Enter Madison and GA The Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show $100 Giveaway Book Blast

About the Book

The Fourth Wunderkind Family Children's Book

Recipient of Mom's Choice Awards!
Title: Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show (Madison and GA - My Guardian Angel) Author: Melissa Perry Moraja Publication Date: November 15, 2013 Publisher: Independent - Melissa Productions Inc. Number of pages: 156 Recommended age: 6-12    

Summary

Madison Wunderkind is a sweet, honest girl, who always seems to find herself in trouble with the principal. But this time she's not alone. It all started three days earlier, when Sophia, the most popular fifth-grade girl at Gator Elementary, asked Madison to hang out and plan this year's talent show. Instantly, Madison had become Little Miss Popular. But what Madison soon discovered was that being Little Miss Popular wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Her best friends were ignoring her. Her brothers were angry at her. And her guardian angel, GA, was irritated by her snobbish attitude. And if things couldn't get more messed up for Madison, everything that could go wrong at the talent show did, sparking Principal Dimples to find out why! Find out what happens at Gator Elementary's Talent Show. Will GA be able to help Madison? Or will Madison become Little Miss Lonely? Also, try and find one of GA's feathers in each picture!

 

Purchase

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes

You can purchase the first book of the series (e-copy), Madison and GA (My Guardian Angel) Tale of the Slimy Spitball for only 99 cents until Christmas, December 25, 2013 from Amazon, iTunes or Barnes and Noble. Just click on the cover below to go to Amazon!

 

About the Author: Melissa Perry Moraja

Melissa Perry Moraja, Founder of Melissa Productions, Inc. and Mom's Choice Awards Recipient, is an entrepreneurial mom, a multifaceted business woman, a creative producer, and an author/illustrator of numerous modern-fantasy children's books and self-help books. Melissa also has published articles, appeared on television, been interviewed on radio, has spoken in front of hundreds of people, and held workshops at local schools, discussing creative learning, publishing and parenting. Her desire to make a difference in her four young children’s lives inspired her to leave her six-salary career at IBM in 2007 to become a full-time mom and children's author. Melissa spends her personal time coaching soccer and softball, painting, and coming up with fun art projects for her kids. She also blogs for Working Mother blog, has guest blogged for Charlotte Observer Mom's Charlotte, and has her own personal blog at Not Your Ordinary Psychic Mom. Melissa is also committed to building awareness and support for Type 1 Diabetes. Her twin daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes November 4, 2011. To learn more about Madison's type 1 diabetes disease please read Madison's Story.

Website | Blog | Facebook (Author Fan Page)

Facebook (Book Fan Page) | Twitter | Pinterest

 

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: November 25 to December 24, 11:59 pm, 2013 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Melissa Perry Moraja and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Mom's Choice Awards Recipient for Madison and GA - Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show

I'm so excited to share that my fourth Wunderkind Family modern-fantasy children's chapter book, Madison and GA (My Guardian Angel) Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show is among the best at Mom's Choice Awards! It's an award that recognizes the best in family-friendly media, products and service.

Madison and GA (My Guardian Angel) Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show was evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges which includes education, media and other experts as well as parents,children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of PBS's Reading Rainbow, Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein, The Safe Side Project, Catherine Witcher, M.Ed, special needs expert and founder of Precision Education, Inc., and Patricia Rossi, host of NBC’s Manners Minute.

Thank you all so much for your support! I love writing and illustrating and I'm so happy that Madison and GA's story is among one of Mom's Choice Awards!

 

Fun and Educational Arts and Crafts Online Classes for the Family

Earlier this year, I mentioned that I love the concept of online arts and craft classes for mom's and kids. Being a mom with four kids and a husband who travels, it is really hard for me to participate in a weekly painting or other artsy-craftsy type class outside of my home. And I definitely have thought about it!

So this summer I found this company called Craftsy, which offers lots of online tutorial classes, like baking, sewing, knitting, painting and even photography. And I just recently learned they even sell products at a discount.

What they have created is something I've always wanted to do. At least, until I read how much time is involved in the creation of each class (read the Behind the Scenes part). Maybe someday! Right now I have a packed schedule writing, illustrating, and producing my children's books, while being a full-time mom.

Below is some info on Craftsy. Personally, I think it's a great way to keep your kids busy, especially over the holidays and school vacation, while teaching them a craft skill in the process.

What is Craftsy?
Craftsy is a worldwide craft community offering online classes. It also has a patterns marketplace where independent designers can sell their patterns; a supplies shop with great deals on yarn, fabric, and class kits; and a projects section where members share pictures of their latest craft successes.

