Some of you may have heard that I recently broke down and purchased the Kindle reader from Amazon awhile back. I am pretty sure it is one of the more expensive gadgets I have ever purchased outside of say a computer or CAR. So, to get a discount like the one Amazon is offering right now is pretty sweet.

What I can say is that it has completely changed my life and the way I view reading books. I absolutely LOVE it. My Kindle goes everywhere with me! I read a lot, because I love to, and because I am a book reviewer. There is a WHOLE world of electronic books out there ripe for the picking. The added bonus to this reader is that it has internet capabilities with NO additional fees. So, you get your books instantly, no waiting for the mail OR shipping charges (bonus). What could be better? It is super lightweight and holds up to 200 books. I WISH all of my books that I have to move in boxes across country were on my kindle right about now. LOL

So, I was excited when I got this email this week! Basically Amazon has a deal where you can get $100.00 off your Kindle by using their credit card here’s the link to click to the info on the promotion.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FI73MA/?tag=bittenbybooks-20
Thanks to Chase, you may be eligible to receive $100 off the regular Kindle price. Of course you get FREE shipping as well. So, if you are thinking about getting a Kindle, hop on over right now and check this offer out. I cannot say enough good things about this device and the hours of pleasurable reading it has brought me. I have NO idea how long this will last, but knowing Amazon, probably not long.

Do you have a Kindle? Or have you been thinking about getting one? Post your thoughts and views here. I would love to hear from you!

Hey everybody,

Summer is winding down and things are starting to look like fall here in the Pacific Northwet (yep, still raining). We are about to embark on a journey of a life time across country to our new home in KY. Talk about a long LONG drive!

There are a few things that I wanted to remind you of before I head out and am out of pocket so to speak for the next few weeks.

1. There is a prize up for grabs that our sister site Bitten by Books donated to the amazing Raven Radio. You can win a $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card !!! This contest ends on August 31st, so spread the word and get on over and ENTER now!!! Hurry time is running out for this one.

2. Several of our AMAZING discount codes that were offered up from the Bloggy Carnival are about to expire too. Do NOT delay, and grab your savings today (hey I was a poet and didn’t even know it! lol)

These shop codes expire on 8/31/08, and who knows when you will have savings like these offered up again from these great stores. Show them some love by shopping with them.
Manic Trout – 15% off an order, use code: SummerFun expires 8/31/08
http://www.manictrout.com/

Crater Lake Company – 20% off purchase of $20 or more. Use coupon code: CARNIVAL Expires 8/31/08.
http://www.craterlakecompany.com

Vintage Body Spa LLC – 15% off an order. Use coupon code: CARNIVAL Expires 8/31/08.
http://www.vintagebodyspa.com/

Wylde Ivy – 20% of an order from now until August 31st 2008. Use code: weirdstuff
http://www.wyldeivy.com/

3. There are still some awesome discounts and even some gift cards available on our Discount Codes Page. Click here to get your savings.

4. How about some TOTALLY Free stuff? Over at our sister site Bitten by Books, there is a new FREEBIES page. Hop over and get some free books and other goodies. Some items are available in very limited quantities, so act today. Be sure to check this page often as we have new Freebies come and go each week.

Watch for some awesome new reviews headed your way once I get back. I have a bunch of groovy new products to fill you in on. Until then, keep on shopping!

Website: http://lancastersoaps.com/

Country: USA

Blog: No

Newsletter: No

US Shipping: Yes

International Shipping: Yes, outside of US/Canada please inquire about shipping costs

Discounts: N/A

Okay this is a mini “view” of a great product I have been hording since ohhh say the first of the year! LOL

It is a lotion bar (yes, I know, I don’t like lotion bars) made by Lancaster Soaps, but can only purchased (to the best of my knowledge, so google me) at The Sibling Group website. The bar I am featuring today is their Amber scent. Now, as many of you amber lovers know, there are about 80 billion different versions of this scent. But the one true amber that I love the most is the type you get in the witchy stores that is sold amber cubes that you just set out in a dish. MAN that stuff smells erotic or is that exotic? Either way, that is the only version I like of it.

