Chicken Soup for the Soul Find Your Happiness

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: CSS Publishing (2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-935096-77-1
• SMRP: $14.95

I like to read but usually my free time is minutes not hours. Since I don’t like to be kept hanging, in times like that I pick up short stories. The Chicken Soup for the Soul series has some of the best. Their themes are well-chosen. The selections in them are real. Their messages heart-felt.

Just yesterday I picked up Chicken Soup For The Soul: Find Your Happiness. Its 101 inspirational stories about finding purpose, passion, and joy remind readers to appreciate life, overcome adversity, and enjoy simple things. It advises the reader to try counting blessings, fostering communications, knowing yourself and pursuing your passion, keep learning, find meaning, and find quiet. I know that whenever I accentuate the positive, the negative shrinks away. This was the various authors’ spins too.

Jennifer Quasada’s story The Happy Book awed me. Who could after her parents’ divorce, a mugging, losing two friends in an auto accident, and an assault would not feel low, miserable, depressed? She grew through it though and the birth of a child gave her better habits. At the end of each day, she wrote, “What made me happy today?” She saw the positive and could look back at the good in hard moments.

Miriam Hill’s narrative Wanting versus Having is ironically true. Everyone has hopes and ambitions. Having three sons myself, I could understand her son Steve at 16 dreaming of a Porsche. He worked to make it happen; the car exceeded expectations. However, obligations made his choice unrealistic, so he sold it telling his mother that wanting is more fun than having.

Megan Rivera’s tale of Coupon Bliss took me back to me in my 20′s…no responsibilities and no money sense. Time changed things, and along came balancing the checkbook and comparison shopping. Ms. Rivera’s question to herself, “What makes me happy?” is something we all ponder in each of our lives. Her answer, “Little moments,” is real.

WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive a copy of Chicken Soup For The Soul: Find Your Happiness.

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

To enter leave a comment telling me something that makes you happy.

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Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.

THE SMALL PRINT.

US addresses only please. This contest will end on Sunday 01/29/11 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Here are the winners of this week’s giveaways. To select the winner of these giveaways I used the “And The Winner Is” plugin, and made sure the comment was eligible.

Seneca Farms Oatmeal winner – Amanda

The Gluten-Free Good Health Cookbook winner – Cheryl L

Thanks to all who entered the giveaways! Please consider subscribing to my feed so you don’t miss out on the latest posts, reviews and giveaways.

Calm. Cool Connected. Certainly not me until East’s healing traditions met West’s modern science. Since then C3 for Stress, the all-natural drink with healthful botanicals, vitamins, and minerals has helped me manage my stress. C3 for Stress is a lemon-lime flavored drink. I like feeling more mentally and physically alert. I hope that in the future they offer some different flavors, as I think drinking it would be more pleasant if it were sweeter to the taste.

Without stimulants or sedatives, C3 for Stress works holistically balance things like headaches, stomach upset, blood pressure. Safe, all-natural, preservative-free, sugar-free with no artificial sweeteners, packaged in single-serve 15 calorie packets, this drink mix is easy and convenient. Instructions: add 4-6 ounces of water or juice – that’s it. To find information about the effects of stress and what you can do about it, as well as purchase C3 for Stress, please go to www.C3forStress.com. New customers can receive a free 5-pack ($8.95 value) if they pay $4.95 for shipping and handling.

C3 For Stress is also on Facebook and Twitter.

P. S. It really must work as hubby told me last night to go drink some more of it when I was getting on hius nerves….

WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive a $50 gift card to SpaFinder.com (can be used at thousands of spa & wellness centers around the country) AND a one month’s supply of C3* for Stress (two 15-packs).

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

To enter leave a comment telling me something you do to help relieve stress.

BONUS ENTRIES – LOTS OF THEM!

1 – Subscribe to my RSS feed. (sidebar)
2 – Follow me on Twitter AND leave your Twitter name here. (sidebar) – Leave 2 comments for this.
2 – Tweet this giveaway. “I entered a #giveaway to win @C3ForStress and SpaFinder GC from @patperiod”
2 – Friend me on Facebook. (sidebar) – leave 2 comments for this.
1 – Blog about this giveaway, including a link here.
1 – Place my button on your blog. (in sidebar)

Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.

THE SMALL PRINT.

US addresses only please. This contest will end on Friday 01/27/11 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review as part of a campaign for the Family Review Network. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below! Then head on over to Mom Knows It All, From Val’s Kitchen and Mom Start for more wordless fun!

I love arithmetic…numbers, fractions, decimals, percents; I love algebra…solving equations. I loath geometry…axioms, theorems, proofs. I simply fail to see until now. Enter Casio PRIZM fx-CG10, the graphing calculator, that does it all, specifically Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry, trigonometry, Calculus, AOP Calculus, AP Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Finance & Business, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations and Distance Learning.

I wish I had a full color LCD graphing calculator back in my school days when most adding machines did just that, nothing more. OK, so I exaggerate a trifle BUT its innovative technology would have gone a long way to lighten the common core standards for STEM education load on junior and senior high students. Back then standard student supplies were paper, pencil, eraser (hopefully), textbook, and library (optionally). Computers and calculators were heavy, big, bulky and certainly not portable a half century ago.

Technology and electronics no longer makes things bigger and better. Rather it makes them smaller and better. Just got a chance to use PRIZM for myself. Its energy-saving, full-color LCD, high resolution screen, Picture Plot function can handle anything middle school, high school, perhaps even college subject and even be used legally on AP, SAT I/II, PSAT/NMSQT and ACT tests.

