Sheri's World

Birds of a Feather Shop Together by Sandra Bark

2012-01-25T11:48:00.000-06:00

Birds of a Feather Shop Together by Sandra Bark and illustrated by Bil Donovan is a twist of classic “Aesop’s Fables for the Fashionable Set.” Those who adore fashion and beautiful illustrations will find that this book will meet their needs for excellent reading material when not reading the latest issues of their favorite fashion magazines.

Book Description

“No fashionista will be able to resist this witty collection of Aesop-inspired tales that rewrite morality for the stylish. Covering a range of beauty and fashion topics from head to toe— and including the original fables too—this charming volume gives important life lessons a couture twist.” – Birds of a Feather Shop Together

My Thoughts

Birds of a Feather Shop Together is a brilliantly written and illustrated book that contains seventeen truly witty tales about fashion. Among the stories, you’ll read about wannabe fashionistas that turn into fashion victims, daughters who learn about fashion from the example of their mother, women who fight over a purse at a sample sale, and a woman who just can’t live without their high high-heels that eventually realize that their beloved shoes could actually lead to their death, amongst many other well-crafted tales of fashion.

The stories aren’t very long, ranging from a page to two pages. However, they aren’t meant to be long, and the tales really are quite memorable – especially with the stunning watercolor and ink drawings that accompany them.

I loved each and every story included in this anthology. Each one had a moral that is related to fashion and everyday life for people. Sandra Bark really has an amazing way to tell the tales in a short and witty-sweet way that drives the point across without being too sarcastic. If you love fashion or have ever been an accidental victim to fashion, this is a book you’ll enjoy reading. It would also make an excellent gift for the fashionistas in your life.

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

Polyvore - Fashion on the Streets

2012-01-22T10:39:00.000-06:00

Fashion on the Streets by starry943 featuring a button front skirt

Here is a set that I made today on Polyvore. It features Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, and more! I really love this set and the colors included in it. If only I could afford this look... :)

If you love fashion, art, or interior decorating, I highly suggest joining Polyvore. It is a fun website and really helps distract you from doing more important things, such as pre-calculus homework (which I'm avoiding right now). If you do join, be sure to let me know and we can follow one another on there too.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I have a ton of homework to do this week (and probably for the rest of the semester), but I will try to get in as many book and product reviews as possible. I have a few almost ready, so I'll be sure to post them later this week.

My First Top Set on Polyvore

2012-01-20T09:20:00.000-06:00

Polyvore is a really fun site to use that allows you to use items and make creations with them in a little editor. You can make fashion layouts, interior sets, or even make beautiful art creations. I've tried each type, but I seem to do the best with fashion.

This is my first "Top Set" which basically means that it was viewed and liked enough to draw the attention of the main Polyvore account. Each day they add these top sets to a collection which showcases on the main page upder top sets. It isn't easy to get in there, especially for new users (like myself). So, I was really quite proud and happy to see mine show up there on January 19, 2012. Yay!

Alpine Blues by starry943 featuring snake sandals

Alabama - 2011 National Champions!

2012-01-10T15:02:00.000-06:00

Did you watch the BCS National Championship game that was on last night with LSU vs Alabama?

I did, and as an Alabama fan, I have to say that it was a great game. What can I say, I love watching them win! Sure, LSU fans and players were dejected and probably were in disbelief that their team couldn’t even score one point in the game, but that is how it went down.

Final score of the game was 21-0.

Roll Tide! It was the first shutout game in the national championship games, too. It is a pretty big deal.

Overall, I really enjoyed the game. I think LSU played well (at least to start with), but they were just outplayed. In the 2^nd half they were just not mentally there and lacked any energy to go on. Each time Alabama did something good, you could see it all over their faces how defeated they were. They knew they weren’t going to win. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against LSU. I love Louisiana, especially New Orleans. In fact, if Alabama didn’t have the chance to play in the championship game, I would have rooted LSU on to win. Luckily I didn’t have to do that though, and instead, I got to see Alabama win.

Kicker Redeemed

If you watched the first time Alabama played LSU this season, you might remember that only field goals made up the points scored in the game. This time around, it seemed like that would be the case again, only this time Alabama’s kicker Shelley was better prepared and actually scored 5 field goals! I guess the state of Alabama can forgive you for being so lousy the first time. The other kicker (what’s his name?) is however, not forgiven. In my opinion, they should really replace him and kick him off the team.

Sports Commentary Quote of the Night

“Fear the Tide Honeybadger.”

In the 4^th quarter, LSU’s Matthieu (that probably isn’t spelled right, but his nickname is “Honeybadger” for his ridiculous hairstyle) caught the ball and thought he could actually run it, only to be pushed back and slammed down by the Bama boys. Then the announcer said “Fear the Tide Honeybadger.” I was literally laughing. Usually the announcers seem to root for the team opposite of Alabama, so it was nice to finally see them say something in favor of Alabama while also cracking a rather funny comment.

Sports Bets or Predictions in my Future?

Trent Richardson made the only touchdown of the night, but I predicted that he would. Also right before an interception was made, I said that Alabama would get an interception, and then it happened. Maybe I should start making sports bets.

I predict that next season will be great, probably not as good… but close. I also am unsure if we’ll make it to another championship game next season, but whoever does – I can assure you that my prediction is another SEC team will win it (yet again).

Until next football season Rammer Jammers.

Roll Tide!

Healing with the Angels by Doreen Virtue

2011-12-31T15:17:00.000-06:00

Healing with the Angels by Doreen Virtue is a book to guide you on how to have your angels help you heal in all areas of your life. If you are new to working with your angels, or have been for a while, this is a fantastic book to help you heal things in your life that are quite possibly holding you back.

