Pure Magic by Judika Illes

Pure Magic by Judika Illes is one of the best intro books to learning about magic that I’ve ever read. If you want to learn about magic, spells, and more – this is one of the books that you want to read!

Book Description

“Pure Magic is a practical crash course for anyone who's ever envied TV witches. Or women who always seem to get the job, apartment, or date they want. Or people who can make their dreams come true. Judika Illes has written a spellcasting primer in down-to-earth language. "I consciously set out to write a book that would be different from any other on the market," Illes writes. "This book is jargon free. It contains information usually handed down from teacher to student. It focuses on the practical aspects of spellcasting in a clear and nonjudgmental way... No specialized metaphysical training is required." 

What is required is that we become aware of the natural rhythms, energies, powers, and patterns of Earth and her diverse inhabitants. 

Pure Magic offers a plethora of individual spells, plus concrete advice on how and where to practice magic, to rightly use words of power, and to cleanse, protect, and enhance your magic self. Work your way through it's easy-to-follow, step-by-step plan, and all will become clear. Learn to listen to Mother Earth, focus on your magical allies, gather the simple equipment Illes outlines, and follow the straightforward instructions, and you will soon be constructing your own spells and experiencing magic in your everyday life. Pure Magic is a book that beginners will follow rigorously and advanced spellcasters will refer to again and again for guidance and inspiration.” – Pure Magic

My Thoughts

Pure Magic is really an excellent resource for those beginning in magic. Judika Illes writes in a very easy to read way that makes it feel like you’re in a one-on-one class with her learning about magic.

I really enjoyed reading about the basics of magic, the different types of spiritual allies, and even tried a few of the spells. As a beginner, I found it all to be highly interesting and not intimidating to want to try it. The spells that are included in the book are aimed to be used by a beginner, but advanced spell casters could use them too.

If you are interested in magic at all, this is a very easy to read book that won’t leave you confused, and will help you to spark the magic in your own life. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Pure Magic, Weiser Books, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan is a memoir of the author’s own dark past, and how he rose from the darkness and started living in the light again. The author’s journey into Satanism lead him down a path that you’ll never want to take, and hopefully his story will help to lead others out of the darkness as well.

Book Description
“A life of difficulty and disappointment set 33-year old Michael Leehan up for the worst decision of his life—to make a deal with the Devil to follow and serve him. Practicing the dark arts that include ritualistic cuttings and blood sacrifices, while fine tuning his manipulation and control skills, Michael launched into a twenty year downward spiral that included job loss and detachment from loved ones, and even jail time.

But God had another plan that included a group of Christian men to love him and pray for him—even when it became evident his assignment from Satan was to kill their pastor, Craig Groeschel.

The life Michael Leehan lives today is an incredible testimony of the transforming power of God's mercy and grace, but is also a wakeup call to the church to be fully aware of the spiritual war that is going on all around them, and to the ultimate battle for their souls.

"I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:18” – Ascent from Darkness


My Thoughts
Ascent from Darkness is a dark read. It is a true story about the author’s life, which makes it that much more chilling. The author doesn’t claim to be a writer, but he does a very good job with telling his story.

Even though the author does find God again and comes out of the darkness, this isn’t really a very uplifting read. It is dark, depressing, and at times you’ll think the author was a bit crazy. However, knowing that Michael doesn’t continue to follow Satan forever did help me to keep reading the book. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t have read it or continued to read it.

Overall, I found the book to be decent. It isn’t great, but it isn’t terrible either. I do hope that it helps people who are in the same darkness that the author was in. However, if they are that far gone, I don’t think they’d be sitting down reading this book to help them.


* Thank you to the publisher of Ascent from Darkness, 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.

Sew Up a Home Makeover by Lexie Barnes

Sew Up a Home Makeover by Lexie Barnes includes 50 simple sewing projects to transform your space. Patterns aren’t needed for these projects, just some time and the basic materials.

