“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I found this great Cold Pressed Juice called Red Jacket. What I like the best is that it contains ONLY fruit. Red Jacket is located along the rolling hills of Seneca Lake in New York. The original planting was done in 1917. Today, the orchard and the juice company is manged by the second and third generation of the Nicholson family. They have spent over 50 years mastering the art and science of quality fresh fruit and juice production.

I received a chilled 6 pack of Red Jacket Apple Cold Pressed Juice. You could just taste the fresh picked apples in the juice. Here are the flavors I received and a bit about each one.

Raspberry Apple Cold Press Juice ~ This one was very good - I could just taste the mixture of raspberries and apple.

• Fat free
• Saturated fat free
• Cholesterol free
• High in dietary fiber
• High in vitamin C

Tart Cherry Stomp ~ this was my favorite of all of the Juices. cherries possess an amazing combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• A growing body of science reveals tart cherries (enjoyed as dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice) have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits.
• They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.
• Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits, including a reduction in risk factors for heart disease.
• A growing body of science links cherries’ red color (provided by the fruit’s powerful antioxidants (anthocyanins) to heart-health benefits related to reducing inflammation, total cholesterol, and belly fat.
• While there’s currently no established guideline on how many cherries it takes to reap the benefits, experts suggest that 1-2 servings of cherries daily can help provide some of the health benefits identified in the research

The Fuji Apple Cold Pressed Juice ~ it was good it is the signature fresh juice for Red Jacket. It was sweet and you could tell they used a Fuji apple.

• Fat free
• Saturated fat free
• Sodium free
• Cholesterol free
• High source of dietary fiber
• One Apple has the antioxidant equivalent of 1500MG of vitamin C

The Blackcurrant Apple Cold Pressed Juice was good too - I didn’t think I would like this one but it was good. Loved the combination. Blackcurrants have lots of antioxidant.

• Fat free
• Saturated fat free
• Cholesterol free
• Sodium free
• Excellent source of fiber and vitamin C
• Good source of manganese and potassium

The last one I had was Strawberry Apple Cold Pressed Juice ~ Rex got to drink this one ~ I am not a strawberry fan. He really liked the combination. The strawberry flavor really stood out.

• Eight strawberries or one serving contains 140% of the U.S. recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C.
• Health science researchers have further speculated that polyphenols in strawberries play a major role in helping regulate blood sugar response. This finding is great news for healthy persons wanting to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and also for persons with type 2 diabetes who enjoy fresh strawberries and want to enjoy them on a regular basis.

What I liked most about the Red Jacket Juice is that it was fruit only! The true flavors stood out and they are good for you. If you would like to purchase your own Red Jacket Cold Pressed Juices you can do so HERE online. Many of you East of the Mississippi can find it in local stores.

Red Jacket has offered one of my readers the same Cold Pressed Juices I received. You must be 18+ and have a US shipping address. Leave a comment on what flavor you would like to try most. Extra entries for following Red Jacket on Facebook and/or Twitter. Extra entries for each way you follow Kaisy Daisy’s Corner. Giveaway ends Jun 7, 2013.

Please fill in the form HERE to enter.

 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I have been reading a bit about essential oils and I have recently tried some from Plant Therapy. Essential Oils are good for so many things that I wanted to try them. I received a box called Spring Cleaning set. It contained 6 different Essential Oils that are 100% pure and therapeutic grade.

These are to use on the outside of your body, do not drink them or put them near your eyes, nose or mouth. Like any product you are not familiar with make sure you read and follow the directions.

The Spring Cleaning set I received included 4 essential oils and 2 Synergy oils which is a mixture of more than one oil. Each container is 10ml. Here is what I received.

Tea Tree - Which is one of my favorite scents. It is best know for fighting infectious organisms (bacteria, fugni, and viruses).

Lavender - It is recognized to help reduce stress and relax.

Lemon - Who doesn’t like the nice refreshing smell of lemon? It is commonly used as a cleanser, helps remove stains and whitener.

Peppermint - It is credited in helping stomach ailments. It is good for getting rid of headaches and getting rid of insects.

