Sweet Life – a giveaway!
I love to read.
When I find a book I love, I sink down into it and roll around in it, enjoying every word, scene, and character. I stay up way past my bedtime devouring it, and I keep it within arm’s reach so that I can sneak in a few words at every idle opportunity. I become obsessed.
This doesn’t happen very often, fortunately for my family. Since Grace was born, there have been only three books that really pulled me in: Little Earthquakes
, A Thousand Splendid Suns and Gods in Alabama. Now, add Sweet Life to that list.
, A Thousand Splendid Suns and Gods in Alabama. Now, add Sweet Life to that list.Let me pause to say that I am obsessed with Hawaii. A colleague moved there last year, a friend just found out that her husband is being transferred there in the spring, and I’ve always wanted to visit for a vacation. Or maybe move to Hawaii some day? Who knows.
So, back to Sweet Life. From early on, it reminded me a lot of Jennifer Weiner’s style and her book, Little Earthquakes. Both books are clever and real, with well developed characters who live in today’s world. They are women you could find walking down the street anywhere and women you want to befriend.
. From early on, it reminded me a lot of Jennifer Weiner’s style and her book, Little Earthquakes. Both books are clever and real, with well developed characters who live in today’s world. They are women you could find walking down the street anywhere and women you want to befriend.In Sweet Life, Marissa is a fabulously successful and worldly New York business woman whose husband accepts a transfer to Hawaii. She leaves her job, her friends, her life to accompany him on the move. Then he leaves her, saddled with a dilapidated house, the care of their eight-year-old daughter, and virtually no money. What is she to do? Feeling like she’s lost everything, Marissa comes up with a plan and soon discovers that the sweetness in life isn’t at all where she expected.
, Marissa is a fabulously successful and worldly New York business woman whose husband accepts a transfer to Hawaii. She leaves her job, her friends, her life to accompany him on the move. Then he leaves her, saddled with a dilapidated house, the care of their eight-year-old daughter, and virtually no money. What is she to do? Feeling like she’s lost everything, Marissa comes up with a plan and soon discovers that the sweetness in life isn’t at all where she expected.I love everything about Sweet Life. I love the characters, especially the girls who become Marissa’s friends and a handsome cowboy named Tom. I love the descriptions of the volcanoes and geology of Hawaii. I also love that the author, Mia King, has included recipes in an appendix for many of the dishes mentioned in the text and a website with even more. How cool is that? You could make the Spambalaya that the girls enjoy for dinner or the macadamia nut energy bars that they snack on. The first one that I’m going to try is the Hawaiian Style Crispy Dumplings with Ginger Chili Sauce, which I’ve included below. Yum!
. I love the characters, especially the girls who become Marissa’s friends and a handsome cowboy named Tom. I love the descriptions of the volcanoes and geology of Hawaii. I also love that the author, Mia King, has included recipes in an appendix for many of the dishes mentioned in the text and a website with even more. How cool is that? You could make the Spambalaya that the girls enjoy for dinner or the macadamia nut energy bars that they snack on. The first one that I’m going to try is the Hawaiian Style Crispy Dumplings with Ginger Chili Sauce, which I’ve included below. Yum!Hawaiian Style Crispy Dumplings with Ginger Chili Sauce
Crispy Dumplings Ingredients:
25 round wonton wrappers
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1/2 tablespoon thinly sliced green onions (about 1 stalk)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 1/4 cups finely shredded Chinese cabbage
1 1/2 cups oil, for frying
Crispy Dumplings Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients, except for wonton wrappers and oil, in a large bowl and stir until well mixed.
2. Please 1 heaping teaspoon of filling mixture into each wonton wrapper.
3. Moisten edges with water and fold edges over to form a half-moon shape. Roll edges slightly to seal in filling. Set dumplings aside on a lightly floured surface until ready to cook.
