking healthy. The refreshing scent is similar to the shampoo.

I really enjoy these products and happily recommend them to you.

You can purchase Briogeo products directly from their website, https://www.briogeohair.com/shop/, or find a retailer HERE.

Now for the fun part. Would you like a chance to win some Briogeo Hair Care products for yourself?

Giveaway

The kind folks at Briogeo have graciously agreed to give one lucky Reduce Footprints' reader a terrific prize package: One shampoo and either the Curly/Wavy conditioner, Volumizing Conditioner, or Deep Treatment (Sponsor's choice).

This giveaway is open worldwide and ends at 11:59 pm on March 10, 2014. There is just one mandatory entry, to subscribe to Briogeo's email newsletter, and the founder and owner of Briogeo assures me that they won't be overwhelming your email inbox. They typically send out one email every 1-2 months and users can opt out at any time. All other entries are optional ... the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.

Please use the Rafflecopter below ... and GOOD LUCK!

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Sneak Peek: Join us on Wednesday for the conclusion of our Aerator Challenge.



I received Briogeo products in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the material reviewed.

Posted at Anything Goes

What's In Your Deodorant? #Review and #Giveaway

Try this: get your deodorant and look at the back label. What do you see?

I looked at a well-known brand and the first thing I noticed, at the top of the label, was the caption "Drug Facts". Drugs? In my deodorant? As my eye wandered down the label, I noticed a whole section of warnings. There were words like "rash", "irritation", and a sentence which suggested that users with kidney disease call their doctors before using the product. I also found a warning that if the product was ingested, get medical help or call poison control right away.

I wasn't feeling particularly "warm and fuzzy" about the idea of applying the product to my armpits. Why? Because approximately 60% of products used topically are absorbed directly into our bloodstream. The skin under our arms absorbs faster than most areas of our body. So, if this product has toxic chemicals in it, then using it means that my body is quickly absorbing a large amount of the potentially harmful ingredients directly into my blood, which feeds my organs. I began to understand why our kidneys might be affected.


I was invited to try Purelygreat's Cream Deodorant. They sent me two jars, both the Women's and Men's Citrus Cream Deodorant.

The label had three ingredients:

1. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
2. Corn starch
3. Glycerin Essential Oils (grapefruit, sweet orange, geranium, lime, cypress, and coriander)

There were no warnings per se, simply the following statement: "Should not be used immediately after shaving. If you experience any irritation discontinue use." From the Purelygreat website I learned that, because of allergies and skin sensitivities, any topical product can cause irritation. So their statement is a matter of common sense rather than a warning.

Each product is packaged in a small glass jar. A wooden stirrer is included for mixing the deodorant since the vegetable glycerin may separate from the baking soda and corn starch.

So what did we think?

We both liked the product. The scent is light and very pleasing. Only a small amount of product is required, about the size of a dime applied with our finger tips. Right after applying, the deodorant felt silky. After it completely dried, it felt powdery. It didn't stain or mark our clothing in any way.

Did it work?

Absolutely! We applied the product in the morning and it kept us smelling clean and fresh for the entire day. Neither of us experienced any irritation or discomfort.

I should mention that this is a deodorant and not an antiperspirant. Deodorants kill bacteria which cause odor. Antiperspirants prevent our bodies from sweating. The body is meant to sweat. It is a natural function which keeps the body cool and is necessary for good health.

Would I recommend this product?

Yes! It is easy to use, effective, and doesn't contain toxic chemicals. It is safe for us and the environment. Since only a small amount of the product is required per use, the jar should last a long time, making it a great value.

Purelygreat products can be purchased from their website.

Giveaway

The generous folks at Purelygreat have offered to give one Reduce Footprints' reader a fantastic prize: A pack of 4 deodorants. WhooHoo! This giveaway is open world wide and all entries are optional (the more you complete, the better your chances of winning).

Use the Rafflecopter form, below, to enter! Good Luck, Everyone!

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Sneak Peek: Want to meet some fabulous green-living advocates? Our first Meet & Greet of the year is coming up on Monday.


I received Purelygreat products in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the material reviewed.

Images courtesy of artur84 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Purelygreat

Review & #Giveaway - Long Live Earth by Meighan Morrison

Do you teach your kids to live green?

