The Final Summit

After reading The Final Summit, I was intrigued.  Not only were facts from history included that I had never heard revealed but I also enjoyed the concept of having so many great men (and women) in the same room passionately solving the greatest problem of humanity.

Andy Andrews puts life into perspective and brings history to life similar to his recent book, The Butterfly Effect.  In my younger years, I never enjoyed reading history books or history classes; but this book, full of facts and quotes, would have brought even me out of a fog of boredom when reading the relevance of each historical character and their contribution to our current day’s prosperity.

My favorite historical reference was the life of Eric Erickson.  What boldness and humbleness it must have taken, ironically combined, for someone to live with each moment being a new risk like he did, along with his wife.  All this Eric did for the sake of saving his homeland; and ultimately his sacrifice affected the success of the biggest war in history.His life story is spelled out in the book from Andrews’ own research. 

I give the book high marks and recommend it.  The overall purpose of the book as well the intriguing research make this worthy of your time. 

When you find nothing but desperate hopelessness around you, when all seems to be adding up to constant opposition, what should you do?  Read the book and find out.

 

 

Technorati Tags: The Final Summit,Andy Andrews,Life lessons,history,personal development

The Butterfly Effect

Did you know the slightest ripple of action can alter the earth’s atmosphere on the other side of the globe? 

Sounds farfetched. 

But this book provides examples of actual events, small tokens of doing the right thing that have resulted in an outcome drastically different from what ‘it could have been’ had these individuals not stepped up to the plate and taken action that made a real difference.  Even if the difference was something that person couldn’t realize but we see it centuries later.

Powerful, meaningful and yet a quick read; I read it aloud to my son and kept his interest and I’m hoping it made a true impact.  He’s 15 and loved the dialogue of the battle of Gettysburg.

Every moment counts.  This book just reminds us why.

It’s title: Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews and here is a portion of its description from the publisher (Thomas Nelson):

Speaker and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews shares a compelling and powerful story about a decision one man made over a hundred years ago, and the ripple effect it’s had on us individually, and nationwide, today. It’s a story that will inspire courage and wisdom in the decisions we make, as well as affect the way we treat others through our lifetime. Andrews speaks over 100 times a year, and The Butterfly Effect is his #1 most requested story.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

I received a pdf version of this book, with the option of sharing a review.

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go

In reality, my unhappiness wasn’t Phil’s fault or anyone else’s. 

As women, we often look to our men to be the knights in shining armor who will make everything right. 

We expect them to be the ones to validate us and make us feel worthy. 

Trust me when I say, the men in our lives can’t do that. 

More often than not, they are fighting the same insecurities and demons we are. 

It would take me years to realize that I was the only one responsible for my happiness and that blaming others only shifted the focus away from where it needed to be – on me.

Quote above from pages: 125-126 (Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go).

The mother of Shaquille O’Neal, Lucille O’Neal shares her life story in this book, Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go.  She struggles through a difficult childhood and shares about her life when she becomes pregnant as a teen and the ramifications when she starts her journey as a single mom.  Her path may have been full of difficult moments but in her later years she gives credit to God for guiding her journey to a place where she finds answers to questions many of us share right along side her.

Later on page 177, she writes:

I never saw the possibility of changing my life while struggling to figure out how to feed a family of six with one chicken.  But that is the true beauty of God’s plan for us.  We may not know what His plans hold for us, but we must trust that they are bigger and better than anything we could ever imaging for ourselves. “With God all things are possible.” – Matt. 19:26 (NKJV)

To read these words from someone who now has everything available to her at her fingertips – is impressive.  One of my favorite stories she shares is after Shaq has acquired his wealth and she has his “driver” in his limo take her to Kmart to buy furnishings for Shaq’s new house.  But that one, you have to read for yourself.

Each single mom may have a different story about how we came to this role in life; whether through a divorce like me or like Lucille O’Neal who was thrown into adulthood quickly as a teenage mom.  But each of our stories can become a better story if we know where to turn to find the answers.  Lucille realized this.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

This review was made possible by Thomas Nelson Publishing.  The book listed above was received to read for possible review.

Technorati Tags: Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go,Thomas Nelson,relationships,self-esteem,personal development,Faith,teenagers,single moms,teen pregnancy

Never Let You Go

If you like the suspense and page turning intensity of Ted Dekker, you have to read works by Erin Healy.  She coauthored Burn, which I also read and reviewed a few months ago. But the book, Never Let You Go, was written by Healy herself.  It is definitely full of suspense and surprises.  She gets you pulled into the story quickly…

Quote from Never Let You Go:

The parking lot light gasped again and this time faded to black.  The steady yellow light behind her also flickered once and died, stranding Lexi in black air exactly halfway between the restaurant and car.  She stopped.  A second later, two at most, the light over the Volvo staggered back to relative brilliance.

