Victoria's Secret and Kon Mari Challenge - Sleep Shirt Drawer!

Another quick video on how to clean out a sleep shirt drawer the Kon Mari way. I’ve been wanting to tidy up this overstuffed Victoria’s Secret sleep shirt drawer for awhile, and you get to see the progress I made with it.

If you need some motivation to clean out a drawer, watch this video… or maybe you just want to see the large sleep shirt collection I have? Either way, I hope you enjoy!

For more information on how to do this, I suggest reading her books.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing http://amzn.to/2lUcLQ5

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up http://amzn.to/2ltJV8A

I hope this video helped. Let me know if you are decluttering your life with the KonMari method, if you were inspired to start, or what your favorite sleep shirts are. Please, tell me I'm not the only one with a bit of an obsession?

OwlCrate Unboxing June 2016 – Royalty

Thanks for watching my OwlCrate unboxing for the June Royalty themed subscription box full of bookish items. I’ve been getting this box for just a few months, but I am always excited when I see it has arrived - too bad Hedwig isn’t actually carrying it to me though! This month the is the Royalty theme, which I was very excited for!

The subscription costs about $30/month and is less if you purchase the pre-paid plan. This is my second unboxing of it to share with you, so I hope you enjoy it! Also, sorry my voice/thoughts are still not quite the best, recovering from the flu in June is awful!  

Sign-up for OwlCrate! $29.99/month - https://owlcrate.com/refer/Sheri-ZGAYFFEH  (affiliate link)

If you like this video and want to see more unboxing or reviews, subscribe to my channel. I’m going to be doing more videos like this or maybe even ones with me in them, too. ;) 

The Activist’s Tao Te Ching by William Martin

The Activist’s Tao Te Ching by William Martin is an interpretation of an ancient Chinese text that shows how small changes by few can overcome the angry, frustrated, and greed that has overcome so many in our culture today.

Book Description

“Change and anger are in the air. Looking for answers to today’s wrenching challenges, William Martin turns to the Tao Te Ching and finds that while Taoism is known for its quiet, enigmatic wisdom, the Tao can also have the cleansing force of a rushing river. 

Through his interpretation of this ancient Chinese text, Martin elucidates revolutionary messages condemning power-seeking and greed. He emphasizes that humans have a “natural virtue” that can help them heal the planet; shows how Taoism’s simplicity can be subversive and its flexibility a potent force; and reassures that “when injustice is the rule, justice always lies in wait.” 

Provocative and stirring, Martin’s Tao flows within and through those who ride the waves of anger and frustration and gently guides them to true freedom.” – The Activist’s Tao Te Ching

My Thoughts

The Activist’s Tao Te Ching is a small but mighty read. Martin does an excellent job of quickly summarizing 81 subjects into a very thought provoking page or two. I have not read the original text in length, but I feel that this interpretation of it along with Martin’s insights makes for a truly valuable read. It is calming and gives a sense of peace reading through the pages, and minutes or hours after reading I had “ah-ha” moments where something clicked and I got the bigger picture of what I had read.

This is an excellent read for everyone who is noticing that things in this world do need to change, but are perhaps feeling small and insignificant on such changes. I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Activist’s Tao Te Ching, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

OwlCrate May 2016 – Steampunk – Unboxing

Thanks for watching my Steampunk OwlCrate unboxing for the May 2016 subscription box full of bookish items. I’ve been getting this box for just a few months, but I am always excited when I see it has arrived - too bad Hedwig isn’t actually carrying it to me though! This month the is the Steampunk theme, which is hit or miss with me, I actually really liked the box though. The subscription costs about $30/month and is less if you purchase the pre-paid plan. This is my first unboxing of it to share with you, so I hope you enjoy it! I’m still a little nervous making the videos, so keep watching and cheer me on to get rid of some stage fright. Thanks! 

Side note, I clearly wasn’t wearing my glasses in this video so it was hard to read some of the text! Sorry about that!

If you like this video and want to see more unboxing or reviews, subscribe to my channel. I’m going to be doing more videos like this or maybe even ones with me in them, too. ;) 

Sign-up for OwlCrate! $29.99/month - https://owlcrate.com/refer/Sheri-ZGAYFFEH  - use code “NEWMEMBER” to get 10% off your first box!

