Hell Yes!: Two Little Words for a Simpler, Happier Life by Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin Book Review

THE REVIEW:

When given the chance to review the book Hell Yes!: Two Little Words for a Simpler, Happier Life by Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin I jumped at the opportunity. Anything that could make my life simpler was something that I definitely needed to read. I mean, I am always on the go and always doing. My job, family, mom in the hospital, blogs, etc. It is on going.

So I sat down to read the book and take notes to use in my life. The idea is that we all do too much. We take on all sorts of extra projects and activities and try to crap too much into our schedule and life. All of the items individually are not that much but when you look at them all together, well, it can just be too much!

The author speaks especially to parents, who have have to place their children's needs so high on the priority list that it is easy for their own needs to get lost. Sound familiar?

The basic premise of Hell Yes!, is that when something comes up that you will need to commit yourself to, ask if it's a “Hell Yes.” If it is, do it! If it's not, it's a “Hell No!” This one simple question cuts to the heart of the matter, allowing you to focus on what's most important to you and your family, and compels you to say no to things that fall in the gray area, where you aren't excited about them, but they aren't heinous to you either.

Simple, right? Honestly as I was reading the book, I honestly felt like she was writing to me. I am ALWAYS agreeing to do thing because- I should or only I can do it or it is the nice thing to do or if I don't do it, someone else will. So I am going to try to start weighing things that come up to see if they are a "Hell Yes" or a "Hell No". Because if they are a "Hell No", I am not even going to worry about it (or at least I will try my best).

I strongly recommend this book to any parent who feels overwhelmed (isn't that all of us?) It is really amazing!

About the author:
Most days, Elizabeth is the CEO and creative director of Tribe, Inc., a marketing company working with
world-class brands like UPS, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Chick-fil-A and Porsche. But sometimes she writes
books instead.

Her other books include “How to Run Your Business Like a Girl: Successful Strategies from Entrepreneurial Women Who Made It Happen,” which was an Amazon Top 1,000 Bestseller, and “Beach Wisdom: Life Lessons from the Ocean.”

This post was written for Family Review Network





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Dudley's Solo by Tiffany Alexander Book Review

THE REVIEW:

This a very sweet children's book. It is the first book in the "Children's Band" series. It takes place at church where the children are practicing for the choir concert. Dudley is upset that he is not able to sing in the band because he is hearing impaired. His friends come up with a way for him to be able to have a solo anyway.

Sara and I read it together but I think she is a little young to understand all of it, but I can't wait until she does. I think it is a great book that teaches how it is important to embrace our differences, be thankful for our talents and how important it is to help others.

About the author:
Tiffany Alexander resides in Atlanta, GA and works as an editor for CNN. She is a member of the Independent Books Publishers Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, Hampton University Alumni Association and the African- American Children's Book Writers and Illastrators. She is currently working on the next book in the "Children's Band" Series.



This post was written for Family Review Network.





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The Side-Yard Superhero (Life in Degraff: An Automythography) by Rick Neice Book Review

THE REVIEW:

There are some times that I have found that I do a review and I find that it is exactly what I needed. I know that I have mentioned it before. Well this book was exactly what I needed. I have a lot going on right now- my mom is still in the hospital, lots of other things are up in the air. And I got this book and finally sat down to read it and...wow. It was just what I needed. It had laugh out loud humor as well as some moments that brought a tear to my eye.

It is the automythography of Rick Neice. Neice says that an automythography is a work of nonfiction that looks reflectively at what we think we remember and how we think we remember it; an iridescent memory based upon truth and fact. That is what this is. This book is the story of Rickie (Neice) and growing up in the small town of Degraff. There are many stories that are told in the book but they all revolve around Rickie and his friend Bernie and their special friendship.

About the author:
When he was four, Rick Niece's family moved to DeGraff, Ohio, a town of 900 citizens. Life in DeGraff was good, and the lessons learned from treasured friendships still inspire him today. As president of the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, Dr. Niece and his wife, Sherée, are the proud parents of 675 students.

