Cartoon Network Features Exclusive Footage from "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Sequel

Cartoon Network and Twentieth Century FOX are coming together once again to provide Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans exclusive on-air and online content from the set of the latest film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid:  Rodrick Rules, the sequel to the 2010 surprise movie hit.  Building off of the success of the co-branded promotion for the first film’s debut release, Cartoon Network will provide an exclusive look at the new film through behind-the-scenes content, interactive opportunities, photos, on-set videos and more.  The promotion will launch online the week of March 7 at http://www.CartoonNetwork.com/wimpy and continue throughout March, culminating on March 24 when Cartoon Network features exclusive behind-the-scenes videos during the Thursday night lineup.   Diary of a Wimpy Kid:  Rodrick Rules opens in theatres everywhere on Friday, Mar. 25.

 “After Kidscreen recently recognized our 2010 campaign with a Best Integrated Promotion award, we could not be more excited to deliver Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans even more content this time around, with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” said John O’Hara, executive vice president and general sales manager of Cartoon Network Ad Sales and Marketing.  “As Cartoon Network viewers engage themselves with our offerings across linear and digital platforms, it’s imperative that our Brand Activation and Media Partnership division continues to deliver these types of custom opportunities to our marketing partners.”

“I'm very excited about the partnership between Cartoon Network and Twentieth Century Fox to promote the second Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie, Rodrick Rules,” said Jeff Kinney, author of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series. “Cartoon Network was a dream to work with, and they worked hard to bring Greg Heffley's world to life in an interactive format for their audience. I'm thrilled that kids who visit Cartoon Network's site will get to see Rodrick's band, Löded Diper, in all its glory. Cartoon Network has done an amazing job of bringing a great Wimpy Kid experience to their audience!”

The custom Cartoon Network online destination for Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans will feature key movie artwork and famous hand-drawn illustrations found from the book series.  Fans will be immersed in Wimpy Kid Greg Heffley’s world, where they can access “Greg and Rowley’s Secret Web Page” and “Löded Dipers’ Webspace.”  Each section is developed in a dedicated tone and style reflecting the characters’ personalities.  The web site will also feature Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules behind-the-scenes video, on-set videos, pictures and interactive elements, with new content rolling out at the start of each week.
                On March 24, during Cartoon Network’s Thursday night lineup, Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans tuning in will be rewarded with exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the new movie.  One piece will be custom-produced by Cartoon Network and feature a musical look at Löded Diper, the band fronted by older brother Rodrick.   Throughout the week, Cartoon Network will air a special promo featuring Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules stars Zachary Gordon (who portrays Greg Heffley) and Robert Capron (as Rowley), encouraging fans to tune-in Thursday night.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 99 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families.  Nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animated and live-action comedy series for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.  
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Walmart.com will offer 40% savings on all Dr. Seuss books plus free shipping

Walmart is celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday tomorrow with the kick-off of its 2^nd annual Read Across America program that makes reading to kids easier and more affordable!

In honor of the beloved children’s book author, Walmart stores across the U.S. are offering children’s books starting at $5 for a savings of up to 40 percent.

In addition, over 250 Dr. Seuss titles will be available on Walmart.com with free shipping.

More details, including a full list of book titles, will be available starting March 2 on Walmart.com/books.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Book Review - The ROTH Revolution: Pay Taxes Once and Never Again

About the Book
Millions of IRA and retirement plan owners have a feeling there is something they should be doing with their money but they don’t know what to do. They are also afraid of future tax increases and want to protect themselves. There are thousands of books trying to tell you how to invest your money. "The Roth Revolution", however, offers proven strategies regarding Roth IRA conversions and other complementary strategies to help readers preserve and accumulate and pass on wealth by drastically reducing their taxes. "The Roth Revolution" provides a thorough and clear explanation, as well as a step-by-step guide on what IRA and retirement plan owners should do to maximize their retirement and estate plan.


My Take on the Book
As a person who does not always know what to do with his money, I can say that this book was straight-forward and easy to understand. I found this book to be a great resource for both the expert as well as newcomer to ROTHs. What I liked most within the book were the examples help within the book. As a non-expert, the examples were easy to understand and could be shared vastly with others to increase their own financial savvy.

Not that I a ready for retirement anytime soon, which is another reason that I along with many of my colleagues may be wanting to look for ways to save money, and ROTH IRas' are one way to consider =, as this book explains well.

Overall, this book was a quick and easy read and one that I would share with all!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Booksfree.com opens the Door to Reading!

Help your children get a head start on their summer reading list with BooksFree.com without putting your name on a library waiting list or paying a fortune! An affordable way for parents to save big on the many books required to read over the summer, BooksFree.com helps the whole family enjoy reading without continuing to add to that growing pile of books in the corner!

