Friday, February 24, 2012

The Legacy of Eden: Nelle Davy *Author Interview*



If you missed my Legacy of Eden book excerpt, you can view it HERE.

If you missed my review and giveaway of The Legacy of Eden, what are you waiting for?! Enter HERE.

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At long last, my participation with The Legacy of Eden Scavenger Hunt Blog Tour has come to an end, but definitely with a great finale! 

Enjoy this exceptionally written short interview with author Nelle Davy:

Imagination has no boundaries – it is a vast landscape without maps or limitations. I know the old axiom is ‘write what you know’ but why should it be? Why should female writers confine themselves to the domestic and the minutiae of life, while their male counterparts explore fresh new terrain? I decided when I started writing that I would do only one thing and that was write the kind of book I would read and I would not limit myself. Of course it is difficult taking on the voice and culture of another country that is not your own but that is what a library and research is for. I spent a lot of time doing research about America and Iowa in particular (I read a lot of Bill Bryson who described what it was like to grow up in Iowa and I found his anecdotes – particularly his description of the state fair really invaluable). I was also lucky that I had an agent in America who could look over my first draft and say to me ‘an American would not say this or do this’ about small things that I would never have thought over. But these were small changes really, by that point I had already captured (or hope I have) the American voice. Mostly I found it really exciting to do something so challenging. I think that is the beauty of fiction, that you can escape – and I really did – to a different time and completely different place. The ironic thing is I have been to lots of places in America where I could have set the book (Pennsylvania for starters) but I chose a state I had never even seen. I guess I just like to be difficult.


Don't forget, if you missed any of the tour, you can view all participating blogs HERE!



About the Author:
(Taken from the back of the book and her website)

Nelle Davy was raised in London, England, in an Afro-Caribbean household. She is an undergraduate of Warwick University and has a master's degree from Trinity College Dublin in creative writing. She is married and still lives in London, where she works in publishing.

The Legacy of Eden is her first novel and she has finished writing a second novel based on the civil rights movement in Louisiana in 1963.










Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Inspirational Tuesday(2/21)




"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible."

--Frank Zappa









What inspires you today?





Monday, February 20, 2012

Just Call me Ms. Bouncing Betty


I'm in a slump.

A funk.

A standstill.

A plateau.

I'm S.T.U.C.K.

I've heard this a lot from several people and read it in several places in the past:

Pick with one thing and stick to it because if you're bouncing all over the place, you'll never learn anything you want to learn, become a master at something you want to master, or get anything accomplished.

Whether it was worded exactly like that or not, I don't know, but it makes total sense to me! And you can just go right ahead and call me Ms. Bouncing Betty o.O

No matter how hard I try to pick something I want to do and stick to it, my mind is going a zillion miles an hour and I feel like I NEED to be doing more; so I do.

I blog.
I enter contests.
I try to learn something.
I try to learn something else.
I make jewelry.
I list things on my Etsy.
I clean.
Etc.
Etc.
Etc.

Mind you, this is pretty much all at the same time, too.

Like I said, no matter how hard I try, doing just one thing makes me feel like I'm missing out on so many others, then I get anxious that I missing out on things, then I can't concentrate, then I bounce....It kind of sounds like I'm ADD.

Those with ADD, does this sound like you?

I just have no idea what to DO with myself! I want to focus on one thing and actually accomplish something rather than be all scatterbrained and feel overwhelmed with everything I'm trying to take on all at once.

Does anyone have any suggestions, advice, or words of wisdom? They would be much appreciated right now.







Music Moves Me Monday(2/20)


Welcome to Music Moves Me Monday!

This meme is hosted by a group of seriously great people-Dolly of XmasDolly, Lorie of The Shewbridges of Central Florida, Larrie of CakeBlast, and last but certainly not least, Callie of JAmericanSpice!

Here are the rules if you wanted to participate::

First step: Run over to You Tube, (or wherever), and lock & load! Get your pick for the theme of the week.

