Simple Secrets to a Happy Life by Luci Swindoll

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life by Luci Swindoll is filled with tips to help you live a happy life. If you need help to be more organized, healthy, creative, and of course happy, this is a great book to help you achieve those attributes.

Book Description

“Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world? Is that even realistic? Yes! There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof.

With heart and humor, this best-selling author and beloved speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become a little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy. This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman. These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well.

We don’t need more tips for “having it all,” but we could all use insight on “having what matters,” and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll.

Luci has spent eight decades accumulating the stories, memories, verses, and practical tips that make up Simple Secrets to a Happy Life. Whether traveling the world or building life-long friendships, singing in the opera or working for Mobil Oil, every step has taught her a little more about how to love God, love her neighbor, and love herself.

The result is both personal and universal. Organized into fifty short chapters, her reflections form a simple and profound outline for making the most of the lives God has given us.

We could all use a little more joy in our lives, which means we could all use a little more Luci. Visit her through these snapshots of wisdom. You’ll find yourself drawn back again and again.” – Simple Secrets to a Happy Life

My Thoughts

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life includes fifty chapters. Don’t let that scare you though, they are all rather short chapters meant to be read and absorbed one at a time. If you only have a few minutes to read, these chapters would obviously be best read one at a time. However, if you have more time to read, you can of course read as many of the chapters in a row as you wish.

When I read through the book, I preferred to read them one at a time, and then come back and read more later (even if it was just ten minutes later). It gave me time to think about what I just read and think about ways to apply it in my own life.

Luci Swindoll writes in a very relatable manner, which makes you feel like you are sitting at her kitchen table sipping tea or hot chocolate, while she is giving you the wisdom she has learned through life.

I enjoyed this book and think that it will be extremely helpful for many people who decide to read it. I definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to be even a little bit happier in life.

* Thank you to the publisher of Simple Secrets to a Happy Life, Thomas Nelson, as part of their BookSneeze program, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Snow White by Brothers Grimm and Illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia

Snow White by the Brothers Grimm and illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia is a gorgeous gift-quality edition of the fairy tale you grew up with.

Book Description

“Mirror, mirror, on the wall, 
Who’s the fairest one of all?”

Originating in seventeenth-century French folklore, the story of Snow White has long been one of the world’s most memorable childhood tales.

It is the story of an evil queen determined to do away with a girl—with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony—who threatens the queen’s quest to remain the most beautiful in her kingdom. This new gift edition presents the unabridged version of the Grimms’ tale, with an original interpretation by renowned artist Camille Rose Garcia that artfully combines wit and dark romance. – Snow White

My Thoughts

Snow White is a beautifully dark fairy tale if you really think about it, and so the illustrator for this version of Snow White did just that. It is the same story, but is designed and artfully created so marvelously, that it feels like a new story.

The artwork and the text truly brings the story to life. Snow White is beautiful, but also has a punk-goth spin to her. I love all of the detail that the illustrations have, and the contrast of the colors works brilliantly.

If you grew up loving the story of Snow White, this is a must-have version for your library. If you plan on giving this book as a gift to someone (which is a fabulous idea, too), be sure to buy more than one copy because you’ll definitely want a copy for yourself as well. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Snow White, Harper Design, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Giveaway Winners for March

Thank you to everyone who participated and entered to win the $25 Publix gift card and the book “Just a Minute.” The deadline is over, and I used a randomizer program to determine the winners….

$25 Publix gift card (thanks to MyBlogSpark!)

Winner: Jason

“Just a Minute” by Wess Stafford

Winner: CiCi

I’m e-mailing both of the winners after this post is published, so please get back to me ASAP so I can have your prizes sent out!

Thank you again to everyone who entered. I’ll hopefully have more contests soon!

The Thirteen by Susie Moloney

The Thirteen by Susie Moloney is about suburbia, family, deception, and witches. I usually find all of these topics to be of great interest when reading a novel, so I dove right in. How did I like it? Well, read on to find out…

Book Description

“Haven Woods is suburban heaven, a great place to raise a family. It's close to the city, quiet, with great schools and its own hospital right up the road. Property values are climbing, and the crime rate is practically nonexistent.