Check out Rick Neice's website and find out where to buy this book. I promise you won't regret it! This book is actually part of a trilogy and I can not wait to get the rest of the books!

Thanks to Family Review Network for the chance to review this wonderful book.





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The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter, and the Town That Raised Them By Amy Dickenson Book Review

THE REVIEW:

The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter, and the Town That Raised Them is the memoir of Amy Dickenson and the story of her life growing up and being a grown up in small town America. Her hometown of Freeville, New York is “located on the northern fringes of Appalachia, in the rural and worn-out landscape of upstate New York. It’s a town with one stop sign, anchored by a church, post office, elementary school, and a gas station.”

You might know Amy Dickenson since she is the author of the syndicated column Ask Amy. This book is full of the same wit and common sense that she puts towards her column. There were parts that were just laugh out loud funny. And there were other parts where I would cry. The book is not about her career, but rather her life and the people who helped her to become who she is today.

If you are looking for an all around great read, I strongly suggest picking up a copy of this book today.

About Amy Dickinson:

Amy Dickinson is a syndicated advice columnist, penning the "Ask Amy" column, which appears in over 200 newspapers, including the LA Times, The Chicago Tribune, Newsday, and the Washington Post.

She grew up on a small dairy farm in the Finger Lakes district of New York state. Her father wanted his three daughters to be farmers but gave up on them when they refused to compete in the local Diary Princess pageant. Her large family has lived in and around her hometown (pop. 450) continuously since the Revolutionary War. She has described them as "hilarious, short-waisted Methodists."

"My extended family is a collection of married and divorced parents, single mothers, step-relatives, adoptees-and devoted siblings, cousins, aunties, uncles and grandparents. I grew up hearing stories about my ancestor's exploits-my great grandfather was warden of Sing Sing Prison and my great uncle ran off to Europe and joined the circus when he was 40.  Life in my hometown was like growing up in Lake Wobegon, only with worse weather and high unemployement," she says.

In addition to her advice column, Amy is a regular panelist on NPR's comedy quiz show, "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me." She also can be heard regularly on NPR's national talk show, "Talk of the Nation." Amy appears frequently on CNN, Fox News, and the "Today Show."


This post was written for Parent Reviewers.





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Leslie Patricelli Book Review

THE REVIEW:

Sara Rose was throwing a fit a few days ago. As I was trying and trying to distract her and make her a little happier, I happened to grab Baby Happy Baby Sad by Leslie Patricelli that I had just received in the mail. And I started to read it. And then there was silence. Sara absolutely LOVED it. I read it probably 10 times that first sitting. The next day Hubby called me because he was so tickled- Sara had picked up the book and was pointing to the pages and saying- Baby Happy Baby Sad according to what was on each page. He was a really proud daddy. So needless to say we absolutely love this book and read it at least once a day, usually more.

We also received Higher! Higher! and love that as well. Leslie's books are silly and fun and playful and teach toddlers and children while engaging them as well. We absolutely recommend them to everyone!



About Leslie Patricelli:
* Leslie is the author and illustrator of a delightful series of bright and engaging children's board books and full-length picture books. Leslie's unique and engaging artwork is always bright and accessible.
* All the books star a diaper-clad baby giving a fresh take on everyday activities- from extolling love for a blankie to demonstrating "contrasts" such as big and little, quiet and loud, and yummy and yucky.
* Titles include: Binky, Blankie, BIG Little, Quiet LOUD, Yummy YUCKY, The Birthday Box, Baby Happy Baby Sad, and Higher! Higher!

This post was written for Team Mom.





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Leslie Patricelli Book Review

THE REVIEW:

Sara Rose was throwing a fit a few days ago. As I was trying and trying to distract her and make her a little happier, I happened to grab Baby Happy Baby Sad by Leslie Patricelli that I had just received in the mail. And I started to read it. And then there was silence. Sara absolutely LOVED it. I read it probably 10 times that first sitting. The next day Hubby called me because he was so tickled- Sara had picked up the book and was pointing to the pages and saying- Baby Happy Baby Sad according to what was on each page. He was a really proud daddy. So needless to say we absolutely love this book and read it at least once a day, usually more.