4. Set a 12-inch wok or 10-inch skillet over high heat and pour enough frying oil to cover the wontons. Heat the oil to 375 and deep fry the wontons, no more than 10 at a time, for
2 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
2 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
5. Transfer to paper towels and drain the excess oil.
6. Serve with Ginger Chili Sauce (below).
Ginger Chili Sauce Ingredients:
1 1/2 tablespoons chili sambal
2 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons sushi vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
3 slices ginger, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Ginger Chili Sauce Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients together and serve.
The author of Sweet Life, Mia King, has generously agreed to sponsor a giveaway on my blog. One lucky Feels like home reader will win an incredible gift basket straight from Mia in Hawaii! Can I tell you how jealous I am? I totally want one for myself. Mia is also doing a giveaway on her blog, so you should go check that out for another chance to the same prize.
So, what’s the prize? From MiaKing.com:
Hawaii’s premier gourmet candy and cookie company, Big Island Candies,
has partnered with me to offer an amazingly sweet give-away to celebrate the release of my second novel, SWEET LIFE.
Valued at over $80, our “Life is Sweet” Hawaiian gift basket includes:
- one small gold box of Chocolate Dipped Original Shortbread Cookies
- one gold box of Kohala Brownie Assortment
- one petite box of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Rocky Road
- one petite box of Combination (Dark and Milk) Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts
- three Dark Chocolate Dipped Original Shortbread cookies
- one Original Biscotti with Milk Chocolate waves
- one Original Biscotti with Dark Chocolate Waves
- one signed copy of GOOD THINGS
- one signed copy of SWEET LIFE
- an assortment of temporary hibiscus tattoos, tropical key chains, monogrammed GOOD THINGS and SWEET LIFE pens, and bookmarks
All of this comes in a lovely keepsake woven basket for you to store your favorite Mia King books.
She’s also offered to throw in some Hawaiian stickers for your kids. Or for you, just don’t tell us if you hoard them.
Dear Reader, I know you’re dying to know how to win this amazing prize. All you have to do is leave a comment that tells us why your life is sweet. Also, please make sure that there’s a way for me to contact you. If I can’t find you, you can’t win.
On September 27, 2008 (Mia’s 40th birthday), I’ll use a random number generator to select a winner from all of the eligible entries. If you don’t answer the question or leave a way for me to contact you, your entry will be ineligible. The winner will have 7 days to send me his or her postal address. After that, I will select a new winner and start over.
Mia’s legal disclaimers are here. US residents only.
More tempting recipes at Blessed with Grace
Wow- those sound absolutely delish! My husband just loves ginger so he would probably love these!
Toni
Found your site and giveaway via twitter. Living by my family makes my life sweet. We used to live quite a distance away but now we are in the same town. Makes such a difference.
Oh how neat. Look at you, such a grown up blogger, hosting a giveaway! I would love to win. I am very interesting in the book.
My Sweet Life is my daughter Grace and a husband that would die for both of us.
Have a sweet life cuz I live in a very scenic area of the country…..
What a fabulous gift! Yummy! Sounds like a great book too– I’ll have to check it out! I love Hawaii!
My life is sweet because I have wonderful friends and family who love and support me. I couldn’t ask for more.
laurie_pooh(at)yahoo(dot)com
My life is sweet becauase I have a good God who has blessed me with two wonderful children and a sweet hubby. My friends and family are just icing on the cake.
Angelleslament @ gmail .com
the book sounds dreamy! my life is sweet because I have a hubby, I have a pretty, healthy baby, a hubby who works hard so I can stay home and I still have my youth! things were so dark in my life a couple years ago; if only i had known this was awaiting me!
My life is sweet because I have an awesome husband and a job that I love.
I only love fiction when it comes highly recommended. I’ve heard so much about this book! Can’t wait to read it (when I win!)!
This book looks fabulous!