Citrus Burst Synergy (Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Litsea, Mandarin and Sweet Orange) - This is one of my favorites out of the box. I loved the smell - it is lively and refreshing. I used this to add to my water while I was cleaning and the house smelled great!

Germ-Fighter Synergy (Lemon, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus and Rosemary) - This one too smelled great! In 1997, studies conducted at Weber State University showed the oils in this blend to have a 99.96% success rate against airborne bacteria. It is so important to keep your body on alert against attacks to your immune system. Whether it’s keeping your hands clean, the house clean or warding off the ‘bug’ going around the office or school, Germ-Fighter will give you that extra protection you need.

I really was happy to try these different oils and am going to do some more experimenting with them. This is really the first time I have used essential oils and now that I have started I want to use them more. If you go to Plant Therapy’s Blog you can find more good recipes to use the Spring Cleaning Set.

If you would like to order your own essential oils from Plant Therapy you can do so HERE and have your products delivered right to your door. Plant Therapy has offered my readers $10 OFF your purchase of $25 or more. Just enter kswederski10 for the coupon code. Coupon Expires Jun 21, 2013.

Plant Therapy has offered one of my readers the same Spring Cleaning Set I received. You must be 18+ and have a US shipping address. Leave a comment on what essential oil have used and what you used it for. For extra entries connect with Plant Therapy on Facebook. Extra entries for each way you follow Kaisy Daisy’s Corner. Giveaway ends Jun 6, 2013.

Please fill out the form HERE to enter.

 

BLURB:

Single mom Grace Mason doesn’t believe in miracles, magic, or love at first sight. She likes the quiet life, complete with her eight-year-old son, their tiny house, and her teaching job. For Grace, happiness means that nothing much ever changes in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Then, one thousand miles away, tragedy strikes. A massive heart attack leaves Grace’s estranged father comatose in an Upstate New York hospital. While a team of doctors fight to keep Henry Mason alive, Grace and Evan rush to his bedside to say their final goodbyes.

Henry’s passing brings little closure for Grace, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to her new surroundings. What begins as a short trip results in an entire summer spent with Henry’s second wife, Kathleen, and her next-door neighbor, Ryan Gordon, the town doctor. When a series of unlikely events lead to Evan’s disappearance, Grace must face her worst fears to find her son and bring him back home.

Stardust Summer explores the complexities of forgiveness, what it means to be a family, and the fabulous possibility of falling in love—again.

EXCERPT:

In the rush to escape the scorching rays of the swollen Mississippi sun, the plain brown package could have been missed all together.

As she fumbled with her keys, Grace wished for the faintest hint of a breeze. It was ninety-five in the shade, she noted, as a bead of sweat tickled the back of her neck. Nearby, her son kicked a loose stone on the concrete, his face flushed the color of his canvas backpack.

Grace jiggled the lock one more time, and the door finally swung open, releasing a welcome blast of chilled air. Evan slipped by, and she heard the bump of his bag as he dropped it on the wooden floor; the thud-thud as he kicked off his tennis shoes.

It was then she noticed the small package, tucked in the corner of their white wooden porch swing. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as Grace knelt down and reached for the delivery.

“Mom? Did you hear me?” Evan called out.

Startled, Grace looked up. “No. I’m sorry, honey. What is it?”

Her son stuck his head out the door, brow furrowed. “Can I go over to Adam’s?”

Attempting a wide smile, Grace nodded. “Sure, sweetie. But, before you go, I think Papa sent you a surprise.” She tossed the box to her son.

With a whoop of joy, Evan caught the package in both hands and ran back inside. Grace followed close behind, holding her breath. After peeling off rows of tape, Evan pulled out a small card with several bills tucked inside. Below that, beneath layers of tissue paper, his grandfather had also included a pair of swimming goggles.

Evan unfolded the note and scanned the lines. “Papa wants us to come to the lake,” he said, grinning and examining his new treasure. “Can we, Mom, this time, please? School’s almost over.”

Grace stiffened. She would call her father with regrets tomorrow between classes. Grace earned a tiny salary—barely enough for the two of them to live on—but working as a teacher’s aide allowed her to stay close to her son.

“We’ll see,” she said, trying for a casual response.

