tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58472324392251758752024-03-14T05:05:31.894-06:00Scribbled ScrapsKimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-72708481414375137022014-05-27T11:43:00.004-06:002014-06-25T11:33:19.850-06:00The Band Loom Bracelet Craze<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPb1f4696b1f9ebcac8dcacc450e8321b2" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>
Have your kids caught on to the Band Loom Bracelet Craze yet? My daughter got a loom for Christmas and has been making them non-stop ever since. She quickly ran out of the rubberbands that came with her kit and it's been really hard to find some. As fast as she goes through them, I knew I didn't want to spend $1.99 for a tiny package. She'd be done with that in no time.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXO1SF4TxYGmOXMvK9Jg-vsLhwv_tqQpaLUiU0wjJJTQ4ftpqk5D1yHrWQNPNq4LbagSSU1liB84ai388mYSA9Tkzet0JDpHk29EJKd5kz06uQH_230xkWZ2fDwpnJ4S7QuK7hP4CMQI/s1600/band+loom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXO1SF4TxYGmOXMvK9Jg-vsLhwv_tqQpaLUiU0wjJJTQ4ftpqk5D1yHrWQNPNq4LbagSSU1liB84ai388mYSA9Tkzet0JDpHk29EJKd5kz06uQH_230xkWZ2fDwpnJ4S7QuK7hP4CMQI/s320/band+loom.jpg" /></a></div>
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Instead, we found Rainbow Bandz <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-quality-rainbow-loom-refill/dp/B00HUJHIBI/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=sublimrefle08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=QEPUXLSBDGKD3LDD&creativeASIN=B00HUJHIBI" target="_blank">refill kit</a>. It comes with 5400 bands in super bright, fun colors. My daughter was so excited when it came. She's been making things with it ever since. She's made bracelets in all sorts of fun styles using video tutorials from YouTube. She made a headband, and even a jumprope. 5400 bands goes a LONG way! She still has a ton left.<br />
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These bands are super high quality and don't break like some of the cheap bands from China. Because they come in so many fun colors, we've even used them in her hair since she has pretty much a color to match any outfit! If you're looking for refills for your band loom, you can't go wrong with these!<br />
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The refill kit is available to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-quality-rainbow-loom-refill/dp/B00HUJHIBI/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=sublimrefle08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=QEPUXLSBDGKD3LDD&creativeASIN=B00HUJHIBI" target="_blank">purchase on Amazon!</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQNMnO__7-2N-MxY8EHeFlFKz86PMEoZGkj-i-H3F4LkkYIQl_MqogyBUZopca9i1TcL5gRlEyNSDMcSSW7Y9e9P-ZQf6Xx5VWu_mhbA_80hEUouFb51GvnZVaFHHeLemWJatMV4F2l0/s1600/band+loom+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQNMnO__7-2N-MxY8EHeFlFKz86PMEoZGkj-i-H3F4LkkYIQl_MqogyBUZopca9i1TcL5gRlEyNSDMcSSW7Y9e9P-ZQf6Xx5VWu_mhbA_80hEUouFb51GvnZVaFHHeLemWJatMV4F2l0/s1600/band+loom+storage.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also discovered the Rainbow Bandz Organization box to store them in. It's a clear plastic organizer with adjustable compartments so it can fit your loom and all your extra bands. My daughter takes it with her everywhere. <br />
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It's also available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Bandz-Organiziation-Box/dp/B00HUJNUSS/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=scribscrap-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=76V6UZQFK4HU4X7Q&creativeASIN=B00HUJNUSS" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. <br />
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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMb1f4696b1f9ebcac8dcacc450e8321b2" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-14512084177008847312014-05-04T17:19:00.004-06:002014-05-04T17:19:57.021-06:00Momentum Ultra-light Headphones {Review}<i>Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.</i><br />
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I've been training to run a half marathon since January. The lsat few weeks, my training has dropped off some while getting ready for my daughter's wedding. Now that it's over, I need to gear up and get busy or I won't be ready by July.<br />
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I haven't always liked running, but I am learning to really love it. It's about the only time during the day that I do something just for me. To make it even more fun, I download my favorite podcasts and listen to them while I run. It helps me not only have a healthy body, but a healthy mind as well. I really look forward to it.<br />
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I've been looking for a good pair of headphones that won't fall out while I'm running, so I was excited when I was asked to review Momentum Ultra-Light Headphones.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQLCyFRDNWA_vE3sUlBLubysmSooMvqbTGHGBruTrGNnBR3BdByGQ_tr-XqVvTys6teKE4pFnfGCPdVPX1p2CmgrMCE7QXo7KF2FzYddjPa5uFqGIGcT_X__Ka9_gQRUSmPImi2v0HA8/s1600/76b347f6aee5b34bd5e47c930c5b901f0bce1a2f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQLCyFRDNWA_vE3sUlBLubysmSooMvqbTGHGBruTrGNnBR3BdByGQ_tr-XqVvTys6teKE4pFnfGCPdVPX1p2CmgrMCE7QXo7KF2FzYddjPa5uFqGIGcT_X__Ka9_gQRUSmPImi2v0HA8/s400/76b347f6aee5b34bd5e47c930c5b901f0bce1a2f.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>About the product:</b></span><br />
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Weatherproof and Sweatproof headphones with an ultra-small, lightweight design for uninterrupted, premium sound that survives all your workouts in any terrain. Includes 4 ear tip sizes to provide a customizable fit that keeps headphones in place during even the most rigorous of activities. They feature an innovative "retro-reflective", tangle free cord that illuminates with light for extra visibility and safety while working out or running in low light. They also sport an in-line remote that is iPod and iPhone compatible, allowing control of volume and playback, as well as placing or receiving calls and activating SIRI.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My experience with the product:</b></span><br />
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I really like these headphones. It's fun that they come in several different bright colors. My favorite feature is the tangle free cord. The cord is covered in some sort of reflective fabric and doesn't get tangled, no matter where I put it. The sound is good, and they stayed in my ears perfectly. The fact that they are sweat proof will be helpful on the upcoming summer days. I'm not looking forward to running in the heat!<br />
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<i>I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMb6c580b0ed08cf19c925be5a68475cd4" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.</i>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-37887444497174444962014-05-03T15:45:00.001-06:002014-05-03T15:46:08.089-06:00Ageless Derma Apple Stem Cell Cream {Review}<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. </i><a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP174852feb84685708967669f7fd629d8" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The older I get, the more I worry about my skin. When I was a teenager, I remember my mom telling me someday I'd regret laying out in the sun so much. She was right. I hate that I have lines on my forehead and around my eyes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was excited to try Ageless Derma Apple Stem Cell and Anti-wrinkle cream. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5K597cjvDP2zdfW3Db7bo-lQ2K-2VK9N2q6potJ3-EHaBgfn28fQkCFkoRBPG5XvbaYGJIpTtZL3cLvwDgk-SZKR5OdfTIq0XACZln19hNEoueZtJJlcX9mENWXcCTrCzltZd74kUyk/s1600/6f8a57bcf9c57dcadf9bc083bccb316a6b58151c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5K597cjvDP2zdfW3Db7bo-lQ2K-2VK9N2q6potJ3-EHaBgfn28fQkCFkoRBPG5XvbaYGJIpTtZL3cLvwDgk-SZKR5OdfTIq0XACZln19hNEoueZtJJlcX9mENWXcCTrCzltZd74kUyk/s1600/6f8a57bcf9c57dcadf9bc083bccb316a6b58151c.jpg" height="128" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Product Description:</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream incorporates an apple stem cell extract called PhytoCellTec that has demonstrated 100% effectiveness in measurably reducing facial wrinkles.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Even celebrities, who have access to any skincare product they wish, depend upon PhytoCellTec to maintain their luminous complexions. According to Vogue magazine, film stars such as Julianne Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Helen Mirren all enjoy the dazzling results of using the apple stem cell extract.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">With confidence, we invite you to dare to dream of smoother, silkier, firmer, brighter skin. Ageless Derma Anti-Wrinkle Cream will revitalize your skin’s health and recapture your youthful radiance.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My experience with the product:</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I loved the attractive packaging. It made me feel like I was using a luxurious spa product. A girl can never have too much pampering, right? I used the cream every morning. I honestly didn't really see a visible reduction in the lines on my forehead. I did like the texture of the cream though and the fact it wasn't oily. I always moisturize before putting on my makeup and it helped my makeup spread smoothly. </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<i>I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM174852feb84685708967669f7fd629d8" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.</i>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-90120851088909112642014-02-18T19:51:00.001-07:002014-02-18T19:51:15.011-07:00Book Review - Self Confidence by Anastasia Verg<div style="text-align: center;">
Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP20e07ebad732c6851957b63823a124cd" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the Book:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In <b>Self Confidence - How To Overcome Shyness, Worry And Boost Your Self-Esteem</b> you will find out proven steps and strategies you can start applying instantly, in order to build up your confidence as well as your self esteem. You will learn about the importance of external appearance, little known tips you can implement and some mistakes you have to avoid. You will learn about positive affirmations, how and when to properly use them and of course why you should even bother. You will be able to determine whether you are suffering from insecurity and how to overcome it. Furthermore, you will find out how to stop worrying and start living and how to harness the power of positive thinking. Finally, you will learn ways you can instantly apply to improve your self esteem and how it can affect the quality of your relationships.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Review:</span></b><br />
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Although my first love was and always will be fiction, lately I've been reading a lot of non-fiction -- mostly in the personal development genre. I also blog about healthy living at SublimeReflection.com, so I'm very familiar with the trends being talked about in this area. This book was very basic but had some good information. Some topics it includes:</span><br />
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How to Overcome Shyness by Changing your Appearance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to be Confident by Using Positive Affirmations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Overcome Insecurity Once and for All</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Stop Worrying and Use the Power of Positive Thinking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Improve Low Self-Esteem and Have Healthy Relationships</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't really say that it includes any new groundbreaking information, but the author's passion for her topic is evident throughout. Unfortunately, the book could have used a good edit. This made it distracting and a little hard to read. But if you're new to the area of self-improvement you can probably pick up some good tips to increase your self confidence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM20e07ebad732c6851957b63823a124cd" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.</span></div>
