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  • The RichLife by Beau Henderson

    The RichLife by Beau Henderson

    The RichLife
    10 Investments for True Wealth
    By Beau Henderson
     
     
    About the Book: Author and Financial planner Beau Henderson has outlined 10 investments everyone should make to have a RichLife. Are you making the right investments? Do you have wealth, but don’t feel rich?  From health, to relationships to money, this book outlines how to have a Rich Life
     
    About the Author: Henderson is the Ceo and Founder of RichLife Advisors. He is also an author, radio personality, coach and financial planner. He has helped thousands to start living their dreams!
     
    My Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Reading the title, my first thought was, it’s a get rich quick book. Not something I was looking for neccessarily, but something I figured couldn’t hurt.
    Boy was I wrong! When it talks about “true wealth” it’s not talking monetarily. Yes money is a bit of a neccessity in this day and age, but what do you have when you have a lot of money, but no one to share it with?  Definitely not a RichLife!  Henderson has established 10 investments we all need to make in our lives to truly have wealth. From investments to ourselves with exercise and health, to our relationships with those people close to us (i.e family!).
    Don’t get me wrong though, he does cover money as well. In fact, I learned quite a bit about money here, and some of the phrasing companies will use to get you.  I feel like I have a better handle on money, and my life after reading this book. 
     
    I was impressed with the view Henderson took on having a RichLife. Mostly because I felt like he just told me everything I feel, but didn’t know how to express or even knew what I was feeling. Now to re-read it with Mark! I would definitely suggest reading this as a couple if you are married, or share any financial responsabilities with anyone else.
    This quote from Beau Henderson I feel really sums the book up best –

    “A RichLife doesn’t just happen. Whether it’s building long-term financial success, achieving better health, spending more time with your kids, seeing the world or more likely, a combination of all these things and more. Whatever your vision of a meaningful life is, you have to see it, plan for it and maintain it. This is where you start.”   

    -Beau Henderson

    You can learn more about the book, meet with a financial planner, or share your RichLife story at www.RichLifeAdvisors.com

    *I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes only. All opinions are 100% my honest opinion.

    

     
     
     

  • Twelve Months by Steven Manchester {Book Review}

    Twelve Months
    by Steven Manchester
     
    About the Book: What would you do if you only had 12 months left to live? For Don DiMarco this was the case. Diagnosed with colon cancer, Don wasn’t ready to go. There was so much life to live still, that he realized he hadn’t really lived life yet.
     
    “Summoning an inner strength he barely realized he possessed, Don sets off to prove that twelve months is time enough to live a life in full.”
     
     
    About the Author: Steven Manchester is the published author of Twelve Months, Pressed Pennies, The
    Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books
    under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. He is a husband and father to four.
     
    My thoughts: Loved loved loved Twelve Months! In fact I loved it so much, I told my mom twice about it. There were times while reading Twelve Months I forgot it was a work of fiction. It read almost like an autobiography – First person perspective from Don, with flashbacks to his childhood days. Twelve Months is an inspiring story of a life well lived. It makes you reflect on your own life. Really, what would you do if you were told you only had 12 months left to live? How would you spend that time? I know for me, I’d let the dishes go undone and spend more time on the floor with my kids. I’d stop dreaming of things, and start doing them. I would work as hard as I could to leave my family and friends with memories instead of heartache.
    Aside from the deep meanings behind Twelve Months, Steven has added a little humor and culture into his book. I thoroughly enjoyed the small references to New England life (blowing raspberries at those Yankees, lol!). The inside look of a veteran and what they must deal with internally while their loved ones try to help and support. These small touches bring more depth and real life to Twelve Months.
     
    You can purchase a copy from Amazon

    Visit Steven on his website www.StevenManchester.com

    *I received a copy of Twelve Months for my honest review. All opinion are 100% honest. Thank you Steven for letting me enjoy this book!

     
  • Spider Earrings from Avon {Review and a Giveaway}

    Spider Earrings from Avon {Review and a Giveaway}

    Did you all know that Avon sells more than just makeup?  I didn’t!  I’ve known about Avon since I was a kid and one of our neighbors had a yard sign advertising it. When I asked my mom what Avon was, she told me they sell makeup. Since my mom never wore makeup, I never did either. So I had no need to look into Avon and what they sold. It just wasn’t for me.

    Guess what I learned this month? Avon sells much much more than just makeup!  They’ve got Halloween items, clothes, shoes, jewelery, and of course makeup!  I seriously couldn’t believe it. 

    My friend Kim recently started selling Avon, and she is the one who got me out of my “Avon only sells makeup” bubble. She graciously sent me a pair of the Spiderweb hoop earrings, and some of the brand new Super Drama Mascara.  Like I said, I don’t wear makeup, but sometimes I do. And when I do, it is mascara. I love the pop it gives my eyes, so date nights often get an application of mascara.

