Review: Complete Idiot's Guide to American History VS. US History for Dummies

I received copies of both books in order to compare them and write this review. No monetary compensation was received and a positive review was not required. The views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

From the book:

American history is one of those subjects that students frequently labor over and can seem like a random collection of names, dates, and events. Understood as a collective biography and free of the cheerleading found in many text books, the fully updated fifth edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to American History explains the changing tides in America's most pivotal periods.

• From a seasoned author and researcher
• The most current and comprehensive series title on American history
• Heightened interest right now in the question of how America got where we are-a question that can only be answered by an understanding of history
About the Author
Alan Axelrod, Ph.D., has nearly 20 years of history book writing expertise and is the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to the American Revolution, The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to the Civil War, Second Edition and The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to World War I. He is now the president of the Ian Samuel Group, Inc., a research and writing firm.

From the book:

Filled with fascinating trivia and lore not found in textbooks. People, places, and dates with a dash of fun — history will never be the same! Don't know much about history? Don't worry! With this friendly reference, you can bone up on all those facts you missed in history class — and have a good time in the bargain. From the Revolution to the Civil War, from the Great Depression to the Cold War, this is history the way it ought to be — fresh, memorable, and fun.

Discover how to: Astound friends with fun facts about the Founding Fathers Understand terms like "Manifest Destiny" Get a grip on the legacy of slavery Impress your family with Civil War lore Put current events in historical context.
The Dummies Way™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun.


I took the challenge of comparing the above two books and these are my conclusions:

Each book had its strong points. For instance, The Complete Idiot's Guide to American History was really much more interesting as a piece of reading material. My husband, who is quite the history buff and whose opinion I sought, even stated that he was much more drawn in by the writing of this book as opposed to the other.

However, I was much more impressed with the total layout of US History for Dummies. It was easier for me personally to navigate through.

Both books were thorough and worth having.

For me readers, I have a 50% off coupon code for any book from Idiot's Guides.com.
The coupon code is CIGBlog11 and allows for 50% off of one order of regularly priced books from www.idiotsguides.com. The discount is effective immediately and runs through October 31.

A great euphonious in every box

Review of Straight Talk Cell Phone Service

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As a current customer of Straight Talk this is going to be an easy review to write. I was sold on Straight Talk, Hook, line and sinker from the very beginning of using the service. For one thing, the great Motorola phone that I got, free, with my monthly cell phone service is an awesome phone with a camera, mp3 player, web access and blue tooth capability. Did I mention it was free? 

I just learned that now there is also Android on Straight Talk, which sweetens the pot even more!

For a taste of what real Straight Talk customers have to say, check out this YouTube video:

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There is no contract with Straight Talk, and no credit check. For $45 a month I get unlimited, nationwide service with connectivity that is awesome. I can Call a friend in New York from Texas and never have the call dropped, not once has it happened. 

Straight talk offers also free activation and even reactivation. There are no termination fees. 

In conclusion, there is not a cell phone service that I could recommend more highly. 

Review of Comfort Zone

Pet behavior problems, such as urine marking in cats and excessive barking or chewing in dogs, are frequently caused by fear or stress. Developed and recommended by veterinarians, Comfort Zone® products are clinically proven* to help control destructive behavior in cats and dogs.

Like all animals, cats and dogs secrete pheromones. Research has shown that certain pheromones can help an animal cope with these fears or stress-related issues. Comfort Zone® products mimic these pheromones to help control your pet's behavior and make him feel more secure in his environment.

Review of Comparison Shopping Site, Canada Post

Don't let the name of this great comparison shopping site, Canada Post, fool you, fellow Americans! The extremely advanced data analyzing technology of Canada Post finds the best deals for both Canadians and Americans, for both offline and online shops and retailers. There are several features of Canada Post that sets it apart from other comparison shopping sites. For one thing, with each item you research you will discover the price history of the product, cross-border shopping comparisons-complete with shipping and any other duty fees--and even user reviews of the product so you can make a totally informed decision before purchasing the item you are interested in.

When I visited Canada Post I was specifically interested in finding deals on books. Little did I know I would spend at least an hour just checking out all the great features of Canada Post. As an online retailer myself I was tickled to discover that you can list your products on the site and only pay per click when a visitor actually visits your site, and this system is a whole lot cheaper to use than Adwords.

Overall, I really love Canada post and found some great deals on books. The only thing I didn't care for was the fact that I am not a Canadian resident, so I couldn't enter the $1000 Visa card giveaway they are having every week through Sept. 21st! :(

Review of MY FOOLISH HEART Susan May Warren

When you enter the worlds created by RITA Award winning writer Susan May Warren, you know you are in for a big fat treat. MY FOOLISH HEART is no exception. I was particularly able to relate to the main character, Isadora Presley, who was almost agoraphobic, (afraid to leave the house) after being involved in a terrible accident. I too was in an accident when I was younger and have struggled with panic attacks and driving-related anxiety for many years. I understand the feeling of not wanting to chance reaching beyond your comfort zone.

