GivingNSharing

Mexican Holiday Inspirations w/ the Tea Collection!

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:35:00 +0000

Tea Collection

You know if you are looking for a few last minute gifts (ahem guys!) you might want to consider a gift certificate to Tea Collection. They have some of the cutest little outfits for kids from baby to teen and they also have a women's section with accessories such as these scarves, totes and wraps - many designed and based on the Mexican or Oaxaca cultures. (Check out their trip to Mexico for Inspiration) Their designs are simple and yet complex with muted colors for the most part.

This year they took a trip down to Mexico where the colors are bright and bold and the designs & patterns are too.

Many of their Modern Mexico Children's line of clothing is based on Diego Rivera's artwork and they have included a couple of coloring pages your children might enjoy. The designs in the picture to the left of this paragraph shows many items from their children's clothing line. I'm in love with the top two tops for boys and I love the colors too.

Here are a few of my Grown-Up favorites:

I think these items are versatile and easy to mix and match with blouses, knits and the scarves and bags would be really cute dressed Up or Down with either of these dresses. Most of the styles range in sizes from XS to L and I'd personally love to see them in Plus Sizes for Women - the detail to the designs are beautiful and the colors rich and vibrant. Just what I like.

Tea Collection

(click to visit them)

Sniders Prime Rib and Roast Seasoning ~ Product Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:44:00 +0000

I love seasonings. What more can I say? The other day I was hungry for a nice juicy roast with potatoes and carrots and usually I use the Onion Soup Mix and make it in the crockpot. It's a "safe", fast recipe that rarely goes wrong (usually only when I pick the wrong meat).

I always purchase my meat at the butcher in HyVee. I like their meat - it's fresh, I can see what I'm getting and they'll let me purchase small amounts - like 1# of chicken breast or beef roast. Being single that's more than enough for me and about all that will fit in my crock pot by the time I add all the yummy veggies.

This time while I was waiting for the butcher I saw a bottle of Sniders Prime Rib and Roast Seasoning ($3.99) on the top of the meat case and thought 'Hmmmm, I'll give it a try'. (Usually I use McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning but I never thought to try it on a roast.) Then I got it home and wondered what I do with it. =D

I ended up using it as a rub and setting it in the fridge for about 45 minutes. Then added my potatoes & carrots and stuck it in the crock pot overnight.

I've been spending a little time looking for ideas on how to use it and came across some great blogs with recipes and ideas ~ you can check them out here:

For the Love of Cooking ~ Prime Rib & Simple Pork Tenderloin
April Harnish Photography ~ Pork Chops & Gravy
Raleys.com ~ Steak with Red Wine Mushroom Sauce
ChowHound.com ~ Whole Beef Tenderloin methods/recipes
For the Love of Cooking ~ Garlic Crusted Pork Roast

What would YOU use this seasoning on? Something other than just beef & pork roasts & chops.... I bet it'd be good on steak fries.

Real ~ Book Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Real isn't how you are made.

it's a thing that happens to you....

~ Skin Horse to the Velveteen Rabbit

Real - The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo.

“REAL” is a collection of 60 inspirational stories by Shelley Malcolm, with photos by Terilee Dawn Ouimette. The stories are deeply revealing, while the photos are anonymous, focusing only on each subject’s hands. Subjects range from adolescent to elderly, from former gangster to humble homeless, international refugee to hero-housewife, from pro athlete to Hollywood celebrity.

My Thoughts:

I think the story that touched me the most is the story of Fran who is preparing for her son's wedding by getting her hair nails done and yet because of cancer she can't attend. Or there is Carol who writes "stories for the journey" and uses writing in her counseling career to help others. There are hands that pray, hands that lie still, hands that caress and hands that help others ~ but that isn't all that this book is about. It's about the stories of individuals who have lived life and have survived.

Proceeds of this book go to fund several charities, including the Alzheimer's Foundation. Here is the link to the website: http://marthamartha.net

You can also purchase a set of notecards from the website and/or the bookmarks. Each collectible, frame-worthy notecard is of images from the book. You can purchase each of the 8 cards for $3.25 ~ click here and the bookmarks are $1.95 each (4 designs) click here.

About the author:

Shelley has four adult children. Her interests include painting , drawing, sculpting, building, playing piano and other musical instruments, outdoor activities including hiking, ocean kayaking, running, water and snow-skiing, international travel, sewing, reading, writing and others.

For more information, please visit http://marthamartha.net or http://shelleymalcolmblog.wordpress.com/

While “Real” is her first published book, Malcolm is no stranger to creative projects, as co-owner and restorer of an historic chapel, La Perla del Mar in Shell Beach, CA, and a set designer for theater and film. Shelley Malcolm resides in Shell Beach, California with her husband, Doug. Shelley Malcolm was named Pismo Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2011 for her extensive contributions and involvement in the community.

A few questions:

Thank you so much for stopping by my site today, Shelley. Your book Real is gorgeous.

Q: What prompted you to start this project?
A: Inspiration from a dream of similar images, that revealed the beauty in imperfections... the hand image is made beautiful by the life behind it, and it is a body part that is impossible to enhance or fake.

Q: Why choose the hands to symbolize a life lived?
A: The hand is more anonymous than a face or even eyes which show identity and emotion. Also, they portray our work, our affection, our worry, scars, and even our mistakes...

Q: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading Real?
A: The simple pleasure of reading it, and more so, an appreciation of the beauty of authenticity of others or their own, and the "perfect plan of diversity". You can read more about this in my article on diversity located here: http://tiny.cc/f8ubh

Q: With Christmas coming up, why would Real make a great gift for anyone on your gift list?
A: Real is artistically beautiful, gentle and inspiring, and can be enjoyed by men or women of all ages. It is easy for all to relate to and feel comfortable with. The subject matter feels familiar, even though it’s new, and readers always relate and have something to say about their hands or
their story. Real stimulates memories and discussion and has even been used in several ways: a memorial, a devotional, as a hostess gift, and other gifts of course.

You can purchase a hardback copy of Real on the website for $32.99. It's a beautiful book for the coffee table or to give as a gift. Click Here

Read more reviews & get the blog tour schedule ~ Click Here

I received a copy of Real to review on GivingNSharing as part of the Real Book Tour sponsored by Litfuse Publicity Group. No money exchanged hands and I wasn't asked to post a positive review. Thanks Litfuse!

Mini-Notebook Giveaway ~ Rafflecopter!