    The Super Drama Mascara is awesome! It goes on smoothly, no clumps, and for me gives me just the right amount of touch up. I was worried it would be really thick, and too dark, but it wasn’t. Just see how my eyes pop? I love it No other makeup needed, but the right mascara can make a striking difference.

    I am rocking these Spiderweb Hoop earrings! I wasn’t sure what to be for Halloween this year, but these earrings made my choice for me. Wednesday Adams! Now to find my black dress….

    I do have a problem with the way the earrings sit on my ears. They either face backwards, or into my head. Maybe it’s just my ears, but I wish they faced more outwards, or were double sided.

    ~Giveaway~
    To help Kim get her Avon business off the ground, she’s offering a giveaway right here on Home Maid Simple! 

    The prize: 1 Super Drama Mascara in black (on sale for $5.99) and 2 Avon Naturals Kids Bath Finger Paints in Outgoing Orange and Wacky Watermelon (on sale for $2.99 each)
    Rules: Enter on the Rafflecopter below. Open to US residents.

  • Halloween is Coming – Wholesale Costumes {Review}

    Halloween is Coming – Wholesale Costumes {Review}

    I love Halloween time. It means fall has come and the holiday season has begun. It means pumpkins and apple cider and dressing up.

    When I was a kid, I tended to go for most creative costume. Often times I was a witch, but when I branched out, it was really crazy!  One year I went as a shower. Yes you read that right, a shower. Man I wish I had pictures of that.  Another year my best friend and I went as Mom’s – apron, duster, and head bandanna were our costumes.  There were also the years I was a crow and pack of pea seeds.

    I kind of miss dressing up. I know I know, I still can, but I rarely do.  I do get to dress up the kids though. And that is so much fun!  I have let them decide their costumes, though, so the crazy creations I came up with won’t embarrass them. 

    With all three Princesses crowding around me, we went browsing for Halloween Costumes for the girls.  Princess V picked the last costume we got, so I really let Princess C take charge this time.  We decided to go with one of our favorite cartoon characters – Strawberry Shortcake. 

     

     
    Our first impression was great! It comes packaged like any other Halloween Costume you buy at the store. Once opened though, I was a little concerned about the size. We ordered a small, after checking out the handy sizing chart offered on their site. I wanted to make sure it fit Princess C, and could then be passed to Princess R. After Princess C tried it on, we realized quickly, it was not going to fit her. She is on the upper size for her age, but I was still hoping. The leggings and hat, were actually perfect for her, but the dress itself was closer to the smallest size. 
    So after I let her wear it for awhile, we handed it over to Princess R. Oh my heavens! I didn’t think I’d ever get that dress off her. I think she wore it for a straight 48 hours, only taking it off to sleep.  This dress will last her a couple years!
     
    We experienced a couple snags in the silky fabric, but I’m sure it’s from Princess C stretching it out.  It has held up extremely well to the abuse Princess R puts it through pulling it on and off, and running all over the place.
     
    You can check out more Wholesale Halloween Costumes, and find something fun before the holidays hit.
     
    *As a Costume Reviewer affiliate I received a free product to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own and honest feelings.
  • Back to School Fashion: Belle Bottoms

    Back to School Fashion: Belle Bottoms

    Did you ever wear Bell Bottom pants?  I remember in middle school I had some pretty big bell bottoms! I just loved the flair they gave to the bottom of my pants.
    When ever we think of Back to School, we think of School Shopping, right? All those new clothes, new fashions, latest trends. Not to mention that kids grow like weeds, and there’s no stopping them. 
    Buti-bag has added a new product, that is a fun way to add fashion and length to the bottom of your kids pants – Belle Bottoms. And just in time for Back to School! Here at our house, we are always handing down clothes. We’ve got 3 Princesses, all really close in age. When the oldest grows out of her clothes, we pass it down the line. I love that we can reuse these clothes, because quite frankly, clothes are getting expensive. 

    We were sent a pair of Belle bottoms to try out as part of MomPact’s Back to School Promotion.

    Princess V loved the idea! She went on a search for the perfect pair of pants to add them to, and then sat and helped me apply them. We love that these are iron on, so new sewing machine is required. I did have a slight struggle getting them positioned correctly, and although I did read the instructions, I missed that they are leg specific.  So mine are on the wrong leg, but unless you look closely, it really doesn’t matter.
    The real issue we had was when it came time to wear them. Princess V decided that she wanted the pants, but didn’t actually want to wear them. Princess C really wanted to wear them, but Princess V didn’t want to give them up. Oh that was a fun struggle. Princess C at one point was found crying that “sister broke my heart, because she won’t share the pink pants!”  Awe!  The particular pants we used are between sizes for Princess V and Princess C. Adding the Belle Bottom, gave it little more length, so it could still fit Princess V longer. It wasn’t too much length though, so it will also fit Princess C, but last longer for her.
    We finally settled on letting Princess C wear them, while assuring Princess V that they wouldn’t be hers forever.  Phew, an agreement we can all agree on. Princess C is absolutely loving the new flair to the pants! 