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Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-69461077494006017372013-01-09T09:50:00.003-07:002013-01-09T09:50:47.508-07:00Book Review: Finished Being Fat<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Author:</b> Betsy Schow</div>
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<b>Website:</b> www.betsyschow.com</div>
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<b>About the book:</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not everyone can win the race, but everyone can finish it.</strong><br style="color: #444444; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;" /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;">Find the strength to conquer even your most daunting goals in this inspiring account of one woman’s journey to the life of her dreams. It all started the morning Betsy Schow woke up ten pounds heavier than the month before and surrounded by the clutter of halfhearted projects and discarded hobbies. She decided she’d had enough. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;">What followed in her quest to wish away the extra 75 pounds around her middle accidentally changed her life for good. Using her Philosophy of Finishing, Betsy snowballed her efforts from weight loss into a bucket list of seemingly impossible dreams. Now she’s here to share the simple secret to her incredible success. </span></span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;">Whether your goal is losing weight, running a marathon, cleaning out the basement, or all of the above, this informative book will teach you how to achieve more than you ever thought possible without sacrificing your sanity or your sense of humor.</span></blockquote>
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<b>My review:</b><br />
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I had seen Betsy Schow's amazing before and after pictures floating around on Facebook and had read a few of her blog posts and found her very inspiring, so I was super excited when she asked me to review <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finished-Being-Fat-Accidental-Adventure/dp/1462111254/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357750062&sr=8-1&keywords=finished+being+fat" target="_blank">Finished being Fat.</a> </i><br />
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Believe me, I'm a collector of diet books. I've already bought four or five this year. I'm not sure what the pull is. I think I keep looking for the magic bullet that will finally help me achieve the weight loss and happiness I've been searching for. The truth is, I think I'm really just putting off the inevitable. I know the answer is already inside me. I already have all the tools and knowledge I need to lose weight.</div>
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<b>I just don't do it. </b> </div>
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I loved <i>Finished Being Fat</i> because it's not just another diet book. There are no food lists or exercise charts. Instead, it's full of real life, true struggles, and a good hard look at what it takes to follow through on something even when it's hard. This book talks about some heavy subjects and exposes Betsy's vulnerability, but because of her unique sense of humor, the book feels light and uplifting.</div>
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I was extremely motivated by her weight loss story and the personal growth she experienced through the process. I appreciated an honest look at the truth behind weight loss. I cheered for her every time she achieved a milestone, and felt sad at her setbacks. After reading this book, I feel a renewed motivation to make the changes I need to make, and I realized it really isn't about losing weight at all. It's about taking one day at a time, loving yourself through the ups and downs, and finishing what you start. You are worth it, and so am I. </div>
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This book is not just for people who want to lose weight. Betsy's journey of self-discovery will help anyone who feels like they are floundering and needs a push to find the inner motivation necessary to achieve their goals. The final chapter of <i>Finished being Fat</i> includes Betsy's current list of goals. You can follow her progress and learn more about her by visiting her website, <a href="http://www.betsyschow.com/">www.betsyschow.com</a>. </div>
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Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-46319404203415705792012-09-19T17:31:00.000-06:002012-09-19T17:33:22.678-06:00Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic<div style="text-align: center;">
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If you spend much time online, you've probably seen or heard of Nick Vujicic. He was born without arms and legs and has spent his life making the most of it. He believes that with God, all things are possible. In fact, he says, "I keep a pair of shoes in my closet, because I believe in miracles." On October 2, his new book <i>Unstoppable</i> will be released by Random House.<br />
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Now, if that video is not enough to convince you that this is a book you need to read, you can download an excerpt <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/98561664/Unstoppable-by-Nick-Vujicic-Chapter-1-Excerpt">here.</a>
Nick's life and his new book, <i>Unstoppable</i>, hold a very inspiring message, and I don't want you to miss it!Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-29117797532192083782012-05-14T20:40:00.000-06:002012-05-14T20:40:06.397-06:00Book Review: Million Dollar Diva<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbUnewSdWJcuIuRCSINVhkCLwyFNpWhFzZ_xf__FGK24UYdw2bP7ZN8bTJz_BucCk9XtQFIcDAOmpRL2hp__gjeAqbMolQx2wW9eXMJhpbjTibdEEIIeXzkY5lvrAIPlHbMGUdaGoC0E/s1600/Million+$+Diva+-+Front+Cover+(large).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbUnewSdWJcuIuRCSINVhkCLwyFNpWhFzZ_xf__FGK24UYdw2bP7ZN8bTJz_BucCk9XtQFIcDAOmpRL2hp__gjeAqbMolQx2wW9eXMJhpbjTibdEEIIeXzkY5lvrAIPlHbMGUdaGoC0E/s320/Million+$+Diva+-+Front+Cover+(large).jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Authors: Tristi Pinkston, Brett Kitchen, & Ethan Kap</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Website: <a href="http://milliondollardiva.com/">Milliondollardiva.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>About the book:</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally - the woman's answer to growing rich safely! Women today face more money challenges than ever before, from managing careers and families to finances - the demands on their time and resources are increasing. Bad financial advice abounds, and it can be hard to know what to do. Award-winning author Tristi Pinkston teams up with bestselling authors Brett Kitchen and Ethan Kap to bring you Million Dollar Diva. Experience Tristi's real-life transformation from stuggling in debt to million-dollar retirement!</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this book, you'll discover:</span> </span>
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<li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">The 5-step, simple, safe, and predictable process to change living paycheck-to-paycheck to enjoying wealth and security.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">How to give yourself a $400 per month raise without asking the boss or working a minute of overtime.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">"Spend Like a Diva." How to have anything you want - nice vacations, eating out, trips to the mall. It's all part of the plan!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">The secret formula of how to completely eliminate your debt in 1/3 the time and save tens of thousands on interest costs in the process. You'll see why all the TV gurus are wrong!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">5 Million-Dollar-Diva investing strategies that will grow your money safely and predictably every year, without the guesswork.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">Plus! Discover the key to stop fighting and quarreling with your spouse about money forever!</span></li>
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit;">Imagine yourself living debt-free and building a million-dollar retirement safely and securely, so you can have total confidence in yourself and your future.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Get a copy of this book for FREE!</b></span></span></span></div>
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From now until JUNE 15th, you can get Million Dollar Diva for free! All you have to do is pay for shipping and handling. To get your copy today, please visit <a href="http://milliondollardiva.com/">milliondollardiva.com</a>.</div>
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<b>My review:</b></div>
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First, let me start off by saying we have an interesting, but all too common, situation in our family. My husband and I have both been married before, and like many divorces, we were left with far too much debt, and very few "things." But we're okay with that. After all, things are just things. We both know someday we'll be able to buy more things and that things don't make you happy anyway, but neither does debt. </div>
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Million Dollar Diva addresses the ever-growing epidemic of personal debt. It teaches a unique method for paying down your debt and saving money for your future. I'm a numbers kind of gal, so I appreciated the calculations and scenarios presented showing how investing in yourself can pay big dividends in the future!</div>
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The format of the book was a refreshing change from other books I've read about personal finances. It was a very down-to-earth look at how women and families can change their lives and tackle their personal financial situation. I really admire Tristi Pinkston for being brave enough to share her own story. It helps to know that others are out there struggling with the same things I am, and asking the same questions. That was my favorite part of the book. Tristi asks all the questions that come to my mind when I'm thinking about the reality of my finances and getting out of debt.</div>
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I highly recommend this book. Be sure to check out the <a href="http://milliondollardiva.com/">Million Dollar Diva website</a>. There are lots of great resources there, so take a look around, and order the free book while you're at it! You'll be glad you did!</div>
</div>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-41273388418945271352012-05-07T10:26:00.001-06:002012-05-07T10:26:31.349-06:00It's So Cherry Super Spring Kickoff!<br />
