ArtistaDonna Nata

ArtistaDonna Nata
Artist/Writer

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring From Below

 Spring from Below

Plow the dirt.
And plant some seeds.
Help the earth and people breathe.
For every hand,
there is a seed.
Children chant:
Sunflower,
Pansy,
Rose,
Ice plant,
Narcissus,
Geranium.
Sun shines brightly upon their heads.
And from the dirt they will grow.
To everyones delight,
Spring is finally here!

Count Down Till Spring!


Count Down Till Spring!
by Nata Romeo (ArtistaDonna)

On the first day, Bella glances, and says, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, stubborn winter, tucks its white blanket onto the ground.

On the second day, Bella gazes, and says, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, persistent winter, wraps its icy fingers around the branches.

On the third day, Bella gawks, and says, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, pig-headed winter, stomps it’s white footprints onto the rooftops.

On the fourth day, Bella stares, and says, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, hard-headed winter, icecoats salt granules onto the roads.

On the fifth day, Bella studies, and says, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, bull-headed winter, paints the neighborhood iced milk.

On the sixth day, Bella spys, and says, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, strong-willed winter, swirls a dusting of sugar upon the porch steps.

On the seventh day, Bella glimpses, and says, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, determined winter, lassos white flakes onto cars in passing.

On the eighth day, Bella observes, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, tenacious winter, claws its chilly breath across the cotton lawns.

On the ninth day, Bella inspects, “Winter Winter. Go away! Let spring shine today!”

But instead, rebellious winter, dusts baby powder onto mailboxes.

On the tenth day, Bella peers, and says, “Winter Winter. Gone away! Spring is finally here!

Well at least till summer kicks in!”

Hooray! Hooray!





Note: This story is entered in the 

The In Just Spring Contest!!! 

 http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-in-just-spring-contest.html

The two photos above are actual photos that I took of my daughter Bella and her first spring seed :)

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Fairy May Book Tour March 31st



Fairy May

Written and illustrated by Jo Linsdell








Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination she prepares for her test. Will she realise her dream and become a tooth fairy?
Release Date: 1st February 2013

Product details:

Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1481951424
ISBN-13: 978-1481951425
Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.1 inches


Purchasing links:

About the author:

Jo Linsdell is a best selling author and illustrator, award winning blogger and freelance writer. Originally from the UK, she now lives in Rome, Italy with her husband and their two young sons.

Jo Linsdell

Author website: www.JoLinsdell.com
Contact details:
Social Media Links:



Interview:
 
1) Please tell us a bit about Fairy May.   

Fairy May is a rhyming children's picture story book about a fairy called May that dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy. She struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong but with hard work and determination she prepares for her tooth fairy exam.

2) What lessons does this book carry for the reader?

The story carries two main lessons for the reader;

A. To follow your dreams. Just because it isn't easy doesn't mean it can't be achieved.

" But Fairy May tried and tried for she had a special dream;
one day she'd be a tooth fairy, the best you've ever seen."

B. The importance of dental hygiene. The text subtly introduces the reader to how to take care of their teeth correctly.

"She learnt how to brush and keep teeth clean
and how to floss right in between."

3) What was your inspiration for this book?

This book is dedicated to my niece who, after seeing that my last book Out and About at the Zoo was dedicated to my two sons, asked if I'd write a book for her too.
It needed to have fairies in it and so I brainstormed on ideas and came up with Fairy May. I wanted her to be a little girl fairy and to show that it's OK to not be perfect. I wanted young children to be able to relate to her and to encourage them to go after their dreams.
The tooth fairy part came about because several of my 5 year old's friends have recently lost their first tooth and he has been full of questions on the subject. My 17 month old is also teething at the moment and so the topic of dental hygiene comes up a lot in our house at the moment.
4) What did you learn while writing Fairy May?
The importance of having the right direction for my story not just a good text. In the original version the text worked fine as a story and rhymed nicely but the overall message wasn't as strong. After rewriting the last part I was much happier with the focus of the story. Simple changes can make a big difference.
5) What projects are you working on now?
I'm busy with several projects at the moment. "The Bedtime Book" which is another rhyming children's picture book. "The Writers and Authors Guide to Social Media" and "Virtual Book Tours" which are two non-fiction books. 2013 is going to be a busy year for me as I have lots of other ideas too.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Hair Shadz & Sun Shadz by Monimay, Inc. Review



Product Description
This unique product is the ultimate multi-tasker! Hair Shadz is an ALL NATURAL micronized mineral sunscreen developed specifically for the scalp! With the wide selection of color choices and unique high quality applicator brush, the delivery to the hair and scalp  are precise and mess free. This lightweight natural formula is great as a dry shampoo, it blends in re-growth in between hair colorings, adds volume, and also camouflages exposed scalp (caused by thinning hair), all while providing SPF 15 to the hair and scalp! Hair Shadz is available in 10 shades, as well as a translucent shade, which is called Sun Shadz. This extremely micronized translucent formula was designed for men and children.

