Showing posts with label book

Happy Friday dear readers. If you’ve followed this blog for long, you know I adore gardening and share lots of nature photos here and on social media.  However,  for today’s review and giveaway, lets go inside out of the sweltering August heat and have a house party! A Houseplant party by Lisa Steinkopf is a perfect book for houseplant lovers and those that want to be. Plus, there’s easy to make DIY projects to help you display your houseplants.


It’s time to Party!

Houseplant Party Book Review and Giveaway

With the official start of spring just one week away, I wanted to continue sharing helpful gardening resources with you so you can be armed with lots of information and tips to start the gardening season off strong. Today, I’m reviewing and hosting a giveaway for a fantastic resource on shrubs and hedges. This is a newly published book written by Eva Monheim. It’s a practical, ordinary person’s guide to choosing, planting, and caring for the world’s most popular plants, shrubs and hedges. Personally, I love having them in my yard and garden. They add so much beauty and color and are a bee’s paradise. Read on to learn about my favorites and how you to can add shrubs & hedges to your garden plan this year and enter the giveaway!


My All Time Favorite Shrub- Lilac!


Lilacs in bloom

February is the month for love and I was excited to be selected to host a giveaway featuring the latest book and movie from Nicholas Sparks: The Choice.


This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Lionsgate. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

The Choice: This is all I need, the moon and the stars and you.


Nicholas Sparks, #1 New York Times best- selling author, is known for his easy to relate to heartwarming stories like The Notebook and I can’t wait to read this book just in time for Valentine’s Day and hopefully, see the movie which opens this Friday February 5th!


About The Movie: The Choice: Presented by Lionsgate studio/a Nicholas Sparks/Safran Company/POW! Production

“When feisty medical student Gabby Holland moves in next door to perennial ladies’ man Travis Shaw, they embark on a surprising romantic journey neither imagined possible. Travis has always believed a serious relationship would cramp his easygoing lifestyle, while Gabby is preparing to settle down with her long-term boyfriend—until an irresistible attraction between the unlikely couple upends both of their well-planned lives. Spanning a decade and tracing the evolution of a love affair that is ultimately tested by life's most defining events, this story features a memorable ensemble of friends and family in Sparks’ beloved North Carolina setting, culminating with the question that every couple must ask themselves: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?” 


The Choice movie scene:You're just sassin' me because you like me.


Being a southerner, I love movies set in the south and North Carolina with its charm and pristine beaches make a perfect back drop for this love story as you can see from this photo :


The Choice North Carolina beach scene

and see more stunning scenes by watching this movie clip!





Doesn't this movie look good? I think Benjamin Walker (Travis) and Teresa Palmer (Gabby) are perfect for their roles! You can learn more about the movie setting, cast and more by visiting #TheChoice website and by following along on Facebook and Twitter using hashtags #TheChoice or #ChooseLove.



It may be too cold to head to the beach now, but we can do the next best thing and spend some time with Nicholas Sparks by going to see The Choice in theaters and by reading the book which one of you can win!


Win It!

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks paperback book




Thanks to today’s sponsor, Lionsgate, for Review Wire Media, one lucky reader will receive a paper back copy of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks, The Choice book mark and a sea-shell wind chime and a $25 Visa  e-Gift card sent to your email! 

Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel. 

Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway:

And the winner is...

 HS
I was so excited when I was approached by Family Christian Blogger group to write a post and receive a free copy of their 2015 Book of the Year pick: Before Amen by Max Lucado. All opinions expressed are my own.


Before Amen by Max Lucado book MyWAHMPlan.com

Before Amen stays on top of my reading list! 


The idea of a simple prayer, one that would be good enough, powerful enough, dare I say it- Christian enough was intriguing to me.  I am a Christian woman, living smack dab in the middle of the Bible belt, so I have heard my fair share of impassioned prayers. 


In church, in bible study group, in the pick- up line at my kid’s school… and my simple prayers always felt small and somehow less than when compared to others wordy and usually, lengthy prayers. To put it bluntly- I would never be asked to join the Prayer Warriors group! 