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I was excited to be asked to participate in the It's So Cherry super spring giveaway! If you haven't checked out their website, you totally should. They have the cutest accessories and gifts -- a perfect Mother's Day idea!! They are also running a contest. Keep reading more all the details.</div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">The trees and flowers are blooming, the sun is out (well, sometimes) and we here at It's So Cherry are all about celebrating, so we're giving away gift bags to four lucky winners, and a pair of barefoot sandals to 20 more. That’s right, you have TWENTY-FOUR chances to win.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">To enter, register at <a href="http://www.itssocherry.com/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #234786;">www.itssocherry.com</span></a>, and follow one (or more) of the participating blogs, then fill out the form below.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #500050; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">Contest Rules:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #500050; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">- Must be 16 and over</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">- One prize per household</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">- Must be registered @<a href="http://www.itssocherry.com/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.itssocherry.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #500050; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">- Only valid for those living within the continental US, or with a United States mailing address</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">Each grand prize goodie bag will contain (1) Flower necklace set (with earrings), (1) crochet head wrap (color may vary), (1) scarf (color and style may vary), (1) package nail wraps, and (1) black wrap bracelet. We will also give away 20 pairs of barefoot sandals to 20 winners. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">To enter, simply register for an account with It's So Cherry (<a href="http://www.itssocherry.com/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.itssocherry.com</span></a>) and sign up for their email list. Entries will be accepted starting Monday, May 7<sup style="line-height: 17px;">th</sup>, until midnight, mountain standard time, on Friday, May 18<sup style="line-height: 17px;">th</sup>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">Prizes will be shipped within 10 business days after contest winners have been announced. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;"> Winners will be selected using <a href="http://random.org/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">random.org</a>, and contacted using the email provided for registration on the It's So Cherry website. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">Names of the goodie bag winners will be posted to participating blog sites as well as the blog for It's So Cherry, <a href="http://www.itssocherry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.itssocherry.blogspot.com</span></a>. Upon notification, winners will have 7 days to respond, after which another winner will be chosen. </span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="793" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dFFWcmE4VzhQSjBhTElmaU5KbzdDNEE6MQ" width="760">&lt;p&gt;Loading...&lt;/p&gt;</iframe>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-40931138555114404332012-04-29T22:00:00.001-06:002012-04-29T22:00:25.961-06:00Book Review: The Newport Ladies Book Club: Olivia<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Author:</b> Julie Wright</div>
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<b>Author's Website: </b> <a href="http://juliewright.com/">juliewright.com</a></div>
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<b>Newport Ladies Book Club Blog:</b> <a href="http://thenewportladiesbookclub.blogspot.com/">thenewportladiesbookclub.blogspot.com</a></div>
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<b>About the book:</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Robbins household looks perfect from the outside: no dust, no stains, no wrinkles. Yet a glimpse into its heart reveals no laughter, no closeness, no joy. Olivia thinks that if she keeps everything tidy and serves delicious meals on time, family life is bound to get better. But when her husband, Nick, misses their anniversary, she realizes no amount of domestic success will compensate for failure in their marriage, or for her own failure to develop her identity, always busy as a mother, wife, and neighbor, she has forgotten how to be a unique and vibrant individual. Determined to make a change, Olivia joins a local book club, where she nurtures new friendships and explores new ideas. But her growing confidence falters when Nick declares his independence, and while her new friends lovingly encircle her with support, only Olivia can reach into the depths of her fledgling self to find the faith, hope, and love her troubled family needs.</i></span></span></blockquote>
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<b>My review:</b></div>
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I was excited about the opportunity to read and review <i>Olivia</i> by Julie Wright, the first book in <i>the Newport Ladies Book Club</i> series. This series is written by four of my favorite authors. These ladies came up with the ingenious idea of writing a series together. Each of the authors is already successful in their own right, so when I heard about their new venture, I knew it would be a great success. After reading Olivia, I'm sure of it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Authors of the Newport Ladies Book Club Series" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBDmlUw-nGKxEA4ezBJTyXcr9N_zrWqUdD7Zglnz3ASAiZKq7GuES6OLEDfcLk12f61lQZ7gwePmKpt1Lx_A7o6GjI1SS6anKK9S61VTZ58-NsQCACT9UFgg3RUv5JAQsLwTijvGDZVg/s300/NewportLadies-PicnicTable8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
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I've kind of been on a non-fiction self-improvement kick lately, which made me read this book from an interesting perspective. I was reminded of so many truths through Olivia's story. Things like we need to fill ourselves in order to have anything to give to others, that when comparing our weaknesses to other's strengths we'll always come up short, and that everyone has a story.<div>
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Olivia comes from a place that is common for women. She gives and gives, taking care of everyone around her, until she's at the point where she needs to do something for herself or break. In an act of desperation, she decides to join a book club. The women she meets there each enhance her life in different ways.</div>
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A big part of the story is about the broken relationship between Olivia and her husband, Nick. Having lived through some similar circumstances, I felt great empathy for her situation and was impressed by the grace with which she handled it. Character growth is one of my favorite elements in a story, and Olivia doesn't disappoint. Another element of the story that touched my heart were the Heaven Reminders--gentle nudgings Olivia received to help other people, which also blessed her life in the process. Since reading about them, I've been paying closer attention to such promptings in my own life.</div>
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I am intrigued by the other women in the story and look forward to reviewing the other books in the series. <i>Daisy</i> by Josi Kilpack will be released in May 2012. I can't wait!</div>
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To learn more about the authors or the series, please visit <a href="http://thenewportladiesbookclub.blogspot.com/">the Newport Ladies Book Club blog.</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-47619886391357990382012-04-16T12:12:00.000-06:002012-04-16T12:16:03.088-06:00Book Review: Banana Split<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JUcSdW-tyxC76S0rfcvoDofeAGOm8IpqRwmQluHg56k4MtP4rfyhZ0ovJEgZAxFLpronVbp_1h_KMCHaJaYEsO2cCzBGGsXxWUb3qHbH2ZtA7xwdSRqruuPurW1lSci7m4SjKTny8Og/s1600/Banana-Split.F-199x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JUcSdW-tyxC76S0rfcvoDofeAGOm8IpqRwmQluHg56k4MtP4rfyhZ0ovJEgZAxFLpronVbp_1h_KMCHaJaYEsO2cCzBGGsXxWUb3qHbH2ZtA7xwdSRqruuPurW1lSci7m4SjKTny8Og/s1600/Banana-Split.F-199x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Author:</b> Josi Kilpack</div>
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<b>Author's Website:</b> <a href="http://www.josikilpack.com/">www.josikilpack.com</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="color: #110000; line-height: 24px;">Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua'i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.<br /><br />Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.<br /><br />With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she'll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her.</em>
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<b>My review:</b></div>
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I was so excited when asked to read and review Josi Kilpack's most recent Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mystery. Because my life is crazy busy between working, writing, and carpooling ten kids around, I'm ashamed to admit I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but I promise you, after reading <i>Banana Split</i>, that's going to change.</div>
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I have always loved to read. It's been my escape from my own often challenging life. But lately, I haven't found the pleasure in reading that I used to. I could probably sum up my review simply by telling you that <i>Banana Split</i> reminded me of exactly why I love to read.</div>
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Sadie Hoffmiller accidentally falls into a murder mystery, but this time she's not quite up to the task. I loved the vulnerability expressed through Sadie's character. Her fears and emotions helped me personally identify with her character. This book was full of twists and turns and tender moments. I loved it!</div>
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On top of the amazing story, Banana Split includes ten mouthwatering recipes tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadie's test kitchen. </div>
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Banana Split can be purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Banana-Split-Culinary-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/1609089030/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333149243&sr=8-2" target="_blank">here</a>. To learn more about Josi's other books, please visit her <a href="http://www.josikilpack.com/">website.</a></div>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-60755595286509637972012-03-04T22:48:00.000-07:002012-03-04T22:50:17.072-07:00Book Review: On Little Wings<div class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqeBLBDmD7AMOQRmfqi9iWh2B1yY4pssHYYcPyZN5bYPRZ1-XVYADCAnvK84QT8rVv7cibISDzk5pTl_wu2ICXYmqhOJQQHzPAfpLm8Qx1ShyphenhyphentDrqQRg0tFsy_PRaTcEFR2oz6uPZWxXq/s1600/On-Little-Wings-Book-Rendering-lg.jpg" />
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<b>Author:</b> Regina Sirois</div>
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<b>Author's Website:</b> <a href="http://tapperandcompany.blogspot.com/2012/02/heart-day.html">http://tapperandcompany.blogspot.com/2012/02/heart-day.html</a></div>
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<b>About the book:</b></div>
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<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams that the photo she finds stuck between the pages of a neglected book will tear open a gaping wound to her mother’s secret past. Abandoning her comfortable life with her parents and best friend in the wheat fields of Nebraska, Jennifer’s quest for a hidden aunt leads her to the untamed coast of Maine where she struggles to understand why her mother lied to her for sixteen years.</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Across the grey, rocky cove she meets Nathan Moore, the young, reluctant genius surrounded by women who need him to be brother, father, friend, provider, protector and now, first love. The stories, varied, hilarious, and heartbreaking, unfold to paint a striking mural of the shattered past. As Jennifer seeks to piece together her mother’s story, she inadvertently writes one for herself.</span></span></blockquote>
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<b>My review:</b><br />
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I was excited when I was asked to review this book because I had heard so many good things about it. A lot of what reviewers are saying is absolutely true. Regina Sirois is a very talented new writer. She has the unique ability of putting words together in a melodious way, and she writes descriptions that make the reader feel like they are in the middle of the beautiful scenes she creates. Many of the emotions and relationships throughout the story touched my heart. <br />