Hair Shadz and Sun Shadz are endorsed by the International Melanoma Foundation, licensed with PETA, and have a Dermatology signature of approval.
ingredient glossary

All ingredients: Rice Powder, Zinc Oxide, Silica, and Orange Peel Oil

May Contain: Black Iron Oxide, Tan Iron Oxide, Brown Iron Oxide, Russet Iron Oxide, Mica

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder - Is made from Rice , It is used to absorb oil in the hair and scalp.

Zinc Oxide - This is our active sunscreen ingredient. Zinc creates a natural coating which absorbs most UVB and UVA rays from the sun. This has no known toxicity.

Silica - To help the uniformity of powders.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange) Peel Oil - Orange oil derives from Orange fruit. It is used to neutralize the scalp odor and keep the hair fresh scented.

Titanium Dioxide - derived from earth rock and it has been used as natural sun blocker.

Iron Oxides - Typically used in color cosmetics. These are a great sources of colors which are derived naturally from the earth’s rock and oxidation of metals.

Mica - This is Mineral Silicates that are used in color cosmetic as color shine.


My Review: I have only positive words for this product. I love that this product is ALL NATURAL. Over the years I have become more and more skeptical with anything I use for me or my family, so when I had the opportunity to test Hair Shadz I jumped for the opportunity. It's light weight and blends in with your hair, can't wait to use it also in the summer as a sunscreen for my scalp! Thumbs up for this product!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Magic Whiteboard Review


Product Description
Magic Whiteboard Products is looking to expand into all realms of the consumer market.  We are looking for a diverse group of bloggers to review our product and show us innovative and creative ways people use Magic Whiteboard Products! Bloggers will receive one Magic Whiteboard Letter Sheet (8.25 x 11.75) and a Magic Whiteboard dry erase marker for review.

For more products and information, visit www.magicwhiteboardproducts.com
Youtube video: 
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5FR6mhZnAI




Review:  

Thank you Magic Whiteboard for giving me the opportunity to test your product. My daughter used it to practice her schoolwork on and she loved drawing on it. I recommend this product to parents and schools. 
My piece of whiteboard was clipped to a clipping boad and my daughter walked around the house with it and pretended she was a teacher. I was going to upload a photo of her using the product but unfortunately, the photo was not saved from the camera.  
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Ateevia Botanica Review



 Ateevia Botanica

  Ateevia Botanica is an all natural topical treatment for the
long-term relief of persistent joint aches and muscle
discomfort. The deeply penetrating botanical formula is safe
and fast-acting. Recommended by physicians, physical
therapists, and chiropractors to soothe joints, muscles,
and tissues.

Ateevia Botanica is effective in providing relief from some of the most common pain conditions in joints, muscles and tissues. 

A natural treatment for the long-term relief of persistent joint aches and muscle discomfort, nonirritating and without known side effects.
A deeply penetrating botanical formula that is safe and fast acting. Our extracts are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Recommended by physicians and physical therapists to soothe joints, muscles and tissues.
Convenient and easy to use, just rub onto affected area for quick absorption.
Consider Ateevia Botanica as your daily defense against pain.
Review: The arrival of this product came at a perfect time!  I woke up one morning with a stiff neck and tried this cream for a few days and it alleviated the pain and discomfort. I applied it three times a day and noticed the swelling went down. I am a believer of Ateevia Botanica! I now use this for all my aches and pains. I recommend this product.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Minako's Style & Fashion Review


Description

Love creating outstanding looks and being different? Love taking photos when dressed up? Meet Minako, who is sure to become your friend-in-fashion. She adores changing looks and shopping for fabulous clothing and accessories. Dress her up, take photos together and amaze your friends with astonishing outfits — share looks through Facebook, Twitter, e-mail or save them to your Camera Roll.

Change Minako's style — from a true lady elegance to bold designs and bright patterns. Pick clothes, shoes and accessories one by one or dare to randomize and see what will happen.

