I had a really stressful week for some reason. The beginning of the week wasn't to bad but by Wednesday I went to work at my usual time and as soon as I walked in the door I was told that if I had an email from myself with the subject line "Trouble" NOT to open it, just delete it. Now, I was fine with that - but I definitely wasn't expecting to have a hacker break into BOTH of my gmail accounts (I had them linked together), change ALL of my passwords, find my Paypal account (which they did not manage to break into and then do the same to my Facebook account.
Anyway, I figured I had earned Pancakes from IHop tonight and took myself out, but first I went to Half Price Books (I LOVE that place) and got myself the January 2011 Better Homes and Gardens. There was a really good article that gives you 25 ways to pare down and get organized for a new year - here are my favorites:
Reserve one Saturday morning every few months for a family cleanout. Set a timer for 30 minutes and have each person find things in his or her own space to donate or throw away. Box up the donations and drop them off right away, then reward yourselves with lunch out - or better yet - how about a picnic lunch and an afternoon at the park? ~ Meredith Schwartz, penelopeloveslists.com
I LOVE this idea! Make clutter busting a family game. Write tasks on Ping-Pong balls. Each person chooses a ball, completes the task, then chooses another one. After 30 minutes, whoever has the most balls gets a prize - like a no chores day or gets to choose a family activity for the afternoon! (By Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch, authors of Pretty Neat: Get Organized and Let Go of Perfection
You can post your ideas for everyone to see in the comments below. I can't wait to read them all - Thanks! Tina
Before you leave, I have several giveaways going right now you can click on the links for these giveaways to enter.
5 lucky readers from GivingNSharing will WIN 2 coupons for Gortons Seafood on 2/7! Now, before you go getting excited you also want to enter the Mandatory entry THIS weekend because Gortons is giving away an XBox 360 w/ Kinect bundle and The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout Game! NOTE: The facebook contest ends 1/31! Click here to Enter
and then post your Mandatory Entry by clicking on the Gortons Giveaway Link (above)
I love Gortons Seafood, their grilled items in particular. Their seafood is prepared just right, the seasonings are really good and fast to prepare when you don't have much time or are tired. The grilled products come with 2 servings (2 fillets). Flaky white fish (salmon too) are caught in icy arctic waters, expertly flame-grilled with the flavor of outdoor grilling and then seasoned with real seasonings and ground pepper. Their All Natural Lemon Pepper Grilled Fillets (as an example) have only 3 grams of fat, 100 calories and 1 gram of carbs per serving. And it's delicious!
Due to my getting in LATE on this FUN Event, I am going to do my review at a later date (probably February) but I get to do a GIVEAWAY now - anyone hungry?
My Giveaway is:
5 lucky GivingNSharing followers will receive 2 free product coupons (US only -Gorton's is not sold in Canada).
Mandatory: "Like" Gortons Facebook page and fill out the form that will pop up so you can enter the Gorton's Facebook Giveaway: Two-hundred fifty coupons (250) will be given away on January 31, 2011 along with:One (1) Grand Prize: Xbox 360 Console with Kinect (Retail Value $300.00) to be drawn on January 31, 2011.
***Leave a message that GivingNSharing sent you on Gortons WALL
Details:The US Winner will be drawn on 2/7 at 10 pm. They will have 48 hours to respond to my email w/ their address so their book can be shipped to them. Street address - no PO Boxes please.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received coupons for product for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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."
Hi everyone - I have no idea if you will receive an email from me since you are following me - but I thought I'd give you a heads up. Someone hacked into both of my Gmail accounts this morning, changed the passwords on me and I think deleted a bunch of my emails!!!! GRRR
Please, if you get an email from wswpub(at)gmail.com don't open it if the subject line says "Trouble". It's basically a fishing email asking for funds because I'm in London (I wish) and need some help getting a plane home (asking for $). I am still in 30 degree Omaha, NE and mad as all get out! What a hassle.
I did manage to get into wswpub(at)gmail.com and change my passwords. I'm still trying to get into contact(dot)thebooklady(at)gmail.com to change those. Gmail admin is working on it.