We also received Higher! Higher! and love that as well. Leslie's books are silly and fun and playful and teach toddlers and children while engaging them as well. We absolutely recommend them to everyone!



About Leslie Patricelli:
* Leslie is the author and illustrator of a delightful series of bright and engaging children's board books and full-length picture books. Leslie's unique and engaging artwork is always bright and accessible.
* All the books star a diaper-clad baby giving a fresh take on everyday activities- from extolling love for a blankie to demonstrating "contrasts" such as big and little, quiet and loud, and yummy and yucky.
* Titles include: Binky, Blankie, BIG Little, Quiet LOUD, Yummy YUCKY, The Birthday Box, Baby Happy Baby Sad, and Higher! Higher!

This post was written for Team Mom.





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Dr. Hippo's The Moose With the Loose Poops Review

We absolutely loved this book. Sara really enjoyed the story and stayed interested. She thought it was funny at times and was concerned if he could go on his camping trip (she said, Oh no. It was too funny.) The way that it is written is geared toward children, but there is actually a lot of good information about gastroenteritis in it. I was really impressed.

I also really like the Parent Guide that is with it. I know that I still have a hard time figuring out when to call the doctor for Sara and what is the best way to make her comfortable.

From the website:
Dr. Hippo's The Moose With Loose Poops is the story of four-year-old Miles who develops a tummy ache while on a family picnic in Maine. His planned camping trip with Papa (complete with canoeing and fishing) is postponed when throwing up (oops!) and diarrhea (loose poops) develop. Mama, Papa and Lucy Moose take excellent care of Miles at home. Of course, they are helped by their kindly pediatrician, Dr. Hippo, who advises that fluid is the best medicine for Miles.

In this story for children ages 2-7, The Moose with Loose Poops, author Dr. Charlotte Cowan offers a clear and child-friendly explanation of gastroenteritis. A board-certified pediatrician, she captures the misery of tummy aches, caused first by vomiting and then by diarrhea, and writes to educate, entertain and comfort her small readers—as well as their parents.

Known as the Dr. Hippo Series, this collection of stories includes other books about: an elephant with an earache, a polar bear with a cold, a frog with a fever of 104, and a giraffe with a sore throat. Each adorable animal gets (and gets over) his or her illness with the help of a kindly pediatrician hippopotamus named Dr. Hippocrates.

Each book in the Dr. Hippo Series is 32 pages, hard cover, full color and includes a separate laminated Parent Guide written in question/answer format. The Parent Guide answers common questions like: “How can I keep my child comfortable?” and “When should I call the doctor?”



I am really excited to get the rest of the books in the Dr. Hippo series. I think they will be really valuable to help explain to Sara what is going on when she is sick.

Thanks to the Family Review Network for the chance to review this book.





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Raising Freethinkers Book Review

A Practical Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief

I found this book to be really interesting. I had accepted the opportunity to review it before I realized that it was geared towards the nonreligious. Even though it is for parents who are raising their children nonreligiously, I found that a lot of the ideas in the book to be really interesting and really make me think (and I love that about it).

One of my favorite ideas is that it is okay to question EVERYTHING. I totally agree with this. I don't think there is a bad question. There might be awkward times to have a question asked but there are no bad questions (at least to me).

Raising Freethinkers is the practical companion to Parenting Beyond Belief:
On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion, a ground breaking collection of
essays offering secular parents advice about raising caring and freethinking
children, edited by Dale McGowan. Now McGowan, a writer and parenting
educator, and his co-authors (a humanist activist, the Executive Director of
Camp Quest, and a Religious Director of a Unitarian Society) offer practical
advice about secular parenting for the nonreligious.