Undeterred, Evan hummed to himself and stuffed the cash into his pocket. After setting the goggles on the table, he headed for the door. “There’s something else in the box for you. Later, Mom.”

The door closed tight with a bang.

Grace stared after her eight-year-old son and blinked. Later, Mom? When had Evan become such a little man? So grown up?

So much like her own father.

Evan possessed Henry Mason’s easy smile, his throaty laugh, and smart sense of humor. Her son had the same head of thick, dark hair, identical bright, inquisitive eyes, and an even jawline that matched her father’s.

For two people separated by fifty years in age, a dozen states, and one time zone, the similarities were remarkable.

They barely knew each other, though her father called every week and mailed gifts once a month without fail. Henry had moved from Mississippi shortly after Hurricane Katrina; he’d taken a new job on a Wednesday in August and moved the following Friday, assuming the role of Vice President of Keuka College easily. To Henry Mason, the change was no more complicated than shrugging on a new sport coat and tie.

Grace squeezed her eyes shut. He’d invited them to visit a dozen times. It didn’t matter. Henry Mason could send round-trip, first-class plane tickets, a million dollars, and Santa Claus with his sleigh and reindeer. She still wasn’t coming. And Evan wasn’t either.

Which was why Grace rid the house of reminders, anything extra her father mailed. In fact, she’d do it right now. With a shaking hand, she reached for the cardboard package and tissue paper.

As Grace tilted the box to one side, an embossed invitation, a letter, and photograph spilled out. She stared, willpower evaporating, and unfolded the loose, white page. At the mention of Kathleen’s name, her spine stiffened.

Grace, I officially retired yesterday—for good this time—can you believe it? I’ll be staying busy with my boat and the house, and, of course, driving Kathleen crazy.

Hope you’ll make it to the Mason Library dedication…it’s your name on the building, too.

I found this photo the other day. Doesn’t this beautiful girl look happy? Give Evan a hug.

Love, Dad

Gingerly, Grace picked up the picture. It was faded, the edges yellowed. In the image, she was about as old as Evan, with dark pigtails, hair curling up at the ends, and a huge smile that showed gaps in her teeth.

Thick rows of Mississippi sugarcane, jointed and dense, filled the background. Grace caught her breath. She could almost smell the sweet, earthy fragrance, and she imagined the green fronds waving in the breeze, like an army of soldiers marching home.

Grace pressed the photograph to her chest, hoping Evan wouldn’t burst through the door. He didn’t need to see his mother sobbing over a silly memory.

What was her father doing? Trying to convince her that they were still a family? That she should come to New York for a big reunion?

Grace wiped her cheeks. Henry Mason charmed everyone, even total strangers. He was always the life of the party—and would be at the Mason Library Dedication—with his jokes and fantastical stories. By the end of the night, he’d sing a line or two from ‘Stardust.’

Just like when she was little. He’d convince her that everything would be fine.

This time, not a chance.

Henry Mason made his choice. She’d made hers.

Mississippi was home. Nothing would change that.

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets. A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.

Lauren is a member of the Gulf Coast Writers Association, the Mobile Writers Guild, and a regular contributor to Parents & Kids Magazine’s Mississippi Gulf Coast Edition. Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com.

Stardust Summer for Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFZVW1K

Stardust Summer for Nook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stardust-summer-lauren-clark/1114565578

Stardust Summer for KOBO

http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=stardust+summer

Stardust Summer for Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/285619

Lauren Clark Books Website

http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/blog

Lauren Clark Books BLOG

http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/blog

GoodReads Lauren Clark

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5280308.Lauren_Clark

Twitter Lauren Clark

https://twitter.com/#!/LaurenClark_Bks

Facebook Lauren Clark

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Clark/235315706518284

My Review:

Stardust Summer was a great story. Grace and her son Evan have to leave Mississippi to go to her fathers funeral. She has not been on best terms with Henry her father since he remarried and not really friends at all with Kathleen his wife.

They stay with Kathleen and met the next door neighbor Ryan Gordon who is the town doctor. It seems that things are always happening that puts the two of them together. Kathleen’s house has a tree fall on it and they stay with Ryan while the house is being repaired.