After reading and in some parts, re-reading the amazing Before Amen, I now know something that gives me great confidence and helps me stand tall when I feel the need to pray. My simple prayers of “Dear Lord, please help me in this moment”, are perfectly okay to the only one that matters; Christ.  






Before Amen book by Max Lucado MyWAHMPlan.com


“We all pray ... some. We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

In Before Amen, bestselling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.” 



My Thoughts:

Max Lucado welcomed me into this book, like a dear friend would welcome me into their home. He hit the perfect mix of being an authority on the subject of prayer and the Bible without being overbearing. There wasn’t one single moment in this book where I felt I was being talked down to, or preached to.


I actually learned biblical lessons from reading Before Amen that I somehow hadn’t retained from church sermons or bible study. For instance, did you know the first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance? In fact, the only tutorial they ever requested was on prayer!

There really is something in the delivery of information folks and Max Lucado teaches in a way that I get.


I have leaned heavily on the pocket prayer since first reading because it is such a simple, yet powerful prayer.




The Pocket Prayer:

Father,
You are good.
I need help. Heal me and forgive me.
They need help.
Thank you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.




Now that I know more about Intercessory prayer, I can expand on my prayers without feeling I’m not “Christian” enough. 

As Max says; “Intercessory prayer isn’t rocket science. It acknowledges our inability and God’s ability.”


If you are just entering your walk with Christ, or if you are like me and you feel like your prayers don’t quite measure up, I highly recommend you read Before Amen because the author is a self- professed prayer wimp that gets us!


The best part about reading Before Amen is that the words and teachings are staying with me. I’m praying more in the moment, not just for myself or my family, but for the world at large. 


I’ve shared many passages with my family as well and they have been moved as well. In fact, my youngest daughter who’s 12 asked if she could please read this book next. That’s how impactful this book is.


Family Christian has named Before Amen their 2015 book of the year, so I invite you to visit their website where you can read more thoughts on Before Amen and if you are so moved, purchase a copy for yourself or a loved one. You’ll be able to discover more books and guides from Max Lucado as well.

Please share in comments: How many books do you have started right now?

I received the Little Mermaid Legacy Collection CD as a member of the Entertainment New Media Network.  No further compensation was received and all opinions are my own.  This post may also contain affiliate links.



I can hardly believe that The Little Mermaid, that beloved Ariel, and all the under the sea characters are 25! I’ll admit it, 25 years ago; I wasn’t in to seeing a Disney animated movie at the theater because I was young and my kids were but day-dream’s. My love of this beautiful movie came years later when my oldest daughter was a toddler. She saw a commercial for The Little Mermaid on TV; and the rest, as they say, was history!


#Disney The Little Mermaid CD #Giveaway MyWAHMPlan.com
CD Front Cover

My daughters love of Ariel and Sebastian was immediate and permanent. Watching our daughter delight in this movie at such a young age holds precious memories for us; so when I got selected to review the Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection CD honoring The Little Mermaid, I was thrilled! As were both my daughters.


#Disney The Little Mermaid CD #Giveaway MyWAHMPlan.com
CD back cover

About The Legacy Collection The Little Mermaid CD with collectible book:

"The label honors one of the most beloved soundtracks of all time with the 25th anniversary release of Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection The Little Mermaid available today. The Little Mermaid collection features the songs and score from the film by Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman on Disc One, twelve work tapes and song demos performed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman on Disc Two, and a collectible 20-page booklet. Also included are liner notes by Alan Menken, John Musker (Co-writer, Director and Producer, “The Little Mermaid”), and Chris Montan (President of Walt Disney Music)."



Isn’t the CD cover beautiful? The CD and the artwork in the collectible book are lovingly drawn by Lorelay Bove, a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios. If you watch Disney animated movies, you might recognize her style from movies like Tangled, Winnie the Pooh or Wreck- It Ralph. 

I will treasure this book filled with insights, ideas and facts on the making of The Little Mermaid, including the film, animation and musical scores!  


#Disney The Little Mermaid collectible book #Giveaway MyWAHMPlan.com
Sneak Peek inside the collectible book

Here’s a cool fact I learned: The Little Mermaid was a milestone in Disney animation, being the first princess musical to be made at Disney since the 1959’s Sleeping Beauty! The book is filled with animation and includes lyrics so you can sing along with songs like Part of your World and Kiss the Girl. 