Second Step: Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button::



Photobucket


Third step: SIGN THE LINKY - Dance (follow) your host/hostesses, and grab their buttons.

Final step: Start lookin' for a partner and boogie on down to her blog, and say hello, and tag (follow) her/him, and leave a nice comment. If you've been tagged (followed) be hip, and get on over there, and tag (follow) her back and leave a comment.


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It's freebie week again!

I swear, I don't intentionally just hit up all the freebie weeks. LOL

Enjoy :)




Talk Show On Mute--Incubus







Have a musical week everyone!






Mailbox Monday(2/20)

 
 
 
Mailbox Monday divulges into the inner workings of my mailbox throughout the week. From books to jewelry to free samples to random magazines and letters-You never know what will be in the mail this week...

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 I love trading with like minded people :)

Thanks to jewelhoarder on Etsy, I was able to trade a Western Germany ring from my shop for her absolutely STUNNING gemstone and silver tone metal bracelet.

I fell in love instantly!

Can you really blame me though?








 Back in October, I did an annual Halloween card swap with my Lymie friend-I got my cards out, but unfortunately, my swap partner got sick (normal when you're dealing with chronically ill people).
 
It was no biggie; I knew I'd get one eventually even if it was in February.
 
Well guess what!?
 
Not only was it a Halloween card, but it was a Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Valentine's day package :)
 
(Not pictured was chocolate. Which I ate.)





This microscope with attached LED light was a late (late) Christmas present that I had no clue about until just the other day.

We saw this little beauty at the farmers market last October and it was SO cool!
 
I guess the folks didn't get any in until just recently, cause these (the folks purchased 3 of them) arrived at our doorstep this week.





What did you get in the mail this week?





 
 
 

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Share-A-Post Sunday(2/19)


Welcome to Share-a-Post Sunday!

(Hang in there while I come up with an appropriate picture for this feature )

Share-a-Post Sunday is all about you guys-Please share your favorite weekly posts, whether they be written by you, or someone else. Maybe you have a particular interesting meme you want people to read about or a fun giveaway you need to advertise. Of course daily life, features, reviews, and shout outs are welcome too-The Sky is the limit :)

I do ask you keep it to a maximum of 1 to 2 posts to give others a chance to share!

**This Linky goes ALL week so feel free to link up any time*















Enter Progresso's Souper You Contest!



It's not too late to enter Progresso's "Souper You" Contest for your chance to not only look and feel great, but to look and feel great in Los Angeles, California of all places!

*Raises hand* Yeah, um...where do I sign up!?

How would you like to enter to win::

•  Round-trip airfare for two to Los Angeles, CA
•  4 day/3 night hotel accommodations
•  $1,000 cash card
•  $1,000 fashion retailer gift card for clothing purchases
•  Salon makeover including hair, makeup and nails
•  2 tickets to this season's live finale of NBC's The Biggest Loser


In a short 300 character or less essay, tell the people at Progresso why you love Progresso Soups and why you deserve a fashion makeover.

Don't forget to add a picture of yourself to give the your writing a new level of dimension ;)

(seriously, it's a requirement!)

This contest ends February 22, 2012 (this Wednesday people ), so don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity!

Like the contestors say, "you can't win if you don't enter."






Image Credit


**Disclaimer:: I was not provided any compensation for the above post. All opinions in the above mentioned post are 100% mine and mine alone unless otherwise stated. I was provided information on the contest from Progresso through MyBlogSpark**





Slapdash Sunday(2/19)


Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week 'leftovers.' Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn't worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

***********************************************************************



My Google Page Rank (GPR) dropped from a whopping, hard earned 3 down to a 2....

:*(

Notice the tear.





Who likes a good book?

Enter the giveaway I recently published:

HERE



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Wanna be apart of Slapdash Sunday?

Grab the button below and blog along!