Issy, as she's called by her family and friends, is the host of a radio show called My Foolish Heart. As the voice of the lovelorn, Issy dispenses advice even though she herself has no romance in her own life. The town of Deep Haven would be surprised to learn this.

However, all of that changes for Isadora when she connects with a lonely male listener. Little does Issy realize, this perfect man for her lives right next door!

A lighthearted, fun and romantic summer read, MY FOOLISH HEART is definitely worth indulging yourself in. Susan May Warren has a way of touching her readers with her sweet and common sense characters, great plots, and beautiful landscapes.

Juppy Baby Walker Review

I was fortunate enough to receive a free Juppy Baby Walker to try out and review here on my blog. I have to say, this invention has saved my back, that's for sure! The Juppy baby walker allows you to help your child learn to walk without bending, grappling, or worrying about falling, for either you are your child.

This product is easily washable and small enough to take with you anywhere! The Juppy has a panel that wraps around your baby and between their legs for stability. One size fits all babies. I really recommend the Juppy Baby Walker to any mom of a child who is determined to try walking! Your baby is going to walk and walk faster and more easily with the Juppy, and you won't have to strain!

To learn more about the Juppy Walker, follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook, and the Product Review/Giveaway Link.

Watch this great video to see the Juppy Walker in action:

Become.com Finds the Best Deals for You

Don't you just love shopping sites that do the research for you? Boy I do. Why research online for hours to find the best price when you can go to one site whose job it is to find the best prices on a product and list the sites where you find them? That's just crazy! With the hectic schedules most of us have, time is the most precious commodity of all. A comparison shopping site saves us both time and money. No Brainer!

I was weary of the shopping sites I have been using, so I did some research and discovered my new favorite. It's called Become.Com. Actually, I had in mind a specific item when I began my research-women pool shoes. I knew I would be able to find them on sale now that summer is ending, but when I found Become.com and was able to find a great price in minutes, I was so happy I wanted to break out the champagne! Especially after I snooped around and found one of the items which will be on my Christmas wish list this year, a gorgeous pair of distressed leather cowboy boots from Shepler's. This Texas gal will be stepping out! I would be them now but I want my hubby to have the honor.:)

After a little more venturing around the site, I was delighted to find a girls high top shoe for my granddaughter that she will fall in love with. Those I am ordering now! You won't believe the price I got them for by using this shopping site.

Celebrate, my ladies! Become.com is going to be your new favorite too.

Review of OXO Candela

I gotta tell you, I have found a product that I cannot help but share! As a product reviewer I was lucky enough to receive a set of OXO Candelas to try and report on here on my blog. OXO Candelas are the best thing since sliced bread!

OXO Candelas are flameless candles. But they are so much more than that. These gorgeous tours of light are a beautiful accent to your home decor. How do they work, you asked? So did I when I first heard about them. They are really simple to use. The candelas come with a charging base that you plug in. You set them on the charger, charge them up for about 14 hours to begin with, to get the juices flowing, then set them wherever you like in your home. I have been using mine as a nightlight in the bathroom and the kitchen. I place them in their spots in each room right before I got to bed. Now, when we have to go to the bathroom or into the kitchen, it is not necessary to turn on any lights. Look at the electricity we are saving, not to mention the ability not to wake up others in the house.

OXO has many other types of candelas too, such as nightlights for the kids room, state-of-the-art cooking supplies, gardening tools, laundry supplies and other great products for your home.

Take a minute to learn about OXO and read their fascinating story.

You really must get some of these. And what a wonderful Christmas gift OXO Candelas would be!

This is the video I made about OXO Candelas on ExpoTV.



I received a free product to review for this post as a Buzz Agent.

Review of ADOPTED ED by Darren Maddern

My granddaughters love books, and they love for me to read to them. They are only 3 and4, but are precocious and smart. So I ordered a copy of the children’s book, ADOPTED ED, by Dareen Maddern, as part of an ongoing crusade to make sure Lucy and Edy become educated about all kinds of different people, places and things.

I never realized when I sat down to read ADOPTED ED that it would be such a well thought-out, sensitive and delightfully illustrated book.  Darren Maddern does a great job of explaining adoption to kids in a way that they can understand, but he goes far beyond that as he also shows the dark emotions and sometimes negative experiences that can unfortunately be a part of being adopted and how to handle them.

One thing I really was impressed by was the fact that the mom in the story is a woman of color, and the father Caucasian. This simple, smart move on the illustrator’s part, (the book is illustrated by Erin Fusco) helps enrich the story, moving it beyond not only the boundaries of convention but of color.

If you have an adopted child I would highly suggest this book, ADOPTED ED. You will enjoy it and so will your chosen child!