She gasped.  The thin air knifed her throat.  The grasses had fallen silent, and the winds were as still as if God had stepped between them and the earth.

All four doors of her car were flung wide.  Two seconds earlier they had been sealed shut, but now they gaped open like Lexi’s disbelieving mouth, popped open with the speed of a switchblade, with the flip of an invisible lever, the flick of an illusionist’s light.

A heavy hand came down on her shoulder from behind. Lexi yelped and whirled out from under the palm.

“Sexy Lexi.”

Her hand was at her throat, her pulse pounding through the layers of the thin jacket her breathing too shallow for her to speak. (end quote)

And that happens on page 4!

Scenes like these are what keep you wondering from one chapter to the next as the flips and turns in the story keep you up till midnight and later on a work day.  (I know this from experience.) But late nights are worth it when you have to know what is going to happen to “Lexi” next and how she is going to survive the threats that come her way as a result of her sorted past.  A past that lead to her own sister’s death.

The author even captures the dynamic of a spiritual element between heaven and earth that haunts her every decision. Finally can “Lexi” find the true depth of forgiveness?

You will have to read it and find out.  Without revealing too much let me just say:  Well done, Erin Healy.  I will be looking for more of your works even if they do rob me of my beauty sleep.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Disclosure:  I received this book, Never Let You Go, by Erin Healy to read for a possible review from the publicist, Amy Currie, Senior Publicist for Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists

Technorati Tags: Never Let You Go,Erin Healy,Ted Dekker,book review,suspense,thriller,spiritual depth,forgiveness

A Day at the Lake

Part of our weekend celebration for Independence Day included a day at Smith Mountain Lake.  We tried a different community park this time: it wasn’t crowded and was very relaxing.  As the kiddos played in the lake, this butterfly got Jas’ attention so I grabbed the camera and caught it in mid-flight. 

He enjoyed trying to catch it literally.

I enjoyed catching him and one of God’s beautiful creations on film.  (Correction they are both God’s beautiful creations, just don’t tell him I got all sappy, ok?)

Earlier that day we were getting everything together and ready to head out.  The list included beach towels for each of us, sunscreen, a mat, plus my big beach blanket.  And I was able to get all of that into my new personalized beach tote I received for a review post from www.simply-bags.com.  I absolutely love it.

When they contacted me about doing a review on my blog, I had to stop and think about it for all of twenty seconds before I hit reply with a resounding “Absolutely!”  Totes are my weakness, I will admit and this one is my new fave.  It is not only roomy but it also zips across the top to keep all my goodies from falling out while carrying it across the sand.  We had quite a bit in there for our trip as you can see.

Our day was as full as the beach tote.  The kids had a blast.  Here’s Kass and our neighbor, E, enjoying the water…

I didn’t get any good pics of the guys…but

 

…I captured this other beauty that landed on my knee and beside me on the blanket several times. 

And of course, Mr. M, himself…(quite the catch isn’t he?)

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Photo credits: Katherine Shinault

Technorati Tags: beach totes,personalized bags,www.simply-bags.com,family time,holidays,lakes,vacation,photography,butterflies,dragonflies

Making Dot Mom’s life a little easier

Girl Scout moms and leaders, listen to this tip.

Back when Kass was just a brownie one of the most dreaded tasks as a scout’s mom was to affix those blessed badges to her sash/vest of her uniform.  I not only dreaded it – I was bad at it. They wouldn’t stick and I didn’t want to pull out needle and thread for all those blasted wonderful, well earned badges.  Finally I found the key to an easy, inexpensive way to place them on the uniform of choice (without the need of a needle or even a glue gun).  PLUS we now keep them attached beyond wearing it to two events or more!! 

Here’s my magical find:  Glue Dots.

So as a girl scout leader wanting to share this tidbit of info, when I learned about this blogging contest about my own secret weapon for badges and uniforms, I was totally game!

Here’s what I have found that works and keeps them affixed till the end of time:

1. Place a glue dot every 1 or 2 inches around the perimeter and one in the center of each badge on the underside.
2. Position the badge on the vest/sash where it you want to be placed, moving it around until it’s just right.
3. Press the badge in position with your fingertips around the edge and center of it.
4. Take an iron and on medium heat, press from the “UNDERSIDE” of the fabric of your uniform sash or vest to make the adhesive solidify to the max.  If you press from the underside of the fabric instead of from top of the badge itself, the heat reaches the adhesive more thoroughly. 
5. Voila! That badge is not going anywhere, I promise.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Disclosure:

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Glue Dots blogging contest to be eligible to receive a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

How Vintage

Vintage clothing.  All the rage?  No?

Wait… maybe.

Remember Seinfeld’s episode when Kramer was going vintage? 