Ryan likes Grace - does she like him? What are her feelings? How can a relationship work with them living so far apart him in New York her in Mississippi? You will need to read Stardust Summer to find out. I am sure you will find it to be as good as I did.

received a Copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for the review, and the review is honest and my responsibility.

 

 

 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

If you like coffee and espresso I found the perfect cookies for you. Java Bites Espresso Cookies are great tasting cookies. You can really taste the espresso in each bite! These cookies are made in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Loveland, Colorado. They are made by Stir Crazy Creations. This cookie is like nothing you have had before. They start with organic, shade grown coarsely ground espresso roasted Arabic beans. Then they blend espresso beans into a specially formulated moist cookie dough. Next the cookies are slow baked to allow the espresso to brew into each cookie.

Java Bites Espresso Cookies come in 5 great flavors Almond Mocha, Chocolate Chip Espresso, Cinnamon Cappuccino, White Chocolate Mocha Latte, and White Chocolate Vanilla Latte. They all have bits of espresso baked in so you get a bit of a kick. Its hard to pick just one as a favorite because they all are so good. I think my favorite would be the Almond Mocha.

The great thing about these cookies other than the flavor is they are all natural, zero trans fat, no preservatives, and only 100 calorie per pack of 2 cookies! What could be better?

 

If your interested in purchasing Java Bites you can go online HERE and order. You will be glad you did ~ it is a great little treat!

Java Bites Espresso Cookies has offered 3 of my readers a great treat! They will send a gift packages containing a two-pack of each flavor. You must be 18 + and have a US shipping address. Leave a comment on your favorite time of the day to have a little treat. Extra entries for liking Java Bites on Facebook. Extra entries for each way you follow Kaisy Daisy’s Corner. Giveaway ends Jun 5, 2013.

Please fill out the form HERE to enter.

 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I am always on the look out for something that taste good and is good for you. I recently tried a number of items from Quest Nutrition. They have some really great tasting low carb protein bars. Quest bars were designed for anyone who cares about good nutrition and a leaner body.

These bars are great to eat on the run, replace your meal and have great flavor. You can eat these if you want to lose weight and become leaner. They are packed with fiber and help curb your hunger. They are very filling and keep you satisfied for hours. If you’re trying to add muscle these bars are great - they give you lots of protein with out the extra calories.

There are so many great flavors I am sure everyone will find one they like. Here are a list of them.

Vanilla Almond Crunch

Chocolate Peanut Butter

Apple Pie

Cinnamon Roll

Chocolate Brownie

Strawberry Cheesecake

Mixed Berry Bliss

Coconut Cashew

Peanut Butter Supreme

Lemon Cream Pie

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Banana Nut Muffin

My favorite I think was the Lemon Cream Pie and the Coconut Cashew ~ but really the only one I didn’t like or even try was the Strawberry Cheesecake and that is because I am allergic to strawberries. Here are some other great things about Quest Bars.

• No Sugar Alcohols
• No Glycerine
• No Junk Ingredients
• No Soy Protein
• No Artificial Sweeteners
• Gluten Free
• Only 4-6g Non-Fiber Carbs

The products that Quest have are really good and they are good for you. They have eliminated the carb calories ~ which helps to insure that you don’t gain fat you gain muscle.

Quest Cravings are also great! I love peanut butter cups and should really only eat them as a treat. Last year Quest came up with a the Quest Cravings which are as healthy as a protein bar and just as tasty as a forbidden confectionary treat. With over 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of active carbs and no added sugar, you can eat Cravings every single day. These are high protein products that are actually good for you. I really loved these.

If you would like to purchase your one Quest Bars you can go HERE and order them online and know that you are getting a great and good for you low carb protein bar. Follow Quest Nutrition on Facebook and keep up to date with any new products or flavors.

Quest Nutrition has offered two of my readers a box of their number one selling bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. You must be 18+ and have a US shipping address. Leave a comment on what bar you think would be your favorite. For extra entries follow Quest Nutrition on Facebook also extra entries for each way you follow Kaisy Daisy’s Corner. Giveaway ends Jun 4, 2013.

Please fill out the form HERE to enter.