Raising Freethinkers offers solutions to the unique challenges secular parents face and provides specific answers to common questions, as well as over 100 activities for both parents and their children. This book covers every important topic nonreligious parents need to know to help their children with their own moral and intellectual development, including advice on religious-extended-family issues, death and life, secular celebrations, wondering and questioning, and more.

Thanks to the Family Review Network for the chance to review this book.

I am actually going to be passing this along to a friend of mine who is nonreligious and have asked her to post a review of it as well. So stay tuned for another review this month of the book.





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Resumes for Children- Review and Giveaway

THE REVIEW:

Okay, I have to admit that when I first was contacted by Kris Manley, author of the book, Resumes for Children- 17 Years Old and Under, that I was not really sure what it was about.

I mean, why do kids need resumes?

But I figured it was different and worth a look, right?

I have to say that I am so impressed. This is a spectacular resource that should be made available to every child. It is already being used in several Atlanta, GA high schools and middle schools and by the GA Dept. of Labor career centers. I have no doubt that it will soon be used all over the country.

From the website:
Why Should Your Child Have a Resume?

1. To boost their self esteem and feel good about themselves
2. To outline their capabilities
3. To show how well he or she does outside of the academic arena
4. To show he or she is more than what their report card says they are
5. To praise his or her gifts, talents, abilities
6. To accompany his or her college application

Choosing activities that provide your child with life skills as well as build character is a key element to their success. Documenting those activites is also a key element to their success. Why? Keeping before them an ever present visual of their activities, accomplishments, etc. gives encouragement, pride in what they do and have done, and allows them to see how well they have progressed over the years. In other words, you will assist your child in "behaving" their way to success.

I am sure that you are wondering what type of activities would go on your child's resume. Here are some examples:
* Acting
* Awards
* Camps
* Charitable Donations
* Dance
* Education
* Hobbies
* Home Training
* Life's Challenges/Health Status
* Musical Abilities
* Sports
* Training
* Travel

In this day and age, it is so important to be able to give your child every advantage that you can. I firmly believe that this a great resource to help with that. You can purchase it here or you can try to win it!

THE GIVEAWAY:

FIVE (yes, five) lucky winners is going to win their own copy of Resumes for Children.

To enter:
Head on over to Resumes for Children and leave me a comment letting me know who you would give your copy to if you are the winner. Do not just say "Enter Me", I will delete these comments. Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you in the comment. If you are the winner, you have 3 days to claim your prize before I pick a new winner, so please remember to check back here.

Additional ways to get entries (you must leave me a comment for each extra entry, letting me know about it):
* Sign up for my feed: (if you are already a subscriber, leave me a message letting me know in the comment section).

* Blog about this giveaway, come back here and post the link in the comment section.

* Follow me on Twitter:

* Tweet about this giveaway, copy it for me and post it here.

* Fave me on Technorati:

There are 6 different ways to enter, please leave a separate comment for each one.

Giveaway ends on February 25, 2009. This giveaway is open to readers in the US only.





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Journal Buddies: A Girl's Journal for Sharing and Celebrating Magnificence Review

Are you looking for something really neat and special to give your kids? If so, then you need to check out Journal Buddies. It is an innovative kids journal that are interactive, creative, easy, effective and fun.

The essence of the Journal Buddies Books are sharing, creativity, and kindness combined with guided journaling creates an unforgettable experience in building and improving a child's self-esteem.



"Journal Buddies: A Girl's Journal for Sharing and Celebrating Magnificence"
has been awarded the Dove Family-Approved Seal.

Dove's Review of Journal Buddies states that it is "a very creative way to help
encourage self esteem in young girls. It is so important in this day and age to
help children with their self-image. This delightful ingenious journal will show
them a way to capture their imagination, ideas and thoughts and share them with
others. Giving the diary concept a different look. This is a perfect gift for
young girls." To learn more about Dove's review of Journal Buddies visit here

There is also Journal Buddies: A Boy's Journal for Discovering and Sharing Excellence available for boys.

Thanks to the Family Review Network for the opportunity to review this great product!