Thanks for your patience - I really appreciate it! Tina
One of my goals this year is to attempt to be more responsible and eco-friendly with what I bring into my home and use in my daily life. Having Fibromyalgia it's been really hard to deal with the myriad of plastic bags and boxes that I get. I do reuse the plastic bags in the bathroom and at my sewing table - but it's still hard to use them all up efficiently. I've decided that I'm going to try to make up some of those *Plarn Bags* using strips cut up from the millions of plastic bags under my kitchen sink. (Click on a link for a tutorial)
Lately though due to the numbness and pain in my arms and shoulders it's been getting harder to carry heavy things in my hands and I received one of the "Sling" reusable bag(s) from Chico to try out to see if it would help me since all the weight won't be on one shoulder.
The Sling bag is very large and when I wear it the bag rests on my left hip or I can swing it around to either the front or the back depending on my comfort, how tight my shoulders and back are and still use it comfortably. The "handle" is fairly wide and sits flat on my shoulder comfortably without bunching up or folding in half.
The Bag is 13.5" x 14.5" Pouch 4" x5.5" (approximately). It's very large, easily fit a kleenex box, my easy lunchbox and my TENS unit without being too heavy or uncomfortable.
I was very impressed with the high quality of this bag and Chico has very high standards in the making of the bags. Their bags are made of up to 100% recycled content. The Sling is made with 99% recycled content (that's HUGE). The fabric used in the bag production is 100% recycled PET. Many other components used in production (the aluminum carabiner, polyurethane cording, etc.) are made from recycled sources as well. A printed list of recycled materials used in manufacturing appear on the inside of the bag and backside of the pouch.
For those of you who have Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Chronic Pain, Back issues or maybe have small kids that you are carrying you may want to consider another bag that Chico carries. The Messenger bag has a strap that is adjustable (the Sling bag I described above is not) and offers a little more support. It also has loops that attach to the new waist strap accessory (sold separately) for added support and stabilization. Both bags can be washed in cold water and then hung to dry.
BUY IT!
You can purchase your own ChicoBag online HERE. They have several different styles and even a great SET of 3 Produce Bags designed to optimize freshness when paired with the right produce. All three bags are machine washable and stuff into an adorable apple pouch with an attached carabiner, making it easy to carry and store your bags when not in use. Prices for the set of 3 start at $11.99 and $15.99.
WIN IT!
Chico is offering one of my readers a bag of their very own. It's a Sling Bag and I'm sure you'll love it as much as I love mine! Isn't that nice of them (applause!)? The WINNER will receive the bag to the right:
Mandatory entry:
Go to ChicoBag's website and tell me something you learned about ChicoBag. This is Mandatory and must be done before any optional entries please.
Optional Entries:
(Pls note, these entries are optional. You do not have to do them to be entered. You do need to do the mandatory entry. Please include your email address on each comment. You can enter your email this way: contact(dot)thebooklady(at)gmail(dot)com) NOTE: (+3 = 3 entries)
"Like" ChicoBag on Facebook, be sure to leave a comment on their page and leave me the hyperlink. Thanks so much!
Follow ME on GFC (left sidebar)
Follow ME on Twitter
Follow ME on Facebook
Add this giveaway to any book hops or giveaway linkies using this link (be sure to leave the web address w/ your comment) (+3)
Tweet: " RT @familyliteracy WIN a Sling Bag from ChicoBag @ http://ning.it/eKyYjU Ends 2/05, US, #organizing, #home, #shopping " (can RT daily 3x (5 hours apart pls), please add hyperlink to comment)
Details: The US Winner will be drawn on 1/28 at 10 pm. They will have 48 hours to respond to my email w/ their address so their book can be shipped to them. Street address - no PO Boxes please.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a ChicoBag for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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."
This is Week 4 of the Whole Living Action Plan 28 Day Challenge - if you'd like to sign up and have a newsletter come to you with menu ideas, grocery lists, fitness ideas, etc, click here.
Basically, this Challenge is a 4 week plan starting with Detox during week one, you will remove wheat from your diet (don't worry, you'll gradually reintroduce it in Week 2), cultivate a routine and assess your health and what you'd like to focus on during this challenge.