Many people love the vintage look.  I know as a single mom, I often shop online at eBay or at thrift shops, goodwill, and Plato's Closet buying ‘gently used’ clothes.  Most of the time I am looking for remotely current fashion, but I have been on the search for vintage clothes before as well.  You have to scan a lot of pieces to find what you really want unless you go to vintage specialty shops.

A couple years ago or so the choir at my church had a Christmas cantata that was set in the twenties.  We had so much fun searching for vintage clothes.  Then came the big day for getting all dressed up, makeup included, stepping back in time as we set the stage for that time period.  I will never forget the experience. 

What fashions are some of your favorites from the past?  Were they leg warmers from the eighties, poodle skirts from the fifties, mini skirts from… several time periods, or polyester suits from the seventies?  And the sixties… what were the sixties known for? Well definitely the mini-skirt.  Oh yes and the nineties – I remember this era specifically (no reason, don’t ask).  I still own some things I wore in the nineties… is that bad?  I’m still the same size – that has to be a good thing in some respects – and retro is in style right?

So vintage is possibly all the rage… or will be very soon.  Time flies – soon today’s fashion will be out of style and vintage – so that works for me.

Maybe we should bring some of the styles back from the past.  What do you think? What were your favorites?

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Photo credit: covertcandy.co.uk

Disclosure: This has been a sponsored post - covertcandy.co.uk

Technorati Tags: vintage clothing,retro,styles,fashion,sixties,seventies,eighties,nineties,clothes,vintage clothing shops,mini skirts,leg warmers,choir,Seinfeld,Kramer,raincoats

Free Episode of Planet Earth

I love hiking, taking in the views, climbing on a waterfall, sighting creatures in their own environment. (Well, most creatures.)  Enjoying the beautiful creation God gave us is what I try to do as the weather warms and I can find the time to get out there and see it plus photograph it.  Not only do I like being out there in it but I also enjoy the Planet Earth series that aired on the Discovery Channel in the past. 

And guess what?  With Earth Day coming up BBC is offering a special free download from April 12 – 26 only.  Now you can download the first part of the series “Pole to Pole” for free.  The others in the eleven part series are also available on iTunes in SD or HD formats (U.S. only).  Tweet this post and let your friends know about it too!

Here’s more information about the promotion from a recent press release:

This jaw-dropping, 11-part series from the BBC’s Natural History Unit presents the epic story of life on Earth. Series producer Alastair Fothergill and his team spent four years in production, over 2000 days in the field, using 71 cameramen filming across 204 locations in 62 countries to capture the ultimate portrait of our planet. It has garnered legions of fans and universal critical acclaim with Oprah Magazine saying “It is the most beautiful, wondrous and truly majestic series - the best thing I’ve ever seen on TV.” Using a budget of unprecedented proportions and captured on HD cameras, Planet Earth is among the highest rated and best selling HD programs ever made. It offers stunning visuals perfect for any HD television or HD handheld device like the Apple iPad which launched on April 3rd.

So don’t wait, take a moment to open iTunes, then click this link here to get your free copy of “Pole to Pole” the first part of the eleven part series Planet Earth.   It’s only free till April 26, 2010. My copy is downloading right now as I type this post.  Can’t wait to watch it.

Once it’s downloaded, gather the kiddos around and watch, enjoying the wonderful world that was created so majestically as it is unfolded on the screen in this amazing production, Planet Earth.

For more information on the free episode and promotion from BBC, check out their linked press release.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Photo Credit:  Top Photo: Katherine Shinault, Blue Ridge Parkway; Bottom Photo, left: BBC Press Release

Technorati Tags: Planet Earth,BBC,Earth Day,environment,hiking,photography,creation,Free,Pole to Pole,iTunes

Burn by Ted Dekker & Erin Healy: Review

I received this book, titled BURN by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy to read for a review from the publicist, Amy Currie.  The cover was so enticing, if I had seen it on the shelf knowing other works by New York Times Best-Selling Author, Ted Dekker, I would have picked it up anyway.

I started reading and even though it took me awhile to warm up to the characters and to get settled in on what was happening; once I was into just a couple chapters, I was hooked.  As with other books I have read by Dekker, he keeps you going back and forth between different characters and their sagas… and you find yourself wanting to jump ahead to see what was going to happen next to the one you were just reading about.  But I didn’t.  I followed the path he and Healy wanted to take us down to let this story unfold. 

The story is intriguing and does make you think.  The main character has to make some choices early on in the story – which dictates the way her world turns following those decisions.  However, unlike us (in the real world) this character gets to also see how her world woulda coulda been different had she reacted differently.  This is only one piece of the story that is gripping as you get enthralled and want to see how it all will end up and which story will become “her own". 

Don’t think it’s one of those where you get to choose an alternate ending; that’s not how the authors portray this.  But instead you will just have to read it to know how you get to see the altering egos at play.