Often referred to as the “Netflix of the Book World,” BooksFree is a fantastic idea for the whole family!  It’s easy to use and best of all, affordable! These days, it’s all about saving money where you can and with ideas and services like BooksFree.com, easy to do so!  You can find books for mom, dad, the kids, audio books and so much more, it’s just as easy as point, click and order!  There are never any late fees, your child can take their time reading the required summer books for school without getting on a wait list at the library, and once you are done, simply send it back.

BooksFree.com offers hundreds of thoughts titles to its’ members and with subscription plans starting as low as $40 for three months of great service, there is no better idea for families. www.BooksFree.com

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Healthy Is in Vogue

These days, a lot is being said about the importance of children living a healthy lifestyle.  Parents want their children to grow up healthy and strong. Here are three no-nonsense tips mothers everywhere can use to help direct their children toward more healthy choices, now and in the future.

Lead by Example

Whenever you can show your children the importance you place on taking care of yourself and your body, seize the opportunity to do so. The more they see you striving to live a more balanced and healthy life, the more likely they will be to follow suit.

Know What Your Child Is Eating

Have you ever read the ingredients of some of the foods your children are eating? Not only are some of the ingredients difficult to pronounce, but it is also not always obvious what they are or why they are in the food. Now you can obtain a greater understanding with The Dictionary of Food Ingredients.  This book is full of information about ingredients such as algin, a substance used in ice cream, puddings, icings and “fabricated fruit.” That’s right, fake fruit. Use a resource such as this book to help you make healthy choices.

Be Honest

Children seek out honesty, even if it changes their perspective on the world they live in.  If your children look at you with those inquisitive eyes and ask why they can no longer have a certain snack, be honest. Tell them it’s because they contain unhealthy ingredients. Share with them the science behind food processing in words they can understand. And reassure them that you will always be there to make sure the foods they eat will be good for them.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review - Bad Girls

About BAD GIRLS:

In Bad Girls, Dr. Carole warns men to beware of the 12 types of dangerous damsels and reveals the appeal of the most famous bad girls of all time (ie: ”The Gold-Digger”/Anna Nicole Smith, “The Addict”/Britney Spears, “The Sexual Withholder”/Nicole Kidman, “The Husband Stealer”/Angelina Jolie, “The Commitment Phobe”/Pamela Anderson, and “The Husband Hunter and Trapper”/ Jessica Simpson). 

Bad Girls includes over 100 shocking and intimate interviews with men who were hooked on bad girls and how it ruined their lives. Men discover how susceptible they are to being put under a bad girl’s spell by taking “The Sitting Duck Test” and learn tips to avoid falling prey to a bad girl. Similarly, women take “The Bad Girl Test” to reveal if they are a Wanna-Be Bad Girl, a Man-Eater, or somewhere in between.  For the wanna-be bad girl, Dr. Carole helps good girls discover bad girl secrets, so that men will fall at their feet without breaking their hearts.

About the Author:

Dr. Carole is a three-time Emmy award-winner and author of the bestselling book Bad Boys: Why We Love Them, How to Live with Them and When to Leave Them. In Bad Boys Dr. Carole reveals how women can turn frogs into princes, how to avoid unhealthy relationships and how men addicted to heartbreak can find true love. She can be heard live every Tuesday as the host of the popular talk show Dr. Carole’s Couch on VoiceAmerica.com. Dr. Carole also maintains a star-studded private practice in Beverly Hills, and works as a psychiatric expert witness, testifying in high profile trials.

My Take on the Book
I have never fallen for a "bad girl" per se, but I know people who have....and many of them have paid for it in the long run. This book was an interesting one as it provided men a peek into these bad girls and what we can do to better understand this phenomena. The book is full of real life examples and while some people will not appreciate this book, as some may say that it is based on speculation and assumption. I found though that the real life nature of the book and down-to-earth examples were great and made the book easy to understand and to follow. 


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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The Gatekeepers Post Launches a New Social Media Book Publishing Community