Book Description

“Want to bring a new look to a tired room without spending a fortune? Designer Lexie Barnes shows you how to personalize your living space in just a few hours, with 50 fresh, fun, pattern-free sewing projects. Transform a living room with a custom-designed slipcover and coordinated pillows. Redecorate a bedroom in a weekend by sewing up a headboard cover, a lampshade, and matching window treatments. Learn how easy and inexpensive it can be to change the look of a child’s room as she grows from a baby to a kid to a teenager. With dramatic before-and-after examples, beautifully styled photography, and a fun “you-can-do-it” attitude, Sew Up a Home Makeover is a creative resource that you’ll return to every time you’re ready for a new look.” – Sew Up a Home Makeover

My Thoughts

Sew Up a Home Makeover gives inspiration to create beautifully customized pieces for your home. The arrangement of ideas shown could easily be seen on an episode of The Nate Berkus Show (which I watch as often as I can). I wouldn’t be surprised if this book was featured on the show in the very near future either.

The 50 custom sewing projects included cover a huge variety of ideas for everywhere in your home. There are also variations of some of the projects to show you what else you could do with it that is very similar. This book will show you how to make a headboard, sew your own placemats and napkins, pillows, bags, slipcovers, and much more.

This isn’t really a teaching to sew kind of book. It covers some basics on sewing, but doesn’t cover it in much depth. The average person buying this book should already know the basics, and be readily able to sew the projects included in the book. I like this because it doesn’t waste time explaining things that most of us reading the book should know anyways.

If you know how to sew and want to take your home from drab to fab, this is an extremely valuable tool to help you have the fabulous house of your dream – with minimal expenses. I highly recommend it to all of the DIYers.

* Thank you to the publisher of Sew Up a Home Makeover, Storey Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver by Stephen Harrod Buhner

Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver by Stephen Harrod Buhner is a must buy book for everyone that has Hepatitis C, or other liver issues, or knows someone that does. This book could help you with Hepatitis C treatment where traditional medicine prescribed by doctors has failed (or is unaffordable).

Book Description

“Herbal Medicines Offer Hope for Combating Hepatitis C

More than 500 million people worldwide carry the deadly hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis C poses a public health crisis far greater than the AIDS epidemic. This deadly disease, which can go undetected for years, eventually attacks the liver, causing cirrhosis, cancer, and even liver failure. Conventional medical treatments for hepatitis C have limited effectiveness. In Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver, Stephen Buhner examines the most recent research on how hepatitis C affects the body. He offers important information, practical guidance, and hope.

This book includes:
* Clear descriptions of the common medical tests and treatments for hepatitis C -- what they mean and how effective they are.
* A guide to knowing and using the top herbal medicines that work to protect the liver and strengthen the immune system.
* A protocol for cleansing and strengthening the body with a combination of diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes.” – Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver

My Thoughts

Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver gives those who have this disease hope. Above all else, it offers this, and when looking at the research of those using the herbs for Hepatitis C, it is worth a shot.

The book covers the basic information about Hepatitis C, such as how it is possibly contracted, what it does to your body, and much more. It also explains how viruses act in general, which is quite helpful for people to understand it, especially those who don’t know much about microbiology.

The main portion of the book is about the herbs that can be used for the liver and those who have Hepatitis C. The information covered about each of the herbs suggested is quite detailed, and the author does a great job explaining it all. By the end of the book, you’ll know much more about using herbs and should feel comfortable using them, even if you’ve never used herbal remedies before.

One of the most important chapters included in the book is the part on the HCV protocol for the treatment of hepatitis c with the herbal treatments. If you don’t know where to buy these herbs, there are references in the back of the book that you can contact to purchase the herbs online or over the phone.

A healthy diet for Hepatitis C is essential to those who have it. There is more that can be done with this though, which is adding in the herbal supplements as part of the Hepatits C treatment suggested in this book. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read that has the disease and also to those who know and love those who have it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver, Storey Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Giveaway Winners!

Thank you to everyone who entered the two giveaways that I had going on over the past week or so. Unfortunately, I can only pick one winner for each contest. I used a randomizing tool to come up with the winners, and the results are below.

$25 Sam’s Club Gift Card Giveaway – the winner is….. Tinangel!

Yoplait Smoothie Prize Pack Giveaway – the winner is…. Laura~peach~!

I will contact each of the winners right now to find out where to send the prizes! Congratulations!

I will hopefully have more contests very soon to share with everyone, so check back on my Blog again soon for these giveaways!