It’s a good book.  Engrossing and hard to put down is how I would describe it as I got swept into their world and the mysterious scenarios that began to be revealed.   So if you want a thought-provoking, mysterious thriller with anticipation at every turned page, you don’t have to go looking any farther.  Burn by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy – check it out.

Here is a portion of a recent press release on the book:

Burn uniquely combines the heart-pounding suspense, supernatural elements and the trademark plot twists Dekker fans have come to know and love with Healy’s strong feminine voice and affinity for nuanced emotional connections.

“This genre of fiction is often dominated by male authors and male protagonists,” says Healy, award-winning editor and owner of WordWright Editorial Services. “I think women who like supernatural thrillers but are looking for a more feminine narrative voice, and strong female characters will connect with Burn.”

In Burn, Janeal Mikkado’s world is turned upside down when powerful criminal Salazar Sanso promises her a new life if she helps him recover a vast sum of money from her father, a leader in their gypsy kumpania. When the plan goes awry and the camp is attacked and burned by Sanso’s men, Janeal finds herself faced with two choices: save her best friend who is about to be consumed by a fire or disappear with the million dollars stolen from her father. Her decision will alter the course of her life forever.

The past Janeal thought had burned away eventually rises from the ashes. The sudden reappearance of the best friend and boyfriend she left for dead, along with the malevolent Sanzo, threatens the high-powered life she has made for herself away from the gypsy camp. There’s a debt to be paid for the money she found: she must make a new life-or-death choice—but this time, escape is not an option.

Dekker is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books, which have sold a combined 3.6 million copies worldwide. He began his career writing spiritual thrillers, and has since crossed over into mainstream fiction with recent titles such as Adam, Thr3e, Skin, Obsessed and BoneMan's Daughters. His novels Thr3e and House became feature films, and more of his books are in development with Lionsgate Entertainment. Visit www.teddekker.com for more information.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: Ted Dekker,Erin Healy,Burn,mystery,thriller,supernatural,suspense,reading,review,book review,choices

Gospel According to Lost – The Review

The other night I turned over to ABC on the television and realized Lost was coming on.  I squealed like a little girl.  I love the show.  I was an avid fan from scene 1, season 1.  The writers are talented to say the least and even way back then I compared the show to box-office-hit movies.  With the suspense and intrigue, they had me at hello.

I watched the first two seasons and then they changed their night, changed the time, and I fell off the  bandwagon.  I’m a single mom – I only have so much time and can only adjust so much of my schedule around television and no, I don’t own TiVo.  So two more seasons went by, then three, and I became “lost” to what was going on; but still fondly referred to them as a fav TV show.  And this year (their final season forever) I have started watching again.

A few months back I was able to pick a book to review from some recent releases from Thomas Nelson.  And there it was.  My book.  The book that was written just for me.  The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay. 

So of course it was my choice for the review and they shipped it to me.  I just finished it and if you love the show or even if you just “put up with” the show, this is a great book.  It helps you put together the pieces of the story and the characters better because this outlines each of them and helps you to understand their underlying motives, backgrounds and personalities.

But the book does more than just outline the characters, it helps put their role and the role of the island in a perspective parallel with salvation, God’s love, and how we make choices in this journey.  I enjoyed the parallels and how the writer elaborates on grace and it’s manifestation in “Jacob’s” acceptance and encouragement of our beloved “Lost” characters regardless of their spicy backgrounds.  And I won’t even tell you the “couple” he chooses from the story as the true example of “love”. 

Chris Seay’s writing is well done as he portrays each character and points out their purpose or his observed purpose for them in the show.  So be sure and check out the book and see if you agree, as we all wait to see just how our questions will be answered and exactly how this is all going to turn out for Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Sayid, Hurley, and all the others in the series finale. 

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Photo Credit: amazon.com and wikipedia

Technorati Tags: Lost,ABC,The Gospel According to Lost,Chris Seay,salvation,love,review

Gutsy Gus and Staying on Track

It’s already February and my monthly missions are in full swing. 

January’s Mission

January I wanted to focus on finances, better spending habits, and possible ways to supplement my income.  I shared tips with my readers about making a simple budget; those posts, part 1 and part 2 were even highlighted on another blog resource. 

WWW.Elance.com 

I also joined a freelance website where you establish a profile and test your skills to add to your credibility.  Once you get setup with all their qualifiers, you can bid on jobs as a provider.  I hope to finish my profile soon and take a stab at this for some extra writing jobs. We shall see how that works out. The site is www.Elance.com.

Miracle in Sumatra

In the midst of my monthly missions I am also still reviewing books as they are sent to me free to read and share a review.  The latest is a children’s story. Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus by Jeanne McNaney.  This is a cute story about an orangutan and a little girl and their adventure when a hunter takes the orangutan's parents. An angel that looks over the jungle helps them by turning the little girl into an orangutan so she can assist her new little furry friend with the challenge of finding his parents.  The story and it's deeper meaning about taking care of animals and their well being is a good story to share with children and I would recommend it.  The artwork is excellent and will keep your child’s attention throughout the book.