Paula Wittmore hasn't been back to Haven Woods since she left as a disgraced teenager. Now she's returning to care for her suddenly ailing mother, and she's bringing her daughter and a pile of emotional baggage. She's also bringing, unknowingly, the last chance for her mother's closest frenemies . . . twelve women bound together by a powerful secret that requires the sacrifice of a thirteenth.” – The Thirteen

My Thoughts

The Thirteen is a creepy novel about suburban America at its finest, but with a very “paranormal” twist. I love everything having to do with the paranormal, so it definitely wasn’t that aspect of the book that turned me off to start with. It was how the author wrote her book. She uses a unique way of typing out her book that annoyed me from the start. For example, the use of italics for certain things like thoughts, not capitalizing things that should be, starting paragraphs in odd ways, etc. Some may like this type of thing, but not me.

I wasn’t going to stop reading the novel just because of that though. I was interested in the story, and I love creepy and semi-realistic scary novels. So, as I progressed through the book, I did come to enjoy the story (the typing still annoyed me).

I liked the single mom Paula Wittmore, but she was also the stereotypically “annoying” main character. What I mean by this is that when you’re reading it, she does stupid things and doesn’t notice seemingly obvious things around her. This is the type of character that also makes you want to scream at or shake. Regardless though, I did like her and her daughter Rowan’s mother-daughter tension and issues.

Moloney also uses her humor throughout the book superbly. In horror novels this isn’t usually the case, but she did an excellent job with it. I also really liked the ending (which I’m not giving you spoilers of).

Overall, I thought that this was a good read, especially for people who like horror novels and can see the “creepiness” that is in the seemingly “perfect” suburban towns.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Thirteen, Harper Collins, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Sims 3: Master Suite Stuff Pack Review

The Sims 3: Master Suite Stuff Pack is the newest stuff pack released for the series that adds in luxurious items for your Sims. If you’ve been looking for luxury goods for your Sim’s house, new sexy clothing for lingerie, and items to just set the mood for romantic interactions, this is the stuff pack to get!

About the Stuff Pack
Luxurious master bedroom and bath décor—plus romantic intimate wear!

Home is where the heart is! Whether your Sims relax in a bubble bath in their luxurious bathroom, enjoy some down time in their exquisitely furnished bedroom, or wear new intimate apparel for their special someone, The Sims 3 Master Suite Stuff adds some sizzle to their home life! From stylish bedroom sets to spa-inspired bathroom furnishings to romantic new lingerie and hairstyles, your Sims will relax in comfort and style.

Features:

• Create the ultimate master suite with a romantic canopied bed, a 40s-inspired chair, and more.
• Give your Sims’ bathroom a makeover with contemporary, spa-worthy furnishings including a well-crafted vanity and a sleek and stylish tub.
• Add the finishing touches. From vases of flowers to candles and rose petals, the little things can help set the mood.
• Dress to impress. Whether your Sim is seeking a romantic rendezvous or an indulgent evening of relaxation, the new intimate wear options are bound to please.
• Complete the look with a casual yet elegant new hairstyle that complements your Sims new commitment to relaxation.
~ The Sims 3: Master Suite Stuff Pack


My Thoughts
The Sims 3 is one of the few games I play often. I love that the developers lets us upgrade our game to new expansions and stuff packs frequently because it adds to our base game. If you don’t like a certain theme that a stuff pack or expansion brings, you don’t have to get it.

I love how the game lets you build relationships and do romantic interactions. Yes, it is just a game that keeps it PG, but honestly, that is all I want to see in this game anyways. As an adult gamer though, I do enjoy being able to dress my Sims up in luxury clothing – including sleepwear and lingerie. Not many additions are that sexy though, so to see some of the new ones added in for this stuff pack it really made me happy. Even the males got some new looks (though not nearly as many). It is more fun to dress up the females though, isn’t it?




I also enjoy decorating my Sim homes and venues with nice objects. Luxury isn’t always an option because of what is available though. Luckily, this stuff pack gives plenty of new items to really help out in this department. More could have been added (though I always think that), but because of the high levels of customization tools that are available, you can really change things up in each house you use the items in. One of my favorite new items in this one is the canopy bed – it is very elegant and a new favorite of mine to add into Sim homes.

Overall, I found this stuff pack to give everything it claimed. I made more use out of the new clothing options than all of the new items, but I plan on using the new décor and furniture items more in the future when I make some new Sim homes. If you have The Sims 3 and want to add in more content to your game in terms of new items and clothing, this is a great buy for your game!

Don’t just take my word for it being awesome though, watch this video for The Sims 3 Master Suite trailer on YouTube:





* Thank you to the publisher of The Sims 3: Master Suite, Electronic Arts, and Gamers Gate for providing me with a digital copy of this game and allowing me to review it. All experiences and opinions expressed are my own.

Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife by Raymond Moody and Paul Perry

Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife by Raymond Moody and Paul Perry is the story of Raymond Moody’s life into the paranormal. This is the man who coined the term “near death experience” and his life is without a doubt, highly interesting.