Atlantis and the New Consciousness by Wilson & Prentis

Atlantis and the New Consciousness by Wilson & Prentis is a look into the past lives of selected people who had lives in Atlantis. If you’ve felt drawn to this mysterious part of Earth’s past, this book is for you.

Book Description

“Using past life regression, Joanna Prentis, Stuart Wilson, and a mutual friend return to previous lives on the lost continent of Atlantis. They provide a gripping description of their origins on the planet Sirius and their later arrival on Atlantis. They reveal the nature of Atlantean civilization, their healing abilities, and what brought about the destruction of the continent.

Through the use of deep hypnosis and past life regressions, the authors provide a fascinating and vivid account, like no other, of daily life on the lost continent. And most startling, they make a definite correlation between the events of Atlantis and what is occurring now as we approach 2012. Will the same scenario be repeated?

Wilson and Prentis are long-time collaborators and among the foremost metaphysical researchers at work today. This is their fifth book with Ozark Mountain Publications. Two earlier volumes deal with their investigation into never-before revealed events and meaning in the lives of Jesus and Mary the Magdalene.” – Atlantis and the New Consciousness

My Thoughts

Atlantis and the New Consciousness is a book that uses past life regression and channeling of an angelic source to write this book. It isn’t for everyone, but for those that do read it, I can assure you that it is highly interesting and well worth the time to read.

Some people reading this book will think that everything written in it is very real, and did happen. Others will read it and not believe that anything said actually happened, but will probably still find it a good read regardless. I’m somewhere in the middle of these two groups. I’ve never met the authors of the book, so I can’t take everything that they say as fact, especially because it was written through past life regression. However, I do believe that Atlantis did exist, and also think that I probably had a few past lives there myself.

Regardless of which type of reader you are, the content included is quite fascinating and will make you really think about human existence and life on Earth.

In this book, Atlantis is suggested to have started around 250,000 BC and ended somewhere around 10,000 BC. This is a very large amount of time for the civilization to have flourished. However, many things inherent in human nature caused collapses in the structure, and eventually caused the collapse of the civilization a few times. This is a scary fact to consider, especially as we are doing many of those things once again. All is not lost though, because the New Consciousness that is emerging once again will help us through this next process of change which is occurring as part of the 2012 experience.

Overall, I found this book to be a very stimulating read and highly thought provoking. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read that is open to reading it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Atlantis and the New Consciousness, Ozark Mountain Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Last Day to Enter 2 Giveaways!

Just a quick reminder that today is the last day to enter two of the giveaways I have going on. Thank you to everyone who has entered them already, and good luck! I’ll post the results of the winners on Sunday.

$25 Sam’s Club Gift Card Giveaway

Yoplait Smoothie Prize Pack Giveaway

Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Harrod Buhner

Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Harrod Buhner is an eye-opening look at how the use of prescription antibiotics being overused has actually been a huge factor of why there are so many resistant strands of deadly bacteria now. Instead of using prescription antibiotics, there are other options. If you’re interested in these herbal antibiotics, this is the go-to book for you!

Book Description

“Stephen Buhner has arrived at (and shares with you, the reader) the frightening truth you won't find in the Journal of the American Medical Association: We are running out of weapons in the war on germs. 
— James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy

The era of the penicillin miracle is over. Through our indiscriminate use of pharmaceutical antibiotics in hospitals and factory farms, humans have created "Superbugs" — tenacious and virulent bacteria that develop resistance to solitary antibiotic compounds at an alarming speed.

In this empowering book, Stephen Buhner offers conclusive evidence that plant medicines, with their complex mix of multiple antibiotic compounds, are remarkably effective against drug-resistant bacteria. You'll learn how antibiotic herbs such as aloe, garlic, and grapefruit seed extract represent our best defense against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella — and how their use will ensure that, in the future, antibiotic drugs will still be there when we really need them.” – Herbal Antibiotics

My Thoughts

Herbal Antibiotics is written in a very easy to understand way. The information is scientific and for some it might be hard to read. I took a Microbiology course in college recently, so I got through it just fine, and was actually quite happy to realize I remembered most of what was covered.