About the Author (as quoted from the publisher):

Jeanne currently resides in Old Greenwich, Conn., with her husband and three young children. Her first children’s book, “The Legend of Honey Hollow” (Ovation Books, January 2009), introduces children to environmentalism... She has served on the board of Pathways, Inc., which provides housing for mentally ill adults. She currently sits on the board of governors for the We Are Family Foundation and is an active volunteer with the Old Greenwich School.

Vitals

Title: “Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus”
Author: Jeanne McNaney
Publisher:  Ovation Books
Publisher website: www.ovationbooks.net
Book website: www.joeypublishing.com
Category: Children’s picture book
Date of publication: October 2009
ISBN-13:  978-0-9814534-6-0

I have a few others I am currently reading and will share their reviews here soon. 

But now on to my next monthly mission.  For February the focus is… Do you remember?

More on February’s mission coming soon…

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Photo Credit:

Technorati Tags: Miracle in Sumatra,Jeanne McNaney,Elance.com,budgets,resolutions,missions,book review

As Far As Mondays Go….

For my day off Monday, I was able to get some things done around the house and finished reading a book I started recently titled, Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo.  I received an advance copy to do a review from Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists and was very impressed.  If any of you reading this post are Jane Austen fans.. let me start by saying:  you definitely must read this book.  And if you aren’t crazy about Jane Austen – but you think Mr. Darcy is the dreamiest… then you also must read this book.

It’s of course a love story… but enticing and exciting with it’s setting in Oxford as the main character, Claire, takes a week long seminar about Pride and Prejudice and in turn meets her very own version of Mr. Darcy.  Since she already has a boyfriend back home (Neil), it proves to be quite the love triangle as it quickly evolves into something she hadn’t intended.  Her good intentions also place her in the middle of a mystery long held at Oxford as she finds herself in possession of some ancient writings never published of the renowned author, Jane Austen.

The plot picks up quickly right from the start and keeps you captivated, because I couldn’t put the book down.  For me that doesn’t happen often, but this book did the job well.  So you may want to pick up your own copy and check it out for yourself.

There’s still more to my Monday being a good day.  Not only because I was able to get some things done (including that book, Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart) but also because my blog was highlighted on a social community website – just for moms! I was so flattered when they approached me late last year about this opportunity to be highlighted for a week during their blog tour on www.mom-stuffcommunity.com.  I started visiting last year and found it a good resource for kids crafts, holiday ideas, family fun, recipes, saving money, alternative health and nutrition…even ways to keep the romance in your personal life.   I hope you will take a moment to visit their site, www.mom-stuff.com, take a look around, and leave a comment or two.  I also have a quick link on the top right side bar of my blog where you can click over to their site anytime.

So as far as Mondays go - a day off, with time to catch up, read a good book, AND get my blog site highlighted by www.mom-stuffcommunity.com, that’s not such a bad Monday.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: romance,single moms dating,Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart,www.mom-stuffcommunity.com,moms,resources,Jane Austen,Beth Pattillo,book review

Boots to Boot

Those snow boots

Remember the cardboard boots Kass made last year when we didn’t get the forecasted snow and  she was so disappointed?  Well we definitely were not disappointed this year with all the snow that came before Christmas.  You got a chance to see those photos, right?  That snow is still around: on the lawn, piled up on the sides of the streets, along the banks, lots of snow remains here.

Well one thing we found out when we received all that snow was that Kass had outgrown her real snow boots from last winter; and now we are on the lookout for new boots for her.  I heard about these kids wellies that are pretty cool.  So they will be on the list as we keep searching for a pair of boots that she will want to wear.

I learned a year or so ago that just because I pick out something I like or even think she will like… doesn’t mean SHE WILL like it.  Ever since, I don’t buy stuff for her to wear unless she has seen it and said she will indeed wear it. That’s why I want to make sure I let her pick out the boots online before I attempt to order anything.

What age do you start letting your kiddos decide what they are going to wear? 

Kass just turned 11 and yes, I have been letting her choose for over a year, maybe longer.  But I can remember when she started getting tougher to buy for and when she stopped liking the “girly” stuff I was buying… oh the dresses and tights I invested in that she only wore one or two times…after they sat in the closet collecting dust - that’s when it finally sunk in. I needed to let her pick things out – before I invested in the outfits or the shoes.

Is 11 too young to have some independence in making her own choices? 

I would love your feedback.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

This post was sponsored by http://www.startriteshoes.com.

Environmentally Conscious Kitchen Cleanup & Contest!