Features:

Plenty of stylish clothing and accessories
A number of backgrounds to highlight the style and tune the atmosphere
Option of immediate shooting, saving and sharing through Facebook, Twitter, e-mail;
Retina support
App language — English



Review:

I had the opportunity to review Minako's Style & Fashion on my IPhone 4
This is a cute and fun app. You can be creative and dress Minako according to style. My daughter loves dress up and enjoys playing with this app during car rides.  It's easy to download and use. I recoomend this app.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Personalized Voice Recorded Music Cards Review



Description

Christmas music cards with a twist! Now you have a possibility to sing, rap or read your Xmas greeting along with a chosen beat and send it to your friends!

Recards lets you create and email personalized voice recorded music cards right from your iPad. Just choose one of the six custom made Christmas beats by DJ Diamos Roll, record your greeting, then customize it with beautiful artwork and with a few taps your music card is on its way to your loved ones.

Features:

- Custom made beats by DJ Diamos Roll
- Rap, sing or read your greeting
- Popular X-mas music themes
- Don't like the result? Just record it again!
- Share your recards with your loved ones via email
- Unique artwork to go with your email
- Original design
- New beats coming soon!

Create unique and stylish voice recorded music cards with no time! Send love and attitude to the loved ones and have fun!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/recards-your-personalized/id578546831?mt=8

Recards


Review:
 I loved this app! it works perfectly on my Ipad. I created so many cool Christmas recards for my family and friends ....they were very excited to receive them. Recards is easy and fun to use. You can spice up your greeting with rapping, singing or reading your message.  This year I didn't buy cards from the store and saved tons of money by using Recards. Be original and unique and try out this app.
I give this a five stars and recommend to anyone who wants to break the mold and be creative!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Tees Review



FIERY NIGHT SHIRT




http://www.ugly-christmas-sweater-tshirts.com/FOREVER-ALONE-THEY-NEVER-LET-POOR-RUDOLPH-JOIN-IN-ANY-REINDEER-GAMES-T-SHIRT-CHRISTMAS-SWEATER-T-SHIRTS.HTM

Goofy Christmas t-shirts

http://www.ugly-christmas-sweater-tshirts.com/

Review:  

I had the opportunity to review Fiery Night (pictured above). My review is a positive one. I was impressed with the fabric quality. My only suggestion is when ordering choose a size larger as the fabric does shrink a little.  
This company uses the highest quality, 6.1 oz. thick cotton t-shirts. That's the thick, soft, luxurious kind that lasts.  Order yours today!  Order an Ugly T-Shirt or sweater for a friend or family member and make an impact. There are lots and lots of styles to choose from. 100% guaranteed
I give this T-shirt a 5 stars!



 Cuddles is modeling the Fiery Night T-shirt
isn't he cute!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Home School Your First Grader Review




Home School Your First Grader
by Beth Jones

      The book titled Home School Your First Grader, written by Beth Jones. She holds a B.A. in English and was home schooled as a child. This is a great book to read and learn from if you're interested in home schooling your child.
     
     Topics are tackled head on. The material covered span from why should you home school, are you qualified to home school, how to get started, what curriculum should you use, subjects to teach, what if your child doesn't like to be home schooled, what if you have other younger children, ad last of all, what if home schooling doesn't work out for you?

     In reality, the best educator of any child is a parent.  We "get" our children. As Beth Jones states, " Yes, a public school teacher may have a degree, but only you know your child inside and out. You know what makes them tick."

     There are many reason to home school a child. A few reasons mentioned are if schools in your area aren't very good, violence, or if you are not satisfied with your school district, health concerns, religious preferences, or just more time with your child.

     Alot of parents don't know that they too can home school their children. It's easier than ever with prepackaged curriculum options and supportive home school groups. To get started first you need to research the school laws in your state. Each state's laws vary. It's important to talk to your child and explain why homeschooling is the better option. Involve your child with his or her education.  Your child will love being able to have a say or feel like being in control of the education. Always involve your child and create a lesson plan together.

    If money is an obstacle, Beth Jones explains ways to help acquire the curriculum needed to home school.
A sample of what you might do on your first day of home schooling is provided to get you started in the right direction. Attending a curriculm fair is a time when home school families and companies get together to sell and buy new and used curriculum. There are also many sample lessons that you can ask for from curriculum companies.

    If you have thought or are thinking to home school your child, then this is a must read.


    

     

     

      
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Summer In Salem Blog Review & Giveaway





 Blurb:


Summer in Salem
Teagen’s summer has been turned upside down by a body, a pentagram necklace, and an old flame.

Nine months ago, Teagan Matthews' boyfriend disappeared and took her sense of stability with him. But when the opportunity to live with her aging grandmother in Salem arises, she decides it's time to get on with her life. A new home, new job and new friends are adding up to a beautiful summer...

...until a young girl's body shows up one night in town, wearing a necklace exactly like Teagan's.

