Percy: Childrens Book Review

Percy: The Perfectly Imperfect Chicken By Rick Rieser

I was excited to receive a copy of this book to review for many reasons. First of all I had never reviewed a children's book so it was something new for me. Secondly I have 2 little boys and one of them is especially fond of chickens.I figured they would be the best to review the book.


The story follows a just hatched chick ( Percy) through his struggle to understand "perfect". Woven through words and illustrations Percy teaches children a valuable lesson about tolerance and accepting differences.




The Review my boys gave it:

Noah (5) "I loved that story!" "My favorite part was when he got big!"

Owen (3) " I don't know, I felt bad for Percy."

They both agreed however on the illustrations which are amazing. The story truly comes alive through Daniel Seward's illustrations. I found it interesting that the author and illustrator came together at fastpencil.com

Fastpencil.com is not just any self publishing site. The site offers the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other writers, editors, illustrators, etc. It has free writing tools and templates and let's you self publish 1- 1000 books, whatever you want. Now there is no excuse for you wanna be authors!

About the author:
Rick Rieser:

Percy represents the culmination of the author's 25 year career as a writer, nationally recognized children's advocate and most importantly, chicken farmer. He has developed resources for children of all ages that emphasize and focus on the inner strength and potential that exists in every child.

Percy: The Perfectly Imperfect Chicken can be purchased HERE. It would make a great Holiday gift this season.

Mail Update!

One thing about writing about my mailbox is that it reminds me of things I have forgotten to mention on my blog.

For instance this week I received a test product in the mail, I can't mention what the product is due to confidentiality. I can tell you that I have tested body washes, self tanners, marinades, seasoned salts and diapers. You usually take a survey and if you qualify get a product to test and then after the test period is over take another survey and then you usually receive some sort of compensation. You definitely won't get wealthy, but it's fun. Check out www.datatelligence.com for paid surveys and product testing!

My usual FREE magazines arrived:

Working Mother
Business Week
Yachting ( What was I thinking!)
Conde Nast Traveler

Stop and Shop coupon booklet

And the best item of the last 3 days of mail...............

A Blue Moon Brewing Co. bar blade! ( compliments of Blue Moon)

Organize Your Coupons

So if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a little bit of a nut, especially when it comes to organizing. My coupons are no different.

All you need to do is figure out what works for you and do it. I outgrew the coupon organizer a long time ago, so I came up with the binder system. Easy breezy- I got a binder and picked up some trading card holders at the dollar store. I printed tabs off my computer with the different departments on them so I can easily flip the section when I need too.

The plus side of the binder is that I can keep it in the car and always have coupons handy for those unadvertised sales.

The down side of the binder is that you have to keep up with it. Discarding expired coupons and organizing new ones as you get them. If you don't stay on top off it and just keep slipping them in the front pocket, it just makes a mess. I know this from experience!

Also, if you do go the binder way and bring it into the store with you be prepared for the looks. You know the ones - Oh God it's the crazy coupon lady - what a cheapo. I just smile and know that I'll be saving at the register.

What's in the Mail Today?

You asked for it you got it! It's a light mailbox today, but a good one. December magazines are hitting.

1. Vogue ( Free)
2. Latina ( Free)
3. Taste of Home ( Free from SheSpeaks)
4. Always Infinity samples and coupons ( from startsampling.com)

That's all folks!

Lowes Build & Grow Workshop this Saturday

We have been taking my boys to these build and grow workshops for months now and they LOVE them! Especially my little guy. He loves playing with all the toys he makes himself.

Check one out at your local Lowes this Saturday November 21st, 10-11. You can register online, and print out your waiver so you don't have to do it when you get there.
This Saturday you'll be making this snowman frame. Isn't he cute? Maybe a nice gift for grandma or grandpa? The best part- it's free family fun! They offer Build and Grow clinics twice a month.

Have fun!

What's in Your Mail?

I had done a weekly posting about what I was getting in my mailbox every week. I stopped doing it because I didn't think it was that interesting, but people have been asking me, "What was in your mailbox today? So I'm bringing it back.