Book Review-Curiosities of the Civil War by Webb Garrison

As my first book to review from Book Sneeze, I was so very impressed with CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR by Webb Garrison. For one thing, the jacket of the book is splendid! I have CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR displayed in my kitchen, which is decorated with antiques and oddities I have collected over the years, creating a trip back in time all by itself, so having CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR by Webb Garrison, with is gorgeous, old-fashioned cover sitting on top of my antique dresser in the entry way to my kitchen feels just like serendipity.

What’s inside the book certainly doesn’t disappoint either. You can tell right away that Webb Garrison spent many long hours researching CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR, and reports his findings in mighty detail. There are so many things, oddities, outrageous happenings, secret stuff the Civil War history books have never revealed, within the pages of this book. I would recommend CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR to anyone who is curious about what happened behind the lines of the Civil War, and to those who enjoy displaying beautiful books in their collection.

The Perfect Cell Phone for Freelance Writers

As freelance writers we often need to hold phone interviews for articles we write, but long distance rates have always worried me with each interview, for I could hear the $$s adding up as the conversation drew on and on. Now, as a Real NET10 customer, I no longer have to stress or even concern myself with the length of my phone interviews. 

However, unlimited nationwide calling is just one of the great features, although a huge one of course, that Net10 offers. With the Unlimited Plan you get all the minutes you want monthly, plus unlimited text and data, for $50 a month. The beauty of this is there are no credit checks or contracts. Net10 also offers alternative plans, such as Pay-as-you-go, or even 200 text for $15 a month. And you can switch between plans as desired with no fee or penalties. 

As if that wasn’t enough of a great cell phone service, the phones available from Net10 are FREE! When you sign up you will get a brand name phone, such as Motorola, Nokia, or Samsung, for instance, with camera, video recorder, and blue tooth and mobile web capability. If you want a more sophisticated phone they start as low as $60. 

Apple iPod Touch Review: Is The 4th Generation Worth The Money?

The Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation is the latest in the line of these top of the range MP3 players. Each generation has introduced new features to expand and improve on this multifunctional device. But just what does the 4th generation have to offer customers, both new and old?

Features Of The Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation

Here's a pick of the main features of Apple's latest iPod Touch:

* 110 x 59 x 7.2mm,

* Weighs 101g,

* Front facing and rear facing camera,

* PowerVR SGX 535 graphics,

* Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth connectivity,

* Comes in 8GB, 32GB or 64GB versions,

* 960 x 640px, LED backlit display,

* 40 hours audio battery life,

* 7 hours video battery life,

* Ability to run multiple apps at the same time,

* Opportunity to buy a huge range of apps (and games) for various features.

iPod Touch 3rd Generation Vs. 4th Generation

Looking to upgrade? Then it's important to understand what's changed and what hasn't when it comes to the iPod Touch.

First things first, the screen has been given an upgrade and features the same detail as the iPhone 4. It now features a brand new Retina Display, and the resolution has jumped from 320 x 480 to  960 x 640px. This will be 
an important upgrade to people who like to watch videos or play games on the iPod Touch.

I Love Skechers Shape-Ups!

Toning sneakers have been around for a few years now, but it's only in the last year or so that their popularity has really soared. Although there are many brands on the market, Skechers Women's Shape-Ups Toners are still the most popular and are selling in huge numbers everywhere! But are they worth spending your hard-earned cash on?

Features of Skechers Women's Shape-Ups Toners

These are specially designed sneakers that promise to help you tone up faster, to burn more calories, and improve your posture. Some of the main features include:

* Antibacterial sock liner to increase breathability and avoid moisture build up,

* A "kinetic wedge" in the sole that rocks back and forth to force your muscles to work harder as you walk,

* Rubber tread to maximize traction.

* Available in traditional sneaker style with lace up front, and in a wide range of colors.

* Designed for extreme comfort while walking, with lower impact on the joints.

How Do Skechers Women's Shape-Ups Toners Work?

Prest 23-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner Review

The Presto 1781 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner is a high quality device that allows you to use it both as a large pressure cooker and as a pressure canner for a range of ingredients - especially low-acid foods, where pressure canning is the only safe method to use according to the USDA. This product has been selling in huge numbers and is one of the best selling kitchen cookware products of its kind. But is it worth the price tag?

What To Look For In A Pressure Cooker And Pressure Canner

* Aluminum Vs. Steel: The former heats up well and costs less, but steel will last longer.

* Size: All pressure cookers need extra space for steam to build up, which you should factor into your decision.

* Pressure regulator: Different cookers have different ways of indicating the current pressure and keeping the pressure within a certain range.

* Safety: Pressure can be dangerous, so it's wise to choose a cooker/canner with inbuilt protection.

* Warranty: It's recommended to look for a 10 year+ warranty.

* Cooking Rack: Choosing cookers with a cooking rack will allow you to cook things above the water.

* Handles: Larger pressure cookers will need handles on both sides to help you move them easily.