NO Nasty Chemicals: No problem – NO Nasty Cleanup: No problem

Remember the post when I talked about the way it used to be with just the three of us?  Back then I used my little itty bitty George Foreman – you know the one that will only hold 2 hamburgers on the grill at time… I still have it.  I love that little thing.  I would pull it out to make grilled cheese, quesadillas, and even FRENCH TOAST!  It’s great for one person or two.  Yes it will even make French toast – you have to try it.
Then when I started grilling for four and six people at a time… Mr. M brought over his ginormous George Forman grill.  It has been at my house ever since.  Now I like using this larger version of the grill I grew to love, (having 6-8 hamburgers ready in minutes is awesome) but cleanup became a little more involved because the thing is huge. 
Just recently I received some free samples from Ecostoreusa.com  (to do a review). They sent me a citrus spray cleaner – (with no nasty chemicals) and also a toilet cleaner.  So I used the citrus cleaner on the grill after it cooled down…(no not the toilet cleaner) and let it sit.  Then I just came back after a few minutes to wipe off the grill and the grease wiped right off!  What a treat.  That’s just what a single mom on-the-go with no time for scrubbing stubborn grime needs.  I love letting the product do the work for me and then coming back to do the follow-up wipe-down… that’s my idea of kitchen cleanup.
Thanks Ecostoreusa.com for such great products and keeping the nasty chemicals at bay as well!!!
If you would like to try out some of their stuff – I am offering one lucky reader $25.00 certificate to use in their store (sent via email from www.ecostoreusa.com)  You can buy at least two different products with that certificate to try them out…. (and with your free $25.00 purchase – you get FREE Shipping!!!)

Here’s how to win:

1. Leave a comment below on this post about how you would use the www.ecostoreusa.com products.  Remember to list your email – or at least a link to contact you through twitter or blogspot account.
2. Get an extra entry for signing up for the No Nasty Newsletter from their website.  Leave me a comment after you have done this to let me know you signed up for their newsletter on their blog.
3. Get one more entry for following me on twitter and following ecostoreusa on twitter as well!  Just leave one more comment to say you have followed both… and you are all set!
The winner will be picked at random from the entries on Tuesday, November 17.
Comment soon – contest for $25.00 certificate from www.ecostoreusa.com ends in two weeks (Monday, November 16 at midnight)!
Thanks for stopping by.
Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: www.ecostoreusa.com,healthy cleaning,environment,chemicals,cleaning,kitchens,grease,grime,george foreman

Solemate

The review is in.  My review that is, on the book, Solemate:  Master the Art of Aloneness & Transform Your Life by Lauren Mackler.

I have been reading this book sent to me for the purpose of doing a review and wanted to share it with my readers here.  Some books I get like this, I don’t recommend and won’t post about them.  But this one – I do recommend you read it – especially after divorce.  However, others whether single or happily married, can glean from the information about ‘finding yourself’ as well.   This book outlines a process for not only finding WHO YOU ARE but becoming the person you were meant to be, the type person you would want be with and experience a sense of wholeness instead of looking for a person out there to ‘complete you.’

You have recently heard me dispel the idea of finding your soul mate.  This book helps you cope with the realization that you need to develop your own life vision, your own action plan to get yourself into gear and not rely on someone else (an ideal partner) to make you happy.  In other words finding contentment with yourself can make you content with your world around you.

This in no way is to suggest that you don’t need relationships in your life.  On the contrary the book outlines the very need we as humans have for other people to be in our lives – our outer support system.   Solemate has a whole chapter titled: Building an Inner and Outer Support System.

By becoming a whole person it will help you and I to have healthier relationships with a life partner.  Working on ourselves, owning our stuff that we have carried around with us since our childhoods, facing that ‘stuff’, and reclaiming ‘our authentic self’ (as Solemate defines it) will make us the kind of people we would want to be with and in turn the type of people with whom our life partner (or future life partner) can have a healthy relationship.

I personally like the idea of taking responsibility for my actions.  And no that doesn’t mean you can ‘fix’ everything from within yourself.  I try to keep Jesus in the driver seat.  But I still want to make that choice to take the hard knocks that have happened in life… and try to learn from those times of suffering.  Learn how to become a better person and thereby treat others without judgment (realizing we all have our stuff); that is key. 

The Message phrases it this way in Matthew 16:24: The Message
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? …..

So if you are at a stage in your life where you feel lonely, dissatisfied in a current relationship, or perhaps even shattered following a divorce and you want to put together an action plan for becoming a better you – the whole person YOU were meant to be, check out this book, Solemate by Lauren Mackler, Psychotherapist.  If you want to hear more about the book in the author’s own words, check out this interview on YouTube with Lauren Mackler.

You can take the hard stuff in life and learn from it – allowing God to turn your life into something beautiful – “beauty for ashes.”

