National Geographic is hosting their 26th annual Traveler Photo Contest and is accepting submissions. Share your stunning travel experiences and images from around the world.

Categories include:
 - Travel Portraits
 - Outdoor Scenes
 - Sense of Place
 - Spontaneous Moments


Official grand prizes include:

• 1st Prize: An 8-day National Geographic Expedition to Alaska for two
• 2nd Prize: A 5-day National Geographic Photo Workshop for one in Santa Fe, New Mexico
• 3rd Prize: A 6-day cruise for two on a Maine windjammer schooner

7 merit prize winners, will receive:

• A $200 gift certificate to B&H Photo
• A framed print of merit photo, matted and framed by the National Geographic Imaging Lab
• The Art of Travel Photography Course on DVD

"My son is a murderer," are words that change the life of a family in an instant; for the Lebay family, they serve to confirm their deepest fears. In SAFE KEEPING (released March 25, 2014; Harlequin MIRA), the sophomore effort to her acclaimed debut Evidence of Life, Barbara Taylor Sissel throws us into the lives of a family coming apart at the seams and trying desperately to discover the truth. The truth, however, could be the biggest threat to their future.

Emily Lebay always thought of her family as ordinary. But when a women's body turns up in the dense woods near their home, Emily's grown son, Tucker, is accused of murder and everything she believed about her life is called into question. While this isn't the first time Tucker has bee targeted by the police, neither Emily or her daughter, Lissa, can believe he committed these brutal crimes. Convinced there's been a tragic mistake, Emily and Lissa set out to learn the truth bout Tucker, once and for all. While his life hangs in the balance, what they discover proves far more shocking than their darkest fears.

In SAFE. KEEPING, Barbara Taylor Sissel bears witness to a family struggling to endure the trial of their lives. Having spent part of her life living on the grounds of a correctional facility, Barbara observed firsthand the intimate detestation crime can have on a family. Her experiences from that time fill each page with a poignancy that is rarely seen and separate SAFE KEEPING from others of its ilk.

MY THOUGHTS

What I enjoy about the story is the twists and suspense happening throughout the entire book. After reading the description from the back of the book, I knew it was going to be an interesting one. If you love a good mystery or thriller, I'd recommend "Safe Keeping", Barbara's latest novel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Taylor Sissel was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up in a number of different cities and states mostly in the Midwest. She attended college in Texas and worked an eclectic collection of jobs from department store fashion model and flight attendant, to chair side dental assistant, admin assistant/personnel manager and a few others in between. She once lived with her family in Kentucky, in the Appalachian foothills, on the grounds of a first offender prison facility, where she interacted with the inmates and their families and was privileged to hear their stories that were difficult and heartrending and yet very often hopeful. It was several years later, after leaving there, when she was able to pursue a lifelong dream of writing, and not surprisingly, each one of her novels is a reflection of her prison experience. The focus of the stories is not crime per se, but how quickly and irrevocably lives can be altered in one single, shattering moment of misjudgment and how difficult it then is for family members to find their way back onto solid ground.





Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the mentioned book from the PR firm or publisher in exchange of my review. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

With the big games coming up, it's important to make sure you've got the winning snacks. Stock up for the whole tournament with a coupon for $1.50 off any two Farm Rich snacks.

SkinPro has put together a HUGE Spring Break Giveaway for all of you! This giveaway includes Elite Serum Instant, DNA Serum, Delfogo Vitamin C Serum, Bellapulse, Ultra Lash, Luscious Lips and Tepamine! A complete make over for one lucky fan!

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Contest is open to US & Canada, 18+ (ends March 31st, 2014 at 12am EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Good Luck!

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Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter.

The latest technology in teeth whitening, Whitening Lightning pens and professional kits deliver fast, noticeable results without a trip to the dentist. Safe and easy-to-use, the at-home treatments effectively whiten teeth without any harmful chemicals, unpleasant tastes or sensitivity.

Whitening Lightning’s collection is comprised of the below products designed to fight against yellowing:


Dial A Smile Professional Whitening Kit

The painless, fast-acting kit offers similar results to a professional in-office dentist, with teeth appearing four to seven shades whiter per 20 minute treatment. (Price: $99)

Super Booster Pen

The easy-to-use pen freshens breath, kills bacteria and restores teeth to their natural white shade. The formula whitens and fight stains while you sleep by up to seven to ten shades in 14 days. (Price: $29)

Whitening Lightning’s newest collection, ZERO WhiteTM, features a botanical based solution with all-natural whiteners for those sensitive to peroxide:




ZERO WhiteTM Teeth Whitening System

Using all-natural botanical whiteners, the ZERO WhiteTM System contains no peroxide and will not cause any pain or sensitivity. See results of seven to ten shades lighter in 14 days. (Price: $115)


ZERO WhiteTM Whitening Pen

Like the ZERO WhiteTM System, the pen is formulated using natural botanical whiteners that do not irritate or harm teeth. The gel does not have a bad taste and works while you sleep. (Price: $29)


WHERE TO BUY: Products are available at www.whiteninglightning.com. The brand is completely gluten-free, cruelty-free and never tested on animals.