    You can check out more of the products on Buti Bag’s facebook page or follow them on twitter

    *I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mompact and received a promotional item to thank me for my participation

  • 100 Days to Christmas ebook

    100 Days to Christmas ebook

    Christmas is right around the corner! Are you excited? I am. I just love the Christmas season. It can be so stressful though! Always so much to do, and not enough time. Sometimes all we really need is a bit of organization.

    100 Days to Christmas eBook 2012 | 100DaystoChristmas.com I had the opportunity to read the 2012 edition of 100 Days to Christmas ebook from ListPlanIt.

    I loved this book! It helped get me even more excited for Christmas because I think this year, I’ll actually be ready, and less stressed. I always try to keep the holidays from being stressful, but it always sneaks in a little anyways.

    ListPlantIt is known for their many lists helping people of all walks keep their life and business organized. From Back to School lists to Social Media Tracking sheets, ListPlanIt keeps you organized!

    100 Days to Christmas starts Septemeber 16 and goes right up to Christmas Day. Each page has a simple task to do to get ready for the holiday. From chores, to family fun, this book will  help you balance your holiday season. I especially liked when it suggested going to an Apple Orchard as a family. It gets you out spending the holidays where it’s most important – with family! But you are also getting stuff ready for holiday baking.

    Besides the daily task, many of the pages come with suggestions for lists and downloads you can get from ListPlanIt. There is a special code with each book to get to the downloads, so you’re all covered for the holidays. Yay for awesome resources!!!

    I suggest getting this soon, so you can start going through it, and be ready for each task.  Some, like the apple orchard visit, may take some beforehand prep – like finding an apple orchard. The ebook is only $5, a great deal for such a comprehensive and useful book. However, you can also get it for FREE if you purchase a ListPlanIt membership. You can view all the details on ListPlanIt.com

    *This post does contain affiliate links. I was also compensated with a copy of the book for my honest reviews. However, all opinions are 100% my own true feelings. By purchasing through the links here, you’ll be helping this blog grow!

  • Easy Meals with Progresso Recipe Starters

     
    Some nights I just want something easy. Something I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen cooking. I do love spending time in the kitchen, don’t get me wrong, but some nights I’d like to just sit back and relax.  While we’ve been trying to unpack and clean this house at the same time, I’ve had many nights where I really just don’t want to cook, or do dishes for that matter.
     
    So I started using Progresso’s new Recipe Starters Cooking Sauce. I love these, and so far the family has loved them too!!  Each can also has a recipe on the label to get you started. Last week alone, we tried 3 of these cooking sauces. The fist we tried was the Creamy Parmesan Basil. WOW! We used it to make some Crispy Garlic-Pamesan Chicken. 
     
    That was some serious melt in your mouth chicken!  The secret for this recipe, I think is the chicken I bought. We live in a small farming/coal mining town, and have a very small market to get groceries. The plus is the chicken. I don’t know for sure, but I’m betting the store packaged chicken was from some local farmer. Oh it just cooked up so nicely!  I don’t think I’ll ever buy brand label chicken again while this is so readily available.
    The Progresso Sauce gets mixed into the breaded chicken, but then also acts as a great topping after it’s been cooked. It was wonderful as a gravy replacement for the mashed potatoes I cooked up as well. Add a green veggie, and dinner is served!
     
    Next we tried the Easy Weeknight Beef Stroganoff. Now I’ve been making Stroganoff for quite some time. It’s probably one of the first dinners I learned to cook. Progresso’s recipe is pretty simple, and easily compared to mine. I know Mark enjoyed this one more, because we used Beef strips instead of ground beef. It did make a nice fancy meal. The Creamy Portabella Mushroom cooking sauce took the place of my condensed Cream of Mushroom soup. This was another winner at our house!  Mark didn’t know I used the Progresso Recipe Starter for this, and was raving about how good it was. He was surprised when I told him it was Progresso! Score one for Mom.
     
    Last, I made the Chicken Pot Pie, using the Creamy Roasted Garlic with Chicken Stock.  For this one, I actually made a few of my own substitutions. Instead of buying a premade pie shell, I made my own. Then I just used what frozen, canned, and leftover veggies I had on hand, plus some chopped up onion.
    Chicken Pot Pie is one of my favorite meals! I just love the stuff. It is one of Mark’s least favorite meals. Guess who ate the leftovers? Mark! Thank you Progresso for making my favorite meal a family favorite.
     