Book Description

“How the Angels Can Assist You in Every Area of Your Life. Healing with the Angels is an inspirational work that reveals how to work with the angels to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. The author’s case studies show how depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other common maladies can be lifted with "angel therapy." Topics include: angel therapy for illness; healing others with angels; angelic messages about weight, exercise, and diet; sleep therapy from the angels; angelic clearing of psychological and emotional issues; releasing addictions and obsessions; and advice on how the angels can heal us of worry, guilt, and other destructive mental habits.” – Healing with the Angels

My Thoughts

Healing with the Angels is another remarkable book by Doreen Virtue about the angels. As I have said many times before, she is one of my favorite authors, and seriously any book I pick up by her I love. This book is no exception.

Angels can help you to heal anything from losing weight, guarding your home, ensuring a safe car ride, financial help, and they can also help to heal you of past life issues (which could be holding you back on some of those issues). You just need to ask and be open to it. This book does an excellent job on explaining the issues that most of us have dealt with and want the angels to help with, and also how to ask them for help and guidance on those areas.

Like in many of the books by Doreen Virtue, there are numerous stories about how angels have helped others in their lives. The stories are all very uplifting and encouraging for others to read that may have similar issues, or are perhaps inspiring for others to read about how angels have helped someone else. If you aren’t receiving help or messages from the angels yet (and you want to), this book can help you get there.

The affirmations, visual exercises, and overall content of this book makes it a very well-rounded book on the subject. It doesn’t go into too much depth in any one area, but it makes an excellent book for the beginner working with angels. If you have read many of the author’s books, you have probably already read most of the material covered in this book. However, it is still an excellent read and well worth adding to your library. I highly recommend it for everyone to read and use.

* According to the FTC, I have to inform you that this is a book that I purchased. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review of The Sims 3: Pets Expansion Pack

2011-12-28T12:52:00.000-06:00

The Sims 3 Pets is a new take on the ability to have a pet in The Sims game. This game actually allows you to have control over the pet and can have complete control over them. Not all of the pets have this ability, but the major ones such as dogs, cats, and horses you can. So, if you’ve been waiting to have a pet in your Sims game, now you can with this expansion pack!

Game Description: The Sims 3 Pets
“Create perfect—or imperfect—pets for your Sims, from fierce guard dogs to destructive kittens to trusty horses and more as you determine not only how your Sims’ pets look but their personality traits as well. With a variety of new activities and social interactions, take control of these pets and experience the world from their perspective. Treat your Sims and their pets to an exclusive venue filled with unique objects found only in the Limited Edition. Give your Sims a new member of their household and discover all-new ways to play with life!

Features:
o More pets mean more fun! Create a wide variety of unique dogs, cats, and—for the first time ever—horses! Think your Sim has what it takes to tame a wild horse?

o Be the Pet. Wield control of your Sim’s pet to chase, dig, tackle and more. Be the perfect companion or wreck havoc on your Sims!

o Pets have their own traits! From intelligent, brave, and friendly to hydrophobic, skittish, and clueless to gentle, fast, and agile, determine the personality of your Sims’ pets.

o Pets can learn skills. Cats and dogs can learn to hunt, dogs can learn to locate collectibles and fetch your Sims a date, and horses can learn racing and jumping.

o Sims can take their pets outside! Take Spike to the park, bring Whiskers to the library, or ride Star to the new Equestrian Center.

o Exclusive Limited Edition content! Only in The Sims 3 Pets Limited Edition will you find a pet store filled with one-of-a-kind objects.
- The Sims 3: Pets

My Thoughts
The Sims 3 Pets is one of my favorite expansion packs for The Sims 3. It offers a lot of really fun new content, and someone that is a pet lover (such as myself) really appreciates being able to have pets in the game. After all, what home is complete without a few pets running around?

You can create your own pets in the create-a-pet mode, adopt them, and even breed them. So, if you want to create a pet that looks similar to your own, you can! Not all breeds are available in the create-a-pet mode, but you should be able to find something rather similar to the pet you have.

The Sims 3 cats need attention, though not quite as much as a dog does. They are more independent pets to own. They can learn the hunting skill to locate prey and to then stalk their prey. They are also able to catch (and eat) pet birds, so it is best to not have these two pets too close together.

The Sims 3 dogs that were added are Sim’s best-friends. They need quite a lot of attention, but make great companions for single Sims to have. They can also learn the hunting skill, and dig up items for your Sim. One of the really fun things to try out with a pet dog is having them “Fetch a Date” for your Sim while on a community lot.

The Sims 3 horses are great pets to have, if you have the space for them. They wouldn’t be a very good pet if you didn’t have enough space for a stable and running area for them. Horses are able to learn the jumping and racing skills. Once your Sim is ready to show off their skills, you can take them to the Equestrian Center and enter them into competitions.

The minor pets that were also added include the birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, rodents, fish, and even an ant farm. Many of these are able to be found in the wild, too. These aren’t playable pets, but they are fun to have, and are rather easy to take care of.

The new items and clothes all generally go with the feel to the expansion pack: pets! Everything you’d need for your pets, you can find in the expansion pack. Plus, a new addition to your neighborhood that you might notice driving around, is the new The Sims 3 ice cream truck!

There are also a few new lots that were added with the expansion including: Dog Park, Cat Jungle, Equestrian Center, and the Horse Ranch. These are the places to take certain animals and where like-minded pet-friendly Sims take their pets. Explore these new areas and have fun (as a pet or a Sim).

Overall, I think that this is one of the best The Sims 3 expansion packs to date. I highly recommend it to all animal lovers and players of the game. It is fun, and makes a great addition to the content in your game.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Sims 3: Pets, 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.

How to Hear Your Angels by Doreen Virtue

2011-12-27T11:02:00.000-06:00

How to Hear Your Angels by Doreen Virtue is the perfect introduction guide to working with and hearing the angels. If you’ve always wanted to have a closer relationship with your guardian angels, deceased loved ones, or even have a spirit mentor, be sure to read this book!

Book Description

“How to Hear Your Angels is a step-by-step manual on how to clearly receive messages from your angels and guides. The material was culled from Doreen Virtue’s best-selling bookMessages from Your Angels and from her workshops. Doreen has been assigning this reading material to her Angel Therapy Practitioner™ students for many years, and at their request has compiled the information in this handy book.