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer is a retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale. I love a good re-make of a story, and this is so far my favorite one! I am very happy that I decided to start reading this series, thanks to all of the people in the #bookstagram community who shared their love for the series as well.

Book Description

“Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.” – Cinder

My Thoughts

Cinder is such a unique character. She isn’t just the “stepdaughter” who is being made into a maid and looked down upon by her family and society. She is a strong young woman who despite all odds has a joy about life, even if she has been brought to think her life as a cyborg isn’t as valuable. Not only is it valuable, it is perhaps the most important life to save the planet.

Prince Kai is a charming version of the prince who struggles with finding himself in the position of being a leader and a young man who wants to follow his heart. I liked him, but wanted him to pick up on more of what was going on in the story than he had. Maybe in the future books he will. Who knows though, he is a guy. ;)

The Lunars civilization on the moon was also a really captivating part of the story. Although I figured out the plot twist way before it happened, I still enjoyed reading it and thinking “hell yeah!”

If you enjoy fairy tales and/or sci-fi stories, this is a must read! Seriously, right now. Go to Amazon, buy it, and start reading it when you open up the package.

Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master by Brad Warner

Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master by Brad Warner is a paraphrasing of Dogen’s work for the modern people (like us) to read and enjoy.

Book Description

“A Radical but Reverent Paraphrasing of Dogen’s Treasury of the True Dharma Eye

“Even if the whole universe is nothing but a bunch of jerks doing all kinds of jerk-type things, there is still liberation in simply not being a jerk.” — Eihei Dogen (1200–1253 CE)

The Shobogenzo (The Treasury of the True Dharma Eye) is a revered eight-hundred-year-old Zen Buddhism classic written by the Japanese monk Eihei Dogen. Despite the timeless wisdom of his teachings, many consider the book difficult to understand and daunting to read. In Don’t Be a Jerk, Zen priest and bestselling author Brad Warner, through accessible paraphrasing and incisive commentary, applies Dogen’s teachings to modern times. While entertaining and sometimes irreverent, Warner is also an astute scholar who sees in Dogen very modern psychological concepts, as well as insights on such topics as feminism and reincarnation. Warner even shows that Dogen offered a “Middle Way” in the currently raging debate between science and religion. For curious readers worried that Dogen’s teachings are too philosophically opaque, Don’t Be a Jerk is hilarious, understandable, and wise.” – Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master

My Thoughts

Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master is a fun, funny, and inspirational book. I love Brad Warner’s style of writing, and definitely want to read more of his previous books now. The philosophy in this book needs to be read by this generation as much as it did 800 years ago. Although the original text is not paraphrased line by line, Warner highlights the paragraphs throughout the book giving a significant feel for the meaning behind it.

My favorite chapter is “The Mystical Power of the Clothes You Wear”. Summed up, what you wear can affect how you act and how you think. I find this to be true each day I go to work in my nurse scrubs. I’m more of an introvert in real life, but as a Registered Nurse, I have to do many things I wouldn’t otherwise. The clothes don’t make me instantly become different, but it does help me to do my job and have the confidence that I need. This is true for many professions, students, and athletes. The clothes do matter! Think about that time you put on a great interview outfit or date outfit, and you had that extra confidence and it all worked out great. You know the power of it!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the philosophies presented in it. I think that it is written in such a way that all types of people can enjoy it, I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mala of Love by Ravi Nathwani & Kate Vogt

Mala of Love by Ravi Nathwani & Kate Vogt is a collection of 108 poems about love. If you are looking for some inspiration in the form of love, this is the book for you to read (perhaps in a relaxing bath surrounded by candlelight and romantic music). ;)

Book Description

“From the editors of Mala of the Heart: 108 Sacred Poems comes a true gift to the lover in all of us. Love sustains our passions and yearnings, holds us in times of joy and loss, nourishes our hearts, and melts our fears. It opens us to our deepest self and releases us into the embrace of the infinite. 

This powerful, reflective collection is filled with mystical insights into love. In these 108 poems, great poets, saints, sages, mystics, and artists across cultures give voice to the eternal presence of love. Together, the poems reveal a fuller story, inviting us to discover the inner essence of love within us. 

Over the ages, the number 108 has symbolized our hidden connections with the sacred. InMala of Love, 108 poems reveal that love is the path to greater unity and peace. ” – Mala of Love

My Thoughts

Mala of Love is a beautiful collection of 108 poems. The editors included 108 poems to honor the 108 beads in the traditional meditation mala which is used by spiritual practitioners throughout the East. It isn’t a traditional book of love poems, but rather one which can be woven together with love to bring about pure joy, compassion, and gratitude.

