Showing posts with label Self-help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self-help. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Financial Freedom by Greg Kesten
ABOUT THE BOOK
Financial Freedom: Finding What Works for You is the first in a series of pocket books that work as a primer for anyone seeking financial independence.The first in the series contains case studies of real people who have been coached by an expert in the field, Greg Kesten.
REVIEW
I admit that I'm not hugely into books about finance, not because it's not an important topic, but because my brain tends to glaze over when words like finance are used. But this is an area that I definitely need to know more about and so I was interested in reading this book to see what kind of advice it offered. And I was not disappointed, in fact I was quite pleased to find that this isn't a big huge book full of jargon and confusing terminology. I found it quite easy to read and full of good common sense advice. I didn't find much here that seemed new to me (I have a family member in the financial planning business after all) but I appreciated the direct approach the Kesten used along with the examples from people he has worked with over the years. He starts by pointing out the importance of knowing where you want to go, having a financial vision to help focus one's efforts. Then he explained the importance of facing your real situation, knowing exactly where you stand in financial terms. He gives further advice on facing spending addictions, comparing what you have to what others have, and being a 'paranoid saver'. If you need a book on finance that is short and sweet and direct, I can heartily recommend this one. For more information, visit Keston website here.
GIVEAWAY
As a gift to help families start off 2016 with tools on how to improve their financial situation, author Greg Keston is giving away 10 copies of his book, Financial Freedom: Finding What Works for You. All you need to do is visit www.freefinancialbook.com and be one of the first 10 people to request a FREE copy (shipping and handling will be paid).
Thursday, October 31, 2013
BLOG TOUR: Room Recipes by Tonya Olsen
ABOUT THE BOOKFrom exciting entryways to DIY dining rooms, professional interior designer Tonya Olsen has just the right recipes to make every room in your home a showstopper. Room Recipes: A Creative and Stylish Guide to Interior Design is the ultimate resource for homeowners looking to spice things up or decorate a space from scratch. Inside this guide you’ll find:
- eye-catching examples of beautiful, budget-friendly designs
- step-by-step instructions to recreate even the most elaborate rooms
- palettes that break each room into individual patterns, colors, and textures
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
REVIEW
I'll be the first to admit that I am not the most able person when in comes to decorating. In fact, I'm pretty bad at it, so when I heard about this book I was interested in looking at the recommendations and see if there way anything that could help me. And it turns out there is a lot here that is very helpful. There are specific designs that can be added to or adjusted as you see fit. The instructions are straightforward and helpful. The book is divided into sections by room, so you can see a variety of ideas for each room.Lots of great ideas here that can be used for specific projects or simply as inspiration. I liked that a lot of them can be done cheaply and as DIY projects. A fun book for those who would like some help decorating their house.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
BLOG TOUR: Getting Things Off My Chest by Melanie Young
ABOUT THE BOOK“I debated back and forth whether to have [my new implants] exchanged for softer silicone gels[…]
‘The problem is that I forgot what real breasts feel like…’ I complained to Dr. Disa, who I decided was also part therapist when it comes to breast reconstruction issues. He said he had a patient who was unhappy with her silicone gels… [and] that… he would introduce us so that we could talk about the pros and cons of our respective breast implants.
…And that is how I ended up topless in a bathroom at Memorial Sloan- Kettering feeling another woman’s breasts in the middle of the afternoon.”
Charge head-on into the battle with breast cancer, armed with humor, determination, and these outstanding survivor’s tips on how to stay sane, focused, and in charge in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis. Complete with checklists geared toward streamlining your new life, Getting Things Off My Chest helps you eliminate stress and boost your spirits with active preparation and positive thinking. Don’t let your cancer control you; empower yourself and ease the transition with this all-inclusive guide.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
REVIEW
Cancer. Not a word that anyone wants to hear. Unfortunately all to many people do hear it. According to the authors information 1 in 8 women will hear the words, 'breast cancer' at some point in their lives. What an overwhelming thing that must be. I have not had cancer, so I can only try to empathize with those who have. Staying proactive and focused can help in facing such a difficult challenge. Young presents information that is important to know and can be very helpful for those dealing with the many ramifications of the disease. Ramifications that go far beyond the disease itself. Things like keeping good records, deciding who to communicate with and how often, financial issues and health insurance all come into play when dealing with cancer.