My life is sweet because I have such a loving family. I have two gorgeous little boys, a loving husband who does so much for us, and a fabulous extended family that lives close to us.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I have a sweet life for so many reasons. Today’s reminder was that when Murph woke in my bed, he rolled, saw me, and with a big giggle said “Hi”. It’s sweet when I pick him up from the sitter’s and he sits on the porch grinning and waving until I pick him up. And it’s sweet at night when he’s tired and goes back and forth between the Chief and me looking for the best place to fall asleep.
What a fun giveaway!
I know I have a sweet life when I hear my baby boy laugh with delight. There’s nothing sweeter than that!
I have a very sweet life because I have everything I need. The love from a good man, the sweetest little boy in the entire world, a great career, and a life in the lord. It is the sweetest in the Wildhorse runs into my arms smiling and gives me a hug while patting my back.
The sweetest thing in my life is my beautiful baby granddaughter.
Nana (You have my phone number)
The Lord has provided me with the makings of a sweet life – a wonderful husband, 3 great kids (mostly…), the financial ability to not work so I’m able to care for my family and pursue multiple and varied interests.
My life is sweet because God (in all His wisdom) takes care of me when the checkbook doesn't balance and though there aren't enough hours in the day (or night!). Through everything, my family is blessed with love & health.
My life is sweet because of my family. Sure, they drive me nuts sometimes but it’s all worth it. =)
My girlies make my life so sweet! This morning when one of them woke up and was snuggling with daddy, I told her she was very nice and I loved her a lot. Her response, “Yes, I am very nice!”
My life is sweet because I have the cutest baby boy in the world.
hetz-junk(at)hotmail(dot)com
My life is very sweet I have a dughter and her name is Waimea!!
Yes she is 1/2 Hawaiian!!!
All the goodies would bless her heart! Aloha!
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
My life is sweet because of my wonderful family!
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com
wow what a grate give a way and well my life is every sweet becuse it just is
My life is sweet because I have a wonderful family.
Thank you!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
What a wonderful prize. Thanks!!!
My life is “sweet” because I have a wonderful, loving husband, two happy and healthy children, a roof over my head, food in my tummy, six “furbabies”, a car to drive, I’m able to be a stay at home mom, I have a successful home business, I finally got a freelance writing job… to me life can’t get any sweeter then that!
HunnyV “at” Optonline “dot” net
My life is sweet because of my husband (we’ve been married 31 years) and my children, just to mention a few sweet things! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Nancy
allibrary [at] aol [dot] com
My life is sweet because I have three kids that look up to me, a husband who supports me and a heck of a lot of life left to enjoy it all.
This contest is so sweet…please count me in!!!
My wonderful hubby makes my life so sweet! Having my grown sons living nearby makes my life sweet! And my beautiful granddaughter makes my life sweet! I’m truly blessed!
This book sounds awesome and the recipes are such a bonus. Thanks for the chance to win your great giveaway!
proudyaya04 {at} yahoo {dot} com
My life is so sweet since my daughter was born four months ago – she has been such a blessing!
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Lindsey
ladyufshalott at yahoo.com
This past spring we moved into a little old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, there is nothing sweeter than sitting on the front porch listening to the birds sing, the kids play, and the wind blow through the trees, watching the geese on the pond . . . we truly landed in our own mini heaven on earth, for which I am eternally grateful!
Because I have to most beautiful and sweet little girls (most of the time)!
My Life is Sweet because I get to relive my childhood thru my children, seeing everything anew thru their eyes is amazing.
legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com
My life is sweet because I have a wonderful loving boyfriend, a cute and well behaved doggy, great family, and happiness!
My life is sweet because I have a great family and a very cute cat.
mitanari@yahoo.com
My life is sweet because I take time to enjoy it. My work/home life is balanced so I can spend quality time with my family.
gotfire [at] yahoo dot com
My life is sweet because of my husband, 2 kids, family and friends…Life is good,
thanks for the contest
What an incredible giveaway! Thank you!
My life is sweet because I have an awesome Savior, a fantastic husband, and 2 delightful little boys. Chocolate is good too!
frog123 (at) cyipcom (dot) net
the sweetest things in my life are my children.