The poems included are a joy to read, and I will cherish this book in my personal library forever. It is a timeless collection which anyone who buys either for themselves or for others will most definitely enjoy as well. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Mala of Love, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan is a new Young Adult series by the author who brought us the beloved Percy Jackson series (and many other great books).

Book Description

“Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he’s tracked down by an uncle he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. His uncle tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years. When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die…” – Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer

My Thoughts

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer is a fun book to read, much like all of Riordan’s novels. However, to be honest, I started reading this when it was released last year (I even pre-ordered it), but due to many other personal life events going on in my life, I didn’t have the time to finish reading it. So, I started back where I left off, and finished it this week. It was an easy book to get back into reading, and I’m very happy I decided to start reading it again.

Magnus Chase and the other colorful characters make for an exciting and funny modern-day tale of Norse legends and what they could still be doing if around. I love reading about Norse mythology, and seeing them interact in truly humorous ways in this story kept me entertained, and I bet it will for you, too. I can’t wait for the second book in the series to come out in October to keep the story alive. If you enjoy Riordan’s way with words, mythology, young adult series, and are looking for a new series to read, this is it!

Succulent Wild Love by SARK and Dr. John Waddell

Succulent Wild Love by SARK and Dr. John Waddell is a fun book about how to take your relationship from being good to great. It is filled with tips and resources about how to have a fulfilling relationship, but also their personal love story about how they achieved such a loving bond.

Book Description

“This is not your average relationship book. It’s coauthored by one-of-a-kind, out-of-the-box SARK, after all. SARK has made a career out of sharing her personal, journal-like writings and art and inspiring others with her vulnerable and honest journeys toward self-acceptance. She has helped her legions of fans craft lives filled with joy, creativity, and self-love — and even married herself in a “statement of self-liberation” described in Succulent Wild Woman. And yet SARK had left one stone unturned: overcoming her fears to commit to an intimate life partnership. In widower, psychologist, and spiritual teacher John Waddell, she met her match. Together, in what SARK calls her statement of relationship liberation, they offer guidance that combines their whimsy and wisdom. While they are delightful proof that every couple is unique, their insights celebrate the universal yearning to give and receive love.” – Succulent Wild Love

My Thoughts

Succulent Wild Love is a joy to read. I have been a fan of SARK since I was in high school. I was the editor of my high school’s literary/art magazine called “Omnibus” and my truly amazing and inspiring teacher went with us to see her at a book signing for one of her books that was just released. I have been a fan and in awe of her ever since. This book doesn’t disappoint even a little bit. It is different, but I love it because it is a combination of her and her love’s writing styles to show how the two can mesh so well, as we all do when we are in a relationship.

SARK and Dr. John Waddell teach about loving yourself, figuring out what you want, how to compromise, what should not be compromised, how to set and keep boundaries, finding joyful solutions, and so much more.

This book is perfect for someone who is in a relationship that is going great… or in one that isn’t going so great, but you both want to work on making it better. It is also perfect for someone who is single and wants to be in a relationship one day. I highly recommend it to everyone.

* Thank you to the publisher of Succulent Wild Love, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Where in the World is Sheri?

If you have been trying to play the “Where in the World is Sheri” game and have not been able to find me, I apologize.  I haven’t blogged since August of 2015, which is a long time. I’ve had a few big life changes, some of which I’ll write about here. I also encourage you to follow me on my other social media accounts which can be found on the side bar, or below.  Keep in touch, and check back here soon – I am going to start blogging again very soon!

Graduation!

In May of last year, I graduated from Nursing School with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It was very hard work, and I’m proud of this degree tremendously. Yes, I have another one in Criminal Justice, but it was not very useful for me. This one however, is a true passion and I am very glad I decided to do it. I made some amazing nursing friends and also learned more than I thought possible.

I Fell... and Broke Stuff

Right after graduation, I fell. It was a long, tiring day, without much food or liquids (not even a drop of alcohol). When I got home, I was turning around to grab something else out of the car, and I fell down the steps on the porch onto cement. Let me tell you, it was the worst pain of my life. A true 10/10 on the pain scale. I broke part of my foot, sprained both ankles, messed up the tendons, and bruised my wrist, lots of scratches, and bruising really. I had this very ortho-fashionable boot to wear for a month. By the way, nurses make terrible patients.