So, when I received this mini lotion bar in the mail, I thought eh…jut another lotion bar and ehhh just another amber scent. So, being the mental giant I can sometimes be, I set it aside for weeks. Then one day whilst on a rather unpleasant phone call, I spied my treasure….my soon to become new preciousssss. I whipped that baby open and took a big whiff. YES! Score one for Lancaster Soaps, they have a dead on duplicate of my favorite resin scent ever.

Ahh sweet harmony filled the airwaves as I smoothed this scent all over me and hung up on the rat bastage who was harshing my mellow. As far as lotion sticks go, this is pretty groovy. It isn’t too oily which is my biggest pet peeve about, well, just about anything. LOL It is a bit hard at first which is a tell tale sign it has beeswax. Which is good in the summer cause they don’t melt in your purse (hopefully). And unofficially I think it acts as kind of a preservative to the scent. (do NOT quote me on that)

I give this lotion bar 4 out of 5 stars, and the scent 10 out of 5 stars. Way to go, now I hope they make some other products with this scent. Get on over and find yours today! Sibling Group, it’s the place to shop!

Website: http://www.starringfragrances.com/

Country: USA

Blog: http://69.20.49.132/blog/

Newsletter: Yes, easy sign up on the left side of each page.

US Shipping: Yes via USPS

International Shipping: Yes, via USPS click here for more info.

Discounts: 20% off all orders over $25 till 8/31/08 use code: Weirdfans

Holy mother of rock stars bat buddies, hang on to your hats for this company. Starring Fragrances is owned and operated out of Los Angeles by two bombshell babes, Ashley and Courtney Peldon. These ladies are not only gorgeous on the outside, they are sweet as pie and have hearts of gold. No matter how many orders I place or how often I whine, they always give me the royal treatment. (not that whine a lot mind you lol)

Their amazing and ever expanding product line is aways offering something new and unique. And they are environmentally conscientious. Which gives them a 5 star rating in my book. Orders are shipped fast, packed with minimal but reliable packaging and have always been a treat to receive. My last order was no exception. Mostly because I bought my favorite coconut scented product on the FACE of the earth (how’s that for dramatic effect girls?). The ladies at Starring have found a scent that makes me (and my hubby) drool. Like Pavlov’s dog, when I see the words Coconut Vanilla Custard Creme, I must shop. And shop I did.

I picked up a set of their shampoo and conditioner in my favorite scent (see drooling above). CONDGratulations Jojoba Conditioner does amazing things to my scalp and hair. My scalp is whacky, so I have to be careful of what I use on it, or whacky becomes and understatement. Suffice to say, I have had no issues of wackedness (new word) since using this conditioner. Daily use is not a problem either. It leaves no residue or oily feeling and rinses out like a shamp err champ. Speaking of shampoo, their Lady is a Shamp line is really quite spectacular. It lathers like a dream, rinses easily and the scent lingers in my hair for the remainder of the day.

The thing I LOVE about Starring is that you can request your scent strength on most of their products. Which my friends, means they are pretty darn fresh if not made to order daily. Of course we have already established that I am a scent ho, and a shopping trip here always makes my heart flutter. Booking is the strongest you can get it, and that is what I did. WOW! When they say strong they mean it. But there is lighter scenting available for you shy types. Of course I am about as shy as a brick….but I digress (again). So, to sum it up, this is a shampoo and conditioner I can endorse and feel good about it, and it has a permanent home in my shower.

Next up is one of their newer products that I got a sample of (oh yes you can buy sample sizes!) called….this really makes me giggle….Pit Stop! Quite a clever play on words if I do say so myself. It is an all natural stick deodorant. Now, let me first say that I have tried a TON of different “natural” deodorants and none have ever really worked out in a pleasant way for me. So, I was pretty skeptical about this one. Here’s how it works; it is a “vegetable based deodorant that contains no aluminum or bactericides that can be a concern with long term use. This stick deodorant has a vegetable protein that neutralizes the enzymes that cause odor to a simple salt.” You can pick your scent when you buy a full size version, how freaking cool is that? No more “baby’s butt fresh” or “springtime rain drain” boring scents from the grocery store.