<center><a href="http://www.theeclecticelement.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af214/TheEclecticElement/SlapdashSunday-1.jpg"/></a></center>









Saturday, February 18, 2012

Saturday's Picks(2/18)-Studio Ghibli


In honor of the recent Studio Ghibli film release, The Secret World of Arrietty, out yesterday, this post is dedicated to all their movies that I just love and adore!!

Enjoy :)

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$24.50







$7.00







$25.00







$18.00







$5.00




Friday, February 17, 2012

The Secret World of Arrietty-Opens TODAY!

{Amy Poehler, Bridgit Mendler and Carol Burnett in Los Angeles to promote the film}


 If you've been a follower of mine for awhile, you know my absolute FAVORITE director is Hayao Miyazaki and I adore Studio Ghibli movies; Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle.....I love them all!!

So you can imagine my pure, girlish delight when I hear about the new movie coming out, The Secret World of Arrietty-opening TODAY as a matter of fact.

A little about the film:

"Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all.  From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”
 
"Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger. The English language version of “The Secret World of Arrietty” was executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and directed by Gary Rydstrom."


Enjoy this little sneak peak video clip::







Like The Secret World of Arrietty on Facebook!

Don't forget to see it in theaters because it's out as of today, Friday 17th, 2012! :D




**Disclaimer:: I was provided the above information for the enjoyment and benefit of my readers courtesy of Walt Disney Motion Studios**


Aloha Friday #51


From Kailani of An Island Life:


"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer."

I'm going to follow her lead, kick back, relax and see what you all have to say on this lovely Friday!

**************************************************************

Today's question is:


 Have you been out of the country before? Where did you go?



I've caught the travel bug yet again (probably from stalking the interwebs and entering too many vacation sweepstakes) and I'm just itching to see the world. 

Can I live vicariously through you?!





Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!







Thursday, February 16, 2012

Jake² Thursday(2/16)


I have not 1, but 2 Jakes in my life-Jake the Dog and Jake the Boyfriend (and yes, that IS how they are identified in real life). They bring me so much joy in my life daily, that I thought to myself one day, "Why not share them with everyone?!"

Hence, Jake² Thursday came to be :)

Each week, I'll share a new picture of both of my Jakes doing what they do best: bringing me joy!

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My baby looks so classy in B&W!




"You uh....you gonna let me in?"








Health Update Thursday(2/16)


I have no good news to report to all my friends and readers today.

I know I left you with the knowledge that Tom was closing in, and boy did he leave quite the lasting impression this month's visit; a fearful and agonizing lasting impression to say the very least.

This was probably one of the worst one's I've experienced before-Usually the intolerable pain lasts for a couple hours at the very least, but this time around, it lasted for a good 10+ hours, not only including the horrendous cramping that I normally get, but also incredible left-hand side ovary pain that I've been dealing with since late November.

That being said, I'm still out of commission.

Our M.I. has said that the spirochetes that cause my Lyme Disease have all congregated in my 'lady junk' region and have built 'houses' (cysts), so with all the stuff that I'm doing to kill them off and rid them from my body, well, it's pissing them off.

Hence my 2 day herx reaction.

Currently, there is a great deal of pain, walking is very, VERY minimal, I'm dealing with a 2 day headache, and I generally just feel like crap, which hopefully means what I'm doing is working!

Tomorrow we're going to try for an apple cider vinegar bath to rid even more toxins from my body, and possibly make me feel even worse O.o

Mentally things are rough, but I'm doing my best to deal with that, too.

Sorry to disappoint you guys, but no new or good news to share :(
Until next time, head held high, onward and upward and all that jazz.







The Legacy of Eden *Book Review & Giveaway*


Author: Nelle Davy
ISBN-10: 0778329550
ISBNN-13: 978-0778329558
Page Count: 384 pages
Publisher: Mira
Publish Date: 1/24/12


Synopsis:

Have you ever loved something so much, with such ferocity, that you put every ounce of passion, dedication, and as the old adage goes, blood-sweat-and-tears into it until it becomes your crowing glory; a symbol of your stature around town and in society? This can be said for the Hathaway family and the farm they've loved throughout generations: Aurelia.