NCLEX

The NCLEX is the dreaded test that all of those who pass nursing school have to take in order to become a licensed, registered nurse. You know, to be able to say that you are an actual RN and get to sign your name RN after it. It was a month of studying after graduation and tons of partial breakdowns, but I passed the first time I took it. Whew!

I Fell… for a Guy

Okay, so I didn’t literally fall. This is Will and I actually met him while I was still recovering from the very hurtful fall. I was single for awhile, because I wanted to focus on school, and to be honest, I’m quite picky. This one though, is a keeper. Sorry ladies, he is mine!

Sheri, RN – Job # 1

I started my first job as a nurse in June. I thought night shift would work out fine for me, so I decided to do that as my first job. I liked the hospital I precepted at in Med-Surg, so I went there. However, I soon came to learn that it was very much not for me. Especially after I moved in with Will who lived about an hour and fifteen minutes away from that hospital. Yes, it was rough going back and forth to work on those nights and mornings.

Sheri the Rodan + Fields Independent Consultant

In December I decided to join the R+F team my friend had just signed up for. I knew I needed two regimens (Soothe and Reverse) so I just signed up as consultant to save money and get the other tools I wanted, too. I didn’t take it too seriously until I could see results for myself, which I started to see as early as February. I had my first R+F party in March, and am very excited about this business opportunity. If you want to know more, please let me know! To see my Rodan and Fields site to take the consultation tool to see what works for you and to shop, go to: https://sherinewton.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/SolutionsTool

Sheri, RN – Job # 2

Remember how I said I was driving so much on that first job? Well, I couldn’t keep doing it physically and work 12-13 hour shifts. So, I applied at jobs closer to my new home and was actually recruited by the place I ended up. It is a rehab hospital which is only about 30 minutes away. Not too bad! I just started it this month in March, but I like it so far.

…Keep in Touch

As I said, I’m going to be blogging more again and I have a TON of book reviews to catch up on. However, please add me or follow me on the social networks I use.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sheri.newton

Twitter – https://twitter.com/sherinewton

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sherinewton311/

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/sherinewton311/

Polyvore – http://starry943.polyvore.com/

Taming Your Outer Child by Susan Anderson

Taming Your Outer Child by Susan Anderson is a unique look at the self-sabotaging qualities about yourself. We’ve all witnessed ourselves not at our best moments and wondered where the heck that came from. Well, Susan Anderson has a very good guidebook on how to tame that outer child of ourselves and have a better life by doing so.

Book Description

“Chances are, you’ve already had run-ins with your Outer Child — the self-sabotaging, bungling, and impulsive part of your personality. This misguided, hidden nemesis blows your diet, overspends, and ruins your love life. Your Outer Child acts out and fulfills your legitimate childlike needs and wants in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and in counterproductive ways: It goes for immediate gratification and the quick fix in spite of your best-laid plans.

Now, in a revolutionary rethinking of the link between emotion and behavior, veteran psychotherapist Susan Anderson offers a three-step program to tame your Outer Child’s destructive behavior. This dynamic, transformational set of strategies — action steps that act like physical therapy for the brain — calms your Inner Child, strengthens your Adult Self, releases you from the self-blame and shame at the root of Outer Child issues, and paves new neural pathways that can lead to more productive behavior. The result is happiness, fulfillment, self-mastery, and self-love.” – Taming Your Outer Child

My Thoughts

Taming Your Outer Child is a book that can help anyone to redirect their self-sabotaging behavior and create truly life changing behaviors instead. This book is full of a lot of very helpful information, but it isn’t just a good guidebook, it also has helpful action plan ideas to actually put into motion what is discussed, which is helpful!

This book discusses your outer child in relation to self esteem, abandonment issues, your past and future, stress, trauma, dieting, procrastination, love, passion, feeling unloved, debt, and depression.

Overall, I think that this book has a lot of great ideas, some are the normal self-help book type of ideas, but still valid and of course helpful. Susan Anderson also does a great job of incorporating fresh, new ideas and tips into this book to help anyone struggling with that outer child. I recommend it!

* Thank you to the publisher of Taming Your Outer Child, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tantra for the West by Marc Allen

Tantra for the West by Marc Allen is a book about ancient principles of tantra. You can actually use it for every part of your life, not just sex. So, if you ever wanted to learn more about this way of life, delve into this book and take a tantric journey of your own!