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Passive Aggressive Notes: Painfully Polite and Hilariously Hostile Writings By Kerry Miller Book Review

This book is hilarious! Are you someone who likes to leave little passive aggressive notes instead of talking to people? Do you know someone who does? Do you love it? Hate it? Anyway you look at it, this book is just so funny! It literally had hubby and I laughing out loud!

It is part voyeuristic entertainment, part group therapy, "Passive Aggressive Notes" offers a fascinating look at the all-too-familiar frustrations of embattled office drones, apartment dwellers, parents, and pet owners everywhere.

Here are some of the pages:




Hilarious, right?! There is also a blog where it all started and she still updates it with new funny notes. There is a list here with locations where you can purchase this book. Strongly suggest it!





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Curse of the Bone Pirates: Nui Island Eco-Logical Adventures Review and Giveaway

We were recently given the opportunity from Family Review Network to review Curse of the Bone Pirates: Nui Island Eco-Logical Adventures.

From the site:
An evil force is destroying the natural wonders of Nui Island, and it’s up to three new friends to solve the mystery. When Big B is dragged from his comfortable life and close friends in Chicago by his grandfather’s mysterious affliction, he’s sure he’s going to have the worst summer ever. But soon after arriving in the tropical paradise of Nui Island, he is caught in a web of danger and intrigue. The Maemae reef is dying, his grandfather’s brilliant mind has been infected and creepy Island legends are coming to life. Big B and his new friends, Sam and Nalu, rely on wit, courage and strength to unravel Nui’s ancient mysteries. What they uncover will help them save the Island, restore his grandfather’s soul, and break the curse of the Bone Pirates. With a captivating plot, fascinating characters and an important ecological message, Curse of the Bone Pirates: Nui Island Eco-Logical Adventures will haunt and delight young readers.

It is a really fun children's book that goes a long way towards teaching kids about the threats to our environment and getting them to take action at home, at school and in their neighborhood. Curse of the Bone Pirates: Nui Island Eco-Logical Adventures is set in a place deep in the South Pacific Ocean on exotic, fictional Nui Island, it has everything other books like it have: adventure, villians and heroes, twists and turns in the plot,science, discovery and wonderment. In addition to all that woven into its action-packed plot, are subtle messages on conservation and sustainability, lessons on water purification, composting and bacteria use are revealed to the reader through the eyes of 6th grader Big B "Brett" Harrington as his city-life views and experiences are contrasted and challenged by the island's environmentally-conscious culture. It is done very well.

Nui is a healthy kids lifestyle brand that donates 50 percent of its beverage profits to children's health and environmental charities. The mission of the book is the same as the company's: to encourage kids to improve their physical, social and environmental health. Their hope is that by telling these adventure stories, in a manner that kids can relate to, kids will gain a better understanding of these issues.

Guess what!One lucky winner will get to win a copy of the book for their own!

To enter:
Head on over to Nui and leave me a comment letting me know what you think about the Eco-Logical Adventures. Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you in the comment.

Additional ways to get entries (you must leave me a comment for each extra entry, letting me know about it):
* Sign up for my feed: (if you are already a subscriber, leave me a message letting me know in the comment section).

* Blog about this giveaway, come back here and post the link in the comment section.

* Follow me on Twitter:

* Fave me on Technorati:

Giveaway ends on January 14, 2009. This giveaway is open to readers in the US only.

Don't forget to enter the other giveaways:Enter to win Zenses for Nintendo DS ends January 8, 2009

Enter to win a coupon for a free cupcake from Boston Market ends January 9, 2009

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The Widow Cliqout by Tilar J. Mazzeo Book Review

This is an interesting book about the story of the visionary young widow who built a champagne empire, showed the world how to live with style, and emerged a legend.


I will admit that this started off as a slow read for me, and I had to start and restart it a few times. But it turned out to be very interesting. It is the story of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin. Her life story is just amazing! She was one of the world's first great businesswomen and one of the richest women of her time.

If you are interested in purchasing this book (and I strongly recommend it), head on over to Harper Collins right now.





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