Book Description
“From the bestselling author of Life After Life and pioneer researcher and leading authority on near-death experiences comes Paranormal, an intimate look at a lifetime spent fearlessly wrestling with humankind’s most important and perplexing question:

What happens when we die?

Paranormal begins with a harrowing account of Moody’s suicide attempt—due to an undiagnosed illness that led him into depression—and proceeds to explore his lifelong fascination with life beyond our bodies. Moody traces the roots of his obsession with the point of death and how, at age twenty-three, he launched the entirely new medical field of near-death studies. He went on to explore the world of past lives and possible reincarnation before stumbling into the fascinating realm of facilitated visions. Moody’s rural research center, Theater of the Mind, dramatically advances paranormal research by melding ancient and modern techniques to arouse many of the transformative elements of the near-death experience in people who are still living.

After more than four decades of studying death and the possibility of an afterlife, Moody still sees endless promise in the fringes of psychological sciences, where he continues to seek answers to what happens to our souls after death.” – Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife




My Thoughts
Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife is an exceptional read for anyone interested in the paranormal, especially concerning “near death experiences” and past lives. Even though it doesn’t go into too much detail about either subject (he has other books for that), enough is given for anyone to grasp the ideas if they haven’t learned much about them.

The journey Moody takes us on in this book is on his own life. He describes how he was raised as a boy and shows how that influenced his beliefs as an adult. As a young adult, he was interested in philosophy and astronomy, and eventually became interested in medicine as well. The paranormal field has been improved greatly thanks to this interest because he was able to link together the phenomena of “near death experiences” into something that happens to people when they have a near death experience. Catchy phrase, huh?

I especially enjoyed reading the parts of the book about past lives. This book is about Moody’s journey, so naturally he also described some of his past lives that he has delved into from hypnotic regressions. Most people just have “ordinary” past lives, and as he puts it, we can’t all be Cleopatra or Napoleon. His may not have been to that height, but still quite fascinating reading about.

As someone who has read a very large amount of books on the paranormal, this is one that I really think stands out. I highly recommend it for everyone interested in the paranormal to read.


* Thank you to the publisher of Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife, Harper One, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review + Giveaway - Just A Minute by Wess Stafford

Just A Minute by Wess Stafford is an amazing and memorable book filled with stories about how a small amount of time with a child can make all the difference in their life.

Book Description

“How long does it take to make a difference in the life of a child?

For good or for ill, individual moments in a young person's life can make all the difference in their future. It may be something said or done by an adult who hardly thinks about it: a hug, a compliment, an intriguing question, a sincere applause. But in that moment, the child discovers who they are, what is important to them, why they matter, and sometimes even what their destiny will be. Most of us want to help encourage and build into this next generation, most of us see the need all around, but we just have no idea where to begin.

Now, with this book, you know where to begin and you know that it only takes Just a Minute. Follow along as Dr. Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International, shares stories and experiences to introduce you to the difference you can actually make anywhere on the spectrum of child development. From helping meet physical needs to breaking down emotional barriers and from discovering latent talents to equipping with spiritual insights, these stories are a catalyst for action.

You don't have to be a teacher, a parent, a pastor, or a doctor to make a difference in the life of a child. You only have to be willing!” – Just A Minute

My Thoughts

Just A Minute is a book that can be read in pieces or all at once (if you have the time). I prefer to read books like this one story (or chapter) at a time to fully digest what I just read and really think about the story.

All of the stories included in this book are uplifting and really help feed the soul. Each one is memorable and will make you think about all of the opportunities that you have to help make a positive impact on a child’s life. Perhaps it will even make you think about the people who made a change in your life and write it down to share with others. If you aren’t so inclined, it will at least leave you thinking and make you feel good after reading the stories.

Want a Free Copy?

Thanks to Moody Publishers, I have an extra copy of this book to giveaway. So, if you want it, leave me a comment on here with a way to get back to you. One comment per person and post anything you want in relation to the book/subject matter. I’ll contact the winner the day after the deadline (March 20^th, 2012). Good luck!

Post the comment for your entry before March 20^th, 2012.

* Thank you to the publisher of Just A Minute, Moody Publishers, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

$25 Publix Gift Card Giveaway – Best Meals Happen at Home

I am really happy to share this Publix giveaway with everyone thanks to MyBlogSpark, General Mills and Publix. Entering is easy, just read this post and follow the directions to enter. Be sure to enter before the giveaway ends.