The Making of a CraftsyClass
Before filming even begins, hours and hours are spent determining what content will be covered in each class, and how to best teach specific techniques to the camera. Instructors work with an instructional designer to create an in-depth outline of each lesson, and decide how to best prepare props or “step-outs” that show what your project should like at different steps.

Most Craftsy classes are filmed in one of five Craftsystudios in Denver, CO, assuring that every part of the production process goes off without a hitch. They fly in instructors from all over the world to spend several days filming, then spend several weeks turning hours of footage into a two to three hour class experience that has been watched, rewatched, and reviewed by industry experts.

Why I Like the Concept
You can retake the class as many times as you want, and the 30-second repeat feature allows you to watch the same section over and over again until you get every technique just right. Every class has a 100% money-back guarantee. Can't beat that!

2013 Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids Ages Two to Ten

I love Christmas! And this Christmas I've put a lot of thought and research into the best toys (some have even won Parenting awards) and gadgets to purchase for my kids! In the years past, my kids have opened up a gift or two and never played with their present. And my husband has actually returned several of his.

This year will be different! And it will be cost effective and practical. Below are the gifts on my kids Christmas Wish List, which are mommy approved this Christmas 2013!

Also, I loved this! 1,000 kids voted for their favorite holiday toys! Checkout what they picked.
Top Toys This Holiday Season Voted By 1,000 Kids

Really insane prices at Walmart on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th! Check them out Walmart Black Friday 2013!

Here are some must have links to check daily:
Amazon's Today's Deal
Walmart Value of the Day

Our Family Wish List Gift:
For the past three years, we've chosen Skylanders as the gift our kids open on Christmas Eve. It's a huge hit! And this year Skylanders Swap Force Starter Pack (Wii) is the winner! But their is a new competition in the mix - Disney Infinity Starter Kit (Wii) .  Right now this is on our Wish List! The reason is because Disney Infinity's reviews seem to be average. Reviewers have said that the gaming is buggy and you can get through the levels pretty quickly. What I would recommend is if you buy it, keep your receipt. This way if you need to return it, you can. Remember, these games are an investment. Each requires you to continously purchase more and more figures.

Skylanders Swap Force Starter Pack (Wii)

or

Disney Infinity Starter Kit (Wii)

IPAD Air with WiFI

Not sure if we'll be getting this. It retails for $479.00. But it is one of the most demanded products this Christmas season.

 

Ten Year Old Boy Christmas Wish List:
We will be putting a gift card in his stocking for $20.00 so he can get a membership to Minecraft on his computer.

Ant Farm Gel Colony with Lights
I purchased this for my oldest son when he was six years old. It was a blast to watch the ants make tunnels and it looked really cool in the dark. I'm buying him another for Christmas! It was what he asked for.

Nancy B’s Science Club AquaScope™ and UnderwaterWonders Activity Journal

This toy won Parent's Choice Silver Honor!

 

 

Apple iPhone 5

Still up on the air on this one. In fact, I am struggling with this one. Many of my son's friends have or are getting an iPhone. My husband and I just can't see it's value at this point. So right now, my son is saving to buy this phone.

Hexbug Aquabot Robotic Fish with Bowl

What are they going to come up with next? This cool robot fish swims around its bowl, just like a real fish, when it comes in contact with water. My son wants the shark one - Aquabot Shark on Amazon.

 

New England Patriots Door Stop Sign
Thought it would be fun to get both of my sons a door sign. I bought my ten year old the below sign and his brother a Dallas Cowboy sign.

 

Nine Year Old Boy Christmas Wish List:

Uncle Milton Moon In My Room
I have been thinking about getting this for one of my boys for years and this year I did!

Wobble Deck Extreme

This is still on our Wish List. The reason is because some of the reviews mentioned that it's not the best toy to use on hardwood floors because it could scratch them. And other's said it doesn't work well on carpet. It sounds like it is more of a garage or outdoor toy. If you are interested, presently, I found it cheaper on Amazon. I think Walmart's price must be wrong. Hopefully the catch and update.

 

LEGO City Town Advent Calendar

 

I bought this for my son last Christmas and it's still a hit!

 

 

 Nine Year Old Girl Christmas Wish List:

We'll be putting movie tickets in her stocking this holiday season! As well as the boys!

Flutterbye Flying Fairy Doll
Yes, I purchased it. It was the #1 toy my nine year old daughter asked for Christmas.

 

 

Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow Blaster
This is a HOT item this Christmas and looks like so much fun. It also has really good reviews!

 

Make Your Own Cards Kit

Boogie Board Writing Tablet

Great for drawing, doodling, homework and keeping notes.