Book Description

“What does tantra have to do with your relationships, work, money, creativity, sex, food and drink, being alone, meditation and yoga, aging and healing, politics, freedom, and enlightenment? Everything!

Tantra is usually thought of as sex with some kind of mysticism thrown in. Marc Allen goes back to the original meaning of tantra and shows how it can be applied to every moment of your life, excluding nothing. Tantra for the West is filled with ancient and modern principles and practices that help you use all your experiences as part of your mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. 

Within your way of life — whatever it may be — within your everyday thoughts and feelings, within your fantasies and dreams are the keys to love, freedom, and fulfillment. As soon as you can see this, you’ll find yourself on a direct path to realizing the life of your dreams.

This highly acclaimed book has inspired readers all over the world for over thirty years, and is now completely revised, with new material added. It gives you simple keys and practical tools that can be wildly, creatively adapted to your individual needs. If you spend even a brief amount of time with this book, you will discover for yourself the transformative power of tantra.” – Tantra for the West

My Thoughts

Tantra for the West is a well-written and researched book. Marc Allen never disappoints with his books, and this one is no exception. I must confess that before reading this book, I was one of the many people who thought that tantra was all about sex. I admit, I was wrong! It is so much more and can help with every part of your life, which is a really cool concept and makes it even more appealing.

Through reading this book, I found that every moment can be a direct path towards what I want, but I have to actually take the step and thought processes to get it going in the direction I want it to take. I also found that the moment we are all currently in, what we are feeling, thinking, doing, is more than just being in a certain spot.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. One of my favorite lines in the book is so simple, but something we should all remember “Ask and you shall receive.” Why is it my favorite? Well, I’m one of those people who doesn’t usually like to ask for things. However, if we don’t ask for it, how can anyone else ever know we need something or need help? It is a simple truth, but one I (and I’m sure many others) needed to be reminded of. Don’t want to ask because nobody is around? Well, ask anyway – God or the universe (or whatever you believe in) is always listening.

* Thank you to the publisher of Tantra for the West, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Relationship Handbook by Shakti Gawain and Gina Vucci

The Relationship Handbook by Shakti Gawain and Gina Vucci is a beautifully written book for you to use right away about ALL types of relationships in your life. If you want to learn strategies to help make each of your relationships better (or know when it is time to move on from them), this is a book you will definitely want to read!

Book Description

“Using knowledge and skills honed over a lifetime of teaching and learning, personal development pioneer Shakti Gawain presents a powerful, life-changing work on a subject she has always been passionate about: our relationships. In her popular workshops and in her personal life, she has tested and refined the insights and exercises in this book, which she cowrote with her longtime collaborator Gina Vucci. Their approach reflects the fact that each of us is in relationships not only with romantic partners, family, coworkers, and children, but also with internal core beliefs and a variety of selves, including primary, disowned, and shadow selves.

These revelatory teachings incorporate strategies for becoming aware of hidden beliefs, applying the Voice Dialogue process developed by Drs. Hal and Sidra Stone, and learning to experience every relationship as a path to self-knowledge. Through her gentle guidance, Shakti shows us how every relationship we have at every moment can be seen as a path toward greater consciousness, healing, and growth.” – The Relationship Handbook

My Thoughts

The Relationship Handbook gives us all a powerful tool to use to create better relationships with the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Most books on this subject only look into personal or romantic relationships, but not this one! This one also has us look deeper into ourselves and see the primary, disowned, and shadow selves – how revolutionary!

Shakti gently guides us on a better path to understanding ourselves so we can then not only have better relationships in our lives, but to help us on a path to greater healing and growth. Learning how to listen to ourselves is probably one of the harder things that she helps us to do with this, but it is an important part to actually do if you want to succeed with this handbook. The exercises contained in the book are excellent. My favorite is the “Forgiving and Releasing Yourself” one which helps to forgive ourselves for mistakes we have made to other people as well as ourselves.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading and working through this handbook. It is an excellent resource that I think everyone could benefit from using. I highly recommend it.

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

Conscious Evolution by Barbara Marx Hubbard

Conscious Evolution by Barbara Marx Hubbard is a book that will perhaps change the way you look at evolution and the way our future as a civilization is headed – for the better. In this era of unrest and fears of global catastrophes, Hubbard explains that these may just be part of the storm before a big change in a “conscious evolution”.