Author and media personality, Jeff Rivera launches The Gatekeepers Post, a new social media community intended to make a significant impact on the conversation of book publishing.With the decline in print book sales, the increase of eBooks, the rapid closing of independent bookstores and the boom in young adult fiction, the world of book publishing is experiencing a flux few could have anticipated even five years ago.
Industry outlets have struggled to keep pace with the new developments in publishing but the changes are happening too fast for anyone to cover it all.  The industry and public's insatiable appetite for fresh news on the rapid changes has only increased.
The Gatekeepers Post hopes to satisfy that appetite.  A cross between Huffington Post and Publishers Weekly, the outlet features some of the most important and respected voices in book publishing.
Joined by an editorial advisory board that includes the likes of print and online magazine editor Neal Boulton; TechSavvy high-tech consulting CEO Scott Steinberg; New York Times bestselling author and Publisher, Zane; Planned TV Arts’ Rick Frishman; Editor-in-Chief of Publishing Perspectives Ed Nawotka; Smashwords’ Mark Coker; Thomas Dunne Book’s Brendan Deneen; eReads.com publisher and veteran literary agent Richard Curtis; Editor-in-Chief of Gawker.tv Richard Blakeley; former Writers Digest Books Editor-at-Large Jane Friedman; Authorpreneur Joe Konrath; and Hachette’s Director of Multicultural Publicity Linda Duggins.  The new outlet also features Gatekeepers bloggers that site founder and Editor-in-Chief Jeff Rivera personally handpicked.
"The support from the industry has been overwhelming," says Rivera, "I'm proud of the high caliber of Gatekeepers and guest bloggers who'll be joining us."  Veteran agents, major editors, librarians, publishers, publicists and authors such as New York Times bestseller Alisa Valdes Rodriguez will be lending their voice to the community as well. Book publishing heavy weights such as Andrea Barzvi of ICM, Keith Ogorek of Author Solutions, Harvey Klinger of the Harvey Klinger Agency, Bill Gladstone of Waterside Productions, Glenn Yeffeth of BenBella Books, Steve Wilson CEO of  Fast Pencil and Ellen Goldsmith-Vein of Gotham Group have also joined.
A steady stream of book-centric reviews, headlining news, articles, and op-ed pieces, will be incorporated within the outlet along with forthcoming special events such as virtual panel discussions and online conferences.
Gatekeepers Post officially launched on February 1, 2011 at midnight.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Debut Novel JIMMY STONE'S GHOST TOWN Is a Huge Hit!! - Available NOW on Amazon.com & BN.com!!

On December 7th, Author Scott Neumyer released his thrilling, fun, and heartfelt middle grade novel JIMMY STONE'S GHOST TOWN, on Amazon.com! Available for only $0.99, JIMMY STONE'S GHOST TOWN is can be downloaded on the Amazon Kindle (as well as Kindle for Mac, Kindle for PC, Kindle for iPhone, Kindle for iPad, Kindle for Android, and Kindle for Blackberry) and BN's Nook & Nook Color (as well as Nook apps on iPad and many mobile phones)!

JIMMY STONE'S GHOST TOWN has become a huge hit by selling over 1,500 copies in less than 8 weeks on sale! It started climbing up the Amazon.com charts in less than a week's time! It reached #2 in Children's Books for Boys & Men (ahead of Justin Bieber's new book) and was #1 on the Hot New Releases section of that same genre! It currently has 33 Five-Star Reviews on Amazon.com and 6 Five-Star Reviews on BN.com! It has also ranked in the Top 500 books on Amazon.co.uk!

For less than a dollar, readers can enjoy this "fantastical mystery for young readers" that Lara Zielin (Author of DONUT DAYS and THE IMPLOSION OF MAGGIE WINCHESTER) has called "...irresistibly appealing!" Available now on Amazon.com (Direct link: http://amzn.to/jimmystone), BN.com (Direct link: http://bit.ly/jimmystonebn), and Amazon.co.uk (Direct link: http://amzn.to/jimmystoneuk), JIMMY STONE'S GHOST TOWN is the most entertaining way to spend 99 cents!

“Ghost towns are fraught with danger, but Neumyer makes them irresistibly appealing."
—Lara Zielin, author of DONUT DAYS and THE IMPLOSION OF AGGIE WINCHESTER

JIMMY STONE'S
GHOST TOWN
By Scott Neumyer

Available NOW on Amazon.com

For Jimmy Stone, life in "Boredsylvania" has been pretty tough. His mom's died, his dad's completely checked out, and he spends his days running from the Coogan Boys, the local bullies. It isn't long, however, before "Boredsylvania" gets a lot more exciting. With his new friend, David and his dog, Trex, by his side, Jimmy discovers that the woods beyond his backyard hold the key to a world he could never even imagine. Soon, he ends up in Ghost Town, where he’s greeted by his ghost guide, Gasp, and receives an ominous prophecy.

“Seven things you must find.
One thing for each day.
Seven things you must find.
Or else they all will pay!

Suddenly Ghost Town becomes as scary as it sounds, and Jimmy Stone realizes that he's in way over his head.

JIMMY STONE'S GHOST TOWN is available now on Amazon.com where readers can download the novel for the Amazon Kindle, as well as on all available Kindle apps on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and many other mobile devices. It is also available to download on B&N's nook (http://bit.ly/jimmystonebn), as well as in many other formats on Smashwords.com (http://bit.ly/jimmystoneonsmashwords).

To view a Teaser Trailer, readers can visit www.whoisjimmystone.com.