Now a guy looking remarkably like her missing boyfriend has arrived in Salem along with a mysterious stranger who may have some answers that Teagan has desperately been searching for. Teagan must now decide who to trust. It
's a matter of life and her death.



My Review:

     Teagan, a lucky 21 year old thought her life was a storybook fairy tale, until the love of her life, Jason evaporated into thin air, taking her will to live along with it. Her life took a detour to the land of mystery, shock, and denial. It all began when she overheard her parents ranting about what to do with Aine, her aging grandmother, living alone in her Salem Victorian home

     Teagan is a likeable character, I love the artistic side to her, but for some reason I didn't really feel a connection.....maybe it's just me. Her move into Salem, gave her an instant job at an art gallery owned by a Lark, a young rags to riches girl. Immedialtely after, an attractive boy comes into the gallery and argues with Lark. Teagan doesn't put the clues together until further into the story. An annoying, bitter sweet kinda a guy, Seth tries to convince Teagan that she needs to speak to her Grandmother about the coven and find the "Book" book of spells. 

     Teagan witnessed a goo goo ga ga couple all lovey dovey over each other and couldn't believe the striking resemblance between the morbid looking boy with that of her beautiful rays of sunshine, Jason. Also, her and Lark stumble upon a corpse that resembled Teagan. After, being forced to double date with her now best friend Lark and Dave, she ran into the morbid gothic boy and confirmed that it was in fact Jason gone bad. Everything she felt for Jason was a total lie, and she couldn't digest the fact of why he would leave her for the dark side and the gorgeous blonde. 

     Teagan's world turns when she learned that her Grandmother was the leader of a coven, and that she was next in line to lead the coven. Does she run from what she is?  or does she stay and continue her Grandmother's legacy? Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a good read an would recommend.

 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BrinaCourtney
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5295520.Brina_Courtney
Blog : http://www.brinacourtney.com/
Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Brina-Courtney/e/B0073X9KRQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1





a Rafflecopter giveaway



Summer In Salem (Electi #1)

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Smiley Cookie Review





Smiley Cookie has been in business for over 20 years! It's a convenient AFFORDABLE (I say this because their prices are reasonable)  online cookie company that makes it easy for you to share a smile with anyone, anywhere, for any occasion. Why make your life difficult and stressful when it's time for you to gift someone special. It's just one click away and your family and friends will be smiling their day away with these delicious cookies!

My Review:  

      I agreed to review this product and I am giving you my honest opinion. The day the mail carrier dropped off the package my 6 and half year old daughter jumped for joy!
"Mommy the Smileys are here!" our neighbor heard and rushed over to see what the commotion was about. We opened the package to first see a beautiful decorative box and nestled inside was a package of christmas smileys and  gingerbread smileys.  The cookies are 4” in diameter an their mini cookies are 2.5” in diameter. Smiley Cookies do not contain any trans-fats. Cookies are made in a peanut-free and tree-nut free facility. No peanuts, tree nuts, or nuts of any kind ever enter our bakery. Their ingredients are not produced in facilities that process nuts. Cookies do contain Wheat, Egg, Soy, and Dairy ingredients.

     "WOW!" came out of our mouths. That very day we invited our neighbor for some coffee and a smiley. Thank you Smiley Cookie for putting a smile on our faces. 
The company has a friendly easy website and offers cookies for any occasion and guess what? you can be creative and create your own cookie! Express yourself through a cookie!

They offer all types of cookie shapes:
Cookie Shapes
  1. Tree (5)
  2. Gingerbread (9)
  3. Star (7)
  4. Bunny (6)
  5. Flower (8)
  6. Heart (12)
  7. Large Round (5)
  8. Mini Round (21)
  9. Original Round (46)
  10. Fish (2)    
   
 and
Category
  1. Smiley Sugar Cookies (33)
  2. Gingerbread Cookies and Gifts (13)
  3. Cookie Gift Baskets (46)
  4. Pittsburgh Gifts (11)
  5. Kosher Cookies (68)
  6. Nut Free Cookies (64)
  7. Gourmet Cookies (67)
  8. Buckets of Cookies and Towers of Treats (9)
  9. Chocolate (4)
  10. Coffee Gifts (11)
  11. Coffee Mugs (4)
  12. Gift Cards (5)
  13. Heart Shaped Cookies (8)
  14. Best Sellers (9)



Christmas Cookies 
Gingerbread Cookies
Nut Free Christmas Cookies
 


Like on Facebook


Use Coupon code "BLOG10" at checkout to get 10% of any order!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Christmas cookie gifts!