Disclosure:  I did not receive any products nor received compensation for this promotion. I was provided info and photos to share. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.

In Greek culture, celebrations with family and friends are the most important part of community life. When it comes to breaking bread together, Easter is no exception.

This year, Greek Orthodox Easter and the Western Christian Easter fall on the same day, April 20th, something that only happens every four years! If your readers want to try out something ethnic, new and different for the holiday, here’s a recipe for a delicious Easter bread called Tsoureki.

A braided yeast bread, Tsoureki is known for the decorative red eggs that are baked right into the loaf. The red eggs, a Greek tradition, represent the blood of Christ. (For a colorful variation on this tradition, you can also bake multicolored eggs into your braided bread.)


Every family has its own version of this recipe. This one can be attributed to the Kontos family, owners of Kontos Foods, a Paterson, NJ-based provider of traditional Mediterranean foods.

INGREDIENTS

2 pkgs. yeast
¼ cup sugar
Flour (follow below instruction)
2 cups warm water
1 tsp. salt
¼ cup oil
2 eggs beaten
Couple/few colored hard-boiled eggs

PREPARATION

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Add enough flour to mix to heavy batter. Add salt, oil and all but 2 teaspoons of beaten eggs. Add enough flour to make a firm dough. Knead for 5 minutes. 
2. Cut dough in half, and each half into thirds. Make 3 long ropes and braid. Bend braid into a tight straight, or circle, loaf.
3. Let dough rise for 45 minutes. Use remaining 2 teaspoons of egg to brush on dough.
4. To decorate your bread, gently press a red, or other color, egg into the center of your loaf.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes.

To learn more about Kontos Foods, visit www.kontos.com or www.Flatbread.com.You can also find Kontos Foods on Twitter@KontosFoods or on Facebook at www.facebook/KontosFoods.

Disclosure:  I did not receive any products nor received compensation for this promotion. I was provided info and photos to share. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.

Throughout history, natural oils have had a number of beneficial and healthy qualities for the skin and overall body health. Sublime Beauty's new Daily Body Oil contains no additives, no chemicals and no fragrances – simply pure oil. This unique and luxurious formula works to hydrate, moisturize and smooth skin. Daily Body Oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks and aids in collagen syntheses.



The proprietary blend of natural oils includes:

· Sweet Almond Oil
· Sesame Oil
· Aloe
· Jojoba Oil
· Argan Oil
· Vitamin E

The bottle has a convenient flip top with small area to release oil for better control. Recommended for daily use after skin brushing, bath or shower.

WHERE TO BUY? Available via www.sublimebeautyshop.com (Price: $22)



Disclosure:  I did not receive any products nor received compensation for this promotion. I was provided info and photos to share. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.

Think you've got what it takes to be a Hometown Hottie? Check out Maxim Magazine's casting call for the 2015 Hometown Hotties. You must be over 21 years old and US citizen.

Rocky Brook Falls (located in the Olympic National Forest lands) is one of the largest and most frequently visited falls on Hood Canal just north of Brinnon, WA. It is a fairly short and easy trail.



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In a dystopian Detroit, abandoned brick mansions left from better times now house only the most dangerous criminals. Unable to control the crime, the police constructed a colossal containment wall around this area to protect the rest of the city. For undercover cop Damien Collier (Paul Walker) every day is a battle against corruption. For Lino (David Belle), every day is a fight to live an honest life. Their paths never should have crossed, but when drug kingpin, Tremaine (RZA) kidnaps Lino's girlfriend, Damien reluctantly accepts the help of the fearless ex-convict, and together they must stop a sinister plot to devastate the entire city. With stylized action featuring thrilling Parkour stunts (David Belle is the co-founder of the physical training discipline), Brick Mansions puts an entertaining twist on the action genre.

In Theaters April 25

Trailer #1


Trailer #2

Murhut Falls (located in the Olympic National Forest lands) drops 2 tiers about 130 feet and is in the Duckabush River on Murhut Creek. Hiking trail is less than a mile with low to moderate elevation gain.