My life is sweet because I have family and friends that love me.
Yummy giveaway!!
Thanks so much!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
My life is sweet because I get to be a SAHM with my boy and not miss a moment of him.
My life is sweet because we are finally starting fertility treatments next week ! – hurrah – I’ve be waiting too long.
Life is sweet for me because I get to go on holiday in 2 weeks time to be with the woman I love.
davidjnorris@ntlworld.com
My life is sweet because I have a wonderful husband a very sweet son who I wasn’t sure I would be able to have.
My life is sweet because of my 2 beautiful children and my wonderful husband!
treflea4[at]gmail[dot]com
My life is sweet because I have a wonderful family and a new baby on the way! What more could I ask for??
My life is sweet because I have 2 beautiful baby boys. My 2-year old tells me that he loves me every night!
I have a sweet filled life because of my two healthy children and my supportive husband.
Mommymeng@gmail.com
My life’s sweetness flows from my little boy’s (and hubby’s) snuggles and open-mouthed kisses!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Life is sweet because of Jesus!
household management 3 at gmail .com
LIfe is sweet being a mom to my little Ava at 5 months old!
Life’s sweetness = my hubby and new-born son. I love their hugs and kisses.
applez_55@yahoo.com
My life is sweet because I have faith that God will continue to hand me success.
hockiemack@hotmail.com
The sweetest thing in my life is my husband and my children. Ok, and my “mini-zoo” too. LOL!
Thank you for a fabulous giveaway!
OompaLoo “at” Optonline “dot” net
life is sweet because I have an opportunity to stay home with my second son, something I did not have with my older son!
My life is sweet because of my husband and my babies-they’re the sweetest family you could ask for!
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
My life is sweet because I have a great family and a relationship with the Lord!
My life is sweet, because of my sweet family and friends. I am so blessed.. Thanks for hosting this..
emeraldrose63@hotmail.com
How could my life not be sweet! I have a hardworking hubby, 2 gorgeous (inside and out) daughters and I’m so blessed to be allowed to stay home and ‘school’ them! Blessed, indeed!!!
I love sweet things and my life is pretty sweet because i have a loving husband and a son whose smile melts my heart!
My life is sweet because of my family. I live in the same town as my parents and my sister and it is great having them close by.
katie[at]starttofinishsupplies.com
Sounds super sweet! Would love it. My life is especially sweet because I have a wonderful husband and a baby on the way, due in January. We live an adventurous life, have a great home and family/friends surrounding us. laurachilton {at} hotmail {dot} com
My life is sweet because I have a husband who adores me, a family that supports me and a job that I like coming to each day.
My life is sweet thanks to my wonderful husband and perfect little girl. We are so blessed!
m_huston(at)hotmail(dot)com
My life is sweet because I have a wonderful husband and a precious daughter!
kelli at pfrog dot net
My life is sweet because my wonderful husband allows me to stay home with my little buckaroo who just turned two and the biggest joy to my life, besides the hubby of course. I have fabulous friends and family who support me in everything I do, including running my own business!
info(at)sassypinkboutique(dot)com
This looks so great! My life is sweet because I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful kids that I am blessed to stay at home with. Sometimes it doesn’t feel so sweet but I know how truly lucky I am.
katiekarr at gmail dot com
Great giveaway!! I’ve been waiting to get my hands on that book!!
My life is sweet because I have two precious children, Johnny who is 8 and Paige (Pea as we call her) who is 12 months. I’ve got a great hubby who loves life as much as I do. I work my dream job at the public library…yeah…I work with books…how great is that?? I’ve even got a sweet little dog, named Lucy. Everything has just fallen into place here, and I’m so grateful…not to mention lucky. That is my sweet life…
seeryusfam@msn.com
Why is my life so sweet? Well, I am greeted each morning by my two little girls with big smiles on their faces and a big hug and kiss. Just seeing the smile and getting that love makes all my worries disappear and my stress relieved.