Aside from hard work and determination, however, family secrets, greed, and tragedy also play a much stronger role in Aurelia's upbringing...

Laviana Hathaway grew up unwanted in her own family, and the first chance she had, she escaped that life to something she thought was better. All she ever wanted was to be loved. To be loved and to show everybody who knew her tragic past that she could make something of herself, no matter what it cost.

Taking that line of thinking, she ran with it-Marrying a man whom would give her all she ever wanted and more. With determination and a cold, calculating manor, Laviana Hathaway lied and manipulated her way to the top, building Aurelia's reputation along the way.

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Years after most of her family has died, Meredith Hathaway (now known as Meredith Pincetti) thought she had escaped her scandalous, ghost filled past, having moved to New York City seven years ago to become a sculptor.

Until she gets a letter in the mail one day that brings it all back.

Will she be able to do what needs to be done to put the family secrets and Aurelia to rest? Is she strong enough to go back to her rural roots and face what she left behind?


My Thoughts:

I'm not normally drawn into this type of book; mystery, thriller, and murder are my cup of tea when exploring the bookstore shelves, but the book description that was sent to me immediately captured my attention and I had to read it for myself.

It was a little slow going at first, but I really got into it after the story put the two main characters of the past together. Once that happened, I couldn't put the thing down!

I really love Nelle's writing style and how powerful her writing comes off-It's like your watching a dramatic soap opera unfold before your eyes (leaving out all the cheesy I might add), but instead of watching, your reading and soaking up all Nelle's words like a sponge. You can't seem to get enough of her strong writing style.

The back and forth of the past and the present could have been a little more pronounced in my opinion because a few places I got confused, but none the less I think it added a lot of depth and dimension to the story of the Hathaway family and their family farm.

That's a really good way to describe this book-powerful with a lot of depth and dimension!


Don't forget to follow along on The Legacy of Eden Scavenger Blog Hunt! You can follow all the blogs who are participating HERE.


About the Author:
(Taken from the back of the book & her website)




Nelle Davy was raised in London, England, in an Afro-Caribbean household. She is an undergraduate of Warwick University and has a master's degree from Trinity College Dublin in creative writing. She is married and still lives in London, where she works in publishing.

The Legacy of Eden is her first novel and she has finished writing a second novel based on the civil rights movement in Louisiana in 1963.





{The Giveaway}

A Copy of The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davy!!
{The Rules}

1. You MUST include a way to reach you whether it be an email or blogger URL.
2. Each comment, mandatory and or extra, has to be separate.
3.
This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only--Sorry Internationals!



{Win It}

Tell me why you would like to win this book?



{Extra Entries}


1.) What is one thing you learned from Nelle Davy's Q&A Page?(1 extra)

2. Follow my blog through GFC(1 extra)

3. Subscribe to Me(2 extra)
*Located on the right-You can't miss it.

4. Add me to your circles on Google+(1 extra)

5. Follow me on Pinterest(1 extra)
*If you need an invite, just let me know

6. Follow Me on Twitter(1 extra)

7. Tweet this giveaway(1 extra daily)


 Enter to #Win a Copy of The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davy!! {Ends 3/1} @TheEclecticE  http://bit.ly/tScGKK #giveaway

8. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link(3 extra)



That's 1 mandatory entry + 24 possible extra entries which = 25 entries total!
Good Luck!






The Eclectic Element Disclaimer:: I received a free ARC of The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davy in order to facilitate this review-All thoughts and opinions expressed in the above post are 100% mine and mine alone unless otherwise stated. This contest is open to US and Canadian citizens only and will run from Thursday, February 16th, 2011 12:01 am central standard time until Thursday, March 1st, 2011 11:59 pm central standard time. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be contacted within 24 hours of the drawing. You have 72 hours to claim your prize and send me your shipping information-If I haven't heard from you within that time frame, I will choose another winner.