The first chapter explains bacteria and how it has evolved with the overuse of prescription antibiotics. These drug-resistant bacterias can be deadly, so it isn’t something we should just be ignoring. This material is something everyone should read and absorb because it is essential to how we view medicine.

The rest of the book really explains the best herbs to use for antibiotics, and for specific uses to use it for. Most of these herbs should be rather easy to find in a local health store or even online. Nothing suggested for use is that rare that it would cost too much either. The ways to use the herbs might be new to some, but the methods described are actually quite old techniques that have been used for thousands of years.

Overall, I think that this is an extremely important book for everyone to read, and keep on hand for quick reference when problems come up that you need to consult it for. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Herbal Antibiotics, Storey Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Paranormal Obsession by Deonna Kelli Sayed

Paranormal Obsession by Deonna Kelli Sayed isn’t a typical paranormal book that explains topics in the paranormal field. This book delves into the history of the paranormal, and explains how it has gotten to be such an obsession in our culture.

Book Description

“Ghosts and ghouls, demons, poltergeists, phantoms, haunted houses, and shadow people—why is America so captivated by the creepy and unexplained? Paranormal Obsession is the first book to explore why we have an insatiable interest in spirits, ghost hunting, and all things otherworldly.

Paranormal investigator and researcher Deonna Kelli Sayed reveals how and why our fascination with spirits started. She interviewed ghost hunters, religious figures, scientists, academics, and cast members of the popular TV shows Ghost Hunters and Paranormal State, and offers compelling insight into what our fixation on ghostly activity says about American culture. Paranormal Obsession also highlights the author's paranormal group's investigation of the USS North Carolina, the most haunted battleship in the United States.” – Paranormal Obsession

My Thoughts

Paranormal Obsession is a phenomenal resource for those who want to better understand where the paranormal field emerged from, and should perhaps be required reading for anyone who wants to claim that they are a “paranormal investigator” or “ghost hunter.”

The material covered in this book is extensive, and gives the reader a substantial amount of information on the history of the paranormal field, and how it got it to where it is today. The personal interviews, research, and stories included is a bonus. The author does heavily praise and cover Ghost Hunters and TAPS, but regardless of what you think of them, they did help get the paranormal reality TV shows on air, and without them, would our culture be as paranormally obsessed as it is today?

As someone who has been a paranormal investigator for a few years, I completely agree with the author when it comes to there being too many beginners in the field who jump in without knowing what is going on, and label themselves as an investigator out to ghost hunt and investigate supposedly haunted locations. Most of these newbies all have one thing in common: they think they will be on TV or become famous somehow by doing this. I have two words for that: verbal eyeroll.

The drama that is also in the field, which Sayed also brings up, is huge. Not just between different groups, but often between members within the same group as well. Both situations get ugly, and I for one want no part of either. If those who truly want to investigate and help people can join some form of a community, such as the TAPS family, maybe some of this will cease.

If Paranormal Obsession was required reading for the newbies in the field, maybe they would actually know some of the history behind investigating the paranormal, and wouldn’t think that they were a “paranormal investigator” after just watching a few episodes of Ghost Hunters on SyFy.

I highly recommend this book to everyone obsessed with the paranormal.

* Thank you to the publisher of Paranormal Obsession, Llewellyn, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Make Your Dreams Come True by Pamala Oslie

Make Your Dreams Come True by Pamala Oslie is about the power of beliefs, and how you can use that to change your life and make your dreams come true. It is quite similar to the Law of Attraction, and gives steps on changing the beliefs that you currently have, so that your dreams can come shining through.

Book Description

“Have you ever wondered why some of your dreams are easily fulfilled, while others seem forever out of reach? Have you ever asked yourself these questions?

• How can I be happy?
• When am I going to have what I want?
• Why do I struggle to move forward in my life?
• What do I have to do to make my dreams come true?