Book Description

“In this era of government gridlock, economic and ecological devastation, and seemingly intractable global violence, our future is ever more ripe for — and in need of — fresh, creative reimagining. With her clear-eyed, inspiring, and sweeping vision of a possible global renaissance in the new millennium, Barbara Marx Hubbard shows us that our current crises are not the precursors of an apocalypse but the natural birth pains of an awakened, universal humanity. This is our finest hour. Conscious Evolution highlights the tremendous potential of newfound scientific knowledge, technological advances, and compassionate spirituality and illustrates the opportunities that each of us has to fully participate in this exciting stage of human history. As we do, we will bring forth all that is within us and not only save ourselves, but evolve our world.” – Conscious Evolution

My Thoughts

Conscious Evolution is a really deep book that is an important text for humanity. It has been updated by the author and includes additional response to the biggest challenges and opportunities that we are currently seeing at this point in the history of our world.

Hubbard takes us not just through the human potential movement, but into the social potential movement that is helping to evolve our world into social synergy, interconnectivity, and spirit based compassion for all of humanity.

This book is composed of four parts: The New Story of Creation, Conscious Evolution: A New Worldview, The Social Potential Movement, and The Great Awakening.

I really like the overall message that instead of working on our own selfish desires in our lives, we should instead be working more towards a better future for all of humanity. I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Conscious Evolution, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Expectation Hangover by Christine Hassler

Expectation Hangover by Christine Hassler is a great book about how to overcome your expectations and subsequent disappointments in everything from work, love, and life. Once we learn how to gain something from the disappointments in life, it helps us to see that sometimes these experiences can be some of the better things to happen to us in life.

Book Description

“When our expectations are met and things go according to plan, we feel a sense of accomplishment; we feel safe, in control, and on track. But when life does not live up to our expectations, we end up with an Expectation Hangover. This particular brand of disappointment is profoundly uncomfortable and can cost us valuable time and energy if not treated and leveraged effectively.

Christine Hassler has broken down the complex and overwhelming experience of recovering from disappointment into a step-by-step treatment plan. This book reveals the formula for how to process Expectation Hangovers on the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual levels to immediately ease suffering. Instead of wallowing in regret, self-recrimination, or anger, we can see these experiences as catalysts for profound transformation and doorways that open to possibility.

Often it is only when life throws us a curveball (or several) that we look in a different direction and make room for the kinds of unexpected things that lead more directly to a life we love. By the time you finish this book, you’ll understand why your Expectation Hangover happened and have your own treatment plan — a clear course of action to pursue your goals while preventing future disappointment.” – Expectation Hangover

My Thoughts

Expectation Hangover is a book that everyone who has suffered disappointments in life should read. I’m so glad that a book like this was written because when we go through hard times or difficult experiences in life, sometimes we want to just go into a victim mentality and not really learn anything from it. However, if we take the steps and lessons learned from Christine in this book, we can actually gain tremendous insight into life from those life experiences.

Reading this book isn’t going to shelter you from bad experiences for the rest of your life. It’ll likely still happen. However, with this book, you can move through them faster and actually learn something from it – to turn it into a positive experience that can change your life direction for the better. Who wouldn’t want to change their life in such a fantastic way from a “bad” experience?

Overall, I learned a lot about myself, expectations, failures, disappointments, and how to overcome those in a more positive way. I think that everyone could benefit from reading this book. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Expectation Hangover, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Book of Miracles by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel

A Book of Miracles by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel is an amazing book about miracles that shows us that miracles aren’t just from the unexplained, but can truly come from anything because everything is a miracle. This is a great book to really uplift you and put you into a positive mindset about life.

Book Description

“Bernie Siegel first wrote about miracles when he was a practicing surgeon and founded Exceptional Cancer Patients, a groundbreaking synthesis of group, individual, dream, and art therapy that provided patients with a “carefrontation.” Compiled during his more than thirty years of practice, speaking, and teaching, the stories in these pages are riveting, warm, and belief expanding. Their subjects include a girl whose baby brother helped her overcome anorexia, a woman whose cancer helped her heal by teaching her to stand up for herself, and a family that was saved from a burning house by bats. Without diminishing the reality of pain and hardship, the stories show real people turning crisis into blessing by responding to adversity in ways that empower and heal. They demonstrate what we are capable of and show us that we can achieve miracles as we confront life’s difficulties.” – A Book of Miracles

My Thoughts

A Book of Miracles is a book full of stories of miracles. It is divided into different categories of miracles for the chapters, such as: Birth and Renewal, Animal Inspiration, Dreams and Symbols, Miracle Healings, Angels and Guides, The Power of Prayer, and many more.