#Disney The Little Mermaid CD #Giveaway MyWAHMPlan.com
The Little Mermaid 2 disc CD set

My daughters and I loved listening to the sweeping musical numbers on the CD and singing along to our beloved favorite songs. Now that my oldest is 15; we found it a little challenging to visualize where the musical scores aligned with the movie. We thought it would be fun to buy The Little Mermaid on Blu-Ray, turn down the volume and listen to the CD while watching the movie. 



We loved this beautiful Legacy Collection and invite you to learn more about it and all the Disney music located at the new Disney Music Emporium. You can visit them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter as well. 



The Legacy Collection The Little Mermaid CD with collectible booklet is also available to purchase on Amazon if you’d like to add it to your collection it now.




Win It!
Thanks to the generosity of Disney music and New Media Entertainment Network, one lucky reader will receive one The Legacy Collection The Little Mermaid CD with collectible booklet.  Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below. 


Terms:
No purchase necessary to win. Must be 18+ years old and live in the United States. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is in no way endorsed affiliated or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This event will end on 12:00 AM (EST) 1/17/15. 
If it comes to this blogger’s attention that the winner of this giveaway has won on an additional blog for this same prize, this blog reserves the right to choose another winner.


The Power of the Heart book review

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, October 09, 2014

While I am an avid reader, self-help books aren’t normally on my TBR list, so when SheSpeaks sent an email asking if I’d like to receive an advanced copy of The Power of The Heart- Finding your true purpose in life; I almost passed. 

Until I saw that Maya Angelou was a contributor.  I have found great peace, solace and enlightenment in Maya’s words and teachings so I decided to open my heart and mind to this book. My thanks to SheSpeaks/Power of the Heart for sponsoring today’s post. I appreciate receiving a complimentary advanced copy of this book and a thank you gift for my time. All opinions expressed are my own.


#Poweroftheheart book #review


About The Power of the Heart: Written by Baptist De Pape for Atria Books:

The Power of the Heart book is a compilation of thoughts, ideas and exercises from eighteen of the world’s greatest spiritual thinkers, writers and scientists who reveal how you can overcome limitations and fulfill your highest potential. Since the beginning of recorded history, the great teachers of the world’s spiritual traditions have described the heart as the source of true power and understanding.


How Do You Connect With Your Individual Heart’s Power? 

“There are many different ways to connect with your heart’s power and intelligence. The book explains how to listen to your heart’s voice and hear its wisdom. It also explains ways, in which you can develop your intuition, create synchronicity, clarify your intentions, and exercise the power of gratitude. All of these – intuition, intention, gratitude, and synchronicity – are also powers of the heart.”


My Thoughts:

Each chapter of The Power of the heart is relatively easy to read and get through. There are exercises or contemplation's throughout the book to help you get in tune with your true purpose in life and your heart’s power. Some of the writers/teachers words I could align myself with easier than others. For instance one such contemplation is The Three Blessings Exercise.

For this exercise you are supposed to write down three blessings or things that went right for you that day. I found that by following this exercise I actually had more than three blessings for each and every day. I found that to be very life affirming!


 My Favorite Quotes:

If you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Don’t fill your time with trivia. Simply do nothing. Don’t do anything and you may be able to hear your heart. – Maya Angelou

It’s important to allow moments of silence into your life, because silence can let you escape the mental noise we call “thinking”. – Eckhart Tolle

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. – Steve Jobs

Personally, I found this spiritually enlightening book to be helpful in that it made me stop and “contemplate” on two key issues for me, Intention and Gratitude


The Take Away:

This book is beautiful and would be a welcome resource for anyone who is asking themselves the big picture questions about their life and their purpose in it. Be prepared to think and feel your way through it.  


Spoiler Alert: The circle design feature on the front of the book jacket glows in the dark! What an unexpected touch.

You can learn more about The Power of the Heart, including ordering a copy by visiting their website here and by following along on Facebook and Twitter.