Alex Toys Cool Duct Tape Fashion Kit

This is my favorite thing to do with my nine year old daughter! We've taped headbands, sneakers, and even the top of her baseball pat.

Do It Yourself Duct Tape Kit

Rubber Band Bracelet Kit Maker

I'm not able to purchase this for my daughter this year because I have a 2 year old. But her girlfriends love making bracelets out of rubber bands.

Autographed copy of Madison and GA (Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show)
Yes, I wrote it, but it was just released on November 15th and my daughter, Madison, who has type 1 diabetes, keeps asking me for a copy. Thought I'd surprise her for Christmas! I was even thinking of framing the front cover and having her fictional character's picture next to her picture.

 

Two Year Old Girl or Boy:

LeapFrog Red with Me Scout Toy
We have LeapFrog Tag. We purchased it when my oldest three were 4 years old. It was the best purchase we ever made. I'm going to try Read with me Scout for my 2 year old.

This toy pup reads and asks questions!

VTech Tote Go Laptop Pink

  

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Musical Pirate Ship
I won't be purchasing this for Isabella. But thought I would share it because its so darn cute!

 

Disney Princess Songs Palace Play Set

Mega Bloks Play n Go Table

 

B. Parum Pum Pum Pum Drum Set (at Target)

 

Leap Frog Letter Factory Phonics Numbers

Mom:

Fashion Angels Tapeffiti 30 Piece Caddy
Yes, I'm going to be opening up Tapeffiti for Christmas. This stuff is great arts and crafts projects, making ripped paper look cool, and more!

 

 

Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone (Platinum)

I'm creating a book app and need high quality recording. My kids can also use it to record music and singing.

 

 

 

Victoria Secret Jane Long Pajama's

I'll be wearing these to the Southern Christmas Show for Children's Story Time. I tried them on and they don't show your belly and truthfully they aren't sexy. They are really cute! I plan on wearing my hair in pick-tails.

 

QVC HALO Pocket Charger

This is the best and most practical gift for a man or woman. It comes in lots of colors. Great stock'n stuffer.

 

 

  Mabel Labels: 

Holiday Return Address Labels




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ASTROLOGY NEWS: Four Major Astrological Events Makes November Unforgettable

Like last year, November will start the momentum for even bigger events to come in December. And I would keep my eyes wide open, paying attention to every sign and every message because that is how positive change can happen and negative events can be prevented, like the shooting in New Town, Connecticut.

We start the month with a Solar Eclipse on November 3rd in the sign of Scorpio. Eclipses are about endings and new beginnings. This solar eclipse will push you in the direction of creating a new you! Changing your image and reinventing yourself are themes for this eclipse. The image and persona you create is how others will then see you. Because the eclipse is in Scorpio, you also have to pay very close attention to your emotional self. Scorpion's are passionate and their passion is expressed through their emotions. Don't be afraid of expressing your love for something. But watch out for that Scorpion temper that can come out of the blue. If you don't feel good about who you are on the outside or inside, then it will be hard for you to feel love and appreciation. Appearance, self-worth, and image are the themes with this eclipse. This is a great time to work on your presentation style, get a new hairdo, go to the dermatologist, and buy a new wardrobe.

Then on November 7th, Jupiter turns retrograde. With the eclipse, you are working on the outer you-your appearance and image. With Jupiter retrograde, its time to work on the inner you. What do you value? What is holding you back? What are you fearing? And are you being true to yourself? Opportunities that present themselves usually are a result of seeds that have been planted in the past. You may be contacted by an old boss for a new job or a long lost friend may appear back in your life. Other events that may result include going back to school to finish your education, reentering the workforce, and volunteering your time. Inner growth and spiritualism is also highlighted.

Mercury gives us some relief when it does direct on November 10th! Mercury affects communication, travel and technology. When it goes direct, you won't experience as many upsets as you had when it was retrograde. The best time to sign contracts and accept a new job is after November 10th. Before that I wouldn't make any rash decisions.

Finally on November 13th, Neptune goes direct. Neptune is the planet where dreams can happen. But with everything, there is an opposite side of Neptune which takes you away from reality, creating a world of illusion. Neptune is the planet of dreams, fantasy, and illusion. Each of us has to take a step back, making sure we're not in denial. Sometimes all you need to do is take a look in the mirror to realize that you are the problem, not the other person. Also be aware of deception. What a sad world we live in that people could deceive us. With Neptune going direct, this could be a possible outcome. As for me, I'm trying to use Neptune and Jupiters energy in my favor. On November 15th, my fourth Wunderkind Family children's chapter book will be released. It's a modern-fantasy children's chapter book that is available for pre-order now! Perfect timing for using Neptune's creative, dreamy energy!