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

SpaFinder Gift Card *Winner*


Congratulations goes to....

#256

LAMusing!





*Note:: Even thought the number in the above capture says 56, it really is 256.


Thank you to all my readers who entered and thanks to Tropicana for such an awesome prize! I will be contacting the winner soon and they have 48 hours to get back to me, or I will be forced to choose another winner {don't make me do it!}.








Win It Wednesday(2/15)


~*!*~Win It Wednesday~*!*~



Win 4 Full Size Bags of Hawaiian Kettle Style Potato Chips!!


Ends February 15, 2012







Win a Pair of White Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings from Pearl Paradise!!


Ends February 23, 2012






Win a Wüsthof Classic 3.5-inch Paring Knife!! 


Ends February 18, 2012








Have giveaways you want to advertise?

Link them below!!














Tuesday, February 14, 2012

$50 SpaFinder Giveaway ends TONIGHT!


Have you entered with win a $50 SpaFinder gift card for yourself or someone you love!?

If not, it's the absolute perfect time seeing as today is Valentine's Day!









Inspirational Tuesday(2/14)




"The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed."

--J. Krishnamurti







What inspires you today?





Friday, February 10, 2012

The Girlz of Galstanberry: Free Download!


For those of you who've been following me, you know I'm a supporter of Garen S. Wolff, amazing author of The Girlz of Galstanberry and Galstanberry #2-two young adult books that promote acceptance, equality, and self esteem in young girls.

If you're the parent of a young girl and happen to have a Kindle or Kindle app, you're in luck...

From February 9th through February 11th, The Girlz of Galstanberry will be available on Kindle for FREE!

Here are places you can get it: 

*Amazon.com (North America) 
*Amazon.fr (France) 
*Amazon.uk (United Kingdom) 
*Amazon.es (Spain)
*Amazon.it (Italy)
*Amazon.de (Germany)


Remember, it's only available for free until February 11th, so don't forget to get your copy!




**Disclaimer:: I was in no way compensated for writing the above post. I was send this information and chose to post for the benefit and enjoyment of my readers**




Aloha Friday #50


From Kailani of An Island Life:



"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer."

I'm going to follow her lead, kick back, relax and see what you all have to say on this lovely Friday!

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Today's question is:


Who's YOUR Valentine?



Why my dearest Jacob of course ^.^





Enjoy your lovely weekend all!







Thursday, February 9, 2012

Health Update Thursday(2/9)


Here we are again.

Yet another month of Tom's sick sense of humor-I think, from now on, I'm going to end each Health Update Thursday post with me knocking on wood!

Last week, I left you guys with good news; the fact that I was doing extremely well and loving every second of it no doubt. I kid you not, the day after that post went live, I started not doing well again thanks in major part to Tom's impending visit.

As of right now, I'm still expecting it (hopefully it comes soon though!) and my symptoms are a mix between a whole hell of a lot of pain, extreme fatigue, and of course, not walking. The not walking is a combination of weak legs and the pain-I could use my walker if I was feeling really ambitious, but it's just so painful that I would rather crawl than chance a fall.

The good news is I really have nothing I need to do or get done, so I can focus my energies on relaxing and getting better!

Until next week people where hopefully I'll have some better news then this week!



Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Win It Wednesday(2/8)


~*!*~Win It Wednesday~*!*~







Win a Copy of The 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes For Your Vegan Kitchen by Kelly E. Keough!!


Ends February 12, 2012










Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!


Ends February 12, 2012









Win a Chocolate Heart and a Pink & Silver Foil Heart Gift Bag filled with 6oz of Milk and Dark Chocolates from Dilettante's Chocolates!!


Ends February 20, 2012






Have giveaways you want to advertise?

Link them below!!












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