The author than goes on to discuss the treatment of the disease, rebuilding your health after treatment, the mental and emotional needs of the patient as well as caregiver and other important information. Through it all the author focuses on the importance of not letting cancer take over your life, of finding ways to keep positive and keep enjoying life as much as possible. I can see this book being of great benefit to those who have breast cancer or know someone who does, there is much of help here and it seems to me that it would be comforting coming from someone who has been there and done that. The author does share some of her own experiences as well as comments from others who have been there as well. There is also an extensive list at the back of places to go to for support and more information.
The author than goes on to discuss the treatment of the disease, rebuilding your health after treatment, the mental and emotional needs of the patient as well as caregiver and other important information. Through it all the author focuses on the importance of not letting cancer take over your life, of finding ways to keep positive and keep enjoying life as much as possible. I can see this book being of great benefit to those who have breast cancer or know someone who does, there is much of help here and it seems to me that it would be comforting coming from someone who has been there and done that. The author does share some of her own experiences as well as comments from others who have been there as well. There is also an extensive list at the back of places to go to for support and more information.
Monday, September 23, 2013
BLOG TOUR: Marriage 101 for Men by Sherri Mills
Get out of the doghouse and back into the bedroom simply by swapping the TV remote for the toilet brush! Whether you’ve been married for three months or thirty years, failing to help around the house remains a major cause of discord. Following this book’s principles, a husband learns to decrease disputes and increase intimacy by:
- owning his share of household work
- listening to his wife’s needs and communicating his own
- spending the time on chores now to make more time for love later.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
In her practice she has seen the pain from too many divorces that didn’t have to happen. She has been obsessed with trying to save as many marriages as she can.
Sherri’s first book, I Almost Divorced my Husband but I Went on Strike Instead, was written to women, with detailed instructions on how to deal with the double-duty double standard of householder work and how to have more appreciation for their own husbands.
Men wanted instructions of their own, so Sherri outlined in this book real solutions to issues that sabotage marital accord. The book is written in such a manner as to make sense to the male partner in the marriage.
REVIEW
I am not the designated demographic for this book. I am not male and I am not married. However, as a woman, I can definitely appreciate the things that Mills has to say about women and their needs. As a hairdresser, Mills has spent decades listening to men and women talk about their marriages and one of the things that she has observed is that many marriages fail because of the uneven distribution of household responsibilities. This also was the case in her own marriage. She briefly describes what she did to address the problem (going on strike--which is discussed more thoroughly in her first book, I Almost Divorced my Husband but I Went on Strike Instead) and the incredible difference that her husband's involvement in household duties made in their marriage.
The book goes on to discuss specific examples of people whose marriages broke up because of the anger and resentment created by the wife's trying to 'do it all' by herself. Lack of communication and understanding seems to be at the heart of most of the problems mentioned. The author explains that many women aren't interested in intimacy because they are simply overwhelmed and exhausted from trying to manage the household by themselves. She points out that when husbands step up and take on some of the responsibilities the results can be wonderful for both spouses. With lots of specific tips and brief explanations the book can be read quickly. Also the appendixes provide additional helps including: a message to women who don't want to give up control but want their husbands to contribute, a fair marriage contract like the one she used with her own husband, and a list of household chores that can be used to come to an agreement. A wonderful resource for both married and single men and women who want to make their relationships the best they can be.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
BLOG TOUR: Confessions of a Cereal Mother by Rachel McClellan
ABOUT THE BOOK
In this humorous memoir you’ll discover several mind-saving rules, which include:
- Don’t throw your pregnancy test away before the full three minutes is up.
- Unless there is a rush on the grocery store pending a zombie-virus outbreak, never take your kids shopping.