All thumbs me constantly hits the wrong button…but no worry, mama. The Casio PRIZM goes back to where you were before your oops. Whats more, it has the ability to run in different modes. Calculation capabilities include regular calculations basic operations, fractions, decimals, percents; statistics, note taking, spreadsheet, equation solver, geometry modes; graphing and picture plot; scientific, data collection, financial.

Personally I like its textbook display and color coded bracket features that make problem solving easier. Granted it is the student’s brain not its supplies that does the actual work BUT with the Casio PRIZM the work just goes faster allowing the student time to review work before submitting it making for better test scores, better assignments, and better grades.

Technical specs:

• 216 x 384 pixel display
• 65,536 colors
• 28 variables
• 61,440 bytes program capacity
• USB port
• 16 MB storage memory capacity
• four AAA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (140 hours life)
• 81″ x 3.52″ X 7.42″ dimensions
• .51 lb. weight (including batteries)

Afraid this calculator is too much for you? Casio with its PRIZM guided tour, free online training, lesson library, software updates, makes this tool easy to use. Seeing a full textbook-style display, picture plot from real -life pictures, functions that leverage color graphing, and letting you connect the PRIZM to a Casio projector makes this the SHOW and Tell find of all time.

The Casio PRIZM may not be a full computer or loaded cell phone but who cares. It does the job excellently and allows its users to use the phone and computers simultaneously for other fun things at home.

The SMLP of the Cadsio PRIZM is $129.98. It is available online at amazon and in many stores nationwide including Target, Best Buys, Staples, office Max, Office Depot, Walmart, Kmart, J&R, radio Shack, Meijer, Fisher Hawaii, Costco, PC Richards, Fry, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Bartell Drugs, CVS, and Bi-mart. The fact that so many major retailers have this product in their inventory speaks well of its value and market share.

The Casio Prizm is also on Facebook and Twitter.

WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive a Casio PRIZM Graphing Calculator.

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

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Chocolate fudge confectionery, dark chocolate raspberry truffles, chocolate dipped strawberries, fruited New York cheesecake, these are a few of my favorite things. Long ago I faced facts – I am a sweets junkie. Pre-bariatric surgery my body showed it. So even though I allow myself occasional treats, I find substitutes to satisfy my cravings more wisely. Of all of them, ice cream is my #1 favorite indulgence.

•  Weight Watchers Snack Size Chocolate Fudge Bar: This delightful, chocolate-y snack-sized treat offers real ice cream smoothness with only 45 calories per bar and less than 1g of fat. For a PointsPlus value of 1 per bar, it is the perfect size to satisfy your sweet tooth.
•  Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars: Offering an indulgent combination of fruitful raspberry and dark chocolate, these bars are made with low fat raspberry ice cream with raspberries covered with a dark chocolate flavored coating. Each bar has a PointsPlus value of 2 per bar and just 80 calories- the perfect way to add flavor to your afternoon.
•  New Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Dulcé de Leché Dessert Bars: A highly indulgent ice cream bar featuring low fat dulcé de leché ice cream with a caramel swirl dipped in dark chocolate. Each bar has a PointsPlus value of 3 per bar and 120 calories.
•  Weight Watchers Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Dessert Bars: Featuring low fat strawberry ice cream with a strawberry swirl dipped in a milk chocolate. Each bar has a Points Plus value of 3 per bar and only 100 calories!

Eating better is not easy. My bariatric diet no-nos of bread, rice, and pasta complicate meal choices as do processed carbs on diabetes. Less weight means less meds, less possible medical complications, easier walking, and a healthier me.

Question: How can I have it all and still enjoy desserts?

Answer: Sensible, delicious Weight Watchers Ice Cream, the better choice without sacrificing great taste.

I feel better, more vital. My blood sugars are under control. I feel better about myself. My 2012 New Year Resolution is “Be good to myself.” You should be good to yourself as well.

Weight Watchers Ice Cream is available nationally in the frozen food section of many supermarkets. Its price varies by store so look for coupons and specials then stock up. This product is not only for calorie counters. I can’t tell you how many guests I have that savor this frozen dessert and actually prefer it to real ice cream.

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review as part of a Mom Select campaign. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Q:  What do Carl Zeiss’s innovations in sports optics, medical solutions, industrial metrology, microscopes, and cameras have in common with the human eye?

A.  They ALL involve optical lenses, sight and vision.

Oh, to be young again!  I remember back in the day.  No need for reading, bifocals, and/or progressives back then.  I was blessed with 20/20 vision.  Then somewhere after 40, things changed slowly.  Simply put–with aging  my vision deteriorated.

In my own search for a good eye doctor, I chose an ophthalmologist over an optometrist or optician.  Why?  Being eye surgeons, they can do whatever is necessary including prescribing medications.  Luckily for me, good eye care, surgery, and corrective lenses has me seeing the same as a person with normal eyesight would see at 20 feet.

Too bad more people do not seek out eye care when their vision deteriorates.  Early diagnoses and appropriate treatment can help vision problems like special needs, amblyopia (lazy eye), astigmatism, cataracts, computer vision syndrome, hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), presbyopia, and macular generation. Optical lenses in today’s market include options like coatings, UV protection, Transitions, polarized and non-polarized lenses, and Zeiss optical  lenses.

Zeiss can mean better vision for you.  Go to http://www.better-vision.zeiss.com/educational tools and for some food for thought.  It includes the topics

• Facts to know about vision and lenses
• Tips for selecting an eye doctor
• Questions to ask at your next eye appointment
• Facts to know about age-related vision changes.

I am to receive a gift card in exchange for participating in this Mom Select campaign. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post are my own and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.