I have a friend who always shows up at our coffee dates looking stylish, pulled together and amazingly without a purse. I’ve often marveled at her ability to walk out of the house with just her phone, keys and her cute little wallet, so when I had the opportunity to try this pretty iPhone case I happily agreed to give a no purse outing a try. 

I’ve been a part-time freelancer for several years now and I speak from that experience when I say; the ability to get good gigs in my industry (blogging and brand awareness) is getting harder and harder each day as more people enter the workforce and embrace the “gig economy”.  Seeing more and more marketing pros talk about multiple streams of income and what “side hustle” you may be able to pick up to achieve financial security led me to agree to review The Gig Is Up: Thrive in the Gig Economy, Where Old Jobs Are Obsolete and Freelancing Is the Future by Olga Mizrahi. 

What would you like to change in your life? Be more focused at work? Communicate more effectively? Find work-life balance? Those three questions were in the introduction email review request I received from Blogging for books for Habit Changers- 81 game changing mantras to mindfully realize your goals by M.J. Ryan. My answer to all three questions was yes!  Is your answer yes to one or more of those questions too? Then this book may be for you.

About Habit Changers- 81 game changing mantras to mindfully realize your goals by M.J. Ryan:

“Often, the biggest obstacle to change lies in our most deeply ingrained habits:  those automatic thought processes that operate outside our consciousness, and yet have a profound impact on our behavior, shaping everything from how we respond to challenges to how we engage with others. 

The good news is that we can literally rewire our mental habits for the better.  In Habit Changers, executive coach M.J. Ryan shares the secret weapon that has helped her highest performing clients improve their focus, better manage under pressure, enhance their emotional intelligence, become more effective leaders, and more.”

Inspired by the Buddhist tradition of Lojong, or "slogan practice," habit changers are simple, one-line aphorisms that, when recited, reprogram your brain’s automatic responses. Here, Ryan explains how to use the 81 Habit Changers that have demonstrated the most profound and lasting results. They include:

My Thoughts:

My husband and I love to cook good, wholesome meals for our family of four, but lately, we’ve fallen into a bit of a mealtime rut.  We both agree that adding more fall vegetables and good for you grains was a must- but even those small changes didn’t feel like quite enough to get us back on a healthy eating track. While working online one day, a cookbook title caught my eye- Nourishing Meals by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre (husband and wife) and I thought this would be a great way to add fresh ideas to our meal planning.

Read on to learn about Nourishing Meals 365 Whole foods, allergy free recipes for healing your family one meal at a time. 

Clearly this book was written for those who are trying to eat better, I expected that from the title. What I didn’t expect was that all those inviting meals I’d seen on the cover were really gluten-free, dairy-free and soy free dishes. Nobody in my family has a dietary restriction, so you may be wondering why I would select this type of cookbook. It was the promise to help me ditch the processed foods one allergy-free meal at a time that grabbed me and honestly, I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve learned so far.

Nourishing Meals offers 365 whole foods, allergy-free recipes for healing your family one meal at a time. I’m educating myself, or rather, re-educating myself while reading this cookbook, starting off with the preface-   7 steps to sustainable dietary change. These are do-able steps that aren’t meant to be hurried through, or done all at once. The author’s idea is restorative nourishment, which can gently and gradually nurture our systems until unhealthy foods and habits naturally fade away.

My family and I are spending more time on step one, which is Add more vegetables. We know we eating vegetables is good for us. Our parents told us to eat our vegetables when we were kids and chances are if you are a parent- you are saying it to your kids now. Sometimes though, it can be challenging to get kids to eat their veggies. Never fear, this book is loaded with tips- from pregnancy through childhood- on how to deal with and prevent picking eating behaviors. 

You are invited into recipe chapters during the 7 steps. For instance, in step 1, there is a Smoothie chapter that can aide in getting kids to eat their veggies. look at the tasty Chickpea vegetable curry recipe highlighted in the photo above. Doesn't that look like a delightful way to eat more vegetables?

Step 2 talks about making your own salad dressings while step three- (where I am this week) discusses the importance of replacing processed grain foods with whole foods. In this step, the recipes I’d like to try are Fluffy Cashew Pancakes and Chicken Breakfast sausages.

Another chapter I’ve found very helpful and timely is Packing a healthy lunchbox. Now that my daughters are teenagers, they pack their own lunches. Keeping a variety of good for them lunch foods on hand can be daunting, so I’m thankful for the fresh ideas in this chapter. With their easy to read lunch and snack lists, I can just turn to this chapter and make my shopping list, choosing what I know my kids will eat. Same goes for my husband’s lunchbox. He’s always pleasantly surprised when I add celery stalks or pepper slices to his lunch, and now I’m armed with even more healthy lunchbox ideas.