Week Two, you will start to reintroduce foods like wheat, dairy, soy and decide if you want to bring back caffeine (think soda, coffee, teas, chocolate). You'll learn some arm-toning exersizes and learn about the Action Plan Core Series.
By Week Three you've completed the Detox/Cleansing process and you'll start to decide what foods & activities you want to include in your life. You'll learn about flavors, how to use oil and fats, "detoxing" your kitchen and restocking it, how to swap foods and about upper/lower body moves.
There is so much you can learn on this plan. It's very well written and even if you don't do everything, maybe you can focus on a few things each week and stretch it out over the year. Each week has a grocery list, overview & checklist, fitness plan and much much more! Be sure to sign up for the newsletter and learn about the program - if nothing else, save the link in your "favorites" like I did so you can refer back to it throughout the year.
Year after year I make plans to do something different in my life, to shake it up and move it onward. I've gotten into a rut and being single and a woman in Omaha, NE hasn't helped any.
Every year it's - "this year I'm going to lose weight" or "this year I'm going to go to church every Sunday" - but then it fizzles and burns out with no motivation or progress made.
This year I decided to do something a little different. It's not - "lose weight", "exercise more", etc. I've decided to use my blog to motivate myself. Here I'm focused on Helping Others, not myself. Here I'm focused on "making a difference", not setting goals I won't achieve.
Yes, I still want to lose weight. Yes, I still want to be more active. Yes, I still want to eat more nutritiously. But the focus is ON YOU, and not myself.
That is what the Health Awareness Challenge is about. It's motivating myself - through encouraging YOU to take care of YOURSELF.
Each Tuesday and Friday watch for my newest post. It could be tips and ideas on pampering yourself or trying something different. It could be a new giveaway that helps you be more eco-friendly or cook more nutritiously. Or, it could be sharing a new technique or method that YOU can help someone else.
And hopefully, I will be able to share some weight loss on ME along the way. LOL
I'm inviting YOU to take a pledge to make simple, positive changes in your life this year.What are YOU going to do differently this year?
Are you thinking about - and need to vocalize your plans? If so leave a comment. If you'd like a "buddy" to be accountable to - leave your email address like this to avoid spambots: contact(dot)thebooklady(at)gmail.com.
Here's a few ideas to get you started...
Set up a family game night - to build close family relationships. No nagging or chores allowed.
Lose 25 pounds by Memorial Day - set up a walking club at church and get a buddy to go with you 2 x's a week.
Set up a household budget and make it a goal to save $50 a month toward vacation.
Want to have a monthly couples night? Set up a supper club, game night, or a wine tasting at different friends homes each month.
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece."
A winner has been drawn for the Tota Storage Baskets, they have until 2/2 at 10 pm
to respond or another winner will be choosen. Thanks for entering!
Tota Storage Baskets
I have a very small 2 door sports coupe that is also used to store my Usborne Books business during my busiest time of the year - basically from April to December. I've been in business for the last 4 1/2 years and have been desperate for some way to organize the car ever since. Here is a quick run down on the contents of my car at any given time:
2 suitcases filled with inventory for bookfairs, homeshows, booths, etc.
A canopy for outdoor events
6' folded plastic table
A 4' table that doesn't fold up (this table literally runs from door to door in my back seat, there's not an extra inch left!)
2 book racks
Miscellaneous business supplies
a canvas fold up chair for me
Any extra display pieces, posters, etc
Groceries, coats, etc
Around Thanksgiving I came across a really cool contest to WIN a $100 GC and of course I entered (who wouldn't?). The contest was to help promote a brand new company, Tota, which sells these neat storage boxes you can use in the car, at home, in your van or SUV, the basement for seasonal items like sweaters, scarves, mittens, etc. I've been wanting a set of these super handy boxes for a few years now but of course never wanted to spend the money on them till I could see if I liked them.
After I "liked" their facebook page Robert at Tota contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing their storage boxes and sharing with my readers my thoughts on them. Of course, I said yes!