Within these pages, you’ll discover your communication “style” so that you can more easily recognize the visions, words, thoughts, and feelings you receive as Divine guidance. The book is filled with charts to help you discern the difference between true Divine guidance and the voice of the ego, and it will help you engage in clear and understandable conversations with Heaven.” – How to Hear Your Angels

My Thoughts

How to Hear Your Angels is one of my favorite books about angels. Doreen Virtue is one of my favorite authors, and whenever someone asks for a good book recommendation on something involving angels or spirituality, I always suggest some of her books. This is one of the books that I always suggest as a starter book about the angels. It is a small book that carries a big message, and can impact someone’s life in an immense way.

In this book, you’ll learn who the angels are, how to feel your angels, how to hear them, how to see them, and how to receive messages from the angels. There are also many prayers that are included to help you clear negative attachments and fears to help you better perceive the angels and your deceased loved ones. These tips to help clear the psychic blocks are incredibly helpful if you use them.

Doreen Virtue writes in a very easy to understand manner, so you could read this book in one sitting quite easily. However, you’ll want to keep it handy because there are so many helpful tools included in it that you will want to refer to it again and again. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read and share with others.

* According to the FTC, I have to inform you that this is a book that I purchased. All opinions expressed are my own.

Queen of America by Luis Alberto Urrea

2011-12-23T11:46:00.000-06:00

Queen of America by Luis Alberto Urrea is the much awaited sequel to The Hummingbird’s Daughter. Take a journey with the “Sait of Cabora” in this epic tale that takes you back in time to an Industrial America that is much different than it is now.

Book Description

“After the bloody Tomochic rebellion, Teresita Urrea, beloved healer and "Saint of Cabora," flees with her father to Arizona. But their plans are derailed when she once again is claimed as the spiritual leader of the Mexican Revolution. Besieged by pilgrims and pursued by assassins, Teresita embarks on a journey through turn-of-the-century industrial America-New York, San Francisco, St. Louis. She meets immigrants and tycoons, European royalty and Cuban poets, all waking to the new American century. And as she decides what her own role in this modern future will be, she must ask herself: can a saint fall in love?

At turns heartbreaking, uplifting, and riotously funny, QUEEN OF AMERICA reconfirms Luis Alberto Urrea's status as a writer of the first rank.” – Queen of America

My Thoughts

Queen of America is the kind of novel that transports you back into the time the characters are in. For this story, that means the Industrial American Era. The author does a superb job of describing the locations, so it really does feel like you are immersed in the world the story takes place in.

This is a sequel to The Hummingbird’s Daughter. However, if you’ve never read the first novel, you don’t need to before reading this one. It is likely to make you want to go out and buy it to read after you finish, though.

The main character Teresita Urrea, also known as the “Saint of Cabora” is a beautifully written and enchanting character. She is able to heal others with her touch, is a botanical shaman, and is looking for the possibility of love in America, all while being hunted by assassins and other dangerous characters.

This is the type of character and story that will readers will remember for a long time after they have finished the novel. I highly recommend it to everyone to read.

* Thank you to the publisher of Queen of America, Little, Brown and Company, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Conquer Online Giveaway for the iPad

2011-12-21T16:59:00.000-06:00

Looking for a free MMORPG game to play on the iPad? If so, check out the Conquer Online game. It is one of the most well-known games that is free to play from NetDragon Websoft Inc, and it has made the leap to the iPad allowing players to play it for free on there as well. This is a big deal because it is the first completely free MMORPG game that is playable on the iPad.

The game is set in ancient China, and players take on the role of being a brave hero that sets out on an adventure that is what the player makes of it. Players have their own customizable home, can get married (and divorced) in the game, and much more. Complete quests, battle others, and reach the top of your class.

Watch a trailer for Conquer Online here:

Download Conquer Online from the app store on iTunes and enter this giveaway for prize packs!

Conquer Online Giveaway for the iPad

I have ten codes to giveaway for prize packs for the game. Simply enter the contest by following the rules below and you could win these packs:

Upgrade Pack

2 EXP Potions every 5 levels, 2 EXP Balls every 10 levels and a Praying Stone every 20 levels for level 15 to level 120

Super Equipment Pack

Steed+1 and a set of Super Weapons (Weapon, Headgear, Necklace, Amor, Boots and Rings)

Fortune Pack

20 CPs everyday lasting for 30 days. You can use CPs to purchase items in Shopping Mall and VIP Store.

Dragon Valor Pack

1 Riding Crop, 1 Garment, 1 Mount Armor, 1 Weapon Accessory, 1 Dragon Soul and 1 Refinery Material.

Enter the Giveaway

Want to win? Simply follow this Blog via Google Friend Connect and then leave a comment on this post. Let me know what you think about the game.

Make sure that you have your e-mail address included in the comment or on your Google profile page for Blogger. If you don’t, I have no way of contacting you if win!

Giveaway ends on December 31, 2011

Good Luck!

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn

2011-12-20T14:52:00.000-06:00

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn is a book that will help you look into your life to make better choices that will allow you to heal. If there is something in your life that you feel you need to work on, this could be the book to help you do it.

Book Description

“Do you want to get well?

The power to heal—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually—is in God's hands. But the choice to be healed is ours. Everyone, at some level, needs healing. In this book, Stephen Arterburn outlines ten choices crucial to receiving healing and ten lies that can prevent us from making them. Readers will find the wholeness God desires for them in a practical and prayerful way through this book.

Now including the full workbook, this combined release emphasizes the fact that we must choose to let the hurt go and let the healing begin.

The book asks the participant, "Do you want to be healed?" If the answer is yes, then ten choices are provided to make the path toward healing a restorative experience.”

– Healing is a Choice

My Thoughts

Healing is a Choice is a rather large book. However, once you get started reading it and working on the suggestions included, it doesn’t seem quite so bad. The workbooks help the reader to actually put what they read to use, which not all self-help books do. I particularly liked this part of the book because it gives many useful things to actually do and think about when making changes.