Below are events that can easily occur with the above astrological events:

• Hurricane or unexpected snow storm can be a result of Jupiter and Neptune shifting directions within a week of each other.
• If you are having marrital issues, you really need to take a look in the mirror because you may be the problem. Image, appearance, and denial are themes.
• This is a great time to develop your intuition and tap into alternative methods. Spiritualism, inner growth, and awareness are the focus of Jupiter and Neptune.
• Volunteer your time!
• Let your creative side explode. Draw. Bake. Knit. Act. Anything creative is healthy and a great use of the Jupiter and Neptune energy.
• In November, our government will continue governing our country with goggle eyes. But it won't last forever. And self-ego could backfire mid-December.
• Pay attention to people who are depressed or have created major image changes. They may be more suicidal.
• Watch out for drugs and alcohol abuse.
• The start to the flu season could be rough. And if you develop pneumonia, go see your doctor immediately. Jupiter and Neptune are water planets, making your illness worse.
• Start creating your dreams and realize that it is only you that is holding you back.
• Lastly, stop pointing the finger at everyone else. Accept your mistakes and move on to creating a better you!

Ten Reasons Why I Love The Fall!

Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons. And below are my top ten and one extra!

1. People are more giving! With so many holidays and joyful music filling the stores, people are much more positive and courteous. And I love being with happy people! If only they could be year round.

   

   My son's soccer team supports Breast Cancer Awareness

2. The autumn colors are breathtaking. Orange is one of my favorite colors and in the fall this color is everywhere. You drive by houses and you see pumpkin's. The leaves are burnt orange. Even many treats and goodies are orange. Orange symbolizes parties, creativity, fun, celebration and more! It's a lively color and encourages smiles and giggles.
   
 
3. The coolness of the air entices me to want to snuggle and cuddle. My four kids love to snuggle and cuddle. Especially when watching an entertaining holiday G or PG movie. And in the fall, I'm more eager to make the time. And Because it is getting darker earlier, I'm able to put my two year old to bed earlier, giving me more mommy time!                                   
4. The smell of baked desserts. Tis the season for freshly baked apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies. And of course we can't forget about carmel coated apples and pumpkin cheese bars and chocolate chip cookies and fudge brownies and peanut butter cookies! Checkout my Pinterest for lots of fun recipes pins!

 
1. Family Fall Festivals! Just last weekend we went to Aw Schucks Farm and Corn Maze and took lots of pictures of the kids racing through a corn maze, running on top of haystacks, crawling through pumpkin patches, and petting sheep and cows. I think the best part for them is drinking fresh apple cider and taking a bite out of a juicy carmel apple loaded with crunchy nuts.
    

   

   My son and I are in the barrel, racing my twins. We won!

 
2. Football season. This is the first year one of my son's is playing football. I was petrified at first. Especially when my sister-n-law told me that there is a 100% injury rate. But my son is loving playing and I'm really enjoying watching him. But that's not the only football I enjoy! I love going to a local grill and pub for lunch with the family, ordering a spicey bloody mary and watching NFL football.
    

   

   Josh is Red #88, tackling the other team.

    
    
3. Halloween is my favorite holiday! I love dressing up and my kids do too. For the past two years, I've put together a Kids Haunted Halloween Costume Party, decorating the outside of my house with skeletons and tombstones and then loading my basement with animated halloween electronics. 
    
    
   
 
 
4. Making piles of leaves with my kids and jumping in them. My kids and I rake the leaves into big piles every year, take all the pointy sticks out and jump in them. This makes for great fall pictures!
5. Holiday crafts. My kids and I love making arts and crafts. Here are some wine glasses that I've painted. I've also posted on Pinterest lots of fun craft ideas you can do with your children this fall.
6. Carving pumpkins. Carving pumpkins is a holiday tradition for us. We try to find the largest most cost effective pumpkins we can. This year we purchased two at Harris Teeter grocery store. In the past we've picked them out at pumpkin patches. From the pumpkins, we enjoy roasting the pumpkin seeds and then making scary faces and designs.
   
• I have a real simple roasted pumpkin seed recipe. I preheat the oven to 350. As it's preheating, I scatter the pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet. Then I lightly salt them, sometimes I even salt them with garlic salt adding a little more of a zing. Once the oven is preheated, I put the cookie sheet in and about ten minutes later the seeds are ready to be eaten. They seeds should be lightly brown. Not dark brown.

And this FALL I have my newest Wunderkind Family modern-fantasy children's chapter book that will be available for sale November 15th! Hope you will check it out!  http://www.thewunderkindfamily.com

Available on Amazon for pre-order

Madison and GA (My Guardian Angel) Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show