I was sent a set of their plastic core Grocery Storage Boxes to test and review and love them. They're huge!
To give you an idea how big they are and how much they hold, check this out!
Use it with 3-4 plastic bags.
Use with 2 cloth bags.
Use it with 2 paper bags.
Be eco-friendly and use it with NO BAGS!
Pick up the Tota by the handles and carry your groceries right into the house!
The Paper Core Tota Grocery Storage Box is the perfect solution to safely stabilize items in your trunk while transporting them home. (When these get old and beaten up, put it in with the paper items to be recycled!
The Plastic Core Tota Grocery Storage Box is not as affected by moisture from cold or wet items giving this version a longer life span.
My review: I received 2 of the plastic core storage boxes and like I said they are really sturdy. There are 2 mesh pockets on both long sides of the boxes and the handles are on the short sides. When you don't wish to leave your boxes up in the car or house, you just pull the hard bottom up by the ribbon loop and fold the boxes down flat and store the bottom inside. The sides are NOT hard, they are canvas with a light plastic inside, so I wouldn't use them to store books or anything heavy that could bend them. I personally think they will be really handy to store seasonal clothes, hats/mittens, kids clothes, etc. And of course, they're great for grocery shopping, laundry, etc.
I am planning on giving these as gifts for weddings and Christmas next year. It's not something that everyone would buy for themselves - but they would be the perfect gift for someone that has everything.
Buy your own Tota!
Right now all Tota Storage Boxes are ON SALE through the end of January! Click on the link to the left and get an additional 25% off!
They're available in Taupe with a Maroon edge or Blue.
A set of 2 plastic core storage boxes is now $22.99 $17.25
A set of 2 paper core storage boxes is now $19.99 $14.99
(I'd splurge and get the plastic core so they last longer.)
PS: Tota will also donate 50 cents for each Tota sold to their local food pantry So, everyone wins! Please use the code word SHARESAVE so they know you came from GivingNSharing for your purchase. =D
WIN a Tota forYourself!
Mandatory entry:
"Like" Tota Storage on Facebook, this is Mandatory and must be done before any optional entries please. Be sure to leave a comment on their page and leave me the hyperlink. Thanks so much!
Optional Entries:
(Pls note, these entries are optional. You do not have to do them to be entered. You do need to do the mandatory entry. Please include your email address on each comment. You can enter your email this way: contact(dot)thebooklady(at)gmail(dot)com) NOTE: (+3 = 3 entries)
Add this giveaway to any book hops or giveaway linkies using this link (be sure to leave the web address w/ your comment) (My computer is down at home, so I really appreciate your help!) (+3)
Tweet: " @familyliteracy WIN a Tota Grocery Storage System @ http://ning.it/edCsi5 Ends 1/28, US, #organizing, #home, #shopping " (can RT daily 3x (5 hours apart pls), please add hyperlink to comment)
Get organized with Tota Storage ! Suggest Five or more friends to their Facebook page & earn FIVE BONUS ENTRIES! Comment below for credit (+5) (Keep your receipt and if you WIN I'll need to see it)
Details: The US Winner will be drawn on 1/28 at 10 pm. They will have 48 hours to respond to my email w/ their address so their book can be shipped to them. Street address - no PO Boxes please.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Tota Grocery Storage System for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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."
Thanks for joining GivingNSharing's first annual Health Challenge Event. Honestly, this is my way to kick start my own weight loss program and I'm holding myself accountable to you. I've received the Walk, Eat and Lose program from WalkAtHome.com and will be using that program. Don't want to add another set of DVD's to your stash of Exercise videos - at least until you know you like the program? You might want to look at WalkAtHome.com's Walk Club.
WALK AT HOME is designed to help you become walking-fit in the comfort of your own home. Walk at Home is fitness fun for everyone and every age. There’s nothing complicated to learn and you don’t need fancy equipment.
If you can walk, you can do this!
Introducing the Walk Club!
Changes your fitness level and improves your health.
Challenges to keep you motivated all year long!