My sample was “The Romantic” which is a yummy marshmallow scent. I would opt for say something more along the lines of Coconut Vanilla Custard Creme on my next full size purchase. And something brighter for the summer. I want you to know that I worked this stuff out. I have been packing and sorting stuff getting ready for our move. And it is the middle of summer so things were pretty heated. The Pit Stop held up really well most of the day under the most dire of conditions. If you are a super sweaty stinker, you may want to add another dose after freshening up later in the day. But for everyday round about time in your air conditioned office scene, this will do the job nicely. This goes into the shopping basket for my next spree.

My other long time favorite from Starring is their With a Cherry on Top scent. Soooo I ended up with a sample of their Bar Belle in that scent. I really don’t enjoy lotion bars for a variety of reasons. Mainly consistency between e-tailers can be VERY different. Either too oily, or too hard to smooth on. This was right in between and just right. Of course I love the smell, so that was a bonus. They aren’t oily and they moisturize well. If you are a lotion bar fan, check them out.

Included in my box was a little sample of their 3-in-1 shower gel which is called You Don’t Shea. The yummy scent was orange sherbet. Again, not a big gel fan, but this was pretty nice. Medium thickness and lathered really well. Of course it smelled really good. I would more than likely use it for shampoo or bubble bath….ohhh dang! Bubble bath, great idea (no wonder they call it 3-in-1 lol). It looks like it is on sale right now too, get over there and grab some!

So, of course I save the best for last. Because you really cannot have a review of Starring Fragrances without reviewing their perfumes! Which is what got me hooked in the first place! I have two of their best sellers on hand right now (the rest are packed sorry folks), The Femme Fatale and The Bombshell. “Each fragrance is blended with your choice of certified organic grape alcohol or our succulent organic oil blend. Inside each bottle you will find a genuine star gemstone that infuses the bottle with nature’s positive energy.” I love the fact that you can choose an oil over an alcohol. I get a bit sick to my stomach with some alcohol based perfumes. Just thinking about it gives me a hurl reflex. Not so with the alternative organic oil based blend at Starring.

The Femme Fatale is a very classy vanilla scent, with just a hint of amber as to not over power the vanilla. The Bombshell is much bolder and you can really smell the orchid, but it isn’t nauseating like some strong florals tend to be. I have another favorite scent, and by now, I HOPE you know what it is without me saying it. LOL The oil blend base tends to last longer on my skin which is normal. It is NOT oily at all and is nice. Personally for the amount of perfume you get these fragrances are a steal. $26.00 for an entire ounce. It would be over a hundred bucks for a full ounce in a department store. Oh and mass produced, unlike these lovelies. If you try nothing else from Starring Fragrances, at least try the perfume, with a fragrance list as long as the Sunset Strip, you are bound to find something you like.

These ladies are definitely leaders in the bath and body industry. If you don’t like to shop online you can find them in a variety of Whole Foods Markets and other stores. Not sure what to try on your first trip? There are ton of sample options here for your pleasure. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter as they send out some lovely specials once and awhile.

Here is the list of AMAZING prizes that were won! All winners WILL BE contacted via email as well as the prize contributors (please do not email us, we will contact you if you are a winner). Congrats to all the winners and ENJOY! The winners name can be found at the end of the prize line.

For those who didn’t win, (and those who did), be SURE to visit our DISCOUNT Codes page to find a TON of great coupon offers from all of the contributors in the Blog Carnival! Check it out here. We will be adding more to this page in the coming weeks, so stop by each day, some of the items expire this month so HURRY! If you like discounts, be sure to check out the Freebies Page on our sister site Bitten by Books here. There are some great offers! Thank you to all of our contributors AND participants for making this the most memorable Blog Carnival yet! We can’t WAIT for the next one!!

KLEAN Bath & Body – $100.00 Gift Code – Valerie
http://www.kleanbathandbody.com/
Klean Bath & Body provides luxurious, hand-mixed, bath and body products at an affordable price.

Flying Needle Gallery – $20.00 Gift Certificate – Kimberly B.
http://flyingneedlegallery.com
Gifts for the body & home: Offering velvet scarves, silk pillows, eco-friendly napkins & handkerchiefs and more. Includes FREE shipping if the prize winner is in the US — but will ship worldwide.