If one of your goals is to feed your family healthy, nourishing, tasty meals, I am happy to suggest this all-inclusive book. I’ve learned so much already in the short time I’ve had it.  I’m educating myself on why living a gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free lifestyle is perfect for some and that it may not be perfect for me and mine- it is always good to know the WHY behind each choice. The next time I am hosting a dinner or sleep over and learn that one of our guests does have a food allergy, I will be better equipped to cook and serve them food that tastes good and is nourishing to them. 

Another great part of this book is how hands on it helps you become. Check out this cool DIY recipe for homemade herbed sea salt on the Nourishing Meals Facebook page. 

We tend to stay in our own little comfort zones as parents and as people. Sure, we try to say and think all the politically correct things to parents with kids who are differently-abled, but do we ever truly know what one hour of one day feels like to the parents or the kids living with special needs? 

From The day of deep breaths that Rachel so eloquently shared in the first chapter to the way Andrew unpacked Psalm 130 in the chapter entitled What to do with suffering, all the way through the book to Marriage on Fire; I was drawn in to this book as a willing student.

I wanted to learn about their journey so that I would be prepared to be a better person when presented with people in my life walking this path. In a few short years, I may be blessed with grandchildren- and what if one of them is autistic? I now have a helpful guide book of sorts, thanks to the Wilsons.

About The life we never expected by Andrew and Rachel Wilson:

“What do you do when hard or painful circumstances turn your world upside down, resulting in a life you never expected? Andrew and Rachel Wilson grappled with this question after both of their children were diagnosed with regressive autism. Refreshingly honest, this book explores the highs and lows of raising children with specials needs, reflecting on the broader question of how to cope with suffering of all kinds. Sharing personal stories from their lives and encouragement rooted in the truth of God’s Word, Andrew and Rachel highlight lessons they’ve learned related to fighting for joy and thriving in the midst of trials—ultimately pointing readers to Christ, the One who promises to make all things new.”

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and the Wilsons share what it means to live a life they never expected. They share their sorrows, pain and triumphs in unique and Godly ways. Reading this book taught me a few things about myself as a parent and as a Christian. I think it may reach you in a spiritual and healing way, whether your child has special needs or not. 

Win it:

Thanks to today’s sponsor, #FlybyPromotions, one lucky reader will receive a paperback copy of The Life we never expected. #lifeweneverexpected

Terms: 

Hi, guys!  Today, I’m reviewing The One by Kiera Cass, the sequel to The Selection and The Elite. If you’d like to read the other reviews for the books in The Selection Series, click here for The Selection and here for The Elite. 

Book Summary From Publisher:

35 girls entered the Selection. Only 1 can win.

The time has come for one winner to be crowned. When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

My Summary and Thoughts:

America Singer is one of the five girls left in the Selection. The Selection is nearing its end. And to America, it should have been over ages ago. She is in love with Prince Maxon, and he has made it clear that he loved her from the beginning.

But not everyone is ready for America and Maxon to choose each other. Maxon’s father, King Clarkson, detests America. Manipulative and cruel, he does all he can to force America out of the competition. Nor are her fellow Elite ready to concede defeat. And there’s still Aspen. America has recognized that she no longer loves him, but she hasn’t found the words to tell him. While she doesn’t want to marry him, like they had planned back in Carolina, she can’t imagine a life without him in it, and she’s terrified of losing him.

America and Maxon both make unlikely alliances, and find friends in people they never would have thought they could trust. But will it be enough to protect them from the threat of the rebels and those who refuse to see them together? Can America hold on to the beautiful future she sees ahead of her? Or will she lose it all?

YOU GUYS, THIS BOOK. My mom, sister, and I all read it like our lives depended on it. Which, as our fellow fangirls or boys understand, it kinda did.

The One had the perfect balance of happiness and sadness. There were scenes with Maxon and America that were so cute, I could die.

But it had its fair share of heartbreaking scenes as well. America, as well as Maxon, Aspen, and her family lose and gain so much. Everyone in Illéa is touched by the war. (I can’t say much more, because of spoilers, of course.)

The ending was perfect, and I just want to hug Kiera Cass for making me so happy. But I want to know more! I wish the epilogue had been fifty pages longer, because the stories of these characters are clearly not done. That’s why I’m so, so, so, so excited to read The Heir, the fourth book in the series. A collection of all the novellas that are also part of the Selection series is going to be released in October 2016. (If you want, though, you can read them all separately now.) And, sometime in the winter of 2016, we get the fifth book! So, there will definitely be more Selection fangirling in our future.  Will we ever really stop?

Comments! There’s actually one more reason to freak out that I didn’t mention - there’s going to be a movie adaptation of The Selection! So, do you have any ideas for who should be cast in the upcoming movie? Let me know in the comments below!