Lower downstream of the main Murhut Falls


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Spring is finally here! Happy Spring everyone! Are you excited for Easter? I know I am because I love sharing treats and decorating eggs, especially with the little one. And what makes great gifts for friends and family are the Ferrero Rocher Cocoa & Hazelnut eggs. It's perfect for decorating, adding some sparkke to your home and surprise your guests this season.


I received an assortment and I had the opportunity to try some myself and share with you what's available from Ferrero Rocher Canada's Easter promotion: Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Collection, Ferrero Rocher Rabbit and the brand new Cocoa & Hazelnut Ferrero Eggs. 




The chocolate rabbit and the mini hazelnut eggs are new products as it is the first time I've seen them. Can't resist that milk chocolate covered crispy eggs with the creamy filling! The chocolate rabbits can make a nice center-piece. My favorite is the Ferrero Collection with the 3 variety (Ferrero Rocher hazelnut, Raffaello crispy creamy coconut with almond, and Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolate).


If you like the decoration, I've included napkin folding instructions (courtesy of Ferrero) below:

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Ferrero Rocher is giving away some fantastic prizes through their Facebook Page. LIKE for a chance to win Ferrero Eggs and a Ferrero Rocher Rabbit. Come back Thursday for another chance to win.

Winners for each week will be announced the following Monday @ 4pm EST. Here are the contest rules: http://on.fb.me/1fF4WyM




Disclosure: I received the mentioned chocolates as part of the Ferrero Holiday Blogger Program. Thanks to NoiseDigital.com and FerreroRocher.ca. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Our modern lives have us pulled in multiple directions at once. By mid day we feel, like my daughter says, a wet noodle. Energy drinks offer brief relief of the mid day slump but they also pump us with artificial sweeteners that in turn tire us more. RE beverages from Rushmore Superfoods are different. Yes, they provide energy. Yes, they help you through the mid-day sleepies. Instead of just being about energy they are about VITALITY. An overall and longer lasting sense of well being. Packed with pure juices and purees from 21 of the most antioxidant rich fruits known to man it helps you build stamina - not just a temporary jolt of energy.

RE drinks are available in 2 formulations. The 32 oz. RE Vitalize offers overall nutrition and tastes great by itself, mixed with a little seltzer water, in a cocktail or in smoothies. The 2.5 oz RE Vive is a portable vitality shot that offers a dose of caffeine from green tea along with it's juicy goodness. They are available at Costco, Vitamin Shoppe and on Amazon. Check the RE website for more locations in your area.

{ GIVEAWAY }

Rushmore Superfoods is offering 7 lucky people the chance to try their products for FREE! Two will receive a bottle of the 32 oz. RE Vitalize (ARV $29) and 5 will each receive one 2.5 oz RE Vive (ARV $3) shot to try. EVERYONE who enters a valid email address will also receive a $1 Coupon for a RE product!

Contest is open to US residents only, 18+ (ends April 9th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Good Luck!

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Entry-Form

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter.

I've always love the beach scenes and waterscapes. Here's one taken at the Mukilteo Beach at the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park in Washington State during the late afternoon.



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Welcome to the prAna Clothing Giveaway

Sponsored by prAna 

Hosted by NYSavingSpecials

Co-hosted by Simply Sherryl, Rainy Day Pennies, Barbara's Beat and Capris' Coupons 

Clothing for people who live life fully, play long, and travel well.

We appreciate the support of our sponsor, co-hosts and bloggers promoting, please show your support by following them on their social media pages.

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One (1) lucky winner will win $100 in prAna Clothing! Contest is open to US residents only, 18+ (ends April 3rd, 2014 at 12am EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Good Luck! {Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment .

Go Go Dance Photoshoot Session 

Model: Keely Hepburn
Hair & MUA: Emma May Garland & April Beer

I am also listed on ModelMayhem

When Dancing With the Stars fans tune in to the season 18 premiere next week, they’ll see Karina Smirnoff in full stage makeup, tearing up the dance floor (with partner and former pro hockey player Sean Avery). But her Twitter followers recently saw a different side of the celebrity dancer when she bared all in a makeup-free selfie, revealing glowing skin.

Sweat and makeup can really wreak havoc on dancers’ skin but it looks like Karina has her beauty regimen down to a science, crediting the Apothederm Brightening System for her flawless complexion during non-stop rehearsals and tapings.


The Apothederm Brightening System comes with a Brightening Cleanser that refines, brightens and tones with malic acid and vitamin C, a Clarifying Toner that gently removes daily residue from oil, dirt and make-up, and a Bright Skin Serum with SmartPeptide technology that specifically targets impurities to refine blotchy discolorations and imperfections. $120 via www.apothederm.com.


Disclosure:  I did not receive any products nor received compensation for this promotion. I was provided info and photos to share. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.