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Building the Dream: FINALLY!!!!

March 27, 2013 By: Stephanie6 Comments

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Well...that took FOREVER (a full year if you are counting, which I am) but we are finally set to close on our construction loan tomorrow and we have all of the necessary paperwork on file for our building and zoning permits.

We should be able to start actual construction next week and we are ordering the roof shingles and the pre-made Superior Walls for the basement. Now things should start happening pretty fast.

Our builder told us that the price of the shingles will be going up by about 10% within the next few weeks, so we need to pick the ones we want and place our order pronto. That means we also need to pick a siding color because how can you pick your roof if you don’t know the main color of your house?

I went to our local home improvement store and picked up a few samples for the siding, trim, and door colors. Thanks to my mediocre Photoshopping skills, I was able to get a better idea of what my Top 3 color choices will look like.

I am really leaning towards this yellowy cream color. I originally fell in love with this picture on our architect’s website and it still makes my heart flutter. This is not the house that we have plans to build, but we changed ours so that the exterior would look more like this one because I fell so hard for it.

exterior cream

I love the cream color. I think it looks classy and a little sophisticated, but still cozy. Sort of an upscale cottage, which is spot on my style.

I also really like the idea of a light blue coastal cottage feel, but I’m afraid that won’t translate as well in the midst of a Pennsylvania corn field as it would next to a lake.There is also more than likely going to be a lot of blue and white going on inside, so having this color scheme on the exterior might be a bit redundant.

exterior blue

Or we could go with gray, which is classic and would be fine, but when you are paying SO much money for something you want it to be more than just fine. I think Eddie might like this a little more than I do. It is stately and masculine, but to be honest, I think it’s a little boring and it kind of reminds me of Eeyore. I want the first impression to be light and happy and this feels a bit heavy to me.

exterior gray1

Your turn to weigh in. Which one would you pick?

 

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GIVEAWAY: Voodootown

March 15, 2013 By: Stephaniecomment

A few weeks ago I was asked to preview a new app and its accompanying stories. I was a little skeptical at first because I’m not usually so into the teen sci-fi scene. I’m not one to dress up and go to the midnight premiere of a new Twilight or Harry Potter movie, plus I’m getting kind of old, y’all. I’m a mom with three kids. What do I know about this stuff anymore?

Well, I downloaded the  app and it was surprisingly easy and kind of cute, not super gothy and off-putting (to me as a pretty conservative mom) at all. I made a little doll and got to dress her up, chose the shape and color of her clothes and features, etc. It was almost like playing the Sims, my favorite computer game of all time. Don’t worry, there were still plenty of cool piercing options available and it would be easy to take your doll in the opposite direction of “cute.” I can totally see this app appealing to teenagers.

My favorite part, though, is that it is not only an interactive app, it helps promote literacy through eBooks. Keep reading to kind out more…

 

 

What’s a ghoul to do when she’s had enough of vamps and weres and the undead?

According to author Bruce Elgin and the fine folks at Grasshorse Studios, an award-winning animation firm, voodoo is the new vampire, and I agree. For about the same price it would cost you to order up a crap vampire movie in which the lead actors have both porcelain skin and porcelain emotions, you can own two episodes of the leagues more stimulating Voodootown series.

This brand new concept in young adult fiction is both unique and engaging. Our teen protagonists, troubled in the usual ways, try to fit in, make friends, and keep away from enemies, all the while shadowed by their stuffed familiars…voodoo dolls with special powers who settle human-world scores by night in the underground world of Voodootown. 

 

The latest episode in the series, Episode 6, “Tattered,” is available this week for free download through Amazon. So don’t take our word for it, read for yourself.
We know you’ll be hooked, and like the stitches-and-seams super dolls that watch over the teen characters in Elgin’s engrossing serial, we’re here to help you out. Eight bloggers who have enjoyed a good young adult novel or two in their day, have gotten together to bring you a Voodootown Giveaway.
A Grand Prize winner will net a $50 Amazon gift card, which, obviously, they’d use to buy up every single Voodootown ebook BUT WHY DO THAT WHEN YOU COULD WIN THE WHOLE SHEBANG? Yes, in addition to the $50 Amazon gift card, the Grand Prize winner will get a free copy of each of the currently available ebooks, from “Episode 1, Schooled,” through the latest ebook, “Episode 6, Tattered.” The enormity of this generosity boggles the mind.
BUT THERE’S MORE.