About the Author

Scott Neumyer currently lives in New Jersey with his wife and daughter. He is a writer, publicist, and photographer who has over ten years experience in online PR & marketing. He also worked three years as a Media Buyer for a major national film distributor. Scott has appeared in Wanted Undead or Alive: Vampire Hunters and Other Kick-Ass Enemies of Evil (Citadel Press August 2010). He has also been published online and in print in presitigious magazines such as McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Pindeldyboz, and Hobart Pulp. Find him online at www.scottwrites.com and www.whoisjimmystone.com. You can reach him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/scottneumyer and Facebook at www.facebook.com/scott.neumyer

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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I'm Sharing an Interactive Children's Book Library

Story Time For Me has released a library of FREE interactive multimedia storybooks for homes, schools, daycares and libraries. Our program will encourage children to read entertaining, animated stories with socially relevant themes such as ‘Not to bully’, ‘Sharing’, ‘Being responsible for the environment’, ‘Helping your neighbor’, etc.


Access to books is essential to reading development. The only variable that directly correlates with reading scores is the number of books in the home. According to A.C. Nielsen & Co the average child watches over four hours of television per day and before finishing elementary school, that same child will have seen 8,000 murders on TV.

Story Time for Me wants to give free access to 100’s of quality children’s books. But that’s only part of our mission. All books published by Story Time For Me teach good morals and values with socially relevant themes. Books with uplifting story lines can make a positive impression on the minds of new readers. Our wholesome, entertaining, animated books feature easily identifiable animal characters learning to make positive decisions in everyday life situations. Parents can be sure Story Time For Me books will entertain their children while teaching them good moral values.

This library of books is recognized by educators and teaching professionals for its excellence in promoting literacy. “As the founder of the KART Foundation, a child’s literacy organization, I find Story Time For Me to be an excellent adaptation of traditional storytelling in the Internet age. The quality of the stories is first class, with loveable characters that all children can identify with,” said Terica Lynn Swangin, researcher, and author of the Scribbles & Friends Series PediNatural (TLS KIDS BOOKS) and founder of The KART Foundation. “As children read these stories, they are boosting their reading skills and learning socially responsible tools for life. Being a researcher who specializes in early childhood education initiatives for the ‘whole child,’ I see Story Time For Me as an innovative holistic learning solution that could close the literacy achievement gap between schools, communities, and families.” Each child can read the storybook themselves, have his or her parents read the story or listen to the professional voice actor narration.

“The development of this free library fosters a continued love of reading through our multimedia storybooks,” said Andrew Gitt, co-founder of Story Time For Me. “We are thrilled with the response we are already getting from educators and schools across the United States, and are currently expanding our outreach efforts. Select branches of Goddard Schools, Bright Horizons, Primrose, YMCA, JCCA, Childcare Network and a dozen other National chains are using our books as supplemental learning resources for their children.”

“Our goal is to attract a corporate sponsor with similar literacy goals to help distribute our growing library in multiple languages world-wide," said Susan Gitt, co-founder of Story Time For Me. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for a sponsor to receive positive branding while helping millions of families become better readers and socially responsible adults. For corporate sponsors, our books will also be made available on I-Pads and print versions with the sponsor’s branding on the cover. Special subject books and branded books are available for distribution to complement public service marketing efforts.

ABOUT STORY TIME FOR ME

Story Time For Me, founded in 2009, is a unique literary website designed specifically for toddlers and children ages 1 to 8 encouraging them to read and listen to enjoyable, online, multimedia picture books. Story Time For Me offers a one-of-a-kind, animated, personalized line of books for both retail and promotional marketing. In this the personalized Story Time For Me series, the child (or the business) becomes the “star” of the book by having his or her photo inserted and animated throughout the entire story in different poses and settings.

The Story Time For Me e-library offers compelling storytelling with inspiring and memorable characters designed to stimulate any child’s imagination. The content improves the student’s cognitive development and reading skills. The interactive language prompts provide children with their own personal reading coach.

Story Time For Me offers teacher, parents and children valuable literary resources that teach wholesome values through socially relevant themes, while promoting healthy parental interactions that inspire and foster a child’s passion for reading.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Story Before Bed and Sourcebooks Partner to Give Away Bestselling Picture Book to Military Families this Valentine’s Day!

A Story Before Bed (http://www.astorybeforebed.com/) has given away over 85,000 free recordable children’s eBooks to deployed and deploying parents in the U.S. Armed Forces. These stories, recordable and viewable on the online children’s book service, help keep families connected through long separations.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, A Story Before Bed is partnering with Sourcebooks to provide the bestselling picture book, I Love You More by Laura Duksta, and illustrated by Karen Keesler for *free* to military subscribers. The free promotion starts TODAY February 9th, 2011 (ending Thursday, February 24th).

I Love You More is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a child or a parent, and Sourcebooks and A Story Before Bed are thrilled to make a recording of the book available free to military families. Existing military subscribers can use their regular subscription code to redeem I Love You More recordings through the site. Deployed or deploying military families who have yet to subscribe to our service can head to www.astorybeforebed.com/military to apply for a free subscription.

Thanks to all the military families for their sacrifice and service. We appreciate everything you do and hope this lovely book will help bring joy and love to this Valentine’s Day.