Even though the book is easy to read, it isn’t always easy to put what is read into use. Some beliefs that we have about healing (and life in general) are hard to change. It can be done, but it definitely takes time and work to do it. Don’t think of this book as a quick fix, because it isn’t. However, once you make the choice to change, healing can happen!

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

The Lost Empire of Atlantis by Gavin Menzies

2011-12-19T16:25:00.000-06:00

The Lost Empire of Atlantis by Gavin Menzies is a remarkable tale about the author’s journey to discover the possible link between the Minoans and the lost ancient civilization of Atlantis. If you are like me and have always been extremely interested in Atlantis, this is a must read!

Book Description

“The astonishing true story of Atlantis

In 1500 B.C. a supervolcano beneath the Greek island of Santorini exploded in a near-apocalyptic eruption. Buried beneath the rubble and waves was the world’s most remarkable lost civilization. . . .

New York Times bestselling historian Gavin Menzies presents newly uncovered evidence revealing, conclusively, that “the lost city of Atlantis” was not only real but also at the heart of a highly advanced global empire that reached the shores of America before being violently wiped from the earth.

For three millennia, the legend of Atlantis has gripped the imaginations of explorers, philosophers, occultists, treasure hunters, historians, and archaeologists. Until now, it has remained shrouded in myth. Yet, like ancient Troy, is it possible that this fabled city actually existed? If so, what happened to it and what are its secrets? The fascinating reality of Atlantis’s epic glory and destruction are uncovered, finally, in these pages in thrilling detail by the iconoclastic historian Gavin Menzies—father of some of “the most revolutionary ideas in the history of history” (New York Times).

Meticulously analyzing exciting new geologic research, recently unearthed archaeological artifacts, and cutting-edge DNA evidence, Menzies has made a jaw-dropping discovery: Atlantis truly did exist, and was part of the incredibly advanced Minoan civilization that extended from its Mediterranean base to England, India, and even America. In The Lost Empire of Atlantis, he constructs a vivid portrait of this legendary civilization and shares his remarkable findings.

As riveting as an Indiana Jones adventure, The Lost Empire of Atlantis is a revolutionary work of popular history that will forever change our understanding of the past.” – The Lost Empire of Atlantis

My Thoughts

The Lost Empire of Atlantis is a truly entertaining, insightful, and adventurous journey about some of the possible evidence of Atlantis. Menzies does a great job researching for his books, and this one is no exception. He writes about the adventure he took when seeking the lost civilization, so it isn’t just about the facts and evidence. It is instead a tale about the author’s own discovery of how Minoans could have been a part of the Atlantis Empire.

One of the coolest things in this book to me is that Menzies and his team uncovered a remarkable trading empire that spanned from the Mediterranean, India, and even all the way to the Great Lakes in North America. This was 3,000 years before Christopher Columbus “discovered” North America! The copper that was mined and then exported from the Mississippi River was then used in much of the Minoan copper.

Personally, I think that Menzies brings up very valid points and writes a very intriguing book that is a mixture of history, adventure, and possibility. If you watch the show Ancient Aliens on the History channel, this book would be of extreme interest for you. However, if you only follow what the mainstream scientific community gets behind, this would not be the best book for you.

Overall, I found this to be a very intriguing book that gives a whole new look at the possible history of Atlantis. I recommend it to everyone that enjoys history and those interested in Atlantis.

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

Polyvore Addict

2011-12-17T19:28:00.001-06:00

I first got addicted to Polyvore rather recently. It was with the Victoria's Secret contest to win a Pink light up bra and a $400 Victoria's Secret gift card. I didn't win, but I did make quite a few sets for the contest. I haven't had much luck with the contests, but I do find them to be fun to enter.

Today I entered quite a few sets into the Armani Exchange contest going on right now. If you are also a Polyvore user, please like mine and follow me. I will do the same for you. :)

The Cats that Adopted Me

2011-12-16T10:15:00.000-06:00

I’ve never really been much of a “cat person.” I was a proud “dog person” and had an amazing dog for 15 years. It was extremely hard for me and my family when she died last year. We didn’t really want any other dog or pet in general after her, at least not for awhile.

Sometimes pets find and adopt you though, which is what happened. It is rather ironic when you put it all together. These four little cats were once offered to us by our neighbors when they were kittens. My dog was still alive then, and there was no way she’d put up with having cats in her house though. Then, when the neighbors moved away, their daughter lived there and well, long story short, they weren’t really looked after and were quite abandoned. I could never let an animal go hungry, so I started feeding them and eventually they even let me pet them and hold them.

They have always been outdoor cats and are still sometimes skittish with people, even me. The porch outside is now filled with cat areas and they have taken it over. They don’t stray too far away, and usually come when we call to them. They each have their own very unique personalities and have really grown to be our cats now. The original neighbors do know that we are taking care of them, and are glad that they are with us and are being looked after.

So, ready to meet my new pets? I named them before they were really mine, but I think each one matches their personality.

This is Misty. She was the first one to really warm up to me. She likes to stay close to her new home and is often found ontop of a cardboard box by the door or sleeping in her new bed which is right next to the door too. This is the smallest cat of the bunch and she usually doesn’t eat too much. I’m guessing that she was the runt. She is very fast and likes to chase after lizards, bugs, and squirrels. She brought us a baby squirrel as a “present” one day. At least I think it was her.

This is Azure. I named her that because she has one green eye and one blue eye. She was the one that I used to try to get to come over to me before I started taking care of them. She is really a scaredy cat though and even now she doesn’t really like for anyone to pet her or hold her. She usually stays closeby though and can often be found play fighting with her sister Misty or snuggling up with her when it is cold outside. If I go out on the porch and she is there, she always runs over to the food and eats and looks at me to make sure she knows that I see her eating. It is quite funny.