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All of these things combined should have made this one of my favorite books, but I was somehow disappointed. This story is YA literary fiction. I'm not a huge fan of literary works, so that is probably part of the problem. And even though the main character is a teenager, I'm not sure the story will appeal to the market for whom it's intended. I don't think the pacing is fast enough, nor the story line exciting enough for today's young adult audience. I also found the whole premise of the book a bit unbelievable. I don't know many teenagers who are going to feel desperate enough to go against their parent's wishes to visit a long lost aunt they didn't know about. Sadly, most teens just wouldn't care. But from the other reviews I've read, maybe I'm missing the mark. I'd encourage you to read the book and decide for yourself.<br />
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I am definitely interested in reading more works by this talented new author. I'd especially like to see her write something for an adult audience. To learn more about the author, please visit her website. <i>On Little Wings</i> is available to purchase on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/On-Little-Wings-ebook/dp/B006MITQRC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330924557&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-56107664314914432042012-02-25T11:01:00.000-07:002012-02-25T11:04:32.706-07:00Book Review: Targets in Ties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig941udQ1V8Y9oQkZrFWNhyW9z0VNCaWOmUqzGmP3vizPupIByPH1iQTGfUyQoMZHUbh182csme8awkBVrEoLD0J5weQ05ZtoQQE_O2q27PZVl0I5YW-uWoh1zcCQcxZ7kn18Wim5saW8/s1600/TargetinTiesCoverWeb+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig941udQ1V8Y9oQkZrFWNhyW9z0VNCaWOmUqzGmP3vizPupIByPH1iQTGfUyQoMZHUbh182csme8awkBVrEoLD0J5weQ05ZtoQQE_O2q27PZVl0I5YW-uWoh1zcCQcxZ7kn18Wim5saW8/s320/TargetinTiesCoverWeb+(1).JPG" width="205" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Author: </b>Tristi Pinkston</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b>Author's Website:</b> <a href="http://www.tristipinkston.com/">www.tristipinkston.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Genre: </b>Cozy Mystery</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b>About the book:</b></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">After two long years, Ren's mission is finally over, and it's time for Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy to travel to Mexico to pick him up. They have their itinerary all planned out visiting the ruins in the Yucatan, shopping, playing in the sand and surf and then they'll head to Ren's mission home and be reunited with that dear boy. But a wanted antiquities thief crosses their path, and soon the ladies find themselves tangled up in a web of lies, intrigue, and costly jewelry. Held hostage by men desperate for riches, they do what only they can do keep their heads about them, plan their escape, and discuss the proper making of tortillas. Will they survive their most harrowing adventure yet?</span></i></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">My review:</span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">First of all, for those who don't already know, a cozy mystery is a book involving a crime solver (generally a woman) who is an amateur sleuth. It usually takes place in a small setting where the suspects know each other, and with characters you could envision as neighbors or friends. The amateur sleuth is a likable character who is usually not taken very seriously. Cozies are often written in a series, giving the reader time to fall in love with the characters. Tristi Pinkston has accomplished all of this and more in her Secret Sisters mystery series.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Targets in Ties</i> is the fourth book in the series. This time Ida Mae and her cohorts, Arlette and Tansy, visit Mexico to pick up Ida Mae's nephew from his mission. In no time at all, they are sleuthing around trying to solve a mystery--the most dangerous one yet.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">The reader can't help falling in love with these little old ladies and their antics. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Ida Mae, Tansy, and Arlette each have their own distinct personality, and Tristi has done a remarkable job giving each of them a voice you can recognize. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">The book is a fun read and is laugh-out-loud funny. Every time I read the books in this series, I come away feeling uplifted and happier, and I think you will too. <i>Targets in Ties</i> is available for purchase on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Targets-Secret-Sister-Mystery-Sisters/dp/1599928078/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330191420&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">The characters from Secret Sisters have their very own </span><a href="http://secretsistersmysteries.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #e4568b; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">blog!</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> If you need a smile, be sure to check it out. You can also learn more about Tristi by visiting her</span><a href="http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #e4568b; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> blog</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #e4568b; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">website</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Contest:</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In conjunction with this blog tour, Tristi is holding a contest.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;">Leave a comment on this blog post, and go visit Tristi's blog at </span><a href="http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank">http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"> and become a follower. You will then be entered to win this fun scrapbooking pack, including paper, tags, two decals, and metal tag frames. You have until midnight Mountain time on March 3rd to enter to win.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HTVpICxUt704bhe9OsiRhRYbq4fX0IvJyWSvFjmvs2hyhVfuj71sZhQPACKwX7hYHUJb57TT1ZfqNV_oWyCuQnOagydXBumtfDfNup7OcaL1hqSQBnFRO4-YZkgwkS4eB0M9RtfFh24/s1600/MomsCameraJanuary12+114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HTVpICxUt704bhe9OsiRhRYbq4fX0IvJyWSvFjmvs2hyhVfuj71sZhQPACKwX7hYHUJb57TT1ZfqNV_oWyCuQnOagydXBumtfDfNup7OcaL1hqSQBnFRO4-YZkgwkS4eB0M9RtfFh24/s320/MomsCameraJanuary12+114.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZZ89hsf246dL_Qy1SuGw3lLpDLHHEa6i1tXpWOvYFuqcfOfN1FQy-R-lC4YW3icaCfvjsFZqP7LH2GMTZODtmSO4paY31NrndymJEyFUYpTkhuXJoQfwCZAPxTQHl2iqxK9NDLRoVFQ/s1600/RetirementQuestCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZZ89hsf246dL_Qy1SuGw3lLpDLHHEa6i1tXpWOvYFuqcfOfN1FQy-R-lC4YW3icaCfvjsFZqP7LH2GMTZODtmSO4paY31NrndymJEyFUYpTkhuXJoQfwCZAPxTQHl2iqxK9NDLRoVFQ/s1600/RetirementQuestCover.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Author:</b> John Hauserman</div>
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<b>Author's Website:</b> <a href="http://retirementquest.com/home.aspx">http://retirementquest.com/home.aspx</a></div>
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<b>About the book:</b></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">RetirementQuest: Make Better Decisions was written by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner who has been counseling clients since 1992. Drawing from his twenty years of experience, John Hauserman has developed a unique ability to communicate complex financial subject matter in easy to understand terms. Readers are guided through the basics of financial planning, while threads of politics, history, and psychology are woven together to create a tapestry of deeper understanding into the financial planning world. Complete with hard hitting insight into the practices and sometimes abuses of the financial services industry, John has created a masterpiece designed to help those responsible-minded investors who are seeking to avoid common planning mistakes.</span></span></blockquote>
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<b>My review:</b><br />
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Retirement Quest is a very organized, thought-provoking, look at retirement and how to prepare for your financial future. It gives the reader an unbiased look at different types of investments, while providing tools for the reader to make educated decisions for themselves. It covers many topics including, goal setting, risk reduction, and an informative look at the impending financial construct of the future.<br />
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I have a business/finance background, so I really enjoyed the book. But, It's definitely not a light read. The average reader might find it a bit overwhelming, but it's chock full of great information and reading it is definitely worth your time. <br />
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RetirementQuest is available for purchase on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/RetirementQuest-Better-Decisions-John-Hauserman/dp/0983021708/ref%3dsr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327988186&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. Check out the <a href="http://retirementquest.com/home.aspx" target="_blank">RetirementQuest website</a> for an interactive planning tool and free classes.<br />
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<b>About the author:</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">John Hauserman, CFP is the chief executive officer of Retirement Journey, LLC. He oversees the details of the RetirementQuest planning experience.</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahmMcL94b4DNc-y7Jw-KW-ElM7wFfrH130cIm7p1WHMdv_18a0ma6ECP2wQNcoBTDPLqc2tLUqZCXWWEBhPbfdJhbbu88fbw-JMlZOJfpeNAlff_8qGCZr-euuEMXtKQtAMDAO-vaksYc/s1600/John+Hauserman+pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #000a8c; float: right; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahmMcL94b4DNc-y7Jw-KW-ElM7wFfrH130cIm7p1WHMdv_18a0ma6ECP2wQNcoBTDPLqc2tLUqZCXWWEBhPbfdJhbbu88fbw-JMlZOJfpeNAlff_8qGCZr-euuEMXtKQtAMDAO-vaksYc/s1600/John+Hauserman+pix.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Baltimore Magazin</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">e named John a five-star wealth manager, based on nine criteria, including customer service, communications, value for fee charge, and overall satisfaction.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">In 2011 John was named the Baltimore area regional ambassador serving on behalf of the Certified Financial Planner (TM) Board of Standards.</span></span>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-35788869295004080762012-02-04T22:54:00.000-07:002012-02-04T22:56:02.131-07:00Perfect Just the Way You Are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h5>
Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you were meant to be. ~George Sheehan</h5>
I LOVE the feeling of new beginnings--my birthday, a new school year, and best of all a brand new year! I've got a clean slate--a fresh new start, and another chance to commit to the health, love, and life I want for myself. Today (and everyday for that matter) I get to <strong><em>consciously</em></strong> design my destiny for 2012 exactly the way I want it to be.<br />
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As this year began, I felt hopeful. I had grand ideas about what I was going to accomplish. They were the usual things--be more spiritual, thinner, more organized, and just a wee bit closer to perfect. I read books about goal setting, made a list of things I'd like to achieve, and then . . . froze! I couldn't start any of them.
You see, I have this disorder called <strong>PERFECTIONISM. </strong>If I can't do something perfect, I shy away from doing it at all. Now, I know this is stupid. I mean, honestly, if I can't eat perfectly or exercise every day of the week, 3, 4, or 5 out of 7 is better than nothing, right? Intellectually, I get that. But it's still something I struggle with every single day. It causes me a TON of frustration and feelings of inadequacy.<br />
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As a result, I've been reading a lot about personal motivation, happiness, and change; looking for something that will make a difference in my perspective. One author advocates telling yourself, "I'm perfect and worthwhile just the way I am." Let me repeat that . . .<br />