I’d love to connect with you guys! Join me on Instagram, Tumblr, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Book summary from publisher:

"The Selection began with thirty-five girls.

Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever---and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want---and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

35 girls. 1 crown. The competition of a lifetime. "

My Summary and Thoughts:

This book, I think, might be a bit better than The Selection.  The first novel had a feeling of hope and possibility.  America is living like a princess in a gorgeous palace, able to help support her family, from the compensation they are given for her participation, and she has the choice of two wonderful guys. 

The Elite has more tension and darkness, which of course meant I tore through it in a day. Life at the palace is no longer fun and games. Rebels attack the palace more and more often, for reasons they don't know, she must take on more responsibility as an Elite, and she begins to see the dark side of being one of the Selected, being a royal, even some darkness in Maxon himself. Maxon, Aspen, and the king of Illéa himself are losing patience with her.  America is running out of time to decide between Maxon and Aspen, to decide if she wants to be a princess or an officer's wife, to decide if she wants either option at all.

I can't wait to read books #3 and #4, The One and The Heir, and of course the highly anticipated fifth book. We don't have a title yet, but a review will (eventually) come when it releases in 2016! 

¡Los comentarios! (That's Spanish for "Comments!" There ya go.) So, the all-important question for Selection fans or soon-to-be fans everywhere: Are you Team Maxon or Team Aspen? (I know, it's like Twilight all over again, but the "team" thing happened, and we just have to roll with it.) 

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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.

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. 

Have you ever made your own Ice Cream? I have fond memories of picnics at my Aunt’s house where they would slow churn perfect peach ice cream, so when Idea Village asked me if they could send me a free Ice Cream Magic to review I said yes. Of course I knew nothing would compare to my Aunt’s Ice Cream, but hey- this product sounded like just the type of fun my daughters and I would love. 

About Ice Cream Magic:

Our Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream

Helpful Tips:

• Moms- be warned: this is a messy endeavor, so prep your table or counter first. The lids do not stay sealed very well while you are shaking. And 3 minutes of continuous shaking may not sound like a lot- but once you set the timer and the kids start shaking, you may very well have to take over the task before the timer goes off.  I did with my 10 year old. If you have little ones, I would suggest taking turns.
• We found that if you put a hand on the top of the container and try to shake up and down only – not sideways at all, there was less mess.

September flew by in a blur of activities and to-do’s here at our house, making family dinner time a challenge. Eating dinner together every night is something we pride ourselves on, but on some nights, I need help getting a quick and wholesome meal on the table. Thank goodness I had some Gorton’s Seafood in the freezer.  

Last night I hit the easy button and made Gorton’s crispy fish sticks. They are so crispy and good! My hubby was grabbing them right off the cooking pan! No wonder, doesn’t that look good? 

About Gorton’s Seafood:

"Gorton's, America's leading seafood company, has a rich history of innovation that spans over 160 years. We provide consumers with innovative frozen seafood products through better independent and chain grocery stores across the United States and Canada. Our company offers employees the combination of an entrepreneurial environment often found in smaller organizations, along with the expertise of being a sophisticated consumer goods firm with global resources. Gorton's is committed to providing products and services that surpass expectations. The Gorton's brand in the U.S. (and the BlueWater brand in Canada) markets high quality, frozen seafood with innovative product lines such as Grilled Fillets, Skillet Crisp and Simply Bake, along with traditional Fish Sticks and Fish Fillets. The Gorton's Fisherman and the "Trust the Gorton's Fisherman" jingle are among the best known brand equities with U.S. consumers."

I can feel good about serving Gorton’s too because they are loaded with Omega 3’s and other good for you nutrients, plus Gorton's Fish is Gluten free. You can learn more about Gorton’s products by visiting their website, where you can download coupons, find great recipes, even enter their Wicked Good Seafood sweepstakes to win a family trip to Boston! You can also connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. 

Our Review:

If you haven’t tried Gorton’s Seafood, I encourage you to give them a try! Even the pickiest eaters will LOVE Gorton’s crispy fish sticks. My family sure did and we give them 4 thumbs up! These really are wicked good seafood! Next up, I’m going to make Gorton's Tender Tacos.

The Giveaway:

Gorton’s is going to give one lucky reader some Wicked Good Gorton’s gear:  three two dollar off coupons, a Gorton’s branded ship wheel keychain an assortment of Gorton’s recipe cards and their beautiful seaside/Gorton’s postcards.

No purchase is necessary to enter. Read complete terms on Rafflecopter entry form below. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for shipping of prize. Open to United States residents only.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: A special thank you to Gorton’s for sending me free product(s) to try to facilitate this review and giveaway. All opinions are my own.