This is Diamond, the momma cat of the other cats (at least that is what we were told). She is also a big climber. She is often found ontop of the shed and on the roof of the house. I usually have to make at least one daily rescue to get her down from the roof. She doesn’t like to jump down when it is dark outside, so I have to rescue her through the window. If it is really cold outside, she is actually the best cat to let inside too. She doesn’t meow-cry or act scared of being inside. She actually likes it quite a lot and will sit right next to me until I take her back outside.

This is Boots. He was a very good cat and was actually the first one I named. Not long after the neighbors all left Boots died. I think that maybe something was spilled at their house and he licked it. He didn’t act like he felt well before he died, and then I found him dead on a chair on their porch. It was very sad and he is missed. I wish I would have had more time with this cat.

So, those are my new cats. I only had a cat once for a few months when I was very young, so all of this cat stuff is new to me. I don’t really know what they want and/or how to help outside cats in the winter. If anyone has any suggestions or tips, I would love to hear them! Any good ideas for toys? Do outside cats really need them? Do you have any funny cat stories to share? Please post in the comments and share with me!

Spontaneous Happiness by Andrew Weil, MD

2011-12-14T11:28:00.000-06:00

Spontaneous Happiness by Andrew Weil, MD is a new look at the emotion of being “happy.” It also helps to give suggestions and a program to becoming happy and achieving an overall better emotional state for your health.

Book Description

“SPONTANEOUS HAPPINESS is Dr. Weil's paradigm-shifting guide to peak emotional wellness. In the book, he redefines the notion of happiness and demonstrates the limitations of the biochemical model of mental health. He presents a vast, scientifically proven array of integrative treatment strategies for low mood and depression, drawing on techniques from Ayurveda, Buddhism, acupuncture, psychotherapy, mindfulness training, and much more. Dr. Weil offers advice on lifestyle, behavior, and dietary changes, and helps readers assess their own emotional wellness and build personalized step-by-step plans to manage their moods. Whether suffering from mild to moderate depression, or simply seeking greater contentment, Dr. Weil's science-based integrative approach will help readers achieve their goals. With fascinating case studies and a comprehensive program, this guide breaks new ground in the field of happiness.” – Spontaneous Happiness

My Thoughts

Spontaneous Happiness isn’t going to make you spontaneously happy all of the time just from reading it. The title is a bit misleading in that way, but who really thinks that achieving happiness can be done by just pushing an easy button anyways?

The first part of the book is the theory of emotional health and well-being. It is a bit of a boring read if you aren’t used to reading medical books. However, it does a very good job in explaining it in a way that everyone can understand. Don’t just skip over this part because it is important.

The second part of the book is putting the theories into practice. This section is where you’ll learn how to optimize your emotional well-being by caring for your body and mind. It also looks into the spirituality aspects of our lives that also contribute to our emotional well-being. Each of these sections is extremely important for our health and should not be just skimmed over. To really put the theories into practice, these need to be fully read and utilized whenever possible.

The last section puts it all together by outlining an 8 week program for optimizing your emotional well-being. I found this program to be very helpful and when used, it is quite effective.

This book won’t give you a quick band-aide fix to make you become happy overnight. However, it will help you to expand your current thoughts and feelings towards your emotional well-being. If you use this book as a tool to help you change your life, you might be surprised by what it can do for you. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Spontaneous Happiness, Little, Brown and Company, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Exploring Sacred Space: A Vast Quest by Kristen Ann

2011-12-13T17:47:00.000-06:00

Exploring Sacred Space: A Vast Quest by Kristen Ann is a highly interesting book about the next transition that is taking place on our planet. If you feel that something is going to happen soon, maybe sometime in 2012, this is a good resource to help you prepare for what could happen and perhaps find a clue as of why.

Book Description

“We are living at the most significant time in the entire history of planet Earth. A tremendous change is destined to happen and we have come to be a part of it.

Explore and find out what you need to know for the coming Transitional Shift:

Why this Transition is different from all others that have happened in the past.
See a graph showing why this is happening.
The Masters who usher in each New Age.
How other Beings are involved in the preparations for this tremendous Transition.
How we can prepare.
What the Egyptians knew about interplanetary beings and other secret knowledge they possessed.

We are living in a multi-dimensional universe. This book was written to give an understanding of what is coming, why this is happening now, and how to prepare.

Understanding eliminates fear and allows us to move forward with determination and confidence.” – Exploring Sacred Space: A Vast Quest

My Thoughts

Exploring Sacred Space: A Vast Quest is a very relatable and easy to read book about topics that are important right now. It reads almost like a memoir of the author’s life. She tells the stories of her life that have lead her on her own quest of exploring this multi-dimensional universe we live in.

At the start of the book, the author takes us along her journey with a remarkable teacher that she had while attending the Waldorf Teacher Training Institute. It really makes me wish I had gone to such a school. The classes and teachers all seemed so magical, and like the students there really learned things that we should all have learned, but perhaps never had the chance to. Some of the most important lessons are detailed in the book though, so it is the next best thing.

The author’s experiences with other “Beings” that are involved in our next transition are also extremely fascinating. She met with and became good friends with Dan Fry, who communicated telepathically with aliens before meeting them. If you haven’t heard of this story before, be sure to read it because it is more interesting than I can give it justice in this review alone. It will also leave you wondering if a few people you may have come into contact with before were perhaps aliens, too.

The actual preparation to help us transition smoothly (or as smooth as possible) when the shift comes is quite helpful. However, there wasn’t as much included as I thought would be in the book.

This is a “New Age” book that not everybody will read and fully understand. However, those that do read it and recognize what is taking place will find that it is an exceptionally good book to help understand things. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the entire book, and definitely recommend it to everyone to read that appreciates such texts.

