Death of a Valentine ~ A mid winter's night read!

Valentine’s can be deadly, figuratively for detective Hamish Macbeth and literally for the victims in M.C. Beaton’s latest mystery of murder and mayhem!

Hamish Macbeth returns in an all new mystery Death of a Valentine and he’s as blustery and brooding a Scottish highland bachelor as ever! Though I have caught glimpses of the BBC television series based on M.C. Beaton’s fiction this has been my first experience reading a Hamish Macbeth Mystery and it was a pleasure.

Death of a Valentine filled with Scottish banter and brogue is a whodunit approaching the tradition of greats like Agatha Christie. Set in the seemingly timeless highland village of Lochdubh and featuring a quirky and brooding protagonist--as fiery as his red hair, and endearing despite his roguish demeanor-- Death of a Valentine is deceptively a period piece in modern times . Beaton furthers her characterization of Hamish with as much vigor as her plot and has readers puzzling over just how confirmed a bachelor Hamish may be as well as the mystery of murder!

When police sergeant Hamish Macbeth must share his little station with a new constable, and one of the opposite sex no less, villagers relentlessly acquaint Hamish with the knowledge that constable Josie is quite a catch. Hamish and his motley crew of pets, are less than convinced of Josie’s charms…perhaps they have reason to be wary. Josie is not the only thing amiss in Lochdubh! Murder by Valentine letter bomb strikes a local beauty queen and Hamish must solve the murder despite Josie’s bumbling and inconsistent police work. But who would want to kill this youthful beauty and…

“”The thing is,” said Hamish. “thon letter bomb would have to have been made by someone with a knowledge of chemistry.”
“Maybe not.” The old lady’s shrewd eyes looked up at him. “You can get all the information on stuff like that off the Internet these days.”
“How do you know?”
“I looked it up myself. I have a computer. That way I keep in touch with the relatives in Canada.”” (Beaton 2010: 145)

Perhaps the answers are more obvious than one thinks!

Witty entertainment, I recommend this charming whodunit with tea and scones to wile away a pleasurable winter’s afternoon! 5 Northern Mama readers will win copies of M.C. Beaton's Death of a Valentine: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery

To Enter:

• Be a Northern Mama follower or Facebook Fan {Required}

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe via email
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Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. Giveaway closes February 1, 2010 10:00pm CT. Read Giveaway Rules for details.

Dear John Winners!!

Congratulations to our Dear John Winners Trish, Tannie's Chatter, Matt & Kara, and Sarah E. !

There was a duplicate so I picked another winner Pish!!

I will eamil you all this evening:)

My Tutor DS Game Winner!

Random Integer Generator
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18
Timestamp: 2010-01-16 18:24:13 UTC

Congratulations hether28! You won the My Tutor DS Game. I will contact you shortly.

Earth Dream Lullabies ~ Inspire your Children to Grow up Green

Like Melita I was a student of anthropology, unlike her however I am by no means a musician. Taking piano lessons as a child I was mediocre and I am left more qualified to listen then participate. Melita Doostan had a different experience with music. She started piano at the age of 4, song writing at 9, and the clarinet at 10. She taught herself to play the guitar as a teen and made her first recording.

Melita’s music became more than outward ruminating sound, it inspired within her a spirituality and an elemental connection to nature. Her music is a reflection of this spiritual awareness of the natural world and Earth Dream Lullabies: Soothing Songs for an Awakening Generation is a compilation of English, Hebrew, and Yiddish traditionals, folk favourites, pagan chants, and original composition.

This lullaby CD is unlike others I’ve heard and blends the restfulness of lullabies with uplifting natural rhythms and content which heightens awareness. Melodic and soothing, Melita’s voice is mystic and dreamlike and harmonic vocals combine with ancient acoustic instruments produce a sound reminiscent of humanity’s ancient connectiveness to the environment and the abundance of earth’s bounty.

“Earth Dream Lullabies is perfect for parents who want their children to grow up green,” shares Melita. “The wonder of the natural world is all too often forgotten in our fast-paced Western way of life. I created ‘Earth Dream Lullabies' to inspire in children of all ages a sense of sacred in nature and evoke a feeling of awe for the mystery of the universe and our place in it.” I admit my love for world fusion music and folksy natural sound, entiltes me with the belief that adults can benefit from lullabies too. The moment I placed this CD in the stereo my home became an environment of calm, a peaceful safe haven from the rushing, stress inducing society in which we now find ourselves immersed.

My families’ favourite Earth Dream Lullabies include an adaptation of Peter, Paul, and Mary’s folk song “Bamboo”, a Pagan Chant entitled “Ocean” emphasizing life’s watery origins, a Yiddish traditional lullaby “Raisins and Almonds”, and the flute-filled, melodic modern traditional “Round and Round”. My children were buoyed by Melita’s original composition “Animals”--a folksy song telling the story of sharing the planet and living in partnership and harmony with animals including reference to those facing endangerment.

Joined by her musically talented husband, David Doostan, and daughter, Leilah--as well as an entourage of immensely talented musicians--accompanied by bamboo flute, African xylophone, tablas, mandolin, and classic guitar, Melita has created an album of pure natural wonder! A true tribute to Gaia and her earthly delights!