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:15:00 +0000

WIN THIS:

Win an HP Mini Netbook

Small and compact

Our Mini 110 packs all the essential technology you need on the go. Features include:

Genuine Windows 7 Starter
Fast, easy, trusted Web browsing with Windows Internet Explorer⁴
An Intel Atom N455^{^‡} processor with energy-efficient performance (or upgrade to dual core Atom N570)
Color choice of black (standard), pacific blue, or sonoma red
A 10.1" diagonal LED display
1GB system memory (user upgradeable to 2GB)
A 250GB^{^§§} hard drive for storing photos and songs, or upgrade to 320GB
Three USB ports
Integrated Wireless-N for wireless access within range of a hotspot (Bluetooth is optional)²
An optional external CD/DVD drive for installing software (the Mini has no internal optical drive)
ENERGY STAR^® qualification

Mobile and connected

It's easy to stay in touch via your HP Mini 110, which comes with:

A built-in webcam for chatting with friends and family⁴
HP QuickWeb, a fast way to connect to the Web, e-mail, and favorite apps in seconds⁴
An integrated multi-format digital media card reader that supports SD/SDHC/SDxC, MMC, and mini versions of SD/MMC/MS adapters (adapter not included)
A built-in VGA port for connecting a monitor
5 free HP games, already loaded on your PC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kindle for Xmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:53:00 +0000

This guest post from Doris Dillon

I was watching the “Today Show” on direct.tv the other day and got a good idea for a Christmas gift. They were featuring the Kindle. I have never really been interested in one, because I don’t really care to read books that you can’t share, but I learned that you can upload your own PDF articles on there and read them. It stores a ton of them. I think that I am going to get my husbands a Kindle for Christmas. He does a lot of research and is constantly taking a stack of papers with us when we go somewhere. He will take a three inch binder everywhere we go. It weighs a ton and is so bulky. I think that he will like it a lot. He can get thousands of his articles on the device. Now, when he needs to reference something, everything will be right there at his fingertips and not under mounds of paper. I also have a feeling that we are going to start saving a lot of money on our printing costs. I have already had to replace our toner twice in the last three months. Those things get expensive!

This is a sponsored post from Blogvertise. I was paid $10 to post this advertisement 'as is'. I am posting this disclaimer to satisfy federal requirements.

MissioLife

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:12:00 +0000

MissioLife is a new kind of Bible Study. It takes groups of people, churches and communities and draws them together. No longer do you have small groups scattered studying different things and in their own little niche ~ Adults, young adults and children all study the same thing designed to meet their needs.

"The church is comprised of the people of God, and like the early church, our faith communities seek to be formed by the story of God in our theology, our faith, our identity, our way of life, and our behaviors." www.MissioLife.com

There are 3 segments to each study:
Breathe (adults) - the MissioLife small-group resource for adults, will help you discover the God, who moves among us, calling us to participate in the Kingdom here and now. As we read the stories in scriptures, we will begin to ask ourselves: What do these stories say to us about God? About ourselves? About the world?

Image (youth) - Through conversation and discussion, Image will help students discover how we all fit into God’s story and explore what Scripture says about God, others, ourselves, and the world.

Rhythms (children age 6-12) - Rhythms invites elementary children, ages 6-12, into the story of God. Using an easy-to-follow small group plan, Rhythms will help children explore a Bible story, be informed by the narrative, and be transformed through reflective questions, deeper thinking, and purposeful prayer to live into the mission of God.

Mi ssioLife with Scott Daniels from MissioLife on Vimeo.

My thoughts:
Many years ago my pastor once commented that he would like to have the whole church study the same thing instead of the Sunday Schools learning one thing, the children studying something else, small groups and ladies (or men's) bible studies studying yet another thing. My first thought was that everyone is at different places in their lives. My interest, my spiritual gifts and my walk with God is different from yours, my neighbors, my small group study partner, etc.

I still feel that way in many ways but I can also see why someone would be interested in a program where everyone is learning the same thing. I would think it would help with communication within families and yet I wonder how a child can discuss a concept such as righteousness or grace with an older more "educated" member of their family.

I do like how the weekly lesson comes digitally. There isn't a book to purchase for each member and there is 1 page participants handout that can be used for discussion and study at home. Each leader will get a 2 page facilitator's guide to help with planning and preparation. The cost is very reasonable and ideal for smaller churches who don't have the budget for larger kits - all you have to do is print and hand out.

Learn More:
http://missiolife.com
@missiolife
Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I was at 1/2 Price Books the other day visiting with a lady who's sister is stuck in bed after having surgery, climbing the walls and going nuts. I asked her if her sister had Netflix thinking she could have some movies sent to her and she said yes that they had gotten her a Roku. I think she thought I was totally lost when she said that and she told me that Netflix and Roku have partnered together and you can watch Netflix movies on TV all throughout the house and you can also watch TONS of sports, movies (and yes, I bet even those WONDERFUL home decorating & cooking shows).
You know by now my ears were perking up - I haven't had ANY TV since February of last year when my digital box died. No Criminal Minds, No Blue Bloods, No "Once Upon a Time". I'm starting to go through withdrawal!
Tell me...Do any of you have Roku? I'm thinking about investing in the box since it's only $59.99 with 30-Day Money Back Guarantee What has your experience been? What has the cost been for you? I know I have to have a monthly Netflix membership (which I do) - anything else?

Make the Bread, Buy the Butter ~ Book Review & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:39:00 +0000

Make the Bread, Buy the Butter

by Jennifer Reese

ISBN: 9781451605877

304 pages, $15.53 Hardback

What you should and shouldn't cook from Scratch - over 120 recipes for the best homemade foods. This book is exactly that.

About the Book:

When Jennifer Reese lost her job, she was overcome by an impulse common among the recently unemployed: to economize by doing for herself what she had previously paid for. She had never before considered making her own peanut butter and pita bread, let alone curing her own prosciutto or raising turkeys. And though it sounded logical that “doing it yourself” would cost less, she had her doubts. So Reese began a series of kitchen-related experiments, taking into account the competing demands of everyday contemporary American family life as she answers some timely questions: When is homemade better? Cheaper? Are backyard eggs a more ethical choice than store-bought? Will grinding and stuffing your own sausage ruin your week? Is it possible to make an edible maraschino cherry? Some of Reese’s discoveries will surprise you: Although you should make your hot dog buns, guacamole, and yogurt, you should probably buy your hamburger buns, potato chips, and rice pudding. Tired? Buy your mayonnaise. Inspired? Make it.

My thoughts:
I can personally say I have made pumpkin soup using an actual pumpkin - bagels too. What can I say? I was bored and young and decided to give it a try. The bagels turned out pretty good. I've actually made them twice. I've also made biscotti, coconut creme pie WITH merengue and bread. I don't remember if I liked the pumpkin soup - but I can say I've made it at least once.