* Thank you to the publisher of Exploring Sacred Space: A Vast Quest, VastQuest Ventures, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Big Bang Theory – Soft Kitty Review

2011-12-12T10:42:00.000-06:00

CBS’s hit TV show Big Bang Theory created a viral sensation with the “Soft Kitty” song that was sang on the show. Sheldon’s mom sang the cute song to him when he was a kid and was sick. He then sang it to Penny and taught her the lyrics. Fans of the show loved it so much, and hearing it – you can understand why. If you want to see it for yourself, watch it right here at the end of this review.

Stylin Online is the largest online pop culture apparel retailer. They released a combo of a shirt with the lyrics of the song and a singing plushie of a cat. It is a top seller on the online store, and would make a fabulous one of a kind gift for the Big Bang Theory fan in your life.

The shirt is available in sizes for men and women. It is also 100% cotton and is stretchy to give a perfect fit. The women’s style is form fitting and feels more like junior sizes, so if you’re in doubt, you may want to order one size up.

The Soft Kitty plush toy sings the song with the push of a paw. “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr.” It is 10 inches long and is really very cute and easy to snuggle with.

The “Soft Kitty” song is funny and a hit, just like the show. It takes on the pop culture cat songs of comedy series past – such as the “Smelly Cat” song on Friends. I loved the combo of the shirt and the plush toy. It is uplifting and really is a great thing to have when sick. I highly recommend it.

Watch the Big Bang Theory’s “Soft Kitty” clip here:

Disclosure: I received the product for free for the review. I was not paid for the review or told to write favorably about it. All opinions and experiences expressed about the Big Bang Theory soft kitty for this review are my own.

Saved by an Angel by Doreen Virtue

2011-12-08T16:28:00.000-06:00

Saved by an Angel by Doreen Virtue is a compilation of some of the best angel stories that the author has collected over the years – including her own! If you haven’t experienced any angels in your life, she also explains how to be more open to seeing and connecting with them, so you can have your own angel experience, too.

Book Description

“Do you wonder whether there are angels around you, who they are, and what they look like? In this inspiring work-which is a compilation of the best of Doreen Virtue's books Angel Visions and Angel Visions II, plus all-new material-you'll read uplifting, true stories by ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences.

Doreen has combed through thousands of reports of angel visions to bring you the most touching and revealing accounts possible.

You'll read about children and adults who received lifesaving messages from their guardian angels, deceased loved ones, and ascended masters; and find out about helpful strangers who appeared from out of the blue during a crisis and then suddenly disappeared. Doreen also gives you step-by-step instructions that will help you see and visually connect with your angels!” – Saved by an Angel

My Thoughts

Saved by an Angel is another fabulous book by Doreen Virtue. She is one of my favorite authors, and if you haven’t read any of her books, I highly suggest you do so. This would be a great book to start you out with to introduce you to angels.

The angel experiences included in the book are all highly inspirational and very heart-warming. Reading through these experiences, you really do feel that amazing things happen to people every day that can’t be explained by “ordinary” means. Angels are all around us, and these stories show just some of the ways that you can experience them.

If you are ready to start seeing and interacting with angels, Doreen also explains in step by step instructions how to do just that. It might happen right away for you, or it might take a while. When you are ready for the experiences, or need them to happen, it will. Regardless of if you happen to see or hear an angel, this book gives you the spiritual strength to know that they are there, and are helping you – even when you don’t know that they are.

This is a book that everyone could read and be uplifted with. It would make a great book to give as a present to someone for the holidays or on their birthday. I highly recommend it for everyone to read and share with others.

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

Cheerios Cheer Giveaway – Winner!

2011-12-06T08:24:00.000-06:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway for the MyBlogSpark Cheerios Cheer giveaway. I used a random generator to come up with the winner for the contest and the winner is…. Deb K

I will contact the winner right now to let them know that they have won and find out where to send the prize pack! I hope you enjoy it and have a great holiday season.

Disclosure: Cheerios cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. Giveaway is only for residents of the U.S.A.

The Ninth Day by Jamie Freveletti

2011-12-04T14:31:00.000-06:00

The Ninth Day by Jamie Freveletti is a thriller that is highly captivating and fast paced enough to keep your attention well into the night. If you enjoy high paced thrillers about things that could possibly happen, even if it is scary to think about, this is a novel that you must read!

Book Description

“In less than nine days, terror crosses the border…

Hiking in Arizona, biochemist Emma Caldridge inadvertently interrupts the operations of dangerous traffickers in human cargo – and is chased south into the arms of millionaire drug merchants. Suddenly a prisoner of Mexico’s most feared cartel, Emma makes a shocking discovery in the marijuana fields outside Ciudad Juarez: plants rotting with a flesh-eating toxin that causes a truly horrible death within nine days of exposure. And there is no antidote.

The cartel believes that U.S. agents contaminated the plants, and, determined to make their enemy pay, they prepare to spread their lethal product across America. Emma Caldridge searches desperately for a cure, but time is running out more quickly than she anticipated. For Emma herself has been infected – and, barring a miracle, she will die before the terrible dawning of… the ninth day.” – The Ninth Day

My Thoughts

The Ninth Day has a very well-constructed main character, Emma Caldridge. She may not be your average woman, but that is what I like about her. She is a biochemist and quite badass.

In this adventure of hers, she crosses into an area she shouldn’t and is captured by a Mexican drug cartel. She finds that the drugs have been infected with a seriously threatening bacterium that eats human flesh! What is worse is that she becomes infected with it too, and only has nine days to figure out what it is – or it will claim her life too!

This is a fast paced thriller that will have you devouring this book quicker than you thought. It is the kind of book that not only captivates you when reading it, but it will also leave you thinking if something like this could actually happen. Get rid of any plans you have when reading this book because once you start it, you’ll want to keep reading it until the end!

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

Cheerios Cheer Giveaway

2011-11-29T14:47:00.009-06:00

Cheerios were one of my favorite cereals to eat as a kid. I know it is a staple for many families, and sometimes is one of the only “breakfast” type foods some kids will eat. I’m really excited to share this giveaway with all of you. Thanks to MyBlogSpark, I get to share this Cheerios Cheer giveaway that highlights a really great cause. Read about it, participate in it, and enter this giveaway!