A Story Before Bed (http://www.astorybeforebed.com/) is the first and only service on the web that lets parents and grandparents record videos of themselves reading children’s books into their webcam. Kids can play back the recordings synchronized with the pages of the digital children’s book as often as they like in their web browser, and even on their iPad or iPhone via the free A Story Before Bed App in the App Store. The library currently has over 250 books for your reading and recording enjoyment and more are being added all the time. Additionally, A Story Before Bed won a Publishing Innovation Award at the recent Digital Book World Conference in New York City in the Children’s category.

Sourcebooks is a forward-thinking, independent publishing house with a passion for books and a dedication to the belief that books change lives. We are committed to innovative publishing, where every book is personal and every author’s voice has a place. We are a group of passionate, energetic and enthusiastic book lovers, and we are committed to helping readers experience each book. Sourcebooks has over 70 employees, publishes over 300 new titles each year, and celebrates their success with 15 New York Times Bestsellers. Sourcebooks is proud to be the largest woman-owned book publisher in the country. Visit http://www.sourcebooks.com/ for more information, and check out the Sourcebooks blog.
 
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review - Three Good Things

About the Book

Three Good Things: Happiness Every Day, No Matter What! is about making each day a good day. The book reminds us that we have the power to have any kind of day or life that we choose. The author began telling the Three Good Things story in training sessions to illustrate the power of perspective and positive expectations. Three Good Things would consistently be written under, the most important thing I learned. This happened whether the topic was marketing, planning, decision making, or nonprofit management. The simple concept as portrayed in this book is astonishingly powerful.

About the Author
Erika K. Oliver is an author, consultant, and speaker. She assists individuals and groups in their professional environment in the areas of marketing, public relations and communication to help them set and reach attainable goals. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Nazareth College and Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. She is also a proud member of the National Speakers Association. 

My Take on the Book

This is a great self-help book that provides readers with a great way to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones and how replacing this allows us to lessen the stress within our life. 

The book itself was quite uplifting and allows the reader to be optimistic within our life. This optimistic view on life idea was one that amazed me and that by focusing on this, one is able to boost their confidence and productivity. The book also talks about the idea that spreading happiness is good for everyone and that if you do work to catch this happiness, your life and the lives of others around you will be unmistakeably changed for the better. 

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review - Master Your Sleep

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sleep disorders plague a frightening percentage of the population, and many people who have problems sleeping simply learn to live with their affliction. But at what cost? Sleep disorders can affect all aspects of life, from school and work to personal relationships to mental health. Because of the myriad types of sleep disorders and the equally numerous treatment methods, there is no quick fix for all sufferers. 

Master Your Sleep is for those who are looking for answers. Dr. Tracey Marks explains how and why we sleep and delves into the many types and potential causes of sleep disruption. Master Your Sleep will help readers understand their sleep patterns and provides an extremely thorough exploration of potential treatments, from herbal and prescription medications to a variety of therapies. From the simple to the complex, Dr. Marks explains the potential risks and benefits found in all treatment methodologies.

Master Your Sleep is an invaluable addition to the libraries of those who suffer from sleep disorders and family members of sufferers. Stop ''living with'' your sleep disorder and take action to end it!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TRACEY MARKS, MD, (www.beyondburnoutblog.com) is an Atlanta psychiatrist and psychotherapist specializing in how stress and anxiety impact quality of life. Dr. Marks has worked with numerous women struggling to balance their life and work, while also overcoming burnout, depression and other stress-related issues. Dr. Marks obtained her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her medical degree from the University of Florida. Board certified in both General Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry, she is a frequent forensic contributor on “InSession” on TruTV. 

My Take on the Book Do you currently or have you had problems in the past with getting a good night's sleep? This short, condenced book, is a valuable resource that will assist all in taking control of your sleep and better understand the habits that you may have that lead to poor sleep. 

Inside the book you will find that it is broken down into easy to understand sections and that there are many good ideas that they share including: no caffeine after noon, and start winding down a few hours before bed and have a "quiet time" when you get into your jammies and settle for the night. 

One of the things that I think is hard to grapple with is the idea that you need to get away from the computer as it will keep you awake due to the light and the flickering of the computer (as will a television).

The book also goes into medications (both prescription and over-the-counter remedies) that one can take to aid with their sleep and even information on other ways in which you may be able to get help, such as visiting a sleep clinic.