Purchase this collection of “Eco-lullabies" online through iTunes, CD Baby, or MelitaMusic.com. Environmentally-conscious boutiques as A Toy Garden and The Ark Toy Company also carry Earth Dream Lullabies.

Win a copy of Melita’s "Earth Dream Lullabies" here at Northern Mama!
To Enter:

• Visit Melitamusic and tell me your favourite sample song from any of her CDs. {Required}
• non-bloggers please leave your email address with your comment.

Extra Entries:

• Be a Northern Mama Follower {Google Friends connect}
• Be a Northern Mama Facebook Fan
• Subscribe via email
• Follow on Twitter @Northernmama35 and RT Tweet {daily} about this giveaway
• Grab my Button
• Blog about this giveaway with a link back here {please leave a link to your post}

Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. Giveaway closes January 30, 2010 10:00pm CT. Read Giveaway Rules for details.

eShakti ~ Shake off the mundane and Discover your Style!

Original expression is what defines fashion! In a world of department store cut-outs and design defaults would it not be wonderful if we could all find affordable yet unique fashions which define your style? Well, shed those cookie-cutter duplicates everyone else around you seem to be wearing. Take fashion by the hand and discover a classic yet modern style all your own by shopping eShakti’s inspiring line of customizable clothing and accessories.

When offered a review sample I found the prospect of selecting just one item daunting. eShakti has an extensive collection in an amazing array of colours. I find the styles are classically designed but maintain a modern edge and are extremely versatile. Ultimately I chose a classic A-line cotton satin dress in cappuccino, reminiscent to me of a bygone era. I thought it a modest piece that would play off my eccentric and retro tastes however I discovered the dress was far more versatile with the addition of a variety of accessories.

I paired my dress initially with a pair of Steve Madden heeled boots, my gold locket, and an antique inspired jewelled choker {compliments of my mother-in-law}. However, replace the necklaces with a scarf, maybe add some large hoop earrings and an entirely new look emerges. What I am eager to find is an inspiring belt and perhaps a designer or antique brooch reminiscent of Michelle Obama’s recent trendsetting and voila! One piece many looks, that’s what classic design means to a wardrobe!

eShakti's style is a mix of the historically romantic, and the eclectically ethnic! They design but you can customize. At eShakti they believe you should receive clothes meant to suit your preferences perfectly!

eShakti is dedicated to customer satisfaction and is willing to alter their designs to your specifications. Sizing from 0-26w makes eshakti truly accessible style! Provide your custom measurements or order a standard size but be sure to measure accurately for a proper fit. I used custom measurements and found my dress a little roomy however with cotton fabric I am sure I will be thankful for the initial added space. I found the dress fabric to be of beautiful quality, the design original, and the dress’s overall manufacture excellent.

Shake off the mundane and discover your perfect style at eShakti! eShakti is offering all new and first time customers $20 OFF purchases of $30 or more using the coupon code L9NKNKS at checkout and 3 lucky Northern Mama readers will win a $20 gift card for eShakti.
To Enter:

• Visit eShakti and tell me your favourite item. {Required}
• non-bloggers please leave your email address with your comment.

Extra Entries:

• Be a Northern Mama Follower {Google Friends connect}
• Be a Northern Mama Facebook Fan
• Subscribe via email
• Follow on Twitter @Northernmama35 and tweet about this giveaway
• Grab my Button
• Blog about this giveaway with a link back here {please leave a link to your post}
• Become a eShakti Facebook Fan
• Follow eShakti on Twitter

Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. Giveaway closes January 28, 2010 10:00pm CT. Read Giveaway Rules for details.

Skin MD Natural Wants to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!

Skin MD Natural wants to protect your skin from environmental irritants all winter long with Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion but they also want to protect you from the winter blues by offering a fabulous Valentine's Day Giveaway!

This Skin MD Valentine's prize basket contains the following and is valued at $100:
~ Bottle of Skin MD Natural shielding lotion
~ Bottle of Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 shielding lotion
~ One pound of See's dark assorted chocolates
~ Pack of Starbucks VIA Ready brew coffee pouches
~ Kiss Me coffee mug
~ A Cuddly teddy bear
- Lollipop Bouquet

Skin MD Natural Sheilding Lotion forms a protective barrier on the skin and keeps out irritants and chemicals. It also allows the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better. Perfect for sensitive skin, eczema, and other skin conditions Skin MD is light and does not leave a heavy greasy feeling on your skin!

To Enter visit Skin MD Natural's Giveaway page and follow the giveaway instructions!

Giveaway ends February 7th, 2010 and the winner will be chosen February 8th to allow shipping time!

*I will receive a free bottle of Skin MD for posting.

To bloggers who knew Karissa, of Prissy Green, she was a bright light, an inspiration, and a friend. Bloggers mourn her tragic passing. Too soon, too young, and with so much to offer...we all contemplate the whys and hows. All we can offer is understanding and support for others in times of need.

If you wish to pay your condolences please visit Prissy Green.