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<strong>I'm perfect and worthwhile just the way I am. </strong><br />
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And so are you!!<br />
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I think it's time that we all resolve to accept and love ourselves exactly where we are. Without all the improvements that we could doubtless make, without the pressure to be better. Without the voice of our mother, or father, or third grade teacher that we carry in our head.<br />
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What a concept, to just be at peace with who and what we are right now.
Does this mean that we should remain stagnant or refuse to make changes that would benefit our lives? Not at all! It simply means loving yourself now!<br />
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So that is my goal this year. I'm going to learn to love myself.<br />
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As far as dealing with the issue of perfection, I've decided rather than tackling everything at once, I'm going to make one small goal per month. I figure working on the same thing all month will allow the necessary time to cultivate some new healthy habits. I figure if I work on 12 new habits this year and if even half of them stick, I'll be closer to my ultimate goals of health and happiness.<br />
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How about you? What are your goals for this year, and what's your plan of attack?Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-29493869912897403712012-01-29T20:43:00.003-07:002012-02-04T22:56:38.564-07:00Book Review: Family by Design<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
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<b>Author:</b> Heather Justesen</div>
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<b>Author's Website:</b> www.heatherjustesen.com</div>
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<b>Genre:</b> Romance/Women's Fiction</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">About the book:</b><br />
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<i style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.” </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.</span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.
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<i style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?</span></span>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.</span></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: normal; text-align: left;">My Review:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Family by Design is not your traditional love story where boy and girl meet, fall in love, and then get married. It's a topsy-turvy love story that had me cheering for Tucker and Rena from the very beginning. The fact that, at a very personal cost, they wanted to provide a home for Tucker's recently orphaned niece and nephew give you a glimpse into their characters. I loved watching their relationship grow and develop and couldn't help cheering them on, hoping that it would all turn out well in the end. Heather does a superb job at portraying the feelings of her characters. More than once Rena's emotions felt all too personal.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I highly recommend all of Heather Justesen's books, but Family by Design is my favorite. It's an unusual love story full of unexpected events and tender scenes. To learn more about Heather and her other books please visit her <a href="http://www.heatherjustesen.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="http://www.heatherjustesen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>. Family by Design is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Design-Heather-Justesen/dp/159955920X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327894001&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and at other retailers.</span></div>
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Special Offer:</div>
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Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before January 31, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, "Shear Luck." Once you buy a copy of her book <a href="http://www.heatherjustesen.com/shear-luck" target="_blank">go here</a> to get your free copy.<br />
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</span></span></span></span></div>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-77583209160260036782011-12-12T12:57:00.002-07:002011-12-12T13:02:46.707-07:00Book Review: Faithful, Fit, & Fabulous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Author:</b> Connie E. Sokol </div>
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<b>Author's Website:</b> 8basics.com </div>
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<b>Genre:</b> Non-fiction Self-help </div>
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<b>About the book:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Filled with humor and "I can relate" life experiences, <i>Faithful, Fit & Fabulous</i> is the ideal life boost--no guilt, no feeling overwhelmed, and no reaching for that pan of brownies. Connie E. Sokol shares gospel principles from scriptures, priceless gems from general conference addresses, and much more along with ways to readily apply them in your busy daily life. Finally focus on priorities while enjoying the process. Goal-setting has never been more simple, fun, and rewarding! <i>Let Faithful, Fit & Fabulou</i>s show you how!</blockquote>
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<b>My Review: </b><br />
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<span br="">
Lately, I've been at a point in my life where I feel ready for a change. I'm so happily married that I can hardly see straight, I have great kids who for the most part make good choices, I have a great job, yet I still often feel unsettled. I feel this need for personal growth. I'm ready to find my purpose in life and become the person I know that I truly am.<br />
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This is exactly what Faithful, Fit & Fabulous is all about. It identifies the following eight areas that profoundly affect our happiness:<br />
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<b>Holy Habits</b><div>
<b>A Personal Life Plan</b></div>
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<b>Being Fit and Fabulous</b></div>
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<b>Finances</b></div>
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<b>Joy in Womanhood</b></div>
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<b>Balance in Motherhood</b></div>
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<b>Organization</b></div>
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<b>Relationships</b><br /><ul><span br="">
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<span br="" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sokol focuses one chapter on each of these essential topics. The great thing about the book is that you can start exactly where you are. Pick the chapter that speaks to you and start there! For me it was Balance in Motherhood. I picked up some great ideas and have made some goals to implement them.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The book includes timeless counsel from LDS leaders, but does not come across as overly religious. There's something in it for everyone and I highly recommend it. It is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faithful-Fit-Fabulous-Basics-Transform/dp/159955903X/ref%3dsr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322626630&sr=1-1">Amazon</a>. You can also learn more about the author at her website, <a href="http://8basics.com/">8basics.com</a> where she has many other resources for getting back to the basics and transforming your life. </span></div>
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Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-17937690643234979902011-11-13T21:52:00.001-07:002011-11-13T22:38:31.186-07:00Book Review: No Holly for Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Author:</strong> Julie N. Ford</div>
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<strong>Author's Website:</strong> JulieNFord.com </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<b>Genre: </b>Romantic Suspense</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<b>About the book:</b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>As Brian McAlister struggles to move past being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he's ever loved, he's all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA's office, he crosses paths with ex-socialite turned social worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter-and romance blossoms. Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at WalMart, Holly is dreading the approaching Holiday Season. However, her angst isn't due to her husband's untimely death the previous December 25th, but because of a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas. Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for Brian and Holly when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice. A heart-warming story of suspense, healing, giving and receiving, No Holly for Christmas is the perfect addition to everyone's holiday reading list.</i></span></span></blockquote>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">My Review:</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Holly-Christmas-Julie-Ford/dp/1611602947/ref%3dsr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320874386&sr=8-1">No Holly for Christmas</a></i> is not your traditional feel good Christmas story, but it's definitely an engaging read. In my opinion, characterization is the strongest element of the story. The two main characters each had unique personality quirks that made them authentic and appealing. I enjoyed seeing their growth throughout the book. The supporting characters were also well-portrayed and a valuable addition. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">The romantic elements were well-developed, including obstacles to be overcome, and some heart-racing sexual tension between the characters.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">I thought the pacing of the story could have been somewhat improved. I was over 100 pages into the story before I felt like I couldn't put it down and wanted to read more. But, overall, I would definitely recommend the book, and look forward to reading more by Julie N. Ford.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">To learn more about the author, please visit her <a href="http://www.julienford.com/">website</a> and <a href="http://www.julienford.com/blog">blog</a>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Holly-Christmas-Julie-Ford/dp/1611602947/ref%3dsr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320874386&sr=8-1" style="font-style: italic;">No Holly for Christmas</a> can be purchased on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Holly-Christmas-Julie-Ford/dp/1611602947/ref%3dsr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320874386&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>.</span></span></div>Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-49541566245867863122011-11-05T13:54:00.002-06:002011-11-05T13:55:12.280-06:00Book Review: Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong>Author:</strong> Amy Cotta </div>
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<strong>Author's Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.amycotta.tv/">www.amycotta.tv</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Publication Date:</strong> December 2011 </div>
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<strong>Publisher:</strong> Rodale</div>
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<strong>About the Book:</strong>
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<blockquote>
We all have a pair: those frumpy, roomy, "fat jeans" we reach for when a few (or more than a few) extra pounds have banished our favorite "skinny jeans" to the back of the closet. Well, get ready to toss those fat jeans, because personal trainer and fitness expert Amy Cotta is here to help you tone up, slim down, and stay motivated until you can shimmy back into those sexy skinny jeans for good.
