Thanks to the One2One Network I have recently added two albums to my playlist on my Ipod.

The first is Brandi Carlile and her new album Give Up The Ghost.

This is Brandi’s third album. She explains the title on her website as this, “Brandi Carlile’s third album, Give Up The Ghost, unveils her talents in their truest form. After two albums and non-stop touring, she has let her guard down and offers her most candid recording to date. If the phrase “give up the ghost” most often refers to death or dying, it can also be used to describe the passing of stages in life, of transformation.”

I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this album. I probably never would have picked up this album on my own. It is easy listening with a folk feel. I love the guitar and Brandi has a unique voice that I really enjoy. Check out her website and you can listen to a little of her music. I am sitting here listening to it in the background while I write. I find the album relaxing to listen to.

The second album I reviewed was Five for Fighting’s new album Slice. I absolutely love this album! I find myself listening to the title song Slice over and over. The tune is so catchy and I love the words to the song. There is a lot of piano on the album and I love it. All of the songs really tell a story. I highly recommend that you pick up this album!

Here is a little background on the album from the website.

If every album provides snapshots of where an artist’s mind at heart is at the moment, Slice, the latest offering from John Ondrasik (aka Five for Fighting), is a collection of digital jpegs and faded Polaroids. The album takes stories of friends, family and even American servicemen, and sets them to music shot through with the spirit of the great songs of his youth. It’s a diary, or a blog, in which Ondrasik speaks his mind about current issues, experiences and sentiments, while setting those thoughts to piano, bass and drums.

The title track, featuring Ondrasik’s soaring falsetto, comes from a daydream that we’ve all had at some point in our lives—that moment when we long for a simpler time when life seemed better and the songs were bigger. It’s a sly play on one of those grand songs, Don McClean’s “American Pie”: “There was a time a long, long time ago/Chevies and levies played on the radio/No cell phones just 20,000 lights, swaying on a Saturday night.”

Thanks again One2One Network for the opportunity to check out two great new albums! Just what I needed for a Mom’s Time Out.

I was sent this book to review from Literary Ventures Fund. I will admit, I was unsure what I would think of the book when I first saw it. I thought it looked interesting so I decided to start reading it.

Monique and the Mango Rains is written by Kris Holloway. Holloway was a Peace Corp volunteer in Mali, West Africa. The story focuses on a friendship she formed with a Mali Midwife named Monique. This is an amazing story of hope that one woman provides to a village. It shows that one woman can truly make a difference in the lives of many.

This story also portrays the life a peace corp volunteer endures living in a village without running water and the amenities we are accustomed to in America.

After I started reading this book, I was so glad that I did. Monique captured my heart in the beginning of the story and kept me captivated until the end of the story. If you are in a book club, this would be a great pick for your group.

For more information you can visit the book’s website here.

Last night was a wonderful night in New York City. I had the opportunity to meet some of my favorite bloggers in real life. I meant to take a lot of pictures, but I was having so much fun that I almost forgot to get my camera out.

One of the best parts was getting my make-up touched up by the Creative Director for E.L.F. Cosmetics. She did an amazing job. I wish my hubby would have been here to see the end result.

After the party I was able to spend more time with Katja Presnal from Skimbaco Lifestyle, Amber @Jersey Momma, Ameeda from SnazL and Tara from Deal Seeking Mom. Check out all of these sites.

Today I am heading out to check out the city with Katja and Ameeda. It will be a great day. And today, I will make sure I take out my camera.

I am here! I arrived safely without any drama. My luggage followed me so I am relieved. I thought I might get carsick in the shuttle on the drive to the Hotel, but I was the last one to board and the first one off so I survived.

Seriously, I am only here for two nights, why did I bring so much stuff? I have this problem when I travel. I can never decide exactly what I want to wear so I always over pack. I still am debating the outfit I am going to wear tonight to the party. . .

I am all settled in to my accommodations at the Affinia Hotel (thanks E.L.F. Cosmetics). That bed looks pretty inviting, I had to get up at 4 am to get to the airport on time.

I am really excited for the E.L.F. Make-up At Home Party tonight. This is my first opportunity to meet other bloggers in real life.

What is that on the desk? Is that work? No, it can’t be, I am supposed to be on vacation. . . I guess writing doesn’t ever feel like work to me. I can’t wait to share pictures tomorrow of all the wonderful ladies I get to meet tonight. (And mom, when you read this you can breathe now, I made it to my destination: New York City).

I am headed to New York City in the morning for a very special Mom’s Time Out. A couple of weeks ago I found out that I won the Rockstar Snazzler contest at www.snazL.com.  E.L.F. Cosmetics and Katja Presnal from Skimbaco are hosting my trip to the Big Apple.

I can’t wait to share my adventure with you!

As part of my getting away time, I have started a new part-time job as a legal assistant. Yesterday was my first day. I am working out of this lawyer’s home office. When I sat down at the computer to start working I couldn’t find the wireless mouse. I knew they had one because I had used it the day before.

I heard commotion of the dog and cat behind me so I swiveled my chair around. Standing by the table was their big golden lab staring back at me with the computer mouse in her mouth. As soon as I stood up the dog ran around the kitchen table. I would head in one direction and Daisy would head in the other direction. No matter what I said or did, I could not get her to drop the mouse.

I finally got really frustrated and went back to the computer. A few minutes later I found the dog underneath a bed with the mouse. She let me take it from her and I finally got to work.

So that was my entertaining first day. Did I mention they have a kitten, too. He sits on the desk and watches my fingers fly across the keyboard. I thought that she was going to pounce on them. But, she just laid on top of the papers I was trying to type from.

I can’t wait to see how the day goes tomorrow. Here is a picture of Daisy from the Fourth of July.

I decided that every Tuesday I am going to take a time out from focusing on parenting and have a Mom’s Time Out. One of my favorite things to do when I have some free time is read. So today I decided to post a new book review.

Today is the publication date for a new book from a brand new author. The Art of Disappearing by Ivy Pochoda debuts today!

This book was a perfect book for Mom’s Time Out. It is a magical story of love and romance with a touch of mystery.

Toby Warring, a young magician and Mel Snow, a traveling textile designer find each other and two days later a Las Vegas Wedding is underway. Through the book the magic keeps the story interesting. When a magic trick goes horribly wrong the couple flees together to learn more about the art of Toby’s magic and things that took place in their past. It is a story that asks the questions, what will win Toby’s affection, his magic or his love for Mel?

If you are looking for a good book to take a time out from life, this is a great new read.

You can read more about this book at Ivy Pochoda’s website. For purchasing info you can go here.

St. Martin’s Press; Hardcover
US $24.99
Publication Date: Sept. 15, 2009
ISBN-10: 0312385854
ISBN-13: 978-0312385859

I hope you join me next week for Mom’s Time Out.