Make Your Dreams Come True leads you on an exploration of the thoughts and beliefs that unconsciously rule your life. With simple games and processes, you will learn to become aware of the beliefs that limit you. Then you’ll be guided through a comprehensive process for changing the beliefs that keep you from living your true potential

• Gain insight about your beliefs and learn to let go of the ones that limit you

• Clear out self-judgments about others

• Learn what steps are absolutely necessary for manifesting your desires

• Discover a shortcut for releasing the core belief at the root of every problem

• Benefit from real-life stories of people who have improved their health, finances, relationships, and career

• Tap into your own reservoir of creative energy and live a more abundant, happy, and fulfilling life” – Make Your Dreams Come True

My Thoughts

Make Your Dreams Come True is a written in a very easy to read format. However, the subject matter may not be quite as easy for people to grasp. Changing your belief system isn’t always easy, and if you haven’t tried any positive thinking or Law of Attraction type of work, it might be hard for you, at least at first.

The steps and processes that Pamala Oslie provides in this book really need to be used while reading the text. These are the steps that will help you to change your beliefs. Of course you could read the book in full, and then read it again practicing these lessons along the way. However, just reading the material isn’t likely enough to allow you to fully “get” the material.

If you are on a spiritual journey, at a loss for what to do in your life, or are looking for ways to make your dreams come true, this is a fantastic book for you to read to hopefully make some (if not all) of those dreams of yours come true. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Make Your Dreams Come True, Amber Allen, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra is a classic that will have you referring to it again and again. If you are ready to change your life for the better, and becoming more open for success, this is a must-read book for you! Consider reading this review of it as a sign or invite to reading it.

Book Description

“This is a book you will cherish for a lifetime, for within its pages are the secrets to making all your dreams come true. Deepak Chopra distills the essence of his teachings into seven simple yet powerful principles that can easily be applied to create success in all areas of your life.

Based on natural laws which govern all of creation, this book shatters the myth that success is the result of heart work, exacting plans, or driving ambition. Deepak Chopra offers a life-altering perspective on the attainment of success: Once we understand our true nature and learn to live in harmony with natural law, a sense of well-being, good health, fulfilling relationships, energy and enthusiasm for life, and material abundance will spring forth easily and effortlessly.

Filled with timeless wisdom and practical steps you can apply right away, this is a book you will want to read and refer to again and again.” – The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

My Thoughts

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is a seemingly simple book that teaches you to open your mind to our true nature, and how to make things we want in our life work for us.

It is quite easy to read, and most people will read it all in one sitting. It has many steps to encourage you to not just read this book, but to practice it. We are all works in progress, so don’t expect to “get” it all at once.

Read this book in full, and then read a chapter or so a day or a week, and really focus your energy on doing what that chapter says for that day or week. Using it in this way will help to actually practice the seven spiritual laws of success.

This book by Deepak Chopra is a classic that you will come to again and again. It can change your life, if you are open to reading it and realizing what it is saying. The question is: are you ready for it?

For those that are indeed ready for it, I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Who Are Your Favorite Bloggers?

I recently went through my huge list of Blogs that I follow, and removed the ones that haven’t been updated for around six months or more. Some hadn’t even been updated for two years! While I was going through them, I realized that I need to follow some newer Blogs that update regularly and Blog about topics of interest to me.

So, my question for you is this: Who are your favorite Bloggers? Please post them in the comments here, with their link. I most likely also follow you, but I will check out yours if you have one too.

Also, don’t forget to enter the two giveaways I have going on right now! You could win a $25 gift card to Sam’s Club/Wal-Mart or the Yoplait smoothie prize pack!

The Crystal Children by Doreen Virtue

The Crystal Children by Doreen Virtue is a look into the new type of children that have arrived called “Crystal Children.” These kids may seem a little bit different than other kids, but that is okay, and can actually be quite a good thing. If you think that you might have a Crystal child, or maybe think you might be one, this is an excellent book to find out more about these very special kids.

Book Description

“Crystal Children are the new generation that has come to the Earth plane after the Indigo Children. They are approximately ages newborn through five, although some members of the first wave of Crystal Children are as old as seven. These kids are like Indigos – highly psychic and sensitive – but without the dark edge and the anger energy.

Crystal Children are beautiful inside and out – one look in their eyes and you can see Divine love and wisdom. Their auras are bright, radiant, and opalescent – they seem to glow from the inside! They talk about past lives, distant galaxies, and profound insights concerning peace and love.