Consider this: The average age of US presidents, when they take office, is 54 years. The US Constitution requires that senators be at least 30 years of age. Decision makers in other countries are probably similar in age. That means, potentially, that within the next 20-50 years, our children will be making decisions for the world and our environment. If we encourage a strong sense of environmental responsibility in them, and give them the tools necessary to protect the planet, then we have hope for the future. And it's never too early to begin the process!

Today I'd like to introduce you to a charming book, Long Live Earth by Meighan Morrison.

Ms. Morrison wrote Long Live Earth 20 years ago for her small son. At that time, there weren't many colorful, interesting books for children about the environment. So, she got busy and wrote one which would appeal to children of all ages.

The result is a beautiful picture book with a clear message.

The story starts out talking about the early days of our planet and how it eventually was able to sustain life.

It then explains how we have caused damage to the earth.

The last part of the book is very hopeful. It explains that we must all do our part and that, working together, we can make a difference.

Let me give you my impressions of this book. The illustrations are beautiful. Each one is a photo of a quilt square handmade by Ms. Morrison. They are enchanting and whimsical. The text is done in rhyme; the cadence is very appealing and, I believe, will become like a song which stays in the heads (and hearts) of readers. Some of the words may need a bit of explanation for younger children but most kids will have no problem understanding the meaning. The book is appropriate for all age levels, for reading alone or together, and would make a terrific gift. Adults will enjoy it, as well!

Here's another fact which, as "greenies", you're sure to appreciate: the book is printed on recycled paper by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified suppliers using certified environmentally-friendly ink. Yay!

I highly recommend this book ... for your kids, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, schools, etc. You can purchase a copy by clicking HERE.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Long Live Earth, Ms. Morrison has generously agreed to give away one copy to a lucky Reduce Footprints' reader. WhooHoo! If you don't have a child who might love this book, consider entering the contest and, should you win, giving the book to a local library or school. Or keep it for yourself ... we won't tell.

Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter the contest. There's one mandatory entry, to follow Ms. Morrison's site. The rest of the entry methods are optional ... the more you complete, the more entries you'll earn.

This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE ... thank you, Ms. Morrison!!

Good Luck, Everyone!

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Connect with Meighan Morrison here:

Meighan Morrison
GoodReads


Sneak Peek: Join us tomorrow for the first Change The World Wednesday challenge of 2014.


I received a copy of "Long Live Earth" in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the material reviewed.

Collateral Damage (Annie Ogden Mysteries) Excerpt Tour & Giveaway

Welcome to Chapter 19 of the COLLATERAL DAMAGE excerpt tour. To new visitors ... I'm so happy to meet you. To my loyal friends ... I hope that you'll enjoy something a bit different today. In addition to informatiion about the book, this post includes a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and more. Ready to get started? Let's go ...

COLLATERAL DAMAGE is the third book in the the best-selling Annie Ogden series by Frederick Lee Brooke. Here's a brief synopsis:

A love story

• When Annie Ogden’s ex-boyfriend Michael Garcia reappears, she has to confront a lie dating back to her time in Iraq. Will she go back to hot, passionate Michael, who has developed a disturbing interest in meth, or will she stick with her pudgy PI partner and fiancé, Salvatore?

A murder

• The calculus changes when Michael is arrested for murder. When Salvatore refuses to help investigate, Annie is forced to try to find the killer herself. Meanwhile her sister’s creepy husband, Todd, is making more of an ass of himself than usual.

An obsession

• Annie's problems with three obsessive men suddenly pale in significance when she realizes the killer has set his sights on her.

Sounds intriguing, right? You can read the first 26 chapters of the book for FREE by following the excerpt tour (schedule follows). Or, you can buy it, right now, for ONLY $0.99 (limited time offer) at Amazon.