My life is sweet because it is filled with love. I have a wonderful family, an amazing boyfriend, and a heart filled with optimism!
urchiken at gmail dot com
My life is sweet because all my basic needs are met and I get to stay home with my daughter because my husband works so hard to make that happen!
My life is sweet because I’m starting a family – I’m due with my first baby this month. Thanks for the great giveaway! afdr3d@umkc.edu
What an awesome giveaway! My life is sweet because I have a wonderful hubby, 2 gorgeous girls, an awesome new home and all because I serve a God who loves me and sent His only Son for me. I am humbled and thankful. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
~Tanya
the4moyers(at)msn(dot)com
My life is sweet because I have two beautiful daughters that are outgoing, intelligent and the loves of my life.
What a fabulous prize! My life is sweet because I have a family who loves me and cares about me. I have a secure job, a vehicle, a home, beautiful children, a loving church home, and what else do I need? I’ve got what I need and more. That’s sweet.
Great giveaway. Would love to win! I have heard great things about this book. My life is sweet because I have a wonderful little girl who just turned 1 and a fantastic husband.
ksieker(at)hotmail(dot)com
My life is so sweet, now that we have raised 3 successful children, (the last one just left for college this month) and now Papa and I have moved into our beautiful new home we will live in the rest of our lives. This is the first time Papa and I have lived or been alone without children since we met. We have a new adventure full of grandbabies, reunions, and quiet solotary times to do what we want, when we want! Sweet!
Unless someone comes back!
My life is sweet because I am fortunate to be a Sahm to my 2 boys!
My life is sweet because I have the most beautiful daughter in the world who i love with all of my heart! And I have a husband who is an amazing father! And i get to be a SAHM and raise her! Life is sweet!
ladeebug224 at hotmail dot com
my life is sweet because I have my family and even sweeter because I wake up each day and see the sunrise and not a toe tag on me
My life is sweet because I have a great family and so many caring friends. We have really been blessed.
michelle at northofthe49 dot com
I’ve got a sweet life b/c I married a man who wants me to be happy, I have a beautiful, healthy, spunky son and a little girl on the way…life is good!!
gomeggo[at]gmail[dot]com
My life is sweet because I have a terrific husband and baby, and I just started a new job that I really hope I’m gonna love. And… I love to eat chocolate, so that keeps things sweet too!
crt4book[at]yahoo[dot]com
My life is sweet because I have a loving husband to hold me and I have the hope of seeing my little boy we are adopting again soon!
heatherlbrandt (at) verizon (dot) net
Oh wow, such a great giveaway! My hubby and I have a trip planned to Hawaii next summer so this would be great to help me get even more excited (is that possible??). Anyways, my hubby is what makes my life so sweet! He takes such good care of me, including making ME dinner so I can study and do homework! jeepcutie82 at msn dot com
My life is sweet because i wake up everyday and smell the flowers…Literally!! I take my dog out and walk around our yard and enjoy my herb garden and all of our roses:)
cyclona66@aol.com
My life is sweet because I get to spend a lot of time with my daughter. Right now I am breastfeeding her as I type. I only have to work part-time, so we have a couple of days a week just for each other.
the_other_alice_(at)yahoo.com
My life is sweet because all my needs are currently being met. I have food, shelter, and lots of love in my life. Things are sweet.
thundercloudgirl[AT]hotmail[DOT]com
My life is sweet because I have a beautiful baby girl and wonderful husband to share it with.
With 3 gorgeous children and a fantastic husband my life’s just very sweet. Thanks for this great giveaway!
ann dot guns at mac dot com
Oh, I’m obsessed with Hawaii too. I love it there. Life there is sweet but my life in Indy is sweet too b/c that’s where my family is. My hubby, my parents, my inlaws, my siblings, neices, etc.
My life is sweet because I have to sweet, beautiful nieces who I get to love on.
my life could definitely be sweeter, but i have a pretty sweet family and friends!