Not only do you get Exclusive streaming workouts, meal plans, fitness calendars and more but you get the support of one of the best communities you can find on the internet! You also get a 15% discount on all products in the store.
Email me for a complete explanation of what you get with the Walk Club - they are in the process of revamping that page and it's not available. I have it in a handy write up that you can print and post.
Take it from Our Walkers: I joined the Walk club in Nov 05 after discovering Leslie's videos. It is the best decision I have ever made. I truly found my second family. The wonderful women and men are here to cheer each other on and they are there to lift you up when you fall. We even have Walk Challenge teams! It doesn't matter if you are just starting out or are a veteran walker. Leslie says we are here for each other. The Walk Club has helped me lose 117.3 pounds, and it gave me the courage to change my lifestyle one day at a time. I am a whole new person, and I thank God that he led me to Leslie's videos and her Walk Club. ~ from Mandi
There is a charge for this program - $29.99 - for the WHOLE YEAR! That's $2.50 a month! How many of you can join a gym for $2.50 a month? You get streaming videos so you can walk in your living room, bedroom, study or even at the office if they'll let you do them there.
You don't have to get out in bad weather (it's been -30 this week - bitterly freezing cold), you can call your friends over or take turns at each other's houses each week and exercise together. You could even have a luncheon afterwards and keep each other accountable by keeping track of your weight, inches lost - whatever will help you improve your health.
This would also be a great opportunity if you are ready to go to the next level of exercise and are ready to try the Express or Advanced levels of WalkingAtHome.
I would be interested in hearing if anyone has used this program for losing weight. Please leave your comments below and if you do join let us know so we can form a group or something to help each other. Remember, I set up a group online at: PeerTrainer.com - sign up (it's FREE) and look for the group: Health Challenge Event
Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn't mean she's won her battle with food. Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. Made to Crave taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you!
Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn't a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the "I'll start again Monday" cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn't a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal - and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the "want to" in making healthy lifestyle choices. 224 pages.
About the author:
Lysa TerKeurst is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of twelve books (including a Gold Medallion finalist and a People's Choice Award finalist) and numerous magazine articles. She has told her remarkable life story on national television and radio, including Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.
What others are saying: "TerKeurst has tapped into the mystery that has plagued so many of us who battle with the bulge. If you're tired of the endless diet cycle, read Made to Crave. I'm at my lowest weight in years!" — Mandisa
"In just six weeks I lost 17 pounds. But, the gain in my relationship with God has been far greater than my weight loss!" — Jane D.
"Because of this book I have made progress with reaching my goal of being a healthier person. I know I am now on the right track!" — Kirsten W.
Finding Your Beautiful (based on Chapter 8 of Made to Crave)
I have been listening this week to KLOVE on the radio and they have been featuring a daily discussion about a woman's (and some guys) tendency to look down on her/himself because he's/she's overweight, underweight, too skinny, too curvy, her (or his) nose is too big, too 'hooked', too wide.... you get the idea.
I personally over the years have been more unhappy with the way I look (didn't have this problem as a teen or a kid) . I love my height, my hair color, don't mind that I'm very fair skinned (I'm a red head - it goes with the territory), I don't have freckles (except on my arms), don't have a big booty and I'm not "big" on top (thank heavens). But I'm definitely curvy in all the places I don't want to be.
Lisa & Eric on KLOVE were talking about a seminar that Lisa took shortly after she got married and the speaker commented on how "we should put what we HATE on the alter and let God take care of it" - and it connected with me. Lisa said she put her big feet (boats as one of her classmates said when she was in school) on a piece of paper and then put that on the alter. Her husband put his "nose" on a paper and added that with hers. And they haven't fixated on that problem since.
So, I was thinking.... What would I put on the alter? You all know God doesn't make junk, right?
I'll start.... I am putting my Fibromyalgia on the alter. The same illness that makes me so extremely tired; the medication that helps with the pain, but not the tiredness; the financial stresses that don't help me with controlling my stress - maybe that's too much. So how about one thing? I am putting each day, each morning on the alter. It only takes one step at a time to get through that day - and My God is going to help me succeed.