This is what I have received in the last 3 days:

• Kashi TLC chewy trail mix granola bar (free full size)
• Free 21oz Jergens Ultra Healing (sent to me to help with my post & video)
• Pantene coupons to share with my friends ( from Vocalpoint)
• Del Monte coupons to share ( also from Vocalpoint)
• Issue of Women's Health mag (free)
• Coupon book from Express ( love that store)
• Issue of Forbes mag ( free)
• Issue of Body & Soul Mag ( free )
• Issue of Metropolitan Home ( free )
• Issue of W mag ( free ) ( Demi Moore is on the cover, can we say HOT!)
• Percy The Perfectly Imperfect Chicken ( free book to review)
• Coupons for Bath & Body works!

Then of course the usual bills and crap!

That's it folks! Stay tuned so you get your free magazines and samples too!

Jergens Winterless Weather Forecaster Wanted

Are You Jergens® Skincare's Winterless Weather Forecaster?

Enter Online For The Chance To Be The Face Of Jergens® Skincare’s Winterless Campaign

I personally can't wait to enter this one! Here are all the details and I hope that some of you join me in making a video for Jergens!

MEDIA ALERT… Dry air inside and out, changing temperatures and harsh winds: Winter can wreak havoc on your skin. But with the right care, you can experience soft, smooth, “winterless” skin all season long—no matter what the weather. To ensure that you’re bringing out the beauty and softness in your skin year-round, Jergens® skincare is on the hunt for the perfect Winterless Weather Forecaster to reveal how our collection of moisturizers helps keep skin looking beautiful and winterless in harsh winter weather. Think you have what it takes to be the official Winterless Weather Forecaster for the Jergens® brand? Log on to Jergens.com beginning November 1, 2009 and share your secret for keeping skin looking beautiful and winterless no matter what the weather. Follow the “Enter Today” link on Jergens.com and upload a video explaining how you fight the skin-drying effects of winter weather in your neck of the woods (hint: Jergens® moisturizers can help). You could be one of ten finalists selected by the Jergens® skincare experts. The finalists’ videos will be posted to YouTube, where everyone who casts a vote for the best Winterless Weather Forecaster will have the opportunity to win daily prizes. When the voting wraps up on January 20th, 2010, a Grand Prize Winner will be announced based on the number of votes received. One Winner could receive a $5,000 talent contract to film winterless weather forecasts for online broadcast, and a luxury trip for two to New York City to meet Al Roker and a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of the show Wake Up With Al! along with $1,000 cash. The winner’s forecasts may even be featured online at Jergens.com. To experience winterless skin, try these hydrating Jergens® skincare formulas:Jergens® Ultra Healing® Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer penetrates through 5 layers of skin’s surface to start healing at the source. This nourishing formula made with Vitamin 3, a blend of C, E and B5, goes deep beneath skin’s surface to lock in moisture for 24 hours. ($6.99) Jergens® Sensitive Skin Relief Fragrance Free Daily Moisturizer is clinically proven to instantly soothe and help protect dry, sensitive skin for 24 hours. This unique moisturizing formula has been proven in over 20 clinical tests to be non-irritating, deeply hydrating and fast absorbing. ($6.99) Jergens® Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Moisturizer instantly transforms skin for 3x more radiance. This rich mix of pure African Shea Butter and vital nutrients immediately relieves dryness, replenishes depleted moisture and enhances the performance of skin’s own moisture barrier for 24-hour hydration. ($6.99) WHO: Jergens® Skincare WHAT: Winterless Weather Forecaster Contest WHERE: Jergens.com WHEN: November 1, 2009 – December 11, 2009 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be at least 21 and legal resident of 50 United States (D.C.). Contest begins 11/1/09 and ends 12/11/09. Sweepstakes begins 12/16/09 and ends 1/13/10. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules at Jergens.com/winterless. Sponsor: Kao Brands Company, 2535 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45214. ABOUT KAO BRANDS COMPANY: Kao Brands Company is a leading manufacturer of premium beauty care brands that are recognized around the world for their innovation and quality. Kao Brands Company's portfolio includes Ban® antiperspirants; Jergens® and Curél® hand and body lotions; Bioré® facial care; John Frieda®, Frizz-Ease®, Sheer Blonde®, Brilliant Brunette®, Radiant Red® and Luminous Color Glaze® professional hair care. Founded in 1882, Kao Brands Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kao Corporation.