Please share in comments: Which of my favorite quotes above speaks to you? 



Disclosure: My thanks to SheSpeaks/Power of the Heart for sponsoring today’s post. I appreciate receiving a complimentary advanced copy of this book and a thank you gift for my time. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 


Being a Mom of a teenager can be tricky; being a mom of a teen age girl can be sticky.  I say this because, if a parent isn’t very careful, she will find herself in one sticky situation after another because teenage girls are full of emotions. That’s why I was thrilled to receive a complimentary copy of Enough by Kate Conner via Flyby Promotions to review and host a giveaway. 



Enough by Kate Conner book cover #10things




I couldn’t wait for this book to arrive. Even though I have a good relationship with my 15 yr. old daughter, I’m open to learning all I can about parenting, especially during the turbulent teens years.

Once my copy arrived, I turned the book over to read the back jacket as I always do and these are the words that greeted me.

  • You are beautiful.
  • You are valuable.
  • You are enough.


Those are powerful, beautiful and truthful words.  Words that I daresay we do not hear enough in our lives so please take a moment and read those three sentences again. And if you take nothing else with you after you read this post- I will feel honored that I could share those truths with you. 


About the Author:

Kate Conner is a 28 year old writer, blogger, speaker, Southerner- hailing from North Carolina, Mom of 3, Counselor of teenage girls, Daughter of Christ, thrift store shopper. That’s what I got from her bio on Enough. After reading this book though, I discovered Kate is so much more than her bio. She’s smart, funny, real, and authentic, the kid sister I never had and the big sister influence teenage girls need. 




About Enough- #10 things we should be telling teenage girls


Quotes from Enough book by Kate Conner #10things



This book was born from a blog post on March 25, 2012. I never read Kate’s “10 things I want to tell teenage girls” postbut apparently I was completely out of the loop, because 2 million other people read it in just two weeks. After reading Enough, where Kate expands and explains her 10 things, I can see why her post was so wildly popular.



Quotes from Enough book by Kate Conner #10things


Kate touches on the teenage girl of today; she talks openly about why men and boys stare, modesty and why how we look matters. She talks openly about drama, using words as weapons and over-sharing on social media. She shares insights into being female and controlling our emotions instead of our emotions controlling us. 



Quotes from Enough book by Kate Conner #10things



In essence, Kate covers most of the power struggle, hot bed topics that will or may have already come up with your teenage girl.  I enjoyed this book and found it to be a valuable resource. 

If you have found yourself arguing with your teenage girl about clothing, dating, friends etc. and don’t want to wage another war- hand her this book, tell her it’s a “must read” and walk away. She’ll read it and learn from it.  My daughter read it and really liked. While our parenting mirrors Kate's wise words- she touched on subjects in a new and different way that resonated with my daughter.

 I even recommend that Moms with teenage sons read this book, because if it hasn’t happened yet- girl drama will affect your son and what better way to help him navigate this area than to have an insight?


You can learn more about Enough here and Kate by visiting her sites: 



Quotes from Enough book by Kate Conner #10things



The Giveaway:

One lucky reader will receive a paper back copy of About Enough- #10 things we should be telling teenage girls courtesy of Propeller Consulting, LLC. Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.  Terms: Open to U.S. residents 18+. No purchase necessary to enter/win. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook. Read full terms and conditions on Rafflecopter form. 

Good Luck!






Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

The Mother of All Meltdowns - a Must Read

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, November 04, 2013

I am thrilled to share this book with you on a Monday. You know the day we Moms have to switch from weekend mode back to work mode, get everybody out of the house dressed, fed and on time. And we are supposed to do it without becoming a screaming shrew. Yeah, I don't like Monday's much either, in fact, I am running late right now getting my post up, but after reading The Mother of All Meltdowns- I know these wonderful Moms will forgive me.