From Psalms: Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name … and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1–5)
What would you put on the alter? Hmmm? (Put it officially in your comment - write it & forget it)
I have worn glasses since I was in the 3rd grade when it was discovered that I was having difficulty learning to read, couldn't tell time or understand basic math concepts. I hated school! I personally feel that if someone had realized that I couldn't see at an earlier age I would have done much better in school.
As the years went by my vision has gotten much worse. It's amazing how many times I've gotten new glasses & suddenly I can see leaves moving on trees, individual blades of grass or even the hands on the clock moving (my 3rd teacher was not amused when I noticed this).
Be sure to make vision checks a part of your health care checks each year before school starts to ensure success in school. Kidshealth.org has a listed of suggested times when children from birth through school should be examined for eye health - and what to look for.
squinting a lot at objects that are close by or far away,
excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes
Your child's eyes may look crossed or like they are not focused together.
They may have excessive crust or pus on them, or they may tear excessively.
You may also notice droopy eyelids or bulging eyes if there is a vision problem.
Be on the lookout for headaches and dizziness.
Pay attention to your child when they read. If your kid holds books or magazines out very far from their face (like at arm's length) or very close to their face, they may have a vision problem.
Evaluate your kid's hand-eye coordination. If they seem to have problems with hand-eye coordination, a vision problem may be to blame. Notice if he has problems picking up toys and balls when he plays.
Talk to your child about school. Children with vision problems may have trouble seeing the blackboard in school, especially if they are sitting in the back of the classroom. If your child sits in the front of the classroom because they have to in order to see the blackboard, he may have a vision problem. If your child sits in the back of the classroom and is having trouble performing in school, it may be due to a vision problem.
Along with my prescription getting stronger, my lenses have gotten stronger and thicker. So you have an idea how thrilled I was when AirWear contacted me about reviewing their lenses! Designed for comfort, performance, protection and style, Airwear lenses are 43 percent lighter than standard plastic lenses and provide 100 percent protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Airwear lenses are:
12 times more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses.
provide 100 percent protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
are compatible with the world’s most-trusted vision brands such as Varilux®, Crizal®, Xperio®, DEFINITY® and Transitions®.
Check out their line of Children's lenses! WOW!
Essilor Junior™ lenses combine Airwear polycarbonate material with Trio Clean, a new coating specifically designed for children. These lenses are designed to respond perfectly to the needs of children and the expectations of parents: light, resistant polycarbonate lenses with visual comfort specifically adapted for children and 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays. The Trio Clean coating eliminates parasite reflections, resists scratches and smudges, and makes cleaning lenses easy. They are 43 percent lighter and 25 percent thinner than regular lenses and come with a one-year unlimited warranty from Essilor.
I received my new lenses after I sent in my prescription and a old pair of frames. They really weren't that old (maybe a year or two). I was very pleased with my finished glasses - they were very light - actually half the size of my lenses that I got from EyeMasters at the mall. Much lighter than the featherweight lenses I purchased in February 2010. I love them!
Lighter. Safer. Greener. Contest
Calling all parents! In 250 words or less, tell us how you envision helping your children be safer, healthier and more successful this school year. Share your thoughts by entering Airwear’s Lighter. Safer. Greener. Contest. One grand prize entrant will win $1,000, while 10 first prize entrants will win Airwear lens vouchers valued up to $400. Click here to learn more.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a pair of lenses for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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
I received this book as a bonus item in a box filled with cookbooks! I had requested to do a review for The Earthbound Cook and the publisher sent me a few bonuses! I just have to share this one with you. My sister and I were up late on Christmas Eve roaring as I read parts of the book aloud. You'll love it!
Now, I left my book (and several others) up at my sisters so I'm going from memory and with some help from her website: http://thecrabbycook.com/
The Crabby Cook Cookbook
by Jessica Harper
Paperback, 276 pages
ISBN: 9780761155263 (0761155260)
Published by Workman Publishing
$15.95 (US), $19.95 (CAN)
For a long time I thought I was the only crabby cook in town. While I bitched my way through daily cooking for my picky family, I envied my friends who seemed so Martha Stewart-y, all rushing around recipe swapping and table decorating, merrily searing tuna.