When our troops are called to serve, their families must rise to meet the challenges of service as well. To thank them, Cheerios^® and the USO have partnered in a postcard campaign that spreads Cheer directly to these honorable military families and supports USO programs.

Here’s how it works:

Now through November, 2011 at your local grocer, specially-marked boxes of Cheerios cereal will feature Cheer postcards on the front of the box. Consumers can simply cut out the postcard from the Cheerios logo, write a message of thanks on the back, add a stamp and mail the pre-addressed card to the USO. The USO will deliver the Cheer card to military families across the country.

For each postcard received through November 2012, Cheerios will make a $1 donation to the USO to help fund programs that support military families. To kick off the campaign, Cheerios has already donated $150,000 to the USO and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based upon the number of postcards received from specially marked boxes now through November 30th, 2012.

Sending a “Cheer” postcard is a simple way to say thanks and lift the spirits of our country’s military families. So, take a moment out of your day to spread some Cheer and send a message of thanks!

Cheerios Prize Pack Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive a Cheerios cereal bowl, Cheerios spoon, cereal dispenser, and 1 box of “Cheer” Cheerios.

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 – What do you plan to write on your postcard?

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 December 5, 2011. Good luck!

Disclosure: Cheerios cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. Giveaway is only for residents of the U.S.A.

Money Saving Meals & Round 2 Recipes by Sandra Lee

2011-11-27T13:28:00.000-06:00

Money Saving Meals & Round 2 Recipes by Sandra Lee is a cookbook that gives full meal recipes that can then be used again for the round 2 recipes with the leftovers. This unique take on a cookbook is perfect for those that need to save money, yet still have their family eat well.

Book Description

“In Money Saving Meals and Round 2 Recipes, Sandra Lee helps readers save more money than ever before one meal at a time, as she does in her highly popular Food Network show.

These dishes are easy, quick-scratch style, and include dishes such as Slow Cooker Short Ribs, Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Salsa, Chicken Tacos with Cucumber Salsa, Beanless Beef Chili, S’mores Pudding Parfait, and much more.

Each recipe combination offers money-saving pricing and total savings for delicious healthful, quick, easy meals so that readers see what they save with every dish. The savings, and your repertoire of tasty, effortless meals, quickly add up on cooking. In these budget-conscious times, Sandra’s Money Saving Meals truly hits home, offering “the maximum joy with the minimum kitchen and grocery shopping stress.” – Money Saving Meals & Round 2 Recipes

My Thoughts

Money Saving Meals & Round 2 Recipes is one of the best cookbooks of our times. People can’t afford to make high end meals for their family for each meal. However, Sandra Lee shows that you can eat still eat fabulously while also staying on budget. The very fact that she gives additional recipes to use for the leftovers and extras from the main meal is my favorite part, because regular leftovers are boring, and are often thrown out, which doesn’t save any money at all.

This cookbook is in full color. The photos of the food are gorgeous and make you want to cook everything you see, but not all of the recipes include photos of the food. I’m a visual person, so being able to see what the food is supposed to look like when finished, is really a must have for me.

The recipes are all done simply and are easy to follow. Nothing is too pretentious for a novice cook to fear trying. Sandra Lee does a really fabulous job with this cookbook for people of all cooking skill levels to enjoy.

Some of my favorite recipes included in this cookbook:

Grilled Margherita Pizza
Zucchini Cakes
Veggie Lasagna
Chicken Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce
Coconut Caramel Cream Pie
Stuffed Peppers

Overall, I really enjoyed this cookbook. The recipes that I tried I loved. I did have to adjust some of them to be gluten-free, but it wasn’t really much of an issue to work around for me. I think that this is a superb cookbook for people to save money and eat well. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Money Saving Meals & Round 2 Recipes, Hyperion, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Child of the Dawn by Gautama Chopra

2011-11-18T11:02:00.000-06:00

Child of the Dawn by Gautama Chopra is a magical journey of awakening. Unlike most books that teach about the spiritual laws, this book tells a fictional tale about a young man on his own journey to be awakened.

Book Description

“In this splendid debut, Gautama Chopra, son of bestselling author Deepak Chopra, has crafted a rich and colorful tale about a young boy’s search for meaning and empowerment.

He was lost. Somehow during his young life, he had lost his way. Lost from where? Lost from what? Ah, well, you will see, we are not speaking of being lost in a labyrinth of streets in a twisted medieval city… His displacement, his disorientation, was of a more desperate and desolate nature, for he did not understand what he was lost from.

And then one day, inspired by his dreams of mirth and magic, he was drawn toward a search for power and lasting happiness. It was a search for meaning, a quest for love, the justification of his entire existence. And thus began his journey of awakening – a journey which led him from the realm of his dreams to a world of chaos, and back once more to a place where dreams really do come true.” – Child of the Dawn

My Thoughts

Child of the Dawn is a remarkable book. I have never before read a book that puts so many of the spiritual laws I’ve read into a story. For many people, reading about it as a story will help them to remember it and also help them really “get it.”

Hakim, the young man in the story, is lost and unsure what to do in his life to achieve everything he wants. For this reason, he is highly relatable to just about everyone that reads this story. He seeks the answers from a “wise one” and through his magical journey, he finds the answers. His tale is memorable, and all of the lessons he learns on the journey are as well.

This is a tranquil read that can easily be read in one sitting. It is written very well and in an easy to understand manner, which is quite amazing because the message in the story is so strong.

This is a great book to read for people of all ages that are on their own spiritual journey to being awakened. It would also make an excellent gift, so keep this in mind for the holidays. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read.

* Thank you to the publisher of Child of the Dawn, Amber Allen, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Body Wrap Shapewear Review – Look Slimmer Without Dieting!

2011-11-16T11:28:00.000-06:00

Women of all shapes and sizes go to shapewear to help them smooth out areas that they need a little extra help with. I am no exception to this, and I usually wear a cami shapewear top that helps shape me up whenever I go somewhere.