Publix was my favorite grocery store when I lived in Florida. I grew up with it and almost always shopped there for groceries. In college, I often went in for their Publix subs for lunch or dinner. Oh how I miss being able to eat those! Too bad they don’t have gluten-free options. Anyways, after I moved to Alabama, I really couldn’t shop there anymore because the closest one was over an hour away. Not long ago a new store opened up that is only about half an hour away (which is sadly, the average time to get anywhere worth going where I live).

Since I have Celiac Disease, it is really hard for me to eat any fast food, so I for one am completely on board with Publix’s “Best Meals Happen at Home” event. Cooking at home is so much healthier and usually much cheaper than eating fast food, so why do the fast food thing at all?

During the “Best Meals Happen at Home” event from March 8^th through March 14^th, you’ll find savings on great brands, coupons to use on the items, and you can go to their website at bestmealsathome.com to find recipes and coupons for the event.

$25 Publix Gift Card Giveaway

I have one $25 gift card for Publix to give as a prize to one lucky winner. Each entry needs to be entered as a separate comment on this post to be counted as an entry.

One entry (mandatory) – Follow my Blog and leave me a comment answering these questions: After going to bestmealsathome.com, which recipe are you most interested in making? Are there any certain products that are a part of this event that you’ll definitely want to spend your giftcard on?

One entry – Post about this contest on your Blog. Leave me a comment with the URL to it.

One entry – Follow me on Twitter and post about this contest on your Twitter account. Leave me a comment with the URL to it. @sherinewton the tweet so I can find it easily.

One entry – Post about this contest on your Facebook page. Leave me a comment with the URL to it. Add me as your friend, if you want.

Note: If you don’t have your e-mail address showing on your Blogger profile, or don’t enter it, I can’t contact you if you win. If you’re unsure if it is there or not, put it in your entry.

Giveaway ends on March 15^th, 2012. Good Luck!

Disclosure:  The Publix gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg

Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg is written to help us make sense of always wanting more. No matter what it is that you want more of, this constant craving doesn’t seem to ever be filled. Sound familiar? If so, this book may actually help you with quenching those cravings from an unexpected source - God.

Book Description

“Our cravings are written into our DNA. They’re influenced by our childhood experiences. They’re driving the choices we make as adults. And often, they’re keeping us hungry. Never satisfied. Ever searching.

What do they mean? What are we to do with them? Should we feel guilty? Are there solutions?

Counselor and author Marilyn Meberg knows all about cravings. She also knows the One who knit us together, desires and all. With wit and compassion, Marilyn helps us understand our appetites, offers advice for managing them here on earth, and encourages us to eagerly await the day when we will find total satisfaction in heaven.

In the meantime, Constantly Craving is an excellent reminder that our desires for more can lead us to the One we really need, the only One who will quench our thirst forever. Really? Really!” – Constantly Craving 

My Thoughts

Throughout the book Marilyn Meberg shares with us personal stories that she has had in her life. My favorite was the one where she illustrates how she loves ladybugs, and what happened when she had some, and they got off track of their life’s purpose. She is able to use humor and describes things that could happen to anyone, to show that everyone really can relate to one another, and we all want something more in our own lives to make them be less meaningless and something “more.”

People today seem so anxious and worried about everything, and the author links this to people’s constant craving for wanting more. Learning more about God’s plan for your life purpose can help set this at ease, and she gives tips on clarifying your sense of purpose, too.

Overall, I enjoyed reading through this book. I think that the author was able to make the book highly relatable for people of different Christian religions to resonate with. I also think that those that are Spiritual would enjoy reading this book and also find some help in it as well.

* Thank you to the publisher of Constantly Craving, Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy of this book for review as part of their BookSneeze program. All opinions expressed are my own.

File Your Taxes for Free with Turbo Tax

Haven’t filed your taxes yet? No problem, you still have until April 17th. Yes, usually it is the 15th, but this year that day falls on a Sunday, so the IRS being the nice people that they are, are giving us until the 17th.

Usually I try to get mine done as soon as I get all of the information I need to file it. I’ve been slacking though and since I always do mine myself, I use what I can to get the biggest refund and also file it for free. Seriously, why pay for someone else to prepare it when you can do it yourself? Mine isn’t that complicated, and if yours isn’t either, at least try to do it for free yourself.

Turbo Tax is one such option that guarantees 100% accurate calculations and even gives you free help if you need it. The step by step program you use to file your taxes makes it really easy, and you can file it for free (at least with the simple tax return).

So, if you haven’t gotten started on your taxes yet, gather up the documents you need to file, and head on over to Turbo Tax.