Cotta believes that the key to skinny jeans success is threefold: diet, exercise, and attitude. Her 6-week eating plan trims fast-burning carbohydrates for the first 3 weeks, ignites weight loss, then reintroduces and manages those carbs for the second half of the plan. Her graduated fitness plan offers three styles of cardio and strength-training exercises that get progressively more challenging to keep you from getting bored or hitting a plateau while you sculpt those curves. Both plans are simple to follow in your own home--no gym, fancy equipment, or expensive food deliveries required--and there are calendars, food logs, and meal plans to help you stay upbeat and organized. Packed with dynamic, down-to-earth strategies, <em>Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans </em>will inspire you to take control of your lifestyle and feel younger, sexier, and fitter than ever before.</blockquote>
<strong>My review:</strong><br />
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I love reading books about fitness and nutrition. I really enjoyed <em>Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans</em>. It is full of helpful information and inspiring real-life stories. Amy Cotta starts out with her own personal story which gives her credibility. Cotta's three tier-philosophy to fitness includes diet, exercise, and attitude (DEA). She argues that with only one or two of these elements you can make a small change temporarily, but that all three are required for long-term success.<br />
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The book is set up to read week-by-week. Each week includes elements from Cotta's DEA philosophy, as well as a detailed action plan, workout schedule, and checklist to complete at the end of the week to track your progress.
Perhaps the most unique thing about the <em>Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans</em> plan are the workouts. First, they are designed to be completed at home, so anyone can do it. All you need is a pair or dumbbells or a resistance band. Three workouts are included: blast, firm, and burn. The book includes photos of each exercise, and suggestions are given to make them easier or harder based on your own fitness level. There is also a stretching routine Cotta calls <em>The Daily Lube</em> to help prevent muscle soreness and to thank your body for all of its hard work.<br />
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I've read a lot of fitness books and was pleasantly surprised with all the new information presented in <em>Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans</em>. It's definitely worth adding to your fitness library. The book promises that you'll drop two pant sizes in six weeks by following the plan. Unfortunately, for me, two pant sizes still doesn't equate to "skinny jeans." But progress, not perfection, right?<br />
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Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans will be released December 20, 2011. It is now available for pre-order on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Six-Weeks-Skinny-Jeans-Blast/dp/1609611071">Amazon</a>. Learn more about the book and register to win a copy by visiting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sixweekstoskinnyjeans">Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans</a> on facebook. You can also join the <a href="http://amycotta.bodybyvi.com/">Amy Cotta Challenge</a>.<br />
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For more health and fitness information, visit my new blog at <a href="http://happyandfitby40.com/">happyandfitby40.com</a>.Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-10857715607067321142011-10-31T21:42:00.000-06:002011-10-31T21:42:35.476-06:00The best present EVER!!Yesterday was my birthday. I'm not a huge fan of birthdays, and even less a fan of presents. I'm not really sure why. Perhaps it's because one thing I hate more than anything is being the center of attention. But this year I received the best present EVER! My oldest <a href="http://www.brittsblips.blogspot.com/">daughter</a> made me a book. You'll see as we move further into this journey how much I love books. But this wasn't just any kind of book. It was a book all about me! She titled it <em>100 Reasons . . .</em><br />
<em><br /></em><br />
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<a href="http://happyandfitby40.com/?attachment_id=83" rel="attachment wp-att-83"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-83" height="233" src="http://happyandfitby40.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/imag0090-e1320116545736.jpg?w=300" title="IMAG0090" width="300" /></a> </div>
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It was a list of 100 things that she loves about me. Now, seriously, what parent of a teenager thinks their child could come up with 100 things? That being said, my daughter is not really your typical teen. She doesn't talk back, disobey, or be respectful. In fact, I don't think we even got in any kind of disagreement until a couple years ago. And even then, it wasn't severe.