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: relationships,aloneness,lonely,transformation,whole person,divorce,marriage,soul mate,learn from suffering

Got Math?

(This post is sponsored by: TutorVista.com)

My son just started Governor’s School.  We are very excited about his opportunity, but at the same time, I am on the edge of my seat as I await the upcoming inevitable overwhelmed teenager.  The program is setup like college classes, not only the curriculum but also it’s format.  The program covers integrated mathematics and technologies of science.  And during middle school he didn’t have to crack a book.  So it’s only a matter of time before he needs a little assistance since the program is setup to be a challenge for students like him.

What should you do if your student is struggling with school work?  Math seems to be the trickiest of subjects with all ages, from K-12 to college.  Does your child need math help?

Have you ever thought of using online math tutoring?  There is a website called www.tutorvista.com/math-help that might just be your answer.  On their homepage, there is an question box for instant free math help.

When you are dealing with ‘integrated mathematics’ like my son, or calculus, even algebra… we parents aren’t always going to be able to get our kiddos out of a pinch on how to do certain math problems.  But that is when we have to turn to online math help.  This specific online math tutor (www.tutorvista.com) also provides a free demo for first time users where they can try the service for free online math tutoring.

So if your student is struggling with math, try this online math tutor. 

I will be right behind you!

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Photo Credit:  http://www.ct4me.net/images/AlgebraLine.jpg

Technorati Tags: math,calculus,mathematics,tutoring,math-help,online tutoring

…And About “The Talk”

The Talk

Do you remember the post about the doctor telling me it was time for ‘the talk’ with little Kass?  Are you struggling with  the topic of puberty and your elementary school age child?

Well I have eluded to the topic with her on occasion and made sure I had shared some of the basics.  But of course, I didn’t feel totally prepared for the long-drawn-out version of “the talk.”  At least not to the point where I wanted to open the floor for more in-depth questions and I don’t think she felt comfortable doing so anyway.

Book Giveaway!

Then a few weeks back I was approached by Healthy Edudynamics about reviewing a book titled, 101 Questions Kids Really Ask… And The Answers They Need To Know.  They sent me a free copy and I started reading the book.  Let me first say I am impressed and appreciative of the approach to the material.  So much so that I have an extra brand-new copy of 101 Questions Kids Really Ask… I want to give away to one of my readers along with a preview of “A Time to Talk,” a new DVD-based program that gives parents and teachers the necessary tools to begin early with age-appropriate, straight-forward, and accurate dialogue.

Some topics for conversation during such a “talk” about puberty can lead to discussing personal choices – choices a family has to make for themselves and provide as a guide for their children’s way of thinking.  This book adapts to that concept by leading you to input more of your personal choices when it comes to discussing morals and boundaries instead of making those decisions for you in it’s content.  To see what I mean, here is an example. 

This excerpt is taken from the text of the book:

**What is sex?

There are many slang terms for all types of intercourse.  When asked a question that includes a slang term, begin your answer with statement No. 1.

1. That is a slang term for ____________________.

2. Give the definition for the behavior in questions based on the above definitions. (These definitions are outlined in the book in the previous section)

TEACHABLE MOMENT – If children should ask technique or “how to” questions related to intercourse, a parent should acknowledge the question, perhaps try to find out what the child knows or has heard about the topic, and then answer or not answer based on the information the child states and using the personal values of the family. ** Excerpt taken from page 78, Section: Questions About Sensitive Issues.

As you see here, you are able to use the material and yet impart your own ideals as you share the information with your son or daughter.  On the flip side even if you use this material with a small civic group or church group of young people, the content allows you to provide an answer, yet gear the children to what needs to be asked of their parents when they get home so they can elaborate about it.  This gives the family the final say and more control over how their children should be taught in these more sensitive and personal areas.

It also discusses other questions kids have… like “What is French Kissing?”  So it is not just about the sensitive issues… but also a tool for other related conversations about harassment and self esteem/body image issues.

Remember our children, no matter how sheltered, will be exposed to information.  As they get older and closer to middle school age especially, they will ‘hear’ things and may know more than you think they do…already.  Don’t you want them to see you (their mom or dad) as an easy-to-talk to resource?  Keep that door open and gentle… not judging.

Helpful Resource

I think this book can be very helpful for parents and group leaders alike; plus it gives you a jumpstart to beginning such a conversation in a down-to-earth, “this is what other kiddos are thinking and asking” kind of way. 

I plan to use this tool as a resource on this topic of puberty and “the talk” and you might want to check it out too. 

You have a chance to receive a free copy right here.

If you would like to receive this extra free copy of the book and resource DVD about “The Talk” all you have to do is leave me a comment.  One name will be chosen from the comments on this post over the next week, so leave your email address to be contacted or a profile connection with an email linked to it.