The stories included in this book are short, and can be enjoyed one at a time or read all at once. I liked reading them all of the ones included in the chapter, then taking the next day to read the miracles in the next chapter. Each one included is special and miraculous. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them all and will read them again.  

I think this is a very special book with truly inspiring and uplifting stories about miracles that everyone should enjoy. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of A Book of Miracles, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Grown Ups by Robin Antalek

The Grown Ups by Robin Antalek is a coming of age story about three characters who start off as teenagers in the story and become grown-ups. See how their relationships change, the type of people they grow up to be, and much more.

Book Description

“From the author of The Summer We Fell Apart, an evocative and emotionally resonant coming-of-age novel involving three friends that explores what it means to be happy, what it means to grow up, and how difficult it is to do both together.

The summer he’s fifteen, Sam enjoys, for a few secret months, the unexpected attention of Suzie Epstein. For reasons Sam doesn’t entirely understand, he and Suzie keep their budding relationship hidden from their close knit group of friends. But as the summer ends, Sam’s world unexpectedly shatters twice: Suzie’s parents are moving to a new city to save their marriage, and his own mother has suddenly left the house, leaving Sam’s father alone to raise two sons.

Watching as her parents’ marital troubles escalate, Suzie takes on the responsibility of raising her two younger brothers and plans an early escape to college and independence. Though she thinks of Sam, she deeply misses her closest friend Bella, but makes no attempt to reconnect, embarrassed by the destructive wake of her parents as they left the only place Suzie called home. Years later, a chance meeting with Sam’s older brother will reunite her with both Sam and Bella—and force her to confront her past and her friends.

After losing Suzie, Bella finds her first real love in Sam. But Sam’s inability to commit to her or even his own future eventually drives them apart. In contrast, Bella’s old friend Suzie—and Sam’s older brother, Michael—seem to have worked it all out, leaving Bella to wonder where she went wrong.

Spanning over a decade, told in alternating voices, The Grown Ups explores the indelible bonds between friends and family and the challenges that threaten to divide them.” – The Grown Ups

My Thoughts

The Grown Ups spans over a decade and alternates between characters. For some readers, this may not be enjoyable because this method of storytelling isn’t for everyone. However, I think that the author did a very good job with the time spanned out to convey the message of the story. She also alternated between characters in a seamless way, which not all authors who do this can do well. I applaud her use of this because it does tell the story in a way that only seeing it through one of the characters just couldn’t do.

This is a well told coming of age story that takes teenagers into adulthood, and shows how relationships can fall apart, and some grow stronger. Growing up isn’t just about blowing out candles on your birthday each year, but the events and emotional growth that occurs in-between. This story shows just how true that is. It isn’t overly dramatic or too far-fetched to make the story unrealistic, which makes it that much more interesting, at least for me. The characters were well formed, and Sam, Suzie, and Bella each seemed like they could be people we could know in real life, or perhaps even recognize some aspects of their lives in our own.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to seeing more of what the author writes. I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a good read.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Grown Ups, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Think Forward to Thrive by Jennice Vilhauer

Think Forward to Thrive by Jennice Vilhauer is a self-help book that features forward ideas on how thinking positive about the future, and not letting your past define you can truly help you become the person you want to be in the present as well as in the future. If you or someone you know needs a little (or a lot) of help in this area, be sure to read this book!

Book Description

“Anticipating a positive future is the key to well-being and mental health. Yet when many people think of the future, they experience anxiety, depression, fear, and self-doubt. Unaware of how to change the future, most people are trapped in a cycle of re-creating their past. But your past does not have to define who you are or where you are going — you can break free. Future Directed Therapy (FDT) is a new psychotherapy that helps people create their future with awareness and choice, with skills based on cutting-edge cognitive science. Think Forward to Thrive is filled with information and step-by-step exercises to help you:

• Overcome negative emotions 
• Identify what you want in life
• Transform limiting beliefs 
• Take action 
• Live ready for success” – Think Forward to Thrive

My Thoughts

Think Forward to Thrive is a book that I think everyone could benefit from reading. It doesn’t just give the same old positive self-help advice that we’ve read over and over again. It gives fresh examples on how to change behavior, figure out what it is you really want, what is holding you back, and actually make the changes needed to reach your goals. The best advice in the world won’t get you there though if you don’t actually do it, so with the help of this book and your determination to make those changes, you can see real changes in your life.