I won't bore you with the whole list of 100, but here are some of my favorite:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<li>I can talk to you about anything.</li>
<li>You're sensitive to my being sensitive.</li>
<li>You help me learn to love myself.</li>
<li>You always remind me that everything happens for a reason.</li>
<li>You taught me what real beauty is.</li>
<li>You don't get mad when I butcher vegetables when we are making dinner.</li>
<li>You've shared your love of books with me.</li>
<li>You say sorry even when it's hard.</li>
<li>You've helped me learn how to be independent.</li>
</blockquote>
<br />
What a great kid! She's such a blessing in my life.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://happyandfitby40.com/?attachment_id=84" rel="attachment wp-att-84"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-84" height="200" src="http://happyandfitby40.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/101_5510.jpg?w=300" title="101_5510" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Now, you are probably wondering how all of this applies to you, right? I'm sure that each of you have people in your life who give you compliments, or tell you good things about yourself. A few months ago, I started a folder in my email titled, "Feel Good Emails." Anytime I receive something that uplifts my spirit, whether it's directed specifically at me, or just feel good information, I drop it into that folder. I even move all my favorite text messages into it. On days when I need a pick-me-up, I read through that folder. Sounds kind of hokey, but it really helps! Try it and let me know how it works.<br />
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What do you do on days when you need your spirits lifted?<br />
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<br />Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-83633865656546322562011-10-04T10:51:00.000-06:002011-10-04T10:51:19.823-06:00Deal of the Day - 3D Photos!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #282522; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Your Photos...now in 3D!</strong></span> </div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs022/1105585715751/img/55.jpg" style="line-height: 20px;" vspace="5" width="397" /> </div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><br style="line-height: 20px;" />Today's deal features one of the hottest trends right now...3D photo gifts from Snapily! These are not your typical greeting card. Instead, Snapily uses lenticular printing that simulate 3D effects and animated images! These products are not available anywhere else and feature two of the most unique offerings... </div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;">1) Personalized 3D products...no glasses required. The images on the page jump out at you! <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />2) Animated /Motion photo gifts...where 2 images are displayed in the space of a single picture. This is great for before /after, siblings, naughty/nice, and when you can't decide which picture you love best! </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> <img border="0" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs022/1105585715751/img/56.jpg" style="line-height: 20px;" vspace="5" width="397" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #282522; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;">This is your chance to stock up on these great products! From greeting cards, t-shirts and even ornaments and a GREAT price! </div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </div><div class="ecxpitch_content" style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #323232; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 29px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 29px;"> Today's Deal of the Day: $9 for $20 of products at Snapily.com </strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 20px;"> </div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">*Deal will end 10/5/11 at 11:59pm MST</strong></div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">*Shipping not included </strong> <br style="line-height: 20px;" />*<strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Coupon valid for 6 months from purchase date</strong></div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">*Limit of 3</strong></div><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">*One coupon redeemable per transaction</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #282522; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282522; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">What a fun way to send your Christmas cards this year! <a href="http://www.broadcastbloggers.com/deal.php?i=90&a=1068616">Click here</a> to order yours now.</span></span><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Kimberly%20Jo/signaturecopy-1.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-19233706643476186822011-10-02T18:23:00.000-06:002011-10-02T18:23:17.735-06:00The Story of My LifeAutobiography in Five Short Chapters<br />
By Portia Nelson<br />
<br />
Chapter 1<br />
<br />
I walk down the street.<br />
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.<br />
I fall in<br />
I am lost . . . I am helpless<br />
It isn’t my fault.<br />
It takes forever to find a way out.<br />
<br />
Chapter 2<br />
<br />
I walk down the same street.<br />
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.<br />
I pretend I don’t see it.<br />
I fall in again.<br />
I can’t believe I am in the same place.<br />
But, it isn’t my fault.<br />
It still takes a long time to get out.<br />
<br />
Chapter 3<br />
<br />
I walk down the same street<br />
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.<br />
I see it is there.<br />
I still fall in . . . it’s a habit.<br />
My eyes are open.<br />
I know where I am.<br />
It is my fault.<br />
I get out immediately.<br />
<br />
Chapter 4<br />
<br />
I walk down the same street.<br />
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.<br />
I walk around it.<br />
<br />
Chapter 5<br />
<br />
I walk down another street.<br />
<br />
Luckily, I think I'm in Chapter 4. I can't wait to see what Chapter 5 brings!<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Kimberly%20Jo/signaturecopy-1.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-35400419185098171922011-10-02T18:19:00.000-06:002011-10-02T18:19:34.245-06:00Book Review: The Alias<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIxvzU0DwaxcCLW5it3R_balQ2coRFiEMhdIdPu0WKzeVDHDi_a1vs2p0lDZNcZ5oZvRr_C_gPyRT3k3vVO1kdVGxNOpotspF5k80Kscp7CEIP_z9Ffy4qcv9FRWZtBWuTGLm7oEsiag/s1600/TheAlias.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIxvzU0DwaxcCLW5it3R_balQ2coRFiEMhdIdPu0WKzeVDHDi_a1vs2p0lDZNcZ5oZvRr_C_gPyRT3k3vVO1kdVGxNOpotspF5k80Kscp7CEIP_z9Ffy4qcv9FRWZtBWuTGLm7oEsiag/s1600/TheAlias.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Author:</b> Mandi Tucker Slack</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Genre:</b> Suspense</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Authors' Website:</b> <a href="http://www.kilenyaseries.com/" style="color: #e4568b; text-decoration: none;">http://heyyouslackers.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>About the Book:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Jacey Grayson is an average, young, divorced mother struggling to build a new life for her son, Blaze. But when the FBI discloses some disturbing information about her ex-husband, Jacey's life becomes anything but average. At the risk of losing her identity, her future, and her heart, Jacey and Blaze flee to Utah, hoping to hide and start over once again. But no matter how far she runs or who she pretends to be, her past is always lurking nearby, bringing old fears with it. Thrilling action and a suspenseful plot make this novel an edge-of-your-seat read.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>My opinion:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was very interested in reading <i>The Alias</i>. It tackles the subject of domestic abuse, which is what my 2010 release, <i><a href="http://www.kimberlyjob.com/">I'll Know You by Heart</a></i>, was about. It's always interesting to see how another author approaches a similar type of story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The Alias</i> is a true-to-life look at the emotions and fears that are inevitable as someone tries to escape an abusive situation. I loved Jacey's character and found myself empathizing with her situation. Mandi did a great job with pacing throughout this story. The book catches your attention in the very first chapter and is hard to put down.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I appreciated the growth evident in Jacey and her son, Blaze. Their experiences as they carved a new life for themselves were realistic and touching. As a mother, I understood Jacey's desire to protect her son at all costs. If you like a story that includes some heart-racing suspense as well as personal growth of the characters, I highly recommend <i>The Alias</i>.<br />
<br />
To learn more about Mandi Tucker Slack, please visit her <a href="http://heyyouslackers.blogspot.com/">website</a>. <i>The Alias</i> is available for purchase on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alias-Mandi-Slack/dp/1599555093/ref%3dsr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317347209&sr=1-1">Amazon</a>. The Kindle edition is only $3.99 which is a great price for an LDS book!</div><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Kimberly%20Jo/signaturecopy-1.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-68357707288113145642011-09-30T21:10:00.000-06:002011-09-30T21:10:03.550-06:00Book Review: The Key of Kilenya<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXibnWqheqUV_WxHyniv_7NRRESNox_H1rFiD_-YtdJ7ZARUcQhYzIQIqQ_9cdH1qVC96PO8oKqDFkHmtKUQ5ic3F7iowRPd8i8AVWWqcb9UqwyLZsaQgE99stwePeXbPY2eTWg_bqMzk/s1600/KeyCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXibnWqheqUV_WxHyniv_7NRRESNox_H1rFiD_-YtdJ7ZARUcQhYzIQIqQ_9cdH1qVC96PO8oKqDFkHmtKUQ5ic3F7iowRPd8i8AVWWqcb9UqwyLZsaQgE99stwePeXbPY2eTWg_bqMzk/s320/KeyCover.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Author:</b> Andrea Pearson</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Genre:</b> YA Fantasy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Authors' Website:</b> <a href="http://www.kilenyaseries.com/">http://www.kilenyaseries.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>About the Book:</b></div><blockquote>When two vicious wolves chase fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark down a path from our world into another, his life is forever changed. He has no idea they have been sent by the Lorkon--evil, immortal beings who are jealous of powers he doesn't know he possesses--powers they desire to control.<br />
The inhabitants of the new world desperately need Jacob's help in recovering a magical key that was stolen by the Lorkon and is somehow linked to him. If he helps them, both our world and theirs will be in danger. The Lorkon will stop at nothing to unleash the power of the key--and Jacob's special abilities.</blockquote><b>My Review:</b><br />
<br />
I was excited to get the opportunity to read this debut novel from author, Andrea Pearson. Let me preface my comments by saying that I'm not a huge fan of fantasy. I think it's because I don't like thinking outside the box and having to keep all the details of another, unfamiliar, world straight in my head. <br />
<br />
The Key of Kilenya was a refreshing change of pace from my normal reading. While it did involve a new world, and a variety of strange characters, it also included references to things with which I am familiar, like the NBA, cell phones, etc., so it was easier for me to relate to the story , and especially the main character, Jacob. He was no different than any other 14 year old I know. Okay, there are a few significant differences, but I'll let you discover those for yourself by reading the book.<br />
<br />
I'm always amazed at the ingenuity of fantasy writers because my mind just does not think that way. Andrea included many very creative elements in her book, like the glowing blue ring fingers, bears with human hands, mud bubbles, and more.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, the Key of Kilenya is perfect for the younger YA reader. It's a story full of adventure and twists and turns. As a mother, it's refreshing to know there are authors writing fantasy, like The Key of Kilenya, that is not dark and depressing. And now that I'm done with it, I can't wait to turn it over to my son.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to learn more about Andrea Pearson and her upcoming books in this fun series, please visit her <a href="http://www.kilenyaseries.com/">website</a>.<br />