Seriously, if you are in the stage with one of your children where “the talk” is coming up soon, you have to check out this book, 101 Questions Kids Really Ask… (And I was surprised at how early that stage really is.)

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: sex education,puberty,children,free book,facts of life,healthy

Staying Busy But Dainty All the Same

Well the kiddos have been gone with their dad a week and they have one more week before they get back from vacationing with him.  I try to get some of those odd jobs done around the house while they are away, so…..this was a working weekend.

My good friend Brooks came down and we worked on putting the new light fixture in the half bath I have been remodeling.  I had to wait for him to redo the electrical in the wall so the new light could be put in and moved higher on the wall making room for the mirror/medicine cabinet.  Mr. M. doesn’t like to do electrical… so I waited for Brooks to do the honors. 

Well you know how our projects usually end up being an adventure… but we were happy that we only blew one fuse in the process and only had to make one trip to the hardware store!

I need to show you guys photos of the progress…. so far… I will try to post updated photos soon.

After getting some of that work done, we also put together a new pantry cabinet for my dining room.  So I took the day off today to get that organized and my other cabinets cleaned and re-organized.  It was hard work… but I was pleased with the end results.  Plus I got to use my “Gloveables" I received from www.SingleEdition.com.   The pretty yet durable waterproof rubber gloves make working with the scrub brushes and buckets… dainty and “fashionable.”

I also started a book I was asked to review, 101Questions Kids Really Ask… And The Answers They Need To Know by Mary H. Halter.  When I finish I will share my thoughts about the book…. but I will tell you, so far I am impressed.

So I have been staying busy and want to cross a few more off my list of projects before school starts in September…. maybe.

Now if you haven’t left a comment (or two) to try to win the adorable little apron from Jesse Steele, jump on over to the post to try to win.   Only a few more days to get a chance to receive it.

Find yourself… keeping it real. 

Technorati Tags: gloveables,projects,single moms,singleedition.com,book reviews,puberty

Fruit2day - Nutrition on the GO

Just recently I was able to try... Fruit2day and what a convenient and nutritious little snack... plus tasty too.  My fav is definitely the Mango Peach. 

If you follow my blog, you know I like to eat healthy.  It can be annoying to the kiddos sometimes, but yes, I do buy wheat burger buns and all-grain cheese crackers.  Remember though, I think our bodies will thank us when we get older!

So that takes care of the grain intake, but what about the other food groups like fruit?  Do you get enough fruit in your diet each day? With our busy lives it can be tough to get it all  consumed daily like we need it.  And now I have found this great way to take care of that problem without the messy, sloppy fruit in plastic containers that I try to buy and put in storage containers for a week at a time.  Not only are these fruit snacks convenient in their on-the-go packaging - but they are indeed very tasty.  And my kids like them too!  So we are batting a thousand with these little Fruit2day drinks.  First of all they are 100% natural, full of vitamins and made of 100% juice with no added sugar.  Second, they are not just another fruit drink, these actually have bite size chunks of fruit inside the juice!  They remind me of those cup-of-soup drinks where you get the goodness of a bowl of soup but consume it as a drink.... same concept here with Fruit2day.  These fruit drinks are more like a snack - a healthy snack all-in-one. 

You have to try them!  And if you leave me a comment with your reason for wanting to try these tasty fruit snack drinks, I will place your name and contact info in my little drawing for a coupon from the manufacturer for a FREE 2-pack of Fruit2day. 

Find yourself... keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: fruit,nutrition,healthy,single,onthego lifestyle,reviews

Finding Something Close to Utopia

Utopia

Have you ever heard about a community that sounds too good to be true?  You know, where they say you can live with a feeling of complete security, a sense of belonging, and a sense of community.  A place where there is plenty of entertainment right there inside your neighborhood, a pool and a game room included.  I heard something like that advertised on the radio one time and thought - I want to live there - only to find out they were advertising retirement communities!  Oh great, I'm too young!

But it does make you think - those who are wanting retirement residences have it made...

It's tough considering "new living situations" for your parents.  I know when my mom became ill I had this conversation way too many times with my sister and my brother.  So it's tough to even broach the subject at times.  But finding the right type of retirement home has been made a little easier at least for places in Canada with the website, www.senioropolis.com.  Now if you are interested in the various provinces there, like Ontario, BC, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec, that would be the website to checkout. 

Talking about retirement living isn't easy, but if you can find some nice options that sound - too good to be true... even for us young people, it makes it much easier. 

Because of my sister's diligence and sacrifice, she chose to take care of my mom till the end.  But not everyone is able to make that commitment for so many reasons.  I know I couldn't have taken on that responsibility had my sister chosen not to.  It just wasn't possible with my current situation at that time.  So for people like me, I know there are ways to find retirement communities and retirement residences through websites like www.senioropolis.com or through your local social services representatives.