I love to sit down and "read" cookbooks. Make the Bread, Buy the Butter does what I've often wondered - is it really beneficial for me to make my own bread, ice cream, granola or mozzarella? Other than the fact that it's not processed, doesn't have added chemicals, and I can control what "additives" are in it.

There are some great stories included in the book about why and what made her decide if a recipe was worth doing or passing the next time.

There is a great section for Barbecue! I love barbecue - there's the spice rub, the vinegar sauce, and a yummy looking Dr Pepper barbecue sauce (I'm hungry can you tell?). Or you could make Duck Prosciutto - but according to Jennifer you should just buy it - it's a real hassle if sounds like (I'll definitely pass on this one).

Along with over 120 recipes and great stories of Jennifer's experience writing this book and all her research - you'll also learn why you should make your hot dog buns & buy the hamburger buns (?).

Purchase Make the Bread, Buy the Butter on Amazon - click here

Giveaway

I have a copy of Make the Bread, Buy the Butter to giveaway! Just click here to enter the drawing for both this book and The Ice Dream cookbook. You can keep both for yourself - or give one away and keep one - or give both away. You decide!

Follow Jennifer @:
Twitter: @JenniferReese
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTipsyBaker

Much thanks to Simon & Schuster for donating a copy of Make the Bread, Buy the Butter to review and another to giveaway! I wasn't paid for my opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review.

2nd.MD ~ Service Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Thank you to 2nd.MD for providing me with a $200 stipend to test-drive this revolutionary online medical service.

Today I spoke to a Dr that I found on 2nd.MD a new service where people can go to speak with specialists to get a 2nd opinion on a medical issue. As many of you know I have Fibromyalgia which has been steadily worsening over the last 4-5 years. I've been toying with getting a new doctor even though I love my rheumatologist or maybe getting a new GP but I just don't know if I should even consider that.

My most recent symptoms have been terrible headaches that leave me shaky, nauseous and feeling like I'm going to fall over and I've also been having trouble with my muscles in my shoulders locking up so tight that I can't loosen them. My TENS 1000 unit does help some but usually it takes my Chiropractor to break through the worst cramps and muscle spasms.

Dr Chaudhary works with integrative pain medicine and focuses on a holistic approach to pain management which I really like since I am ultra sensitive to most medications (this is normal for Fibromyalgia patients). He gave me some ideas and treatments to consider and discuss with my Dr the next time I see her.

This was exactly what I needed and sometimes it helps to get someone different to look at the situation who doesn't know you & maybe they'll see something you aren't seeing or had forgotten about.

2ndMD - Peace of Mind from 2ndMD on Vimeo.

One thing to keep in mind if you decide to look into 2nd.MD is that the Dr's on the site aren't able to treat you since they would need to run tests and actually meet with you in person. I knew that going in and was fine with that. I no longer have the energy and ability to sit down and research all the new treatments and see what kind of holistic therapies are available like I used to. I'm having to rely more and more on my doctors as my problems & symptoms get worse - so it's really nice having this service to turn to when I need fresh eyes.

It was very easy to search through the Dr's on their site. You can send a question to the Dr if you'd like to know if they can help you - I think that's the only thing I was unhappy with on the whole site. It only allows 100 characters to ask a question and that is next to impossible. Their customer service chat feature, phone numbers and I even got a few emails from Jeremy who helped me streamline my search for a doctor was top notch.

When you set up your appointment you set up a goal and tell him what you need to discuss so he has an idea of how to help you. You have the option of uploading your medical records and customer service will help you get them if you need help and also with uploading those records for the Dr to look at. After the appointment you rate your Dr and the service both the Dr and the Website provide (I gave 5's =D).

It's an outstanding service and I'm sure will be heavily used once people know about it.

Would you like more information?
The 2nd.MD Story Video - http://vimeo.com/24944025
Doctor Perspective 1 - http://vimeo.com/31618693
Doctor Perspective 2 - http://vimeo.com/31165878

Thank you again to 2nd.MD for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about 2nd.MD. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #Clever2ndMD #spon

Divine Appointments ~ Stocking Stuffer Idea!

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:58:00 +0000

Divine Appointments is book 2 of a 3 book series and for the most part I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really liked the main characters of the book - Josie, Lyle, Barb and Marsha and their story was easy to read and follow. Marsha has a "twist" to her story that I personally felt could be left out of the book and I skipped those parts when I got to them and to be honest I wish the book hadn't closed with her as I felt kind of unsettled when I read it. Maybe it's a "cliff-hanger" to encourage reading the final book?

Part of the reason I choose this book was that Josie is close to my age and I've been feeling some of the same things mentioned on the back of the book. It's not often that an author writes a story about a woman who is nearing the middle of her life and starting to notice "changes" so I was looking forward to reading about Josie's experience.

I was also looking forward to reading a Christian fiction book and wanted to see how the author handled situations like pending layoffs, death, marriage and other themes from a Christian perspective. If you are looking for a story with a strong Christian background you won't find it in this book. I don't believe that the Bible was ever really quoted and other than Barb who was known for "praying and encouraging" there wasn't much else that encouraged a strong Christian belief system. I personally would of liked to see more scripture and seeing Josie come to lean on her faith in God as her Savior and Stronghold. (There is one section where Josie's father marries a woman who is strong in her faith but doesn't expect him to have the same faith.)

I am giving Divine Appointments 3 1/2 stars out of 5. There is no sexual content or language in this book. There are discussion questions in the back of the book that you can use to encourage talking about our faith and dating/marriage as Christians or if you are in a book club. I think you'll enjoy the story as Charlene is a very good writer and will definitely keep you turning pages.

Be sure to check out the other 2 books in this series. If you click here and here you'll find them on Amazon and can read the reviews on those. You can also click the pictures of the books at the top and go to their pages. Thanks!

Would you please rank my review? Thanks so much!

Relieve the congestion....

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Colds, they're inevitable. Things go along fine and then the achiness, the stuffy nose, the runny stuff and the clogged up head.... and of course your schedule, your children, (and your boss) won't give you time to lay in bed for a week to get over the worst of it.

Sound familiar?

I'm going to challenge you to think of congestion in another light. Congestion can mean an excess of traffic (you know, the roads with an excess of cars at rush hour) - but it can also mean an "excess" of needs.

Does your school need their library upgraded?
Does your City Mission need their study room or tutoring area improved (or do they need one) - or maybe their playroom for the kids needs to be upgraded w/ new toys, furniture, etc?
Does your local Food Bank have needs? With the economy so tight right now donations are lower than normal.
How about your local Street School - or Women's Shelter?

These are all examples of the kind of organizations that have needs especially this time of the year. There are record numbers of people who need help, who are homeless or very close to being homeless due to the economy, unemployment or underemployment, or illness.