My life is sweet because I have people in it that love and support me because of who I am not what I do or what I have. Thanks for making me take the time to remember and be grateful for all that I have.
oreo89 [at] gmail [dot] com
My life is sweet because I appreciate the little things and find so much beauty in them. My life is sweet because I love my teaching job (high school english). My life is sweet because my boyfriend is amazing.
I just had my first baby in February and now I am living the Sweet Life. I love being a Mommy because everyday is a new adventure. I would love to win this so I can treat myself to something sweet!! THANKS
newmommyin08@yahoo.com
My life is super sweet! An adoring husband, two precious kids, two cute kitties, and fall is almost here!
Thanks for the amazing prize pack!
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com
My life is sweet because I have 2 wonderful sons!
my life is sweet because I just was able to celebrate my 45th birthday on Wednesday. I have met a health crisis and I have survived. everyday since then has been a gift.
My loving family and friends make my life so sweet! And a regular helping of brownies or cookies…
my life is sweet because i have the best friends and family. there truly is nothing sweeter!
I have a terrfic husband a two wonderful teenagers. Even though life has its ups and downs, we have many more ups! I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks for having the giveaway!
Life is sweet because I have a truly loyal husband who has stuck by me through thick and thin. I have been incredibly sick and may cause us to lose everything but he still loves me and wants to continue our lives together. Pretty sweet if you ask me.
ckbruce@ymail.com
My life is sweet because I have the world’s most wonderful husband the the two most amazing little girls ever. They keep me busy an happy, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Oh and Mia turns 40 three days after I turn 30!
scblog at hotmail dot com
my life is incredibly sweet. I get to raise my amazing five year old sweet boy along with my sweet (and sometimes sour) husband in my sweet little house. Thanks for reminding me of that!
my life is sweet because I get hugs everyday from two little princesses and from my own prince charming
my life is sweet because of my adoring husband and sweet sunshine of a daughter!
nmom2maria at hotmail dot com
Awww….my life is sweet because of the sweet little girl right here beside me. She is the love of my life. And also…because I have learned to find the beauty in everyday things. Makes life so much sweeter.
My life is sweet because God has blessed me with so much! A wonderful husband, two awesome kiddos, a little girl on her way, the cutest little home, and most of all, His saving grace. I have so much to be thankful for!
Life is sweet because, thanks to strong women who have come before me, I have the right to vote, the right to sit on a jury, the right to pursue my dreams and fight for the injustices still left in this world.
My life is sweet because God has given me 2 children to love and I also get to work around children everyday. Nothing sweeter than an innocent child!nrb
my life is sweet because my son and his three children moved back to town
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
My life is sweet because I have a wonderful boyfriend.
annemarie562000(at)yahoo(dot)com
My life is sweet because I married my best friend!
My life is sweet because of my children. They are my life and without them I would never have truly loved.
My life is sweet because I get to stay home with my kids – but it’s also sweet because next year they will all be in school =)
alanem at centurytel dot net
I have a sweet life because I surround myself with good food, fun activities, and loving friends and family.
My life is sweet because we lead a comfortable life and we have good kids–it’s all good!
digicatATsbcglobalDOTnet
The sweetest thing in my life is my loving kitty, Squirt. She’s a good old girl and shows me how much she appreciates the home I’ve given her every single day.
Nyssa AT concentric DOT net
My life is sweet when your Gracie Anna yells into the phone, “hey ya mana!”
My life is sweet because I have the most amazing, loving husband and adorable, healthy little boy. We are so blessed. I am a nurse and I have the amazing opportunity to help families with sick and premature babies.
jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com
My life is sweet because I know the joy of having a child with ADHD…even though she turns my hair white.
My life is sweet because despite all the physical ailments I have been given, I am able to enjoy the most important things in life such as my wonderful Granddaughters and being able to always be creative and crafty.
My life is weet because of my three little girls who keep me smiling.
jceko77@yahoo.com
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