This book is full of so many valuable resources, I would highly recommend this quick read, as it will change the way in which you view your sleep and the habits that may contribute to your sleep patters.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: Scandinavian Classic Baking

About the BookDistinguished by hints of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange peel, these sweet yeast breads, berry-studded tarts, and nutty pastries offer the most memorable flavors of Scandinavian cuisine. Gorgeously photographed, the authentic recipes range from hearty and wholesome Scandinavian Rye Bread, Swedish Lucia Buns, and Mini Princess Cakes to the traditional and venturesome Danish Aebleskiver, Norwegian Fattigmann, and Sandbakkels.
The book, organized by type of dish, includes information about each of the countries that make up Scandinavia along with anecdotes and notes about traditions, holidays, and baking tips and tricks. Featuring photographs from around the region and information on where to find the equipment for specialty baking endeavors, this cookbook invites bakers of all levels to experience Northern Europe’s best coffee breads, cakes, cookies, and tarts.

My Take on the Book
As a Swedish American, I have to say that though I have this blood flowing through my veins, I never really grew up with this type of food in my home. Though this was the case, I was always interested in trying recipes, but I had yet to try them in the past. Thus, when I was asked to try out this recipe book, I knew that it was definitely one that I wanted to try for myself.

This book does a great job of sharing some of the delicacies that the Scandinavian countries are known for such as the pastries and other bakery items. I found the recipes to be easy to follow and not to intricate that I was messing up the ones that I tried. To this point I have tried only a couple of recipes and I have to say that they are thus far very succulent, and I know though that if I am not careful, I will be putting on some extra pounds from these extra baked goods.

So if you love pastry and baking, try some ethic baking and learn form the best!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
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Book Review: You Are a Gift to the World by Laura Duksta

About the BookLaura Duksta lost all of her hair at age eleven.  She was bullied, teased and humiliated throughout her teenage and college years. Even today, she remembers so clearly when someone at a party grabbed her wig and tossed it across a dance floor.

As a result, Laura became introverted and depressed, and tried to fill the void caused by feeling like a misfit in unhealthy ways. It wasn't until her thirtieth birthday, and after the idea for her first book, I Love You More, that she was finally able to accept herself, and her bald head.

The idea of I Love You More came to Laura after she saw her sister dealing with issues of being a young mother, and her nephew as a victim of those difficulties.  Laura self-published I Love You More and sold more than 50,000 copies.  Sourcebooks then released the book and it went on to become a New York Times bestseller.  Now, she is releasing a new book, You Are a Gift to the World (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; April 19, 2011; $16.99; hardcover). 

Laura has become a champion for our children, writing books like I Love You More and You Are a Gift to the World to spread a message of love, appreciation and acceptance. I Love You Morewas written for her nephew, so that he—and all children—might know that no matter what's going on in their lives or the world around them, they are loved. Only recently did Laura realize that writing I Love You More was also a healing experience for her.

You Are a Gift to the World has a powerful message for children and adults about appreciating one another and the world around us. It also continues to generate the conversation of love amongst people everywhere.

My Take on the BookThis ingenious book is an excellent springboard for parents and children to discuss what special gifts the child has and how everything in the world is a special gift to us..

The book is a flip book. It is two books in one. One book is on the front and as you read it , you finally get to a middle section which then allows you to flip the book over and read the second book.

Let's a begin with YOU ARE A GIFT TO THE WORLD

The first section is a delight. A father and his daughter are enjoying each other's company and the out doors. He tells her she is the best gift in the whole world. He proceeds to describe some of the reasons he tells her this: she is one of a kind, she sings sweetly, he loves to hear her laugh, her smile brightens his day,her hugs are the best.

The flip side: THE WORLD IS A GIFT TO YOU

So what is the greatest gift in the whole wide world? You only need to look at your surroundings to find some of the answers. So discuss what you see. Do you live in the mountains or by the seashore? Do you have trees in your yard which are homes to birds ?

Are you able to play in the water of an ocean, lake or river?

The story illustrates the miracle of life through baby birds and the seed that becomes a beautiful flower.
Our oceans are a gift supporting the lives of whales, fish, turtles, crabs, many plants, and more.
And don't forget the sun which sustains all life on Earth and produces amazing sunrises and sunsets.

It does not take much to look around and see the gifts the world gives each and everyone of us.

This book ends in the same center page as the first book did. There are two sentences as a closing. YOU ARE A GIFT TO THE WORLD AND THE WORLD IS A GIFT TO YOU. SO AS YOU TRAVEL THROUGH LIFE, YOU SEE ALL THE WAYS IT'S TRUE.

Do take the time to tell your child about their specialness and the gifts the world has for them.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: THE SUPER SPROWTZ: I AM BRIAN BROCCOLI AND I AM SUPER STRONG

Meet the Super Sprowtz! from Super Sprowtz on Vimeo.

Super Sprowtz gives moms an easy and effective way to teach their kids to enjoy eating vegetables.  Finally, there is a solution for the picky eater who won't eat broccoli or carrots or spinach -- Super Sprowtz!  And it doesn't involve hiding fresh veggies in other foods to trick kids into eating them.  I founded this company - with these fun and engaging veggie superhero characters - because I passionately believe moms need better tools to help their young children build honest and healthy relationships with healthy food.  My full bio is online, but a quick overview -- my background includes:  fitness instructor, organic restaurateur in New York City (I own 2 organic restaurants with my twin sister), film and TV producer for 10 years, and lifelong food enthusiast. 