One of the small additions that I really like that was included in this book is that in the beginning of each chapter, the author included a meaningful quote. My favorite is the one for chapter 1 by Stephen R. Covey which states “Live out of your imagination, not your history.”

I especially liked the section on goal setting, visualizing, and asking myself what it is that I really want. For instance, wanting to lose weight or have a better car are good goals, but there are underlying factors in them. Those “goals” aren’t necessarily what we really want, but a problem we are trying to solve. When we figure out the problem, then we can reach the ultimate goal associated with what we thought we wanted in a much more meaningful way.

Overall, I really like this book and think that it gives fantastic advice. I highly recommend it to everyone.

* Thank you to the publisher of Think Forward to Thrive, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents

Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents is an extensive resource for anyone who wants to be published. If you are a writer and dream of being published, this is a book that you should seriously read!

Book Description

“If you want to get published, read this book!

Jeff Herman’s Guide unmasks nonsense, clears confusion, and unlocks secret doorways to success for new and veteran writers! This highly respected resource is used by publishing insiders everywhere and has been read by millions all over the world.

Jeff Herman’s Guide is the writer’s best friend. It reveals the names, interests, and contact information of thousands of agents and editors. It presents invaluable information about more than 350 publishers and imprints (including Canadian and university presses), lists independent book editors who can help you make your work more publisher-friendly, and helps you spot scams.

Countless writers have achieved their highest aspirations by following Herman’s outside-the-box strategies. If you want to reach the top of your game and transform rejections into contracts, you need this book! Jeff Herman’s Guide will educate you, inspire you, and become your virtual entourage at every step along the exhilarating journey to publication. Ask anyone in the book business, and they will refer you to Jeff Herman’s Guide.

NEW for 2015: Comprehensive index listing dozens of subjects and categories to help you find the perfect publisher or agent.” – Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents

My Thoughts

Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents is one of the best books I have read that details how to find editors, literary agents, and publishers for the aspiring author. It would be useful for published authors as well, but the real help is needed for the new writers who need this guidance and the information on getting published from the ground level.

This updated guidebook for 2015 has updated listings, information, query letters, and so much more. Jeff Herman writes this guide in a way that is informative, easy to follow, and is like your friend to help guide you to being published. Sort of like a Fairy Godfather to the publishing world, and who doesn’t need one of those?

Overall, I found this book to be an excellent resource that I plan on using one day soon, too. It is a must buy for anyone who wants to be published. I highly recommend it!  

* Thank you to the publisher of Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary edited by Ronald F. Youngblood

Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary by Ronald F. Youngblood is a detailed bible resource or dictionary that is perfect for anyone who reads the bible. This would be great to have on hand for bible study groups or to add to your shelf for when you may need further clarification when reading the bible.

Book Description

“Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary is the most comprehensive and up-to-date Bible dictionary available. With a fresh new look and updated photographs, this new and enhanced edition is a wealth of basic study information with more than 7,000 entries plus more than 500 full-color photographs, maps, and pronunciation guides.

Features include:

·         Cross-references to major translations

·         More than 7,000 up-to-date entries

·         More than 500 full-color photographs and maps

·         Enlarged type size for easier reading

·         Visual Survey of the Bible from The Open Bible” – Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary

My Thoughts

Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary is a great find! Not only does it have more than 7,000 entries and over 500 illustrations, but it is also in large font for those who can’t read the smaller text that many Bibles are written in. One small thing that I appreciate in this reference book is that it includes the pronunciation for the entries. Because, in all seriousness, who actually pronounces all of these words and names correctly all the time? I know I sure don’t!

I fully enjoyed reading through this Bible Dictionary and treasure it on my bookshelf for when I need help figuring out something in the Bible. Not only have I enjoyed it, but my Dad also picked up this book and dived right in for further clarification on some entries he was currently reading. He liked the font size and also the illustrations that were included in it. We both highly recommend it!

* Thank you to the publisher of Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.