The Advil Congestion Relief Project is dedicated to helping communities relieve "congestion" ~ not only your cold but organizations and community services as well. Advil provides relief in congested places across the US from undersupplied schools, congested traffic lanes & more.

They have already unveiled a new library at PS 130 in the Bronx on Tuesday, November 15th. PS 130's new library features new technology, artwork & $20,000 worth of new books.

Now they are looking for additional communities in need of relief. You can enter your own community story by answering the questions:

1. What's congested in YOUR community?

2. How does that affect your community?

3. How could Advil Congestion Relief relieve your community's congestion?

Click here to go to the Advil Congestion Relief Project page and share YOUR communities needs for a chance to WIN a prize worth up to $30,000 for your local community.

I am a member of One2One Network and I am eligble to receive product and prizing for my time. I make no claims about Advil Congestion Relief as a product or it's effectiveness.

The Hidden Gifts of Helping:

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:36:00 +0000

The Hidden Gifts of Helping:

Do Good Things for Others This Holiday Season

Article by Stephen G. Post,

Author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping,a Wall Street Journal bestseller

(www.StephenGPost.com/HiddenGifts)

Ebenezer Scrooge begins in The Christmas Carol with a “Bah humbug!” He is both miserly and miserable. As the story unfolds, he eventually discovers the “giver’s glow,” as I like to term it. He is dancing on the streets in the enduring joy of his newfound generosity of heart. I compare the giver’s glow to a glow stick that children get at parades and fairs. These are the translucent plastic tubes containing substances that when combined make light through a chemical reaction. After the glass capsule in the plastic casing is broken, it glows. The brokenness is part of the process. Give and grow, give and glow. Scrooge discovered this before it was too late.

Human beings are wired to give of themselves for noble purposes, regardless of circumstances. Recently, I delivered a sermon in an African-American Baptist church in Coram, New York. The subject was how we benefit when we love our neighbor. Afterwards, a wonderful elderly woman, who was full of vitality, said to me, “You know, that giver’s glow is how we African Americans have been getting through hard times for two centuries!”

On the inside cover of a copy of The Book of Common Prayer, given to me in 1986 by the Rev. William B. Eddy of Tarrytown, New York, is an accumulating memorial list of twenty people I have known closely as models of kindness and generosity over the years. To get on the list a person must have passed on and, by all accounts, remained generous even in their final days. These are people who understood that happiness is not to be found just in the getting, but in the giving, and they taught by example. Have you noticed the warm glow in your heart that comes when you act kindly? They had a deep sense of common humanity, and they all had a certain happiness about them—a sort of gaiety that comes with a life well-lived and rightly inspired.

In my most recent book, The Hidden Gifts of Helping: How the Power of Giving, Compassion, and Hope Can Get Us Through Hard Times (Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Imprint), I describe a bit of an upheaval in my own life, and how helping others got me and my family through the inevitable tough times that come everyone’s way.

“After twenty years of being ‘at home’ in the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, my job disappeared. Maybe we were too attached to Cleveland, and maybe God wanted us to move on. But as a family we never anticipated just how challenging up-rootedness is, especially when it is not something that you would have opted for in better times. So in June of 2008, we sold the house and moved east on Route 80 from Ohio to the George Washington Bridge, landing in Stony Brook. What a great place! But still, we just had not quite imagined how stressful such a move would be and how hard we would have to work to find renewed peace of mind and heart.

“Suddenly cut adrift from friends and community, we felt painfully uprooted—out of place, stressed out, disoriented and at odds with each other. Most movers suffer from a lack of companionship and intimate friends, at least temporarily, and doing this repeatedly is really tough. Fortunately, we had those twenty good years in Ohio. We struggled to find our footing with the move, determined to recreate the good life of community and friendships we all so keenly missed. The key turned out to be something we knew quite well, but learned to remember daily in our upheaval: the healing power of helping others. The medical prescription is this—Rx: Helper Therapy.

“Simply put, helping others helps the helper. Research in the field of health psychology, as well as all the great spiritual traditions, tells us that one of the best ways to get rid of anger and grief is to actively help others. Science supports this assertion: Giving help to others measurably reduces the giver’s stress; improves health and well-being in surprising and powerful ways; renews our optimism about what is possible; helps us connect to family, friends and lots of amazing people; allows the deep, profound joy of our humanity to flow through us and out into the world; and improves our sense of self-worth. These are valuable gifts anytime and particularly in hard times. If there is one great secret to life, this is it.”

After all was said and done, this move worked out. My wife found a grade school where she could continue her work as a teaching assistant for especially needy children, my son Drew volunteered at the hospital and I started working with families of individuals with autism. We eventually realized that wherever we are, we are at home when we can contribute to the lives of others. We got back in touch with the things that matter most, and maybe that is what hard times are for. We helped others in ways that we felt called to, we used our strengths so as to feel effective and we shared our experiences with family, faith community and like-minded others.

Eventually, of course, everyone stumbles on hard times, and no one gets out of life alive. Today, even those who had considered themselves protected from hardship are being touched and their lives changed by volatile economic markets, job uncertainty and the increasing isolation and loneliness of modern life.

Here are four things to keep in mind. First, as Washington Irving put it so well: “Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.” Second, love often does beget love, just as hate usually begets hate, and so good givers need to be good receivers. Third, we should never count on reciprocity because this is sure to be frustrating and ultimately small-minded. Better to take joy when those upon whom our love is bestowed do not “pay it back” to us, but rather “pay it forward” to others as they move through life remembering our good example. Or to bring this to the kitchen table, as I heard one Italian mother in Cleveland tell her son, “Love and forget about it!” And fourth, in I Corinthians Paul linked “faith, hope and love,” and he proclaimed that “love never fails.” What is faith but having confidence that no matter how harsh a particular scene in the drama of our lives or of history might be, it is love that wrote the play and love that will be revealed in the final act.

Do a little good this holiday season. The 2010 Do Good Live Well Survey, released by United Healthcare and VolunteerMatch (www.VolunteerMatch.org), surveyed 4,500 American adults. 41 percent of Americans volunteered an average of 100 hours a year. 68 percent of those who volunteered in the last year reported that volunteering made them feel physically healthier. In addition:

89% reported that “volunteering has improved my sense of well-bring”
73% agreed that “volunteering lowered my stress levels”
92% agreed that “volunteering enriched my sense of purpose in life”
72% characterized themselves as “optimistic” compared to 60% of non-volunteers
42% of volunteers reported a “very good” sense of meaning in their lives, compared with 28% of non-volunteers

How wise it is to do what one can to contribute benevolently to others!