Broken Teepee Designs – $25.00 Gift Certificate – she
http://www.brokenteepeedesigns.com/
Beautiful beaded jewelry. Made in Montana. Free shipping on your order, will ship internationally

Get Happy Goat Soap – $10.00 Gift Certificate – Terry C.
http://www.gethappygoatsoap.com/
Handcrafted soap made with the milk from my Nigerian dwarf goats Pricilla and Abigail plus other rich ingredients. Get happy! Free shipping on your order, will ship internationally

Starring…! Fragrances - $26.00 Gift Certificate – Michelle H.
http://www.starringfragrances.com/
Organic & Natural Perfumes & Body Products that Star you in Sweet, Sensual Scents!

Little Black Boxes – 2 $20.00 Gift Certificates for Little Black Boxes – Tara R and Airinantha
http://www.thelittleblackboxes.com
The Little Black Box is the perfect place for consumers to learn about our wonderful online retailers before purchasing. It’s a handmade revolution!

Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash – Canadian Company – 2 $25.00 Gift Certificates – Sarah and Lisa
http://www.bovinebubblesandhogwash.com/
Udderly the best handcrafted body care in the world.

South Main Designs – $25.00 Gift Certificate – Paula
http://www.mysouthmaindesigns.com/155
Beautiful jewelry at affordable prices! Shipping to US and Canada.

Lillian Skincare – $50.00 Gift Certificate – Sarai
http://www.lillianskincare.com/
At Lillian Skincare, we believe that caring for your whole body not only means being careful about what you eat, but also what you feed your skin from the outside.

Pampertini – $25.00 Gift Certificate – Kimmy L.
http://www.pampertini.com/
We offer a variety of pampering items for you to enjoy, whether you are a shower person or love to indulge in a tub of bubbles, come by for some ONE STOP SHOPPING fun!

Bauble Bath – $50.00 Gift Certificate – Doreen
http://baublebath.com/
Thick Creamy scrubs as well as bath bombs in indulgent fragrances.

Crater Lake Company – $30.00 Gift Certificate – Christie
http://www.craterlakecompany.com

Delightfully Wed – $15.00 Gift Certificate – Piseco
http://www.delightfullywed.com/
Delightfully Wed supplier of wedding accessories, supplies, decorations, and favors, specializing in western-themes. Shipping is free within the US – we will ship internationally if the winner wishes to pay the shipping costs.

Candles and Woodcrafts - $15.00 Gift Certificate – Kathy S.
http://www.candlesandwoodcrafts.com/
We provide a wide array of items from wooden soap molds and displays to wax tarts, finished woodcrafts, clocks, lighted holiday items….way to much to mention in one line so come on over and take a look!

Ginger’s Garden – 2 – $10.00 Gift Certificates – Amity and Shilo B.
http://www.gingersgarden.com/
Come visit Ginger’s Garden for handmade soaps, skin and body care, gift baskets, toiletries, Zodiac Perfume blends, sculpted soap flowers and more. US Shipping Only.

Snowberry Creek - A Gift Certificate for a sampler box valued at $22.95 – Jessica C.
http://www.snowberrycreek.com/
A box full of luxurious, fragrant samples and full-sized items, such as handmade soaps, lotions, massage oil, bath teas, bath salts, shea butter, votives, tarts, bath bombs, teas, coffees, decorative soaps, potpourri, jewelry, candles, bubble bath and much more. Shipping is free within the US – we will ship internationally if the winner wishes to pay the shipping costs.

FeltLikeStitchin – $20.00 Paypal Gift Certificate – UK Company – Stacey M.
http://feltlikestitchin.etsy.com/
DiDi Dolls are small, unique hand stitched felt dolls, each with a note in its pocket with the name and date of creation. Will ship worldwide from their store.

Things That Make Scents - $25.00 Gift Certificate – Tonya F.
http://www.thingsthatmakescents.com/
Things That Make Scents is a Jersey Shore-based candle manufacturer offering superior customer service and a diverse menu of all-natural soy wax candles and scented wax bears. With many scents available, you are sure to find a favorite! Carrying candle accessories, gift baskets, jewelry and great gift items, its your one stop shop for your gift giving needs! Ships to the US and Canada.