This book covers many issues that affect these special kids (such as healing abilities, connections to nature, eating habits, and so on) and also includes interviews with the Crystal Children themselves and their parents and teachers. It points out ways to keep these kids happy and healthy, and how to avoid the pitfalls that could spoil their special gifts.” – The Crystal Children

My Thoughts

The Crystal Children is a must read book for everyone who has a child that they think might be one of these special kids. However, if you were born around the mixture time of Indigo children and Crystal children (such as myself), you might want to read this book too. Some of the Crystal children came before the big wave came through in the mid-90s. This is actually the reason I purchased and read this book, and I’m quite glad I did!

This is a small book, but it explains more than you can imagine about Crystal children. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the children, and also what their parents had to say about them.

As I read through the book, I found myself asking my Mom many times if I did any of those things as a child. Not surprisingly, I did. I don’t have all of the qualities of the Crystal children though. I have many of the Indigo qualities too. If it is possible, I think that I am a mixture of both.

Although not all of my personal questions were answered by reading this book, I still find it to be a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

* I did not receive the product reviewed by the publisher. I just loved it and wanted to share it and review it. All opinions expressed are my own.

Constant Craving by Doreen Virtue

Constant Craving by Doreen Virtue is an incredibly valuable resource for everyone who craves particular types of foods, and is having trouble dieting to lose weight. Reading this book will explain why you have those cravings, and what to do about them to get rid of them without having to eat those foods to satisfy the craving.

Book Description

“Do you crave chocolate, bread, cheese, fries, or other foods? If so, there's a reason why, as Doreen Virtue's breakthrough book explains. Each food craving actually corresponds to a specific underlying emotion; so once you understand the meaning behind your particular craving and apply the information and affirmations within these pages, you'll be able to heal your cycle of emotional overeating.

In addition, you'll read scientific studies about the mood- and energy-altering properties of each food, which will help you see how your appetite perfectly mirrors your emotions. This comprehensive and empowering guide will also show you how to give "food readings" to yourself and others, allowing you to accurately interpret the meaning behind many cravings.

Constant Craving is a one-of-kind book that will give you the emotional, physical, and spiritual tools you need to make friends with food . . . and your appetite!” – Constant Craving

My Thoughts

Constant Craving is not your typical dieting self-help book. Doreen Virtue doesn’t push eating too few calories and exercising like crazy to lose weight. Instead, she did research and figured out what types of eaters there are, and what foods people crave, and why they crave them. Once you figure out the type of eater you are, what you crave, and what you really want instead of food, you’ll start to lose weight.

As a continuous dieter who has tried more diets than I can remember, I was quite excited to try a new way of looking at diets, and food in general. I don’t have a ton of cravings, but sometimes I do notice that I will eat certain types of foods more than others – which I guess could be classified as a “craving.” The affirmations for those foods (which for me includes popcorn) really does help me to beat the need to eat that food every day. I won’t ever give it up (I do actually like it and it is something gluten-free I can eat), but not eating as much is a definite start!

Overall, I found this book to be very helpful and effective for beating cravings, and hopefully to lose weight too. I’ve been putting it into practice for about a week now, so it is still too soon for me to tell, but I do think that it will work. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is tired of dieting and wants to think about food differently again.

* Thank you to the publisher of Constant Craving, Hay House, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Free 8x10 Canvas!

I just posted two giveaways for all of you to enter, and they are fabulous. However, not everyone that enters will win. So, I have something really cool to share with everyone that is free and something that everyone can enjoy.

I have an offer for you to get a customized 8x10 canvas made for free! All you have to do is pay the shipping. If you want a larger sized canvas, the offer will give you 40% off and free shipping.

I had one of these made with an amazing piece of New Orleans artwork, and have it hanging in my bedroom. It is really pretty and they did a beautiful job with it.

If you are looking for a unique present for someone, or just want to decorate your own space, this is a great deal to take advantage of right now! If you do have one made, share with me what you’re having done and let me know how much you like it when it arrives! :)

Yoplait Smoothie Prizepack Giveaway Thanks to MyBlogSpark

My second giveaway for the week is this really fabulous Yoplait Smoothie Prizepack giveaway thanks to MyBlogSpark and Yoplait.