Some individuals on my The Book of Common Prayer list were well known and others lived quiet lives out of the limelight. Some were appreciated and some not. We might prefer to think that loving servants of goodness would, after a long and successful life, die peacefully in their beds and all people would speak well of them at their funerals. But this is too simplistic. Everyone on my list experienced an enduring joy as a by-product of their generosity. Thus, the motto of my independent Institute for Research on Unlimited Love (www.unlimitedloveinstitute.com), founded with the help of Sir John Templeton (who happens to be on my list!), is “In the giving of self lies the discovery of a deeper self.”

This is a sponsored post from The B&B Media Group. No money has exchanged hands (and I didn't write it) and it will lead to a giveaway in the future on GivingNSharing.

The Keeper by Suzanne Wood Fisher ~ Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Suzanne Woods Fisher has a new book out ~

and a contest too! Check it out @ http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/contest

Stained Glass Windows by Patsy Clairmont

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Stained Glass Hearts
by Patsy Clairmont
ISBN: 978-0849948268
$10.98 Hardback (Amazon)

About the Book:
Much like stained glass, life's broken pieces become the prism through which God's grace shines most brightly and beautifully.

Comparing people to stained glass windows, Patsy Clairmont explains the power of God to restore and redeem that which seems devastated beyond repair, and she does so with the quick wit and deep insight of someone who has been there. And back. Themes of art and creativity are woven together with stories from Patsy's own life. And special features include quotes, suggested scripture readings, sample prayers, and recommended music.

With candor tempered by wind-whipped wisdom. Patsy provides a new lens through which to view our lives. Stained Glass Hearts is a perspective that gives us the chance to see our potential for color, sparkle and great purpose through the grace of God.

My thoughts:
I won tickets to the Women of Faith conference this year and I was excited to see that Patsy Clairmont was the main speaker on Friday. In the past I've never gotten a lot out of the WOF conferences but this year with all of it's upheaval and frustrations I think it was made for me. It was a "God Thing".

One of the sections in her book is a bulleted section that I would like to call:
"Choose Gratitude". I'm not going to add the whole thing here due to copyright reasons & you'll get more out of it if you read it yourself but here is the gist:

A Chinese proverb says, "Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come." How do you keep a green tree in your heart?
~ Choose Gratitude: We can in the midst of pain thank God for who he is. In return we begin to let go of our perceived rights and rest more fully in his care. (paraphrased)
~ Choose Gratitude: Actively being grateful is a conscious choice at first, then with ongoing attentiveness, a habit.
~ Choose Gratitude: Gratitude thaws hearts, keeps life in perspective and our demands under control ~ and it protects us from our self-serving tendencies.

All throughout Stained Glass Windows you'll find little treasures like the one I just shared on gratitude. You'll find suggested pieces of art where you can take in the fullness of God's creation, his love and care for us. You'll find pieces of music to touch your heart, little prayers to help you rest in God and poems and scriptures to strengthen your courage.

If you know someone that can use courage or strength you might consider offering Stained Glass Windows to them. It would make a wonderful gift that they can read when they need a hug or an encouraging word when they are down.

Learn More:
www.PatsyClairmont.com

I received a copy of Stained Glass Windows from BookSneeze to review. I wasn't asked to write a positive review & no money exchanged hands. My words are my own.

A Gentle Thief ~ Book Tour & Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:09:00 +0000

A Gentle Thief
by Amanda Dickson
ISBN: 978-1466304277
Published by:
Kindle Edition: $9.99

About the Book:
Maddie Johnson loved Shakespeare. Unlike everybody else she knew growing up, she seemed to understand him, enjoy him, more with every reading. It was partly because of this love that she drove from her home in rural Pennsylvania to college at Southern Utah University, home every summer to the Utah Shakespearean Festival. It was partly that, and partly the desire to get as far away as possible. Maddie thought being in Utah would help her forget, that the stark beauty of the scenery and the power of the metaphor would be enough to clear her. They weren’t.

In her freshman year, she met and, after graduation, married a much older man, Robert Able, the first person Maddie had ever known who understood her love of Shakespeare.

At 21, Maddie felt too young to be married. At 23, she felt too young to be divorced. Maddie was found dead on New Year’s Day, clutching a gun to her chest. Everyone assumed she committed suicide. Everyone except her father.

A Gentle Thief is Maddie’s story, and that of her father and the young attorney he hires who becomes devoted to him and the truth of his cause.

My Thoughts:
An engrossing story that moves fast and keeps the reader involved and unwilling to put the book down. It's the story of 2 women ~ one murdered in 1984 and the other a woman just beginning a new career with a case that could easily make or break her future.

Madeline is a young woman who has known upheaval and abuse her entire life. Her mother was abusive to her father and when they divorced Maddie spent time between to homes. She was very close to her father and they each supported and encouraged each other over the years while her mother and his wife tore him down every chance she got.

Marrying at a young age and divorced 2 years later, Madeline is found one day by her neighbor who claims that she committed suicide. The gun is found in her hands, she has obviously been cleaned up and the bedding has been changed thereby destroying evidence. The police and the investigators completely botch the case, evidence goes missing and her father spends the next 20 years trying to get the authorities to change her cause of death from suicide to murder. And then Sophie Brownlie enters the picture as a fresh from law school lawyer who is assigned the case to see if it has merit....

A Gentle Thief reminded me of Conspiracy Brief (with Julia Roberts) - the atmosphere is similar with the legal speech, the mystery surrounding the death of Maddie, the fast moving pace as the story builds and then heads toward it's conclusion.

A very long book at over 500 pages you can purchase it on Kindle or purchase the paperback copy. It's a great story and well worth purchasing the $17.99 paperback - you'll definitely want it in your home library. My only thought is that at $18 the book should of been a hardback book not a paperback. It's a great read for a cold snowy day and if you have a fire going it only adds to the atmosphere as you read.

A Gentle Thief is a book nearly 20 years in the making, inspired by a case the author worked on while a lawyer. She is the mother of Aiden (4) and Ethan (6) and the step-mother of Laurel (22), Ashley (21) and Cameron (18) and currently is not only an author but also a radio announcer for www.ksl.com and the host of "A Woman's View". When she isn't at home caring for her family or on the radio you may be able to find her in front of an audience - Amanda speaks to all kinds of businesses, women's groups, governmental groups, gatherings of every size and scope on the topics of joy in work, team building, change, friendship, hope, finding untapped energy and every variation on those themes imaginable. She would be delighted to speak to your group if the opportunity should ever arise.

Amanda's Website
Amanda's Blog
Amanda's facebook page

You can learn more about A Gentle Thief on the MediaGuests.net website during the blog tour in November and December.