- If your toddler is going to chew on a Band-Aid, hope it’s one found inside the community swimming pools chlorinated pool and not one found in their locker room.
- Never throw up in a cookie sheet.
- Things can always get worse. You could discover your child playing with a used tampon applicator. It’s not a whistle, sweetie.
- And most importantly, the moment one of your children is seriously ill, forget about everything else. You have the greatest honor in the world – being a Mom.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (written by the author) I love ranch dressing, the homemade kind. It makes everything taste better. Coming in a close second are Mayo and real butter. Second, I want to buy Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and turn it into a sauce factory using the items I mentioned above. And I’d keep the Oompa-Loompas. I can tell by looking at them that they like the sauces as much as I do. Third, I would bring to life some of my favorite literature characters, such as Odd Thomas, Dr. Jekyll (Hyde can come too), Frankenstein, Elizabeth Bennett, and Sherlock Holmes (because someone’s sure to die in this crowd), to break bread and dip the pieces into my Oompa-Loompa sauces.
A few other random things you may or may not want to know: I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, aka Mormon. I love to run. I love music just as much, dark, moody stuff. I love my TV shows, dark, moody stuff. I currently live in the New England area and am obsessed with its forests and cemeteries. I am married and have four young children. They are just as strange as I am, but they love the sauces, so we get along. I like sports. I especially love to play volleyball and racquetball. One day I’d like to get back into theater. And run for President. Of the world. But above all…I love to write.
To find out more on Confessions of a Cereal Mother and author Rachel McClellan, visit: www.rachelmcclellan.com.
REVIEWCan I just say: HILARIOUS! I will never look at motherhood the same way again. After reading this book I have a much greater appreciation for my own mother who raised five children. And it NEVER ends, the problems just get bigger. In my opinions, there is no greater or more difficult job on the planet than motherhood. Raising children takes more stamina, patience, creativity, and love than any other job in existence. McClellan does an excellent job of showing both the incredible challenges of motherhood, along with the amazing benefits of a job that is 24-7 and never ending. Her stories are funny and sympathy-inducing. I seriously had to hold my tummy after laughing through some of her stories. Working with children myself, I am now more grateful than ever that at the end of the day I get to send them home to their families. ;) All I can say is thank goodness for the loving, nuturing mothers of the world! Highly recommended.
Monday, January 21, 2013
BLOG TOUR and GIVEAWAY: Make it Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles by Kylee Shields
ABOUT THE BOOK
Do you know what it means to be a kigatsuku person? Are you currently in a “hurricane” relationship or a “bridge” relationship? Do you know what it takes to be “righteous in the dark”? Have you struggled to find your place in the world as an LDS single? Do you feel like a misfit or a menace—like a circle trying to fit into a square?
If so, you’re not alone. It used to be an anomaly to be twenty-one and single in the LDS culture, but now there are entire stakes filled with single adults. In this book, author Kylee Shields explains how you can make the most of your single life, even if your current situation isn’t what you expected.
Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom.
REVIEWAs an LDS single I was very interested in reading this book. Not that I'm not happy in my life, but that there is always room for improvement and it's always nice to relate to others like myself. I found much of value in this book. I enjoyed the personal experiences Kylee used to make her points and I appreciated the great advice she has for those who like her are members of the LDS faith and still unmarried. For those who are unaware, marriage and family are an important part of the LDS (Mormon) faith. However, as Kylee points out, God loves all of his children equally and everyone, single or married has a place in the church.
I cheered when she pointed out that just because things haven't worked out the way one might want, doesn't mean that one can't be happy. I liked the title and it's implication that happiness is something that can be actively sought and found regardless of one's marital status. She talks about many things including dating, setting and achieving goals, healthy relationships, and ways to handle adversity. While specially directed to LDS singles, the things Shields talks about relate to anyone, religious or not. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy inspirational nonfiction, or stories about an individual's life journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“My
name is Kylee and I am passionate about life. I am the oldest of 8
children and have the most amazing parents ever. I have one adorable
niece and one adorable & squishy nephew. I grew up in Oregon, moved
my senior year of high school to Utah, then moved to San Diego, Boston,
and currently live in Arizona.