My Take on the Book
This delightful book introduces the reader to vegetables as the main characters. The first page of the book gives the reader a short file of information about Brian Broccoli and the mission he and his vegetable comrades must accomplish.. Brian Broccoli must stop Greasy Grease Cart from destroying the fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers' market.

As the story progresses, you meet not only Brian Broccoli , but also Oliver Onion, Grete Garlic, and Colby Carrot. They are living on a rooftop greenhouse and have befriended a little girl named Rayne who takes care of the greenhouse and the plants who live there.
Colby Carrot spies the Greasy Grease Cart heading towards the farmers' market with the intent of destroying the vegetables and fruits .
The vegetable friends are mobilized and speed in Suzy Sweetpea's peapod-cycle to intercept and destroy the cart.

The story of course has a happy ending.Our authors are educating the readers into seeing that fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier eating alternatives to greasy foods.

The authors include information about the value of ten fruits and vegetables in the glossary and include a delicious vegetable side dish that you and your child can prepare together.

I can see a family enjoying the book and then purchasing various fruits and vegetables for tasting and cooking together.

You can make a difference in what your child eats and this book is a good beginning to a healthier YOU.

Buon Appetito!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: The Maverick Experiment

About the Book
Straight from the mind of a U.S. intelligence and special operations officer comes The Maverick Experiment, a novel that will bring readers closer to the duties and lives of our own special forces than any news story ever could. Breaking all the rules, a battle-hardened group of fighters confront Afghan terrorists on their own terms.

Join an independent team of American warriors on a deadly undercover mission. An experienced operative, well-trained in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape, Derek Stevens is the ideal candidate to lead a crew on a top-secret mission into Afghanistan to neutralize Taliban leaders. However, the mission turns out to be much more than even he had expected.

The Maverick Experiment is a fast-paced, well-plotted military thriller that is enhanced by the author's vast knowledge of U.S. Intelligence, the Special Operations community, and the psychology that drives terrorists.  The immediacy and accessibility of the prose, the conversational language, and the action-packed storyline will quickly engage readers and hold their interests throughout.

The first in a series, the book expertly lays the groundwork for further Maverick missions.

Check out www.drewberquist.com and www.themaverickexperiment.com for more information about Drew and "The Maverick Experiment".

About the Author
Drew Berquist is a senior intelligence consultant for United States government. Prior to his position there, he served as an officer with the U.S. Department of Defense, where he conducted intelligence and special operations. Berquist, who was trained in Arabic, speaks to audiences as an expert on Afghanistan and the global War on Terror. Berquist currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife and child.

My Take on the BookThis book was a page-turner! From the beginning to the end you are on a roller coaster of excitement. Like many books that I enjoy reading (action adventure) this book kept me on the edge of my seat, anticipating the next move of the main characters and wondering where the plot would lead next.

This was a book that captivated me, and I found that I could not put it down. Typically a slower reader, this book encouraged me to keep going and I was done in only about two days. I probably could have been done sooner, if I had stayed up a bit later!   

The book has good character development and characters all-together and I found myself being drawn into the back story and intricate plot that the author weaved for his characters and for his readers!



As I mentioned above this is the start of a series of books and I for one am looking forward to the sequels!



All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: Fragile

About the Book
For 50 years, Amanda Geist has held a torch for her childhood love Tris Holloway, saving herself and expecting the same from him. Holloway, meanwhile, is stuck in a loveless marriage, having always felt that his life was never fully realized. When Geist walks into the hair salon of single mom Holly Schenck to get a trim before her high school reunion (where she hopes to see Holloway), she sets off a chain of events that bounds all three together. In a failed bid for profundity, debut novelist Katsaropoulos employs a fragmented, head-jerking storytelling style with a fractured point-of-view meant to imitate a film's sense of simultaneous action. Unfortunately, the effect never quite gels; cramped for space and trapped by their own passivity, his characters come across as shallow and unsympathetic. Most frustratingly, Katsaropoulos falls back on easy shock-value plot twists to compensate for a lack of compelling drama.

My Take on the Book
This book looks at how easily a human can be broken and on the lives of three main characters whose lives definitely are in this state.Each of these characters' stories are so poignant and telling, that you are simply drawn into the world that the author constructs and you find yourself losing yourself in the intricacies of the story itself.

I found the writing of this style unique, as much like the characters, the book itself is written in a broken format, with chapters in small segments chopped up, and not in any certain cadence that was evident. This is not a negative trait for the book, but it is something you do not always find in writing styles today.

Because of this fragmented style of writing, it does take a bit of time to get used to the disjointed jumping around that happens. In most cases as a reader you can follow the line of the plot, but there were a few times where I did struggle with this as well.