I received a copy of the ebook to review. I was not required to post a positive review and no money exchanged hands. Thanks to MediaGuests.net and Amanda Dickson for sharing a great book!

Follow along:

Ways to Give with The Open Door Mission (or one near you)

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:30:00 +0000

There are so many people around the world with needs and it seems like Christmas is when we (as a community) notice and want to try to help. Whether it's by donating a check, giving coats, gloves and mittens or joining in with the Angel Tree Ministry or a Holiday Toy Drive there are so many ways we can give.

You can donate your time by baking cookies, serving meals, sorting clothes, offering to tutor kids and more. The Open Door Mission (Omaha, NE) is preparing to provide gifts for more than 6,000 boys and girls this Christmas Season through Project Santa - A drive-thruChristmas. Parents of homeless and needy childrenwill be coming to sign up to receive a bag of toys for their child so on Christmas Morning there will be something under the tree.

Here is how you can help make Christmas special for a little boy or girl. Would you consider having a toy drive at your place of work, school, or even Church. Open Door Mission will provide a collection box for you to place to be filled. All you have to do is click on "Schedule a Toy Drive" and we will get a box to you.

You can also help Open Door Mission sort and bag toys. As all these toys come in from area drive we need volunteers to help sort them and then get they ready to go into age and gender appropriate bags. Open Door Mission's warehouse looks like "Santa's little workshop" Just click on "Bag toys" and sign up to make a difference today.

There is only 66 days until Christmas!

Holiday Caroling Party ~ Recipe Exchange

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:53:00 +0000

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

GivingNSharing is participating in the 2nd annual Caroling Party Blog Hop and I decided at the last minute to include this blog in the hop. I have several favorite cookie recipes but my all time favorite for Christmas baking is Grandma's Salted Nut Rolls. YUM!

Usually I only make 1 pan of these - I could easily eat the whole pan. They are so good. I've seen the recipe where the crust is made using a cake mix and it's very good - but this version is still my favorite.

Salted Nut Rolls

1 1/2 cups flour

2/3 cups brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla

2 egg yolks

Combine and press in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Turn off the oven. Immediately sprinkle 3 cups miniature marshmallows over the crust. Return to the oven for 1 minute (do not let these warm longer - the crust will get extremely hard and the marshmallows chewy).

Topping:

2/3 cup white corn syrup

2 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup butter

1 package peanut butter chips

Heat until melted and then stir in:

2 cups Rice Krispies

2 cups salted peanuts

(Note: I like to combine the Rice Krispies and peanuts before melting the topping). Pour over crust and let set over night if possible. It's important that these cool and set completely.

These can be baked in advance and frozen if you want to bake them ahead and then cut into 1" pieces. They are a hit for cookie exchanges too. =D Enjoy!

Hellmann's is on a mission...

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:08:00 +0000

Hellmann's is doing a Turkey Challenge:
The makers of Hellmann's and Bobby Flay are on a mission to help moms re-think main dish meals and leftovers by offering easy, delicious recipes that are great for the busy holiday season, such as Turkey Casserole.

Here's an Easy Tweet:
LUV holiday turkey dishes? Enter the @Hellmanns #TurkeyChallenge for a chance to win a $250 grocery GC! http://bit.ly/TrkyChlng @familyliteracy

Do you have a favorite Turkey dish ? I love Turkey Soup, Turkey & Noodles, Turkey Pot Pie and just picking Turkey off the bone and eating it. I just posted a wonderful Chicken Pot Pie on Holiday Traditions that you might enjoy, just change the Chicken to Turkey. - Click Here

Much thanks to One2One Network & Hellmanns for sponsoring this contest. I am entering a contest for a $50 GC - I only post about products I believe in and have personally used. This review and giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity unless otherwise specified. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Common English Bible ~ Review & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:33:00 +0000

Common English Bible
ISBN: 9781609260163
$29.95

The Common English Bible is a new translation focused on making the Bible easier to understand for the average worshipper. It's perfect for New Christians, anyone that is searching for answers and even kids who may be reluctant to read their Bibles because "they can't understand it".

When I first received my copy of this new Bible I loved the "look" of the Bible. The cover doesn't feel cheap like many of the "leather look" covers do. It's very soft, almost like suede to the touch. The text is very small and I was wishing I had asked for a large print (available March 2012) as I'm finding I'm having more trouble with the small prints these days. At less than 1" this bible isn't heavy like many of the Study Bibles are and at 5 3/8 x 8 3/8 it's small enough to fit in a purse or briefcase to take with you.

Written as an inter-denominational Bible it was translated by 122 biblical scholars from 22 faith traditions and in addition members of 77 reading groups from congregations throughout North America reviewed and responded to early drafts of the translation. The key goal is make the Bible accessible to a broad range of readers: children, youth, new Christians and to enhance worship and personal Bible Study.

The only thing I missed was the lack of a concordance and cross-referencing. There are footnotes at the bottom of the page (kept at a bare minimum) and these are used to explain WHY they choose to translate a word in the way they did.

The next few months I will be participating in a book tour to introduce this new Bible to readers. I will admit I am partial to either the Ryrie Study Bible, the Life Application Bible or the Induction Study Bible. I prefer The New International Version as I find it very easy to understand and I love the concordances, maps and historical notes in the books. I'll be using these versions in addition to my Precepts Bible Studies as I get to know this new version and I hope it doesn't get to confusing for you as I do. (Actually hopefully I won't get confused - I'm not really strong with theology and explaining what I believe.) At one time I dreamed of being an archeologist so I love the history and archeological studies that have been conducted and I think that's why I enjoy those other versions so much.

You can learn more about the Common English Bible online at: http://www.commonenglishbible.com . You'll learn about how it was translated, why the need was felt for a bible that everyone could understand and more.

Read a passage

You can order online at Amazon or at the Common English Bible website. There are many different styles (paperback, leather, hardback) and if you'd like small New Testaments to hand out as gifts those are $1.99 on the website. They also have community packs of the small bibles available. These make nice little gifts for the homeless, those displaced due to storms (hurricanes, tornadoes, etc) who lost their own Bibles and haven't gotten a new one yet, or children for memory work.

Thanksgiving Week - Giving Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Give Thanks

1 Chronicles 16:8-9 (CEB): ⁸ “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make his deeds known to all people! ⁹ Sing to God, sing praises to him; dwell on all his wondrous works!” Common English Bible (CEB)

What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Is it giving Thanks? Is it Rejoicing in what God has given you? Is it remembering the good times & the BAD? With the economy like it is things are tight for all of us, even those that have both parents (or one) working. But, it's still doable and that's thanks to God's provisions. It may not seem like He has his hand in it - but He does.