Linda’s Gifts and Decor – $25.00 Gift Certificate – Mandy
http://www.lindasgiftsanddecor.com/
Shipping to Canada and US ***Come by on Wednesday for a special offer from this retailer.

The Bath Project – $25.00 Gift Certificate – Sara A.
http://TheBathProject.com
Handcrafted body care, inspired by nature, crafted in small batches using certified organic ingredients. Will ship internationally.

Chunky Butt Candle & Bath Co. – $20.00 Gift Certificate – Denice p
http://www.chunkybuttcandles.com/
As a small business, Chunky Butt Candle & Bath Company, we are dedicated to making a unique candle and bath & body experience. World wide shipping

Bad Girlz Bath Co. – $50.00 Gift Code – Sue
http://badgirlzbath.com/
Do you have a Fragrance Fetish, a Lust for Lather, Massage oils make you Hot & Bothered? We’re NOT your mother’s Bath & Body shop, we’re SO much more fun!

Just Right Candles – $15.00 Gift Certificate – Alka
http://www.justrightcandles.com/
Just Right Candles you a No Flame, No soot, SAFE alternative to traditional candles.

Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff – Canadian Company – $25.00 Gift Certificate – Huguette E.
http://www.lindsayscandles.com/
Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff proudly handcrafts scented candles, soaps and bath & body products.

Lily Gulch Soaps – $30.00 Gift Certificate – Kathleen
http://www.lilygulchsoaps.com/
Handmade 100% natural cold process soaps, unique bath & body products and natural bath accessories. International Shipping Worldwide using United States Postal Service (USPS).

Bin Hog Designs $25.00 Gift Certificate – Victoria N.
http://www.binhog.com/
Custom embroidered Luggage ID Handle Wraps – choose from one of our many designs or get them personalized!

Pacific Scents $20.00 Gift Certificate – Connieh30
http://www.pacificscents.com
Hand-poured Custom Candles, Bath and Body Products. Over 150 scents!

J.Lynne Cosmetics – $25.00 Gift Certificate – Cara R.
http://www.jlynne.com/
Handcrafted mineral makeup. Purely beautiful, naturally you! Shipping to US and Canada.

Manic Trout – $25.00 Gift Certificate – Kathie
http://www.manictrout.com/
Handmade jewelry that is both colorful and unique, using unusual and quite often vintage materials. Worldwide shipping.

Vintage Body Spa LLC – $15 Gift Certificate – Kristinia
http://www.vintagebodyspa.com/
Vintage Body Spa handcrafts natural, luxurious and paraben-free spa products designed to ‘Indulge Your Body’ ™.

Flower Peddler - $30.00 Gift Certificate – Lindsey
http://www.flower-peddler.com/
Naturally-sourced bath, body, and skincare – always fresh, never boring.

Wylde Ivy – $50.00 Gift Certificate – Michelle
http://www.wyldeivy.com/
Wylde Ivy is all about unique and inspired scent blends, high quality handmade products, and exquisite little luxuries!

Weird Stuff In My Desk – $20.00 Sephora Gift Certificate – Amy
http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com

Soapier – $30.00 Gift Certificate – Susan L.
http://Soapier.com

The Blue Raven Tea Co. – 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates – MaryBeth i. and Barbara C.
http://blueraventea.com
Let us delight you with our irresistible and fragrant teas. Every cup is a journey. Shipping to US and Canada

NEW PRIZES ADDED!

Marr Williams – $25.00 Gift Card/Discount Code – Desiree
http://marrwilliams.etsy.com
Pamper yourself. Simply. Naturally. Shipping to the US And Canada.

The Muse – $30.00 Gift Certificate to White Iris Designs – Stephen S
http://www.i-am-the-muse.com/

Soy Lovely – $20.00 Gift Certificate – Jill M
http://www.soylovely.com/
All Natural Soy Candles ~ Hand Poured With Love We Specialize in Uniquely Fragranced and Highly Scented Soy Candles, Melts, Bath & Body, Custom Favors and Gift Sets. Ships worldwide via usps.