The author does a great job though in building up his characters, and developing a beautiful and intricate web of interconnectedness that leads the story forward!

Overall a good book, and one that I would recommend, just know that it will be one that will be different than most that you have ever read in the past!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: Exploiting My Baby

About the Book

EXPLOITING MY BABY, the honest, hysterical, and touching new mom-oir form television and radio personality Teresa Strasser just hit stores, and I want to make sure you and your audience are aware of this fresh look at motherhood.

LA Weekly recently raved about the book, writing that “Teresa Strasser cuts right through the mucus plug with Exploiting My Baby*: *Because It's Exploiting Me. With such titles as ‘Sitting Stretch Mark Shiva’ and ‘I'll Miss You, Toxins,’ Strasser's funnier than your funniest friend and her neuroses are more acute than Joan Rivers' Having a Baby Can Be a Scream. From the initial wondering, ‘Would both my ass and my mind wear mom jeans?’ to her post-birth home that ‘looks like Chuck E. Cheese after an earthquake,’ Strasser's hilariously forthcoming about every step of the process. And as for exploiting her little bundle of joy, she states: ‘Kid, I just made you a spleen and some eyebrows. The least you can do is get Mommy a book deal’.” And check out Teresa’s fantastic interview about the book and motherhood with THE TALK (CBS-TV):  http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_talk/video/?pid=Z8geNK5gF9rDeBnzdZuigCVok1RPATWX&vs=Clips&play=true

Teresa Strasser, an award-winning journalist, thought to herself, “If Tori Spelling and Kate Gosselin can milk their children for all they’re worth, why can‘t I?” So she has given birth to EXPLOITING MY BABY, BECAUSE IT’S EXPLOITING ME: A Memoir of Pregnancy and Childbirth, the unflinchingly honest, always hysterical, and surprisingly heartwarming collection of essays about being a mom for the first time at 38. Strasser’s unique and candid take on motherhood is certain to open up a more honest dialogue between moms everywhere, and is a refreshing entry into the mom-oir world.

Experience Teresa in action, both on television and over the radio, on her website (http://www.teresastrasser.com/ ), and her blog, ExploitingMyBaby.com (http://teresastrasser.com/blog).

Whether discussing her significant “mommy” issues with her own mother and “stepmonster,” the physical toll that comes from carrying around a growing human being for nine months, or her nagging doubts about her ability to be a good mother, in EXPLOITING MY BABY Strasser provides an uninhibited and edgy look into the life of a new mother. With Strasser’s honesty about her flaws and fears along with a candid look at the highs (having doors opened and seats offered) and lows (leaking breasts and uncontrollable gas) of pregnancy, EXPLOITING MY BABY takes on many of the things that annoy real moms, including:

•  Advertisements for pregnancy products featuring models with glowing skin and zero weight gain
• The formula versus breast milk debate
• A list of bad mothers (like Marilu Henner, whose own parenting book, “I Refuse to Raise a Brat,” features her two young sons on the cover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Teresa Strasser is an Emmy-winning writer (Comedy Central’s “Win Ben Stein’s Money”) and Emmy-nominated television host (TLC’s “While You Were Out”). Radio audiences know her as a frequent guest on Adam Carolla’s podcast, the most popular podcast in iTunes history. As a journalist, Strasser is a contributor to the Los Angeles Times and a columnist for The Los Angeles Jewish Journal. Her first-person essays have garnered three Los Angeles Press Club Awards, including Columnist of the Year. Other television credits include serving as a field correspondent for WNYW-TV’s “Good Day New York,” and for Fox shows “Good Day Live” and “On Air With Ryan Seacrest.” TV writing credits include  “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” and “The Chair,” both for ABC. Strasser co-hosted the weekly pop-culture round-up “TV Watercooler,” which airs on the TV Guide Network, and currently co-hosts KABC’s morning radio news show in Los Angeles. Strasser has appeared on numerous countdown shows on basic cable, mainly for the E! Network, including “50 Cutest Child Stars” and “101 Celebrity Oops” and has written for the popular magazine features Stars Make Us Laugh (In Touch Weekly) and Fashion Police (Us Weekly). She has also commented on celebrity culture for CNN’s “Headline News” as well as covered the red carpet for The Academy Awards, The Tony Awards and The Emmy Awards. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Visit her website at www.teresastrasser.com. 

My Take on the Book

I did not know a lot about Teresa before reading this book, and if she is as funny in person as she comes across in her writing, I can tell why people would enjoy knowing her. This book is witty, clever and humorous and for anyone that has been pregnant or has gone through pregnancy, she captures (and makes light of) many of the fun moments during this time.

While I have never been pregnant, my wife has and I shared the book with her and she also thought that the sections that she read through were funny and engaging. This book is an easy read, and because of the humor, it makes you want to continue reading to get through it and see what else the author has to say (what's her last word going to be?). 

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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