I personally love smoothies and usually make my own with Yoplait yogurt, some skim milk, and fresh fruit. When I tried this new type of frozen smoothie from Yoplait, I was surprised by how good it tastes (I don’t usually like the pre-made types of smoothies). I tried the chocolate and banana option because well, I do love chocolate. I have to say that it is yummy and quite satisfying. I will be trying the Triple Berry flavor next.

The Yoplait Chocolate Banana Smoothie also only has 130 calories per serving, live and active yogurt cultures, and delivers 50% of the recommended daily value of calcium. Each package will make two 8 oz servings when it is blended with 1 cup of skim milk.

If Chocolate Banana isn’t your thing, there are other varieties available including: Triple Berry, Strawberry Banana, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Strawberry Mango Pineapple. Yum! It isn’t with the regular yogurt at the grocery store, to find this – look in the frozen section.

Visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/707b/ to download a printable coupon for $1.00 off one package of Yoplait Chocolate Banana Smoothie.

Giveaway Info:

I have one Yoplait Prize Pack to giveaway which will include: a VIP coupon for a sample of Yoplait Chocolate Banana Smoothie, neck pillow, smoothie tumbler, and a lavender eye mask.

To enter, you must be a follower of my Blog and comment as required for each entry below. Make sure your e-mail is in your profile or in the comment so I can contact the person who wins.

One comment – Which type of smoothie do you want to try? Are there any fruit varieties you’d like to see in the smoothies in the future?

One comment – Follow me on twitter.com/sherinewton and tweet about this giveaway. Post the URL here and when tweeting it put in the @sherinewton so I can see it easily for this entry.

One comment – Post about this contest on Facebook. Friend me if you’d like. Post URL in the comment.

Giveaway ends on October 15, 2011. Good luck!

Disclosure: The Yoplait^® VIP Coupon, information, and giveaway have been provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

700th Post and $25 Giveaway from MyBlogSpark and More!

Wow! I can’t believe that this very post you are reading is my 700^th Blog post at Sheri’s World. I won’t lie and say that it seems like just yesterday when I started this Blog. However, it does feel like I maybe started it a year ago though, and not back in 2008.

I’ve had a great time with this Blog and have really enjoyed making Bloggy friends through it. The support in the Blogging community is amazing, and I know that I’ve made some great friends through it. Thank you to everyone who follows, comments, and especially those who take the time to be my friend through the Blog, Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, real mail, etc. You are all amazing and I am so glad to have met all of you.

To celebrate this very special milestone to my Blog, I’m offering two giveaways this week. Yes, two! The first one is with this post. The next one will be featured later today or tomorrow, so be sure to come back and enter that one too.

1^st Giveaway: $25 Sam’s Club gift card

The first special giveaway I am offering everyone to enter to win is for a $25 Sam’s Club gift card (which you can also use at Wal-Mart).

This special promotion is for the support of breast cancer education research. Starting on September 19^th, Sam’s Club stores will be featuring exclusive pink packaging on select General Mills products in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for October.

For 5 years, General Mills has partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Foundation to bring breast cancer support to local communities, and this year they are making their annual donation of $2 million to the foundation to advance breast cancer research and support education and community outreach projects.

Purchase specially-marked General Mills products like Cheerios and Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies at your local Sam’s Club and help decide how half of that contribution will be donated by voting at PinkTogether.com from now until April 14, 2012.

General Mills’ donations will be divided between two important Komen programs: the Treatment and Assistance Program, which assists women in securing care they otherwise may not be able to afford, and Prevention Research, which helps unlock the keys to preventing breast cancer. Voting results will be announced on Mother’s Day 2012.

Enter the Giveaway:

To enter this giveaway, you must be a follower on my Blog. On the comments, make sure I can contact you if you win (post e-mail in the comment or make sure it is viewable on your profile or Blog) and follow these entry rules:

One comment – Just leave a comment about this post and/or giveaway.

One comment – Tell me what you plan on buying to support breast cancer awareness or research with the gift card, if you win.

One comment – Follow me on twitter.com/sherinewton and share this post with others to enter the giveaway too. Post URL in comment.

One comment – Share this post with others on Facebook. Post URL in comment.

Giveaway ends on October 15, 2011

*Disclosure: The information and gift card(s) have been provided by Sam’s Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.