<br />
The Key of Kilenya can be purchased <a href="http://www.kilenyaseries.com/p/purchase-information.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Kimberly%20Jo/signaturecopy-1.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-66681162934258888212011-09-28T13:32:00.000-06:002011-09-28T13:32:12.165-06:00Deal of the Day!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;">What's at the bottom of your purse, backpack or laptop bag? Probably everything but the kitchen sink! Today's deal eliminates the "fumbling around your purse trying to find your lipstick/lotion/bandaid" problem! </div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs022/1105585715751/img/49.jpg" style="line-height: 20px;" vspace="5" width="392" /> </div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;">PAK (Personal Accessories Kit) comes LOADED with all the must have essentials that YOU need. </div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="ecxpitch_content" style="color: red; line-height: 20px;"><div style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;">Each <strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">PAK</strong> comes stocked with personal-care products and first-aid accessories, all designed to fit inside convenient kits sized for suitcases, gym bags, and purses. Available in </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=hrowavfab&et=1107856885346&s=625&e=001et-03hCwdmCPPvqr6R4x5dxpM_zJMgljYuBRwPNJNbKazA9TnonHNf5EF1J_SNT_HZL5INdkvKKNjL6-44KchvyiKZ4lNp2zadiUKvGCIla7MuRElwO7cuTluq9Ey_YK9sNmCdoyLDs=" shape="rect" style="color: #a6a22d; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">three sizes</a><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;"> and two colors, the </span><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=hrowavfab&et=1107856885346&s=625&e=001et-03hCwdmDvNjDG-0Bpe-JQWHdMs29Y0xGQOfpEI3GUQ5JBU-yUEOn2koiL3AS8oKqwHzNCYrXh_stviCjYTaIkMPHKZVIlqr5UIL_QLTo=" shape="rect" style="color: #323232; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">PAK</a></strong><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;"> can carry myriad grooming trinkets, each slotted into its own retaining loop to prevent clutter, spillage, and inter-accouterment mingling.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px;"> <span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;"><img border="0" height="335" hspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs022/1105585715751/img/50.jpg" style="line-height: 20px;" vspace="5" width="319" /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;">More than 30 items come in the </span><span style="color: #a6a22d; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=hrowavfab&et=1107856885346&s=625&e=001et-03hCwdmDsBxa4BJa1OqjpNKksL8SRDycTVtxM0sAt0ytuvXQyu7qfDVodDAYpDgEEO_F_Jkfdq6V996QPMUJiV6iEL3gAEuSx5bqmWgiCk18GqURCfd1sMEDWDmZi--pIgQZbla-ROqBBmdCPMA==" shape="rect" style="color: #a6a22d; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">largest PAK</a></span><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;"> ($50), from tweezers and nail clippers to bandages and a set of five miniature toiletry bottles. The vessels come prefilled-with body mist, hair spray, lotion, hand sanitizer, and breath spray-but boast screw tops and wide openings for easy refilling with your favorite products! </span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="335" hspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs022/1105585715751/img/51.jpg" style="line-height: 20px;" vspace="5" width="319" /> </div><div style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;">The midsize </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=hrowavfab&et=1107856885346&s=625&e=001et-03hCwdmBAkIBWfaUXduk5NGkfPlBuq6whf-vXPSXBRgwszKYmwKl3V8PZWvgWHkkeEZbeIOpZFuMatftca6QCFn6i8ST2yp2Zv19wRus=" shape="rect" style="color: #323232; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">mini PAK</a><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;"> ($40) stows 23 goodies, and the wallet-sized </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=hrowavfab&et=1107856885346&s=625&e=001et-03hCwdmAqqEpZT2vpzOxu22djozas-l-kyWMqM80e2yuINzvU2gPvzqVq0UuFayX2dbEZHU74dFQNlh_rN-vGTu_ktd3_gau0gxL6o6M=" shape="rect" style="color: #323232; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">micro PAK</a><span style="color: #323232; line-height: 20px;"> ($30) holds 16 on-the-go essentials. All three models feature a transparent window, perfect for displaying a driver's license or a wallet-size snapshot! </span> </div></div><br style="line-height: 20px;" /><div style="color: red; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #323232; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 29px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 29px;"> Today's Deal of the Day: $25 for $50 at thePAKstore.com</strong></span></div><div style="color: red; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #323232; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 29px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 29px;"><br />
</strong></span></div><div style="color: red; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #323232; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 29px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 29px;"><a href="http://www.broadcastbloggers.com/deal.php?i=86&a=1068616">Click here</a> to make a purchase or learn more!</strong></span></div><div style="color: red; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #323232; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 29px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 29px;"><br />
</strong></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #323232;">That means you can SNAG these MUST have kits for <strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">50% off!</strong> These are PERFECT gifts for the holiday season...from your hard to buy for mother-in-law, to your babysitter...everyone NEEDS a PAK of their own! And with three different sizes, there is a PAK for everyone!</span><br />
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</div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">*Deal will end 9/30/11 at 11:59pm MST</strong></div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">*Offer valid only to address in the U.S.</strong></div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">*Refill (RePAK) items not included in promotion </strong></div><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">*Shipping not included<br style="line-height: 20px;" />*Texas Residents 8.25% sales tax at checkout</strong></div><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Kimberly%20Jo/signaturecopy-1.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0pt; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0pt; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0pt; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0pt;" />Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847232439225175875.post-25359858649943237602011-09-28T08:47:00.000-06:002011-09-28T08:47:40.801-06:00Book Review: Hang 'Em High<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6NZYWm4Nimcpr04xq61O8qePSd__xV8dC8FPnVQ9Dvi04qF4gF6PdFMChw3vGIYhUEOOvCBx3cVqRUIDAnhyOX0h8eKzEvI-F30IIBSySyc8eufcnpAr0kH4GIY1NKDX6HnKiQ2xHUU/s1600/hangemhighCover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6NZYWm4Nimcpr04xq61O8qePSd__xV8dC8FPnVQ9Dvi04qF4gF6PdFMChw3vGIYhUEOOvCBx3cVqRUIDAnhyOX0h8eKzEvI-F30IIBSySyc8eufcnpAr0kH4GIY1NKDX6HnKiQ2xHUU/s320/hangemhighCover.JPG" width="207" /></a></div><b><br />
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<b>Author:</b> Tristi Pinkston</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Genre:</b> Cozy Mystery</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Authors' Website:</b> <a href="http://www.tristipinkston.com/">http://www.tristipinkston.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>About the Book:</b></div><blockquote><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When Ida Mae Babbitt receives an invitation to visit her son Keith's dude ranch in Montana, she's excited to mend their broken relationship, but not so excited about spending time with cows. Arlette and Tansy go along with her, ready to take a vacation that does not involve dead bodies or mysteries of any sort - one must have a break from time to time. But it seems a no-good scoundrel has moseyed into Dodge City and is bent on causing all sorts of trouble for the ranch. Unable to keep her curiosity in check - especially when it seems her own son is the most likely culprit - Ida Mae decides to investigate. Can she lasso the varmint and get him to the sheriff in time?</span></span></b></blockquote><b>My Review:</b><br />
First of all, for those who don't already know, a cozy mystery is a book involving a crime solver (generally a woman) who is an amateur sleuth. It usually takes place in a small setting where the suspects know each other, and with characters you could envision as neighbors or friends. The amateur sleuth is a likable character who is usually not taken very seriously. Cozies are often written in a series, giving the reader time to fall in love with the characters. Tristi Pinkston has accomplished all of this and more in her Secret Sisters mystery series.<br />
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Hang 'Em High is the third book in the series. It's a fun read as Ida Mae and her cohorts, Arlette and Tansy, visit a Montana dude ranch. In no time at all, they're sleuthing around trying to solve a mystery before it's too late. <br />
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The reader can't help falling in love with these little old ladies and their hilarious antics as they unknowingly gets themselves into difficult situations. The book is humorous, and I found myself chuckling throughout the entire thing. Hang 'Em High also includes some tender moments between Ida Mae and her son, Keith. I think this is what made it my favorite book in the series so far, as it added depth to the story.<br />
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Tristi Pinkston is an outstanding author. She has a well-developed voice and is an expert at characterization. Throw in her amazing sense of humor, and you'll wish her stories extended far beyond the last page. But lucky for you, there are two more books in the series which will be published soon.<br />
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Hang 'Em High can be purchased online at <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Hang-Em-High-Secret-Sisters-Mystery-Tristi-Pinkston/i/5071125">Deseret Book</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hang-High-Secret-Sisters-Mystery/dp/1599928000/ref%3dsr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315378836&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>.<br />
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Tristi is seriously one of the most talented people I know. Not only is she a succesful author, but she's the mother of four beautiful children whom she homeschools, a cheerleader (no, not the short skirt and pom-poms kind) and friend, and the most awesome editor around! I know because she was mine. If you are a writer or know one, please read the details about Tristi's contest below. She's giving away an amazing prize.<br />
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<b>Contest Details:</b><br />
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To celebrate the release of Tristi's eighth book, she's holding a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered into a drawing for a free manuscript evaluation, done by Tristi Pinkston Editing <a href="http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com/">http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com</a> In fact, you can leave comments on all the blogs participating in this virtual book tour! Go to Tristi Pinkston's blog at <a href="http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/">http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com</a> for a list. The deadline is October 5th at midnight MST. If you win and you're not a writer, you can give this evaluation to a friend. <br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Kimberly%20Jo/signaturecopy-1.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Kimberly Jobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.com9