I was really excited to try out a new type of one from Body Wrap Shapewear because they use a new type of technology for the material. It claims that it is invisible under clothing, adds more curves, and helps to firm the targeted areas, has all-day comfort, and is breathable for warm climates too.

That is quite a lot of claims that I’ve found don’t usually live up to it when in use for more than a few hours. So, did it actually do what it says?

Yes!

I tried out the long leg bodysuit in my size with a cute dress I’ve been putting off wearing. It was one of those purchases for “when I lose 5-10 lbs I’ll wear this.” It has been hanging in my closet for about a year. Sad, yet true. I’m sure you have clothes like that in your closet too!

It was a little hard getting into it because the material is really strong. If you use it, be sure to look at how to put on the shapewear, so you don’t break it with your nails or fingers. After it was on though, it was really quite fabulous. It was comfortable to wear, and really does make you look like you lost weight and are much firmer.

The only thing I didn’t like about it was the opening in the middle of the leg area. It is there to help you go to the bathroom without having to take it all off. However, it is a bit awkward, and I personally preferred just taking it all off when I had to go.

Overall, I really like the Body Wrap Shapewear that I tried. I’ve used a few other types in the past that are similar, and this one is much better, at least in my opinion. I plan on purchasing a cami top from them soon. Depending on what type of shapewear you need for your outfits, they have something for you. I highly recommend this brand for your shapewear needs.

Check out and follow Body Wrap Shapewear on Facebook and Twitter.

*Thank you to Body Wrap Shapwear for providing me with a sample of the product for review. I was not paid to write the review and all opinions and experiences with the product are my own.

It Is Dangerous To Be Right When The Government Is Wrong by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano

2011-11-16T08:44:00.000-06:00

It Is Dangerous To Be Right When The Government Is Wrong by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano makes you look at some of the real issues that our country has going on right now. If you also ask the big questions about how America is being ran, this is a must read book to give you information on all of the things that are being done – without the right to have done to us.

Book Description

“Judge Andrew P. Napolitano examines the concept the government hates and fears the most: Freedom.

The United States of America was born out of a bloody revolt against tyranny. Yet almost from its inception, the government here has suppressed liberty. In his sixth book on the Constitution and human freedom, Judge Andrew P. Napolitano asks: Where does freedom come from? How can government in America exercise power that the people have not given to it? What forces have collaborated to destroy personal freedom?

In this back-to-basics on freedom, Judge Napolitano addresses hard questions:

--Do we still have a Constitution?

--What are the limits to government power in a free society?

--Why does the government attack, rather than defend, our rights?

--If our rights are inalienable, how can the government take them away?

--Do we really own any private property?

The Judge gives a sweeping treatment of natural rights and all the philosophical, religious, and ideological principles that underscore the concept of human freedom.”

My Thoughts

It Is Dangerous To Be Right When The Government Is Wrong is a very real and informative book about the government in America. If you think that our country is just taking away our rights for our own benefit, you are sadly mistaken. If you think that nothing is going on right now that isn’t out of the ordinary, you are even more mistaken. If you are an American citizen, you need to read this book before the next election. You may be much less informed than you think.

The author doesn’t just pick on Republicans or Democrats, he criticizes them both equally. Both parties have done things that they shouldn’t have, and he doesn’t hold back on explaining what, either.

Some of his views on things are very controversial, however, he makes strong points on why he thinks certain things should be legal. For instance, he is for legalizing gay marriage, for drugs being legal and even for prostitution being legalized.

Regardless of if you think these things are “right” or “wrong” – is it really the government that should make the decision on if someone wants to smoke marijuana or not? After all, cigarettes and alcohol are legal. The more they take away, the closer they are to taking away something that you enjoy doing “legal” right now that could be made “illegal” one day.

If you want to learn more about what is really going on in our country, or are just concerned about our Constitutional rights, this is a must-read! I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of It Is Dangerous To Be Right When The Government Is Wrong, Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy of this book for review as part of their Book Sneeze program. All opinions expressed are my own.

Healing Myths Healing Magic by Donald M. Epstein

2011-11-15T14:34:00.000-06:00

Healing Myths Healing Magic by Donald M. Epstein is a book to challenge you to change your beliefs about healing that are actually just myths. Be ready to change your previous way of thinking about healing and huge changes can come your way!

Book Description

“Healing Myths, Healing Magic examines the deeply ingrained stories, or myths, we commonly hold about how our bodies heal – myths that can actually inhibit healing. For example: “I must forgive in order to heal,” “A person may be too far gone to heal,” or “Healing is not always available.”

The myths we accept without question have a powerful, magically suggestive effect on the way we interpret out symptoms, the way we heal, and the quality of life we experience. Our stories, or myths, can create the magic of healing in our lives, or they can stop the magic completely.

Dr. Epstein contends that unless we question the myths that control our lives, we will continue to make the same healing choices we have been conditioned to make, even if those choices are killing us.

In this breakthrough book, Dr. Epstein divides the healing myths into four categories – Social, Biomedical, Religious, and New Age. He exposes each myth individually, then suggests an alternative statement, or Healing Magic, to help us reclaim our body’s natural ability to heal.” – Healing Myths Healing Magic

My Thoughts

Healing Myths Healing Magic is a book that really spoke to me. Many myths about healing (and life in general) are set into our way of thinking from when we are young kids up to where we are now in life. Breaking these myths is not an easy thing to do. However, they can be broken with some serious thought and determination on your own part. I tried really hard to do this while reading the book, and I think that I have a few broken so far.

To really get the most out of this book, I suggest reading it through all the way. Then go back and read only one or two chapters at a time to really let it absorb into your knowing and consciousness. Actively work on transforming your prior beliefs so that they work better for you. When you feel that you have changed those beliefs, and then move on to the next few. If some you want to work on first, work on those – order isn’t really important.

This is a book that could really change your life and help you to heal. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Healing Myths Healing Magic, Amber Allen, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.