"I went to BYU and got my BA in English (creative writing/Editing) and a minor in Linguistics. I love words and writing! There is something very powerful in putting words together and expressing human emotions. I love poetry, reading great novels, blogging, etc. I have an old typewriter I adore and like to type out letters now and again and seal them with wax. I am an author and avid reader. I love learning new words and can trace that back to my mom who has the most amazing vocabulary.
"I also attended ASU and got my Masters in Social Work (emphasis in child & family therapy). I have always been drawn to the "punk kids" and absolutely love my job. I work as a Shadow (family therapist) at The Anasazi Foundation. I get to do therapy with amazing adolescents out in the deserts of Arizona. My office is on the trail and I get to throw rocks, hear hearts, and get to know some incredible kids from all over. Not bad for a day job!
"When I am not with my family, hanging out with my friends, or working I absolutely love to travel. I have been to Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and almost all 50 of the states. I love music--singing, writing songs, playing the piano, and listening to other musicians. I co founded a Musical Fireside group that is in the process of becoming a non-profit. I have loved watching INSPIRE: music. service.hope grow and touch the hearts of those who hear us sing.
"I am a huge Avengers fan (Captain America), I like straws, bridges, swinging on swings, and trains.
I
love God and try to recognize His presence in my life. For Him I am
indebted for my many blessings and tender mercies. All that I have and
am is because of Him.”
Social Networking Links:
Purchase Links:
INTERVIEW
What is the
"story behind the story?"
haha this book is my story. What you read is
me. the other day a friend of mine I haven’t seen or talked to in a LONG time
said, “When I was reading your book Kylee I felt like you were sitting there on
the couch in my living room next to me.” That made me smile b/c I wanted my
book to be approachable, honest, raw, and something that would inspire action
of some kind. The story behind the story is a girl who is still trying my best
to navigate the LDS singles scene, live the questions, and make it happen in my
life.
What did you learn
while writing the book?
I learned a
lot about patience, timing, about how some of the moments in my life were just
for me and led me to where I am today. I learned that God is aware of me and
what others might need to hear. I learned a lot about empathy, listening,
editing, vulnerability, how to say a lot with a few words, how to get out of my
way. And I learned that God is deeply
in the details!
What piece of
advice that you give in the book do you think is the most important and why?
It might just be a reflection of where I am
currently in my life but the chapter that seems to resonate with me the most
and that I seem to go to regularly when I get asked to share excerpts from my
book is the chapter called, “Wolf’s Law” (Chapter 10 p.111) In that chapter is
I talk about trials, being righteous in the dark, feeling after God—even, am
most importantly—when we feel forsaken, and how to live the law of undulation.
What are you
currently working on, writing-wise?
I
am currently working on a YA fiction novel about grief, love, friendships,
family, bucket lists, redemption, hope, heartache, and how healing hurts.
If you could go
anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
For some reason I have this tugging in my heart to
go to Thailand. I want to ride on an elephant, wrap myself up in colorful
silks, eat tons of Thai food, and left a love note in a random place where
someone can find it years later.
GIVEAWAY
As part of the tour, Kylee is
offering 4 amazing giveaways!! These include a $25 gift card to Amazon, a
$25 gift card to Target, and a hard copy and ebook copy of the book.
To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).
- Open from January 8 to January 31.
- Must be 13+ years of age to enter
Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:
- Leaving a blog post comment
- Liking the Make It Happen Facebook page
- Friending Kylee on Facebook
- Following Kylee on Twitter (@kyleeshields and/or @authorkylee)
- Add Make It Happen to your Goodreads shelf
- Like Make It Happen on Amazon
- Follow the Make It Happen blog
- Blog about Make It Happen
- Follow Kigatsuku (Kylee’s) blog
- Like INSPIRE: Music. Service. Hope. on Facebook
- Like Forward Walking on Facebook
- Tweeting about the giveaway (once per day)
- Follow any/all of the following Twitters:
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