About :The Mother of All Meltdowns:


MyWAHMPlan.com



"Every mother, at some point, inevitably becomes her own worst enemy. In a millisecond, her halo crumbles and she has a moment so crazed it is forever known as the one…The Mother of All Meltdowns. 
This anthology was written by women who have had their moments. Together we have experienced the anguish and frustration of the adult-sized tantrum. We have shed the tears, dropped to our knees in agony, and asked the age-old question, “Why me?” From poop-decorated rooms to having our liquid gold scrutinized and confiscated by TSA, we’re not afraid to share our collection of thirty tell-all stories. We are survivalists and know that within every meltdown there is a silver lining."



I invite you to meet these honest, engaging women by visiting the website  HERE and following them on Facebook and Twitter. 


My Review: 

Reading this book was cathartic for me not only as a Mom, but as a multi-tasking Blogger much like these ladies. They open up and rip the band-aide off the "everything is FINE" scenario all Moms have tried to pass off. Truth: We have all had moments we would love to forget happened, so I stand up, applaud and say Brava! to each and every women who shared in The Mother of All Meltdowns. 
This book has a chapter for every age and stage of childhood, plus a diverse line up of Moms. You will find yourself laughing, crying and nodding in agreement as you read. 
The Mother of All Meltdowns shows you clearly that we are all just humans trying to do our best with several nods to wine, poop and sweat. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the LOVE. It is at the very heart of every story. 
I am so happy I got invited to read this book, I saw myself in the pages and I bet you will too! My favorite quote is: "The Greatest motherhood truth is to recognize you are not alone!" by Melissa Swedoski .

 Head on over to their website or purchase your copy at Amazon.




As always, I hope you found this review helpful. I hope you will enjoy reading this book and would love for you to stop back by and let me know your thoughts after you read it. Since it's selling like hot cakes- I would love to hear from you if you have already read the book too! Leave a comment and share your favorite meltdown in the book, or if you are brave share your own meltdown here. 



Disclosure: I received a free PDF copy of The Mother of All Meltdowns in the hopes that I would share my opinion of it on my blog. No other compensation was given, or asked for, I was only to happy to share this book with you because I felt it would interest you my readers as much as it did me. Note: The Amazon link above is my affiliate link, which may mean compensation for me should you choose to purchase via it. 

Can’t Wait Willow by Christy Ziglar Giveaway

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, November 01, 2013

Happy November. Let’s start it off right with a giveaway sure to please parents. My daughter and I have fallen in love with Can’t Wait Willow!, a book we received free to review as part of the FLYBY Promotions blogger team. We think you are going to fall in love too.


About Can’t Wait Willow! -  The first book in the series.

MyWAHMPlan.com


"Willow is so excited that the Over-the-Top Circus has finally come to town! The only problem is that when left to her own devices, she can’t say “no” to some good things. On the way to the show, she is distracted by enticing treats and fun that she just can’t turn down. Willow arrives late and is sad to find that, not only has she has run out of time, but money, and she won’t be able to enjoy the pink cotton candy she’s been dreaming of. Willow is given valuable advice and a second chance and is ultimately taught the lesson that sometimes in life you have to say “no” to good things to end up with something great!"


About the Author:  (Recognize the last name Ziglar?)
Christy Ziglar, financial planner, mother of twins and niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar, is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her new Shine Bright Kids picture book series. You can connect with Christy and purchase Can't Wait Willow HERE.

About Shine Bright Kids:
The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with a relevant framework to help instill solid values and teach the importance of making good choices. The series teaches principles including: using good judgment, taking responsibility, self-control, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.  Check out their website for free reward charts, activities and other parenting resources or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.


Our Review:

This is such a sweet, beautifully illustrated story with great lessons and interactivity throughout that even though it was a little young for my 10 year old daughter- we still give it two thumbs up! Every parent I know wants to equip their children with the ability to make good choices during their day to day life. In Can’t Wait Willow, we see Willow making choices that aren’t the best for her, but in the end kindness and thoughtfulness save the day. This would be a PERFECT gift for your son or daughter 9 or under, so please do enter our giveaway below. 

About The Giveaway:

One lucky reader will win a copy of Can't Wait Willow!(Hardbound).  No purchase is necessary to enter. Open to US residents 18 or older. Full terms are available of Rafflecopter form below.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication, however, I did receive a free copy of this book in hopes I would review it on my blog. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize shipment. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.
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