Excerpt Tour Schedule

Monday, June 24 - Shannon Mayer - Ch. 1
Tuesday, June 25 - Scott Bury - Ch. 2
Wednesday, June 26 - Raine Thomas - Ch. 3
Thursday, June 27 - Emily Walker - Ch. 4
Friday, June 28 - Simon Jenner - Ch. 5
Saturday, June 29 - Amberr Meadows - Ch. 6
Sunday, June 30 - Anne Chaconas - Ch. 7
Monday, July 1 - BestsellingReads - Ch. 8
Tuesday, July 2 - Tyler-Rose Neath - Ch. 9
Wednesday, July 3 - Naomi Leadbeater - Ch. 10
Thursday, July 4 - Mohana Rajakumar - Ch. 11
Friday, July 5 - Martha Bourke - Ch. 12
Saturday, July 6 - Marilou George - Ch. 13
Sunday, July 7 - J.C. Martin - Ch. 14
Monday, July 8 - Corinne O’Flynn - Ch. 15
Tuesday, July 9 - Tawdra Kandle - Ch. 16
Wednesday, July 10 - Helen Hanson - Ch. 17
Thursday, July 11 - Connie M. Chyle - Ch. 18
Friday, July 12 - YOU ARE HERE - Ch. 19
Saturday, July 13 - Kenneth Hoss - Ch. 20
Sunday, July 14 - Andrea Kurian - Ch. 21
Monday, July 15 - Andy Holloman - Ch. 22
Tuesday, July 16 - Marilyn Diekman - Ch. 23
Wednesday, July 17 - Christine Nolfi - Ch. 24
Thursday, July 18 - Jennifer Chase - Ch. 25
Friday, July 19 - Patricia Sands - Ch. 26

I'm pleased to offer you Chapter 19:

Chapter 19—Annie

“The cafe is a small part of the business, although it’s growing,” June said. “People come in and want to try something gluten free. You want to know how to make customers happy?” She blinked three times, waiting. “Give them free coffee. We charge full price for their cookie or muffin, but we give away the coffee.”

We stood in the cafe area of her bakery. Eight small glass tables with fancy wicker chairs and soft cushions filled the room. Display cases on both sides contained cakes and breads and muffins as well as mixes for cookies, pies, cakes, and scones. All gluten free.

“Everywhere else they want to squeeze you for your last dollar,” I said.

“The beans are expensive. The machines are expensive. But coffee is an addiction, I’m telling you. I drink six or eight a day. I could live without wine for the rest of my life, Annie. Just don’t take away my coffee.”

“I hear you.”

“My problem is staff,” June said. “I can’t always find people at short notice for deliveries.”

“Who are all these deliveries going to?” I pictured an old lady stuck in some dusty apartment somewhere with a walker, unable to get down the stairs.

“Annie, it’s the fastest growing part of our business. We deliver to restaurants all over Tampa and St. Pete, grocery stores, the big chains and the corner groceries, convenience stores, hotels, motels. They get people in their dining room requesting gluten-free buns for the hamburger, and they’re helpless, you know? They don’t have the facilities, and they’re afraid of people having a severe reaction in their dining room. Demand is booming. We’re getting more new business every day. I had to hire a third baker two months ago. We can hardly keep up.”

“I had no idea.”

We sat for a moment in silence before June said, “Why do you think they called the party ‘Collateral Damage?’ I mean, the war’s over.”

“Michael told me. They’ve got this idea that we’re the real collateral damage. Us soldiers. The ones who came home.”

June wiped sweat from her brow. “I’m stressing, Annie. I need more hours in the day. Next Thursday we have The Charity Ball. I need people I can count on. This order runs twenty-nine pages. I don’t know how we’re going to get it all done. They’re holding it at the Four Seasons for a thousand people. There’ll be a section for gluten-free diets. It’s the biggest gig we’ve ever landed. They basically called up and said, we don’t want to know the price, just can you do it?”

“What an opportunity.”

“All the local VIPs will be there, black tie, evening gowns, music, dancing. We might be on TV.”

June’s bakery sounded more exciting than the insurance fraud investigations and background checks for companies that Salvatore and I were doing.

“I don’t know if we can get everything baked in time. I don’t have enough people to handle the normal business and also prepare for this huge catering job.”

She showed me the big ovens ringing the kitchen, and the six giant stainless steel preparation tables. She had ovens into which whole carts with twenty shelves could be wheeled, with cookies or muffins or rolls on each shelf all getting exactly the same exposure to heat at the same time.

Two out of three of June’s bakers were Iraq vets like us. One had been a baker before joining the army while the third had learned the trade on the job.