It's the groceries that He provides - or the extra large crop in the garden.
It's the gas in the car that seems to last longer than usual.
It's the surprise check that comes in the mail earlier than you were expecting.
It's the ability to make something out of nothing - can you sew? can you bake the world's best cookies? can you draw?

The last year has been tough for me. Many of you know that. But God has provided mystery shops and payment from one in particular who is very timely. God has provided health insurance for part time hours. God has given me reprieve from the terrible migraines I've been getting this past year and I could go on...

1st Chronicles 16: 34 Give thanks to the LORD because He is good, because his faithful love endures forever.” (CEB)

Is there a way to Give Thanks other than prayer?
I was reading an article today about Thanksgiving in Times of Tribulation and there were a few parts that stood out to me. Click here to read it. You might find it interesting too.

We can Sing Praises to God - We can give GLORY to God by praising him.

We can give GLORY to God by praising him.
a. We are designed to show “the greatness of his grace by the goodness that God has shown us in Christ Jesus” Eph 2:7 (CEB)

I want to continue the thought with Eph 2:10 (CEB): ...we are God's accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. (Doesn't it make sense that we can show praise to God by doing good things and we give Glory to God when we do?)

"What does it mean when it is said that the heavens declare the glory of God?
The heavens declare that God is perfect. The heavens manifest His wisdom, His power, and His purpose in designing all creation for an intelligent end. The heavens are manifesting the glory of God in the sense that they reveal what God is and what He can do." Ps 19:1-2**

b) When I yield MY Life to God and SEEK to serve Him, I am glorifying Him - MY life and testimony is an example of what the GRACE of God can do for us.

The next few months I will be sharing thoughts and verses from the new Common English Bible which has just been published. I'm excited to see this new Bible and see the difference a word or passage makes. I have a precept by precept Bible (Kay Arthur 'precepts ministry') that I will be using together with the CEB Bible to compare the meanings of words and passages. I'm looking forward to having a Bible that is in today's language and written to understand easily. I also want to compare it with a Ryrie Bible which has been my favorite translation for years.

**(I like this version of this verse - it's elegant and so descriptive of HOW the heavens declare the glory of God, so I left it as is from the article.)

Your Thoughts:
Do you have a favorite translation? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts about Thankfulness and what God has done for you that has been most meaningful to you this year.

Book Review ~ The Gray Wolf Throne

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:33:00 +0000

The Gray Wolf Throne
by Cinda Williams Chima
A Seven Realms Series book, Book 3
Published by Disney Hyperion
ISBN: 978-1423118251
517 pages, Age 17+
$12.10 Amazon (Hardback), $9.89 (Kindle)

About the book:

Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

My thoughts:
The Gray Wolf Throne is Book 3 in the best selling Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima. Full of action, great passages of description, intrigue, mystery and storytelling this book will catch your attention and imagination and keep you up to the end of the book (literally, I was up until 6 am reading this one).

The book opens with our heroine Raisa waiting at an inn for Amon her bodyguard to arrive to help her get home safely. Her mother is estranged and about to appoint Raisa's younger sister as the Princess Heir to the throne. If her mother dies before Raisa comes home Melanie will become the Princess Heir and eventually the queen. It's a race back to the castle before it's too late.

Amazon has this book set for kids age 12+. Personally I feel this book is for older kids. There are subjects and themes that are not suitable for younger teens. There are some pretty graphic murder scenes and a very light "love" scene although nothing occurs and the Princess and the boy separate upon being interrupted after some heavy petting and clawing at each other. There is also mention of women or "blue bloods" coming to the streets for one thing (I'll let you figure out what that is - I don't think kids would get it - but the innuendo is definitely there).

I would strongly suggest that you read this book before leaving it around for your kids to pick up. I purposely didn't put this book on Classic Children's Books due to the above reasons. I haven't read the first 2 books yet so I don't know if the "romantic" scenes are the same in those - I'm almost sure the battle/murder scenes are there though from what is talked about in Book 3.

Outstanding book - not for kids under 16-17 probably. I really liked the book personally (as an adult) and would love to read the other two books. Hopefully I'll be able to find them.

The Gray Wolf Throne - Click here to read chapter 1 (pdf file).

Visit Cinda's FB Page and Blog to learn when new books and events come up!

Book Launch announcement - The Good Fight

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:57:00 +0000

The Good Fight
by Shawna K Williams
Kindle edition $5.99

About the book:

Roger Talbot's life is defined by his devotion to public service. Having just successfully prosecuted a brutal murder case, Roger turns his attention to discovering the shady dealings of Niles Parker -- the town's former mayor, Roger's old boss and the father of the woman Roger almost married.

Pennye Carrington ran away from Port Delamar with plans never to return. However, learning that her brother had murdered a family member of a famous movie star changed those plans. Pennye comes back with the hope of bringing stability to a family in disarray, but facing the torment of her childhood may be more than she can handle.

Roger's mission to bring down Niles Parker and Pennye's desire to keep her brothers out of trouble create a middle ground, where two people who couldn't be further apart, embark on a danger-filled journey of discovery to find themselves and each other.

Book Launch Announcement:

To celebrate the release of her Romantic Suspense novel, "The Good Fight", Shawna Williams is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, and a Kindle (or an equal value Amazon gift card - winner's choice. :-)It all ends December 7th, so head on over to her blog, My Father's Oldsmobile, The giveaway is going on at http://shawnawilliams-oldsmobile.blogspot.com/2011/10/kindle-giveaway-with-new-book-release.html

Blog Hops I'm in:

Thirsty Thursday

The best thing since....

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:57:00 +0000

Catalog Choice has come up with the next best thing since the "No Call" program went into effect several years ago. They've come up with a way for you to stop the numerous phone books, the multitudes of credit card offers, the flyers, circulars and ads that come your way courtesy of the US Mail Service & the companies they work with.

I've just signed up and requested two phone book companies here in Omaha to "Stop Mail" on their phone books. (We have 3 companies - why do I need 3-4 phone books a year? I'm single - no one but me reads them!)

I really don't get much else in the mail - except an occasional CC offer and that stupid "your car warranty is about to run out" card that I've been getting since I bought my car 6 years ago. Next time I get either of those I'm definitely putting a "Stop Mail" request up!

(Personally, I don't have enough junk mail to purchase the envelopes. I'll just go online and put a Stop Mail request up. But I could see how helpful they would be to someone who gets TONS of junk mail - and/or is too busy to take care of putting up their requests and following through. Fantastic idea!)