How many of you HATE to cook, rely on a few favorite recipes that are easy and quick (and makes everyone think you are a gifted chef)? Jessica Harper was that way and discovered that her friends (Nigella and Julia Child wanna-be's (?)) felt the same way. Imagine slaving over a hot stove, wiping the sweat off your face and pushing the hair out of your eyes - what? No one else likes to make supper everyday?
Apparently the world is full of crabby cooks, and that’s who it's written for. The book (and her website) are loaded with easy recipes and survival tips to make life easier for those of us who are kitchen-challenged.
From the book:
Introducing a very funny, slightly edgy, winning new kind of cookbook Jessica Harper—that Jessica Harper, star of Minority Report, Stardust Memories, Love and Death, Pennies from Heaven, and more—is a working mother of two who faces the same problems of every other woman who’s the designated home cook: How do you feed a family of picky eaters when you’re not crazy about being in the kitchen in the first place? A natural-born storyteller and terrifically engaging writer, she does what she’s done all her life—entertain us—while at the same time offering 100 not just easy but really easy-to-make, really tasty recipes.
Some of the recipes in her book are:
Pain-In-the-Ass Minestrone
The Baltimore Special (husband Tom's speciality)
Mom's Little Lost Lambwich
Healthyish Oat Muffins
Liz's Luscious Scones
Killer Pumpkin Pancakes
Tom's Oatmeal
Basic recipes that will make YOU a 5 ***** Chef!
Be sure to check out her blog, vblog and facebook pages - you can find some new recipes, drinks, have a laughs and fun too!
Go to: The Crabby Cook and sign up for Jessica's newsletter
Optional Entries:
(Pls note, these entries are optional. You do not have to do them to be entered. You do need to do the mandatory entry. Please include your email address on each comment. You can enter your email this way: contact(dot)thebooklady(at)gmail(dot)com)
NOTE: (+3 = 3 entries)
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Add this giveaway to any book hops or giveaway linkies using this link (be sure to leave the web address w/ your comment) (My computer is down at home, so I really appreciate your help!) (+3)
Tweet: " @familyliteracy WIN: The Crabby Cook by Jessica Harper @ http://ning.it/eGjbHw Ends 1/16/11, US, #books, #cooking, #jessicaharper" (can RT daily (2x 5 hours apart), please add hyperlink to comment)
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The US Winner will be drawn on 1/16/11 at 10 pm. They will have 48 hours to respond to my email w/ their address so their book can be shipped to them. Street address - no PO Boxes please.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of The Crabby Cook by Jessica Harper
for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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."
Happy Wednesday everyone! We are getting closer to the Grand Kickoff of the Health Challenge Event and since I'm the host I'm already starting to make some changes. I appreciate all the encouraging and supportive comments and those that are joining me. I was trying to find a website where I could log my food, etc and came across this site:
PEERtrainer is a FREE online site where you can log your food, exercise, join groups for support and encouragement (and a kick in the butt if you need it). If you are interested in losing weight, there is an overview & review of Popular Diets and Approaches.
PEERtrainer is a great place to be accountable to yourself as well as get the motivation and support to help with the most important part of the diet - the follow through. PEERtrainer can be highly effective and allows you to build a broad motivation network that's there for you when you need it.
1) You create or join a group with up to three others. You log your goals, meals and workouts, and the other group members do the same. Each member comments and keeps each other accountable and motivated.
2) To get started click on "Find/Create A Group" and search for a group or two. You can join any group you want, regardless of the location. If you don't find one that fits, create one. When you create a group, you'll be able to advertise it on the site for others to join.
3) You can join as many groups as you want, our members suggest that three is a good number to be part of. You can also invite friends directly into your groups.
I have started up a group for us (on PeerTrainer) so we can get to know each other better and help each other reach our goal.
Health Challenge Event is the name of the group. Click here
If the link for the group doesn't work, leave a comment w/ your email below and I'll send you an invitation and that should get your there.
(+5) (Keep your receipt and if you WIN I'll need to see it) 