“Do you realize how hard it is for veterans to find a decent job?” June said. “It’s a problem they don’t talk about.”

I didn’t want to let on that I hadn’t spent much time thinking about other veterans. In fact, I didn’t think much about anyone, except maybe Alison. Mostly I’d only thought about myself since I got back. Salvatore talked a lot about the veterans he had in his courses, all the problems they had. He cared about them. He would get along well with June.

June hit the power switch on a giant coffee machine. “Go sit down, Annie. We’re going to have our own little party before we go back.”

She brought two cups of cappuccino and two brownies, and a half hour later we were still sitting at the little table in the cafe. The air conditioning was cool and comfortable but not walk-in cooler frigid, like so many places in Florida. The brownie was glazed on the outside, chewy and fudgy in the center, and sinfully chocolaty. We each had a small glass of water. It reminded me of Italy.

“How can there be no flour in this?” I said. “It’s the best brownie I’ve ever tasted.”

“There is flour, just not wheat flour,” June said. “You know what I was thinking, Annie?”

“What?”

“If you could stay down here for a month, you could be one of my waitresses and serve people coffee and muffins. You could help me organize everything. God, wouldn’t you just love that?”

“It would be fun, but I already miss Salvatore, you know? That whole crazy business with Michael made me realize what a good, solid man he is. How lucky I am. I’ve got to get back home.”

“I wish you could stay here.”

“You need to find a good man,” I said.

“Oh, I’m in no hurry.” June looked down. She was a terrible liar.

“Have you set your sights on someone?”

June chuckled at the sniper reference, and then grew serious. “You’re going to freak out when you hear this, Annie. It was back in Iraq. The man I fell in love with was already spoken for.”

“No,” I said. I had a premonition of what was coming.

“I fell for Michael.”


GIVEAWAY

Win a $25 Amazon gift card AND a signed paperback edition of any book by Frederick Lee Brooke!

To win, all you have to do is visit every blog on the 26-day Collateral Damage Excerpt Tour and leave a comment showing that you read the excerpt. That’s it! See the blog list (above) and join the tour!

Be sure to check out all the books by Frederick Lee Brooke:

Frederick Lee Brooke is the author of the widely-acclaimed Annie Ogden mystery series, which includes Doing Max Vinyl, Zombie Candy, and Collateral Damage. The books do not have to be read in order.

Having lived in Switzerland for the past two decades, Brooke has taught English, run a business and learned French, German and Italian. You can find him online at www.FrederickLeeBrooke.com. Sign up for his newsletter and read all about his travels, recipes, and upcoming works!

Special Event Finale and Giveaway

Update ... winners to our giveaway have been chosen and emails will be going out ... so watch your inbox!

Here's are the answers to the questions asked in the giveaway:

The composers of the music are - J. Thorn and Curtis Luck.

The photos answers are as follows:
Photo 1 = The blood drop from the header of the website
Photo 2 = The chain from the locket on the Blood Chronicles page
Photo 3 = The Blood Ripples from the blood pool on the Media Room page
Photo 4 = The center of the Born of Blood cover from the home page
Photo 5 = The MuseItUp Logo from the home page

See you Monday everyone!!



Welcome to the Grand Finale of our week-long event celebrating the debut novel, Born of Blood, by my friend and very talented author, S.B. (Brian) Knight. How appropriate that today is Friday the 13th (oooh ... a chill just ran down my spine).

It has been an amazing week! We kicked off the celebration with a special Meet & Greet Monday ... hopefully you all got a chance to link up your sites, Facebook & Twitter accounts ... and made some new friends (if you didn't, it stays open until 6:00 pm tonight). On Tuesday, Brian talked to us about "green" publishing and how both the process of getting books into our hands (as well as the books themselves) has changed over the years and become efficient and Eco-friendly. Our regular Change The World Wednesday challenge stayed on topic asking us to turn off the TV & Computer ... and read. Thursday found Brian and I chatting ... about books, writing and green living. And then ... some of you joined the conversation and told us a bit about yourselves ... about which book genres are your favorite and your feelings on whether there is hope for our environment. If you missed any of this week's celebration, you can "catch up" HERE. Brian's book tour may be leaving "our place" but it's far from over. For his complete schedule, click HERE.