Press release:

Catalog Choice Launches New Service to

Combat Increasing USPS Junk Mail

BERKELEY, CALIF. (November 8, 2011)—As the U.S. Postal Service aggressively seeks to increase direct advertising mailings, Catalog Choice—the leader in mail efficiency—is working to help consumers combat the impending tidal wave of junk mail. The Berkeley-based non-profit today launched MailStop™ Envelopes—the first in a line of premium services set to roll out this fall.

Users can purchase MailStop™ Envelopes for $6.75 each, fill them with up to 15 mailing labels from unwanted mail and send the envelopes back to Catalog Choice. Their staff will then scan the labels, fulfill the opt-out requests and record the transaction in customers’ secure accounts. Companies have 90 days to honor requests before formal complaints are filed and then submitted to the FTC. Customers can use the envelopes to opt-out of any unwanted mail including catalogs, donation requests, circulars and coupon mailers, as well as phone books. The envelopes are available for purchase at www.catalogchoice.org and can also be gifted to friends and family.

Catalog Choice has been testing the MailStop™ Envelopes with customers for the past several months. Brad Barrish, one such customer, said, “Catalog Choice is a no-brainer for anyone who is tired of receiving so many catalogs in their mailbox and just doesn't have the time to write letters and follow up with the companies sending them. At $6.75 an envelope, it's hard to find an excuse not to participate. Thanks so much for such a compelling and easy way for people to opt out of junk mail.”

“MailStop™ Envelopes enable individuals to stop unwanted mail seconds after they pull it out of the mailbox,” said Chuck Teller, Executive Director, Catalog Choice. “Since the beginning, Catalog Choice has empowered people to take control of their mailboxes. MailStop™ Envelopes offers another way to improve the relevance of mail for consumers, reduce mailing costs for businesses and garbage disposal costs for cities and counties. It’s a win for everyone involved.”

MailStop™ Envelopes is the offline version of Catalog Choice’s online service, which allows consumers to control who can send them unsolicited mail. In recent months, Catalog Choice has also partnered with communities across the country including Chicago, Ill.; Seattle, Wash; San Jose, Calif. and Kansas City, Mo.-Kan to provide localized mail preference programs for their residents.

About Catalog Choice

Founded in 2007 to provide consumers greater control over the marketing materials that enter their mailboxes, Catalog Choice is the world’s largest preference and privacy portal with more than 1.4 million consumer members and 4,100 direct marketing companies. By reducing unnecessary mail and phone books, Catalog Choice’s free and low-cost services reduce deforestation, greenhouse gases, solid waste and water consumption. Catalog Choice, a non-profit organization based in Berkeley, Calif., is supported by grants from the Overbrook Foundation, Kendeda Fund, Merck Family Fund and Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, as well as donations from members.

A Waterfall in my.....?

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Spending time with friends and family can lead to fun and memorable moments, but also some very messy ones. Tell us about the messiest moments that you’ll always remember!

Now, I'm sure some of you could top this moment - but it's definitely one of the ones that sticks out in MY head! Last year was a very wet rainy year for us here in Omaha. Yep, we are officially no longer in a drought zone - in fact most of Omaha, Iowa and about 1/2 of Nebraska had flood warnings this year - and much of Iowa WAS flooded.

Huh?

I have a tendency to sleep at all hours of the day/night and for about a month I kept waking up and walking into the bathroom to do what occurs in that room - and I'd walk into large puddles of water.

There'd be water around the sink and at first I thought it was water leaking from the pipes underneath. Nope.

Then I'd sit on the toilet and notice that my socks were wet. Huh?

It was so odd!

One afternoon I'd fallen asleep and suddenly I woke up and could hear water running. I listened to it for a while trying to figure out if I was imagining it or dreaming it and finally I got up and walked into the bathroom. I didn't see anything at first until I happened to glance at the wall under the window BEHIND my dryer and I noticed that the window well was nearly full to the top and that water was coming in between the window panes. (The windows slide to the left to open). There was a waterfall IN MY BATHROOM!

Now ya gotta understand, the window was 3/4's FULL of water! It's pouring outside, the water kept coming in and I used up all my towels trying just to keep it from getting worse. Then I realized I needed to find something to cover the window well with because it was filling up the window well as fast as it was coming in. So, I got dressed and ran upstairs and pounded on my landlady's door - she's 87. Doesn't hear so well. Or walk very well. She finally opened the door and I had to try to explain that water is pouring into the bathroom and DID SHE HAVE A BOARD? She didn't get it. Finally she realized what I was saying and sent me out into the POURING rain to dig through a dark, filthy, covered in dirt (and who knows what else - spiders?) packed to the rafters garage.

Found it. Back out into the rain I went with a huge board that I leaned up against the house because I couldn't get it to cover the window well any other way. Then I went back upstairs and my landlady asked if I had enough towels. I had to re-explain the 12" of water on the floor. She had a couple of canvas tarps - so between 2 heavy tarps and a cabinet full of THICK, plush (read that rough and old) towels I finally had my bathroom floor back - once the water in the window well finished watering my wall, dryer and floor.

(Note: I'm pretty sure there was between 6" and 12" of water on my floor - at least 6" for sure)

I received information about Clorox’s Bleach It Away campaign and am sharing my messy moment for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls. To learn more about the messy moment program, check out www.BleachItAway.com. Sharing your story on the Clorox fan page gets you entered for the chance to win $25,000 and daily prizes, and you can grab a coupon for Clorox® Regular Bleach.

Payvment ~ marketing suggestions needed...

noreply@blogger.com (Tina Peterson) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:05:00 +0000

Follow @familyliteracy

I just opened my first online "store" this weekend and thought I'd share the link. With doing so many book reviews constantly I have books flying out of my ears and I thought I'd offer them for 40-50% off the SRP to benefit families so they can build their home libraries (and help my budget some too).

Advice & Thoughts needed:
Do you have a store on Payvment? I am going around to see what others are doing and trying to get some marketing ideas. If you have one - would you share it in the comments? I'd like to see your store. Thanks!

Click Here

If you have a store on Etsy, Artfire or any other "online" store program - how do you do your marketing to get customers? I can't afford to pay out a lot since I'm only working about 15 hours a week - any ideas and suggestions for low budget advertising?

Isn't this darling?

Did any of you sign up for the marketing course on FB? I received a $25 advertising GC from them - but is it worth it to use it? I'm eligible to win another $100 in FREE advertising from them but the amount of people that I refer is astronomical to WIN that extra GC. I just don't want to get a lot of "clicks" and have to pay through the nose for them.

Thoughts???

If you have a store on Payvment (through FB) would you share the link to your store in the comments? I'd like to see your store and if you'd like to share some marketing tips that would be awesome too.

Thanks so much!