The Grand Prize winner (there will be only one) will also get a limited edition Voodootown t-shirt.Clothes off our back, that’s how far we’d go for you, readers.

 

Eight otherrunners-up, one for each of the bloggers helping to promote this giveaway, willwin a copy of the very first Voodootown ebook, “Episode 1, Schooled,” as well as a limited edition Voodootownt-shirt.

 

Will wonders never cease? Actually they will. Enter today through Friday, March 22 when this promotion ends. You’ll have until midnight on March 22, when the Rafflecopter sign-up below will shut down. Winners will be announced later that day on Ninja Mom Blog.
Get on it, kids. You just need to leave a comment to enter,posting the name you’d want for your very own voodoo doll protector.The rest of the entry options are optional, but each will give you a greater chance to win.
Remember: The promotion ends in one week. Until then, here’s hoping no one sticks a pin in your voodoo doll.
Click to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Oh. My. Ga. Becky, Look at Her Book!

March 11, 2013 By: Stephanie4 Comments

It is SO big!

Remember last week when I (along with 36 other lovely ladies) announced the release of our new humor anthology, I Just want to Pee Alone??

If you follow me on Facebook, I know I haven’t shut up about it, I’m sorry. I’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming soon, m’kay?

Well, never underestimate the power of moms because in just 3 days, without a single book agent, a $0 promotion budget, and just some mad internet marketing skills THIS happened:

number 1

and then this happened

number one on itunes

Holy. Crow.

We are officially #1 Best-Sellers in Amazon’s Parenting and Family Humor Category AND on iTunes in the entire Humor category.

And it’s all because of you. Obviously, we could have only become best-sellers if people bought the book, so we owe all of its success entirely to you.

You are amazing. And pretty. And have you lost weight? You are looking so svelte today.

THANK YOU from the bottom of our very full hearts.

If you haven’t secured your own copy yet just click on the “Buy My Book” tab over in my sidebar or click here to enter my giveaway.

I will try to shut up now.

 

 

 

 

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Welcome! I’m Steph.

This is a little corner of the internet we like to fill with honesty, heart, and humor. Read More…

Cover for Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese
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Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

Stephanie Giese is an indie author based in Florida. She writes stories about realistic problems with humor, heart, and sass. Her work has a strong focus on mental health and consent. Her North Bay small-town romance series is set for release in 2025.

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

3 months ago

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese
I know it’s a small thing, but I believe small things can add up to big changes. my entire North Bay series, including Out of Left Field, Right as Rain, and Way Off Base, is free on Kindle from Jan. 30-Feb. 3. Please take the funds you might have spent on my books this week and reallocate them toward the areas in our country that need them the most. Follow creators like Dad Chats who can direct you toward practical needs local to them. I hope my quirky romcoms can bring you some comfort and joy during difficult times, and I hope together we can take small, practical steps toward big changes. ... See MoreSee Less

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Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

3 months ago

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese
I know there is an overall feeling of helplessness in our country right now. So many of us are at a loss for what to do beyond making phone calls and social media posts (which are still important, but can feel like not enough). I believe strongly in the power of small things adding up to big ones. As one person, I might not be able to do much, but what I CAN do is use my voice and my books to work toward the change I’d like to see. That’s why, for the next five days, from Jan. 30-Feb 3, I’m making the Kindle versions of my entire North Bay series (Out of Left Field, Right as Rain, and Way Off Base) completely free. Art has power, and I do hope these comedies can bring you some comfort and joy in difficult times, but most importantly, I also hope you’ll consider redirecting the funds you might’ve spent on my books and donating instead to one of the many charities working tirelessly in our cities right now. If you are located in an area like Minnesota or Portland, please use the space below to make people aware of the organizations in your area that need help. ... See MoreSee Less
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