I was very fortunate, a long time ago, to read a preliminary draft of Born of Blood. Honestly, I wasn't sure I'd like it ... dark fantasy novels don't entice me. But, because I admire Brian, I tried to approach it with an open mind. And wow ... from the first chapter to the last word, I was hooked. To say it was a "page turner" would be an understatement! I haven't yet read the final version of this novel but I can only imagine that it is even better than the original draft. If you're unfamiliar with the storyline ... here's the description from Amazon:

In BORN OF BLOOD, Jesse Banks unknowingly, steps into the middle of a battle between good and evil that has raged on for generations. As the danger escalates, she begins to put the pieces of her clouded past together.

Jesse discovers the truth about her ancestors and the horror that relentlessly pursued them — a horror that now pursues her. To survive, she must join the fight. But the immortal monster that stalks her has other, more sinister, plans, and will stop at nothing to see those plans accomplished. Can Jesse escape a fate worse than death and defeat an age-old evil?

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Born of Blood is the first book, of three, in the Blood Chronicles saga. I can't wait to see how this story continues!

I'd like to thank Brian for making us a part of this wonderful event! And Brian ... I wish you continued success, my friend!


Born of Blood by S.B. Knight is available at:
MuseItUp Bookstore
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk

Don't have an eReader device? No problem ... download a free application HERE for use on your computer, iPhone, etc.


Okay ... now for the moment you've been waiting for ... it's GIVEAWAY TIME! Brian has generously offered us a bunch of prizes:

Two lucky Reduce Footprints' readers will each win a $5 gift card to MuseItUp Bookstore
One lucky reader will win a signed copy of Born of Blood

And then ... in a special Bonus Round

One lucky reader will win a $10 gift card to MuseItUp Bookstore

Wow ... sounds great, right? You can enter in the rafflecopter forms below. This giveaway is open to everyone and will end tonight (Friday) at midnight (EST). Winners will be contacted by email.

Good luck to everyone!! To begin ... take a good look at these photos:

Photo #1

Photo #2

Photo #3

Photo #4

Photo #5

Now enter the Born of Blood Rafflecopter giveaway (may take a moment to load ... if it doesn't, please refresh the page):


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Did you enter? Yes? Great ... move on to the Bonus Round:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


On Saturday I will post the answers to the photo questions so ... if you're curious, come back then!

Thanks Everyone!

Earth Day ...

Wednesday, April 22nd, is EARTH DAY ... a day intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment.

There are many celebrations and activities planned ... in towns and cities throughout the world. It's an excellent opportunity to have some fun while appreciating the Earth.

One of the many activities taking place is a CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) giveaway at Home Depot stores. Beginning on Sunday, April 19th, selected stores will give away one million free CFLs ... one to a customer (as supplies last, of course). The best news ... no purchase necessary. This is a great opportunity to try them out, if you haven't before and, as I mentioned in an earlier post (which you can read HERE), Home Depot will take any old CFLs back for recycling. They have a few other Earth Day specials and "freebies" so ... check them out!

Another activity taking place this Earth Day is a television program on the National Geographic Channel about a fabulous, new company called TerraCycle. This is a company that produces products entirely made of waste. Since its inception, it has saved over 70 million drink pouches, 10.5 million cookie wrappers, and 3.1 million plastic bottles from ending up in a landfill.

I first learned about TerraCycle awhile back and was truly impressed. Not only have they created an entire business model based on ... well ... garbage, they have also taken their "green" message to schools, teaching children that walking gently on the earth is a good thing. They are an example of creativity and enthusiasm ... and they give me hope for the future. Here is a brief video that will give you a little idea about them:



Wasn't that great? So ... for something fun to do on Earth Day ... tune in to the National Geographic Channel, on Wednesday, April 22nd, at 9PM ET/PT, to watch GARBAGE MOGULS. Then ... get inspired to find new ways that you can help protect the Earth.

These are just a couple of the activities planned for Earth Day ... there are so many more. All of them hope to accomplish the same thing ... to raise awareness and get everyone interested in saving our planet. I encourage you to take part ... and pass the word!

As always ... I would love to hear from you.