     
    You can visit the Progresso Recipe Starters Recipe Website for these and more recipes!
     
     
    *A big thanks to Progresso and MyBlogSpark for providing the Progresso Recipe Starters for review. All opinions are solely mine.
     
  • The Toadhouse Trilogy Book one by Jess Lourey {Book Review}

    The Toadhouse Trilogy Book one by Jess Lourey {Book Review}


         The Toadhouse Trilogy
    Book one
    by Jess Lourey
     
    About the Book:  Aine (pronounced “Aw-nee”) believes herself to be a regular teenager in 1930s
    Alabama, but when a blue-eyed monster named Biblos attacks, she discovers that
    the reclusive woman raising her isn’t really her grandmother and that she’s been
    living inside a book for the past five years. With her blind brother, Spenser,
    she flees the pages of the novel she’s called home, one terrifying step ahead of
    Biblos’ black magic. Her only chance at survival lies in beating him to the
    three objects that he desires more than life.

    As she undertakes her
    strange and dangerous odyssey, Aine must choose between a family she doesn’t
    remember and her growing attraction to a mysterious young man named Gilgamesh.
    Only through treacherous adventures into The Time Machine, Dr. Jekyll and Mr.
    Hyde, A Tale of Two Cities, and the epic Indian saga The Ramayana will she learn
    her true heritage and restore the balance of the worlds… if she can stay
    alive.

     
    About the Author:  Jess Lourey is the author of The Toadhouse Trilogy: Book One, the first in a
    young adult series that celebrates the danger and excitement of reading. She
    also writes the critically-acclaimed Murder-by-Month Mysteries for adults with a
    sense of humor. She’s been teaching writing and sociology at the college level
    since 1998. When not gardening, writing, or hanging out with her wonderful kids
    and dorky dog, Juni, you can find her reading, watching SyFy-channel original
    movies, and dreaming big.
    Read more about Jess on her website jesslourey.com
     
     
     
     
    My Thoughts: Loved loved loved this book! Creating worlds on this level is an extraordinary talent. Everything has to fit together, and Jess has done a fine job of connecting the pieces. It’s rare I read the first book of a series before the rest are out. The reason being for this right here! I don’t want to wait until June of NEXT YEAR for book 2!  It’s just not fair Jess, I’m hanging in suspense! 
    As Aine and her brother travel between books, I often found myself guessing which one they were jumping into next. When any characters name is mentioned I was trying to remember what book they came from. The one thing I learned most from this book, is that I need to read more classics. There was only one character I knew for sure her book, before the author tells you, and that was Aine’s mom.
    The Toadhouse Trilogy is a wonderful work of fiction that brings the world of fiction to life. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it was like to live inside your favorite novel, you must check out The Toadhouse Trilogy today!
    Thanks Jess for the recommended reading at the end of your book. My to-read pile has just grown by 10!
     
    You can buy The Toadhouse Trilogy on Amazon. (Prime members, right now it looks like it’s FREE!)
     
    *I recieved a copy to review. Thoughts are my own.
    
  • all® mighty pacsTM {Review and Giveaway}

    all® mighty pacsTM {Review and Giveaway}

    Laundry Laundry Laundry.
     
    It’s the real Never Ending Story.
     
    However, thanks to all® mighty pacsTM, laundry has become quicker and less messy in this home!  Wait, messy? yes, messy. Don’t you hate trying to measure out your laundry detergent and getting a sticky mess all over you, the bottle, the machine and the floor? Some people are lucky and have a sink in their laundry room (not so lucky if your laundry room shares the kitchen…but I digress…).
    Doing laundry can be messy. The new all® mighty pacsTM have cut out the mess, and virtually shave off some time from doing laundry.
     
    Just grab one of the premeasured dissolvable pacs and toss into your machine. They are safe for all machines, including HE. No more measuring or mess!
     
    In our last house, I had these awesome detergent drips down the front of my machine, and a sticky puddle on the floor. When we moved into our new home, laundry became even more difficult. The machines are in the kitchen, under the cupboards, so I can’t even open the washer all the way. Plus the kitchen is carpeted. So there I am trying to measure out my detergent, not spill any on the carpet, and hold the washer lid open. Then I took the time after every load to wash out the measuring cup so it wouldn’t leave sticky all over the top of the washer…which has doubled as extra counter space.  There were days I wanted to throw the machines out, or take a sledge to the cupboard.
    Obviously those two solutions would not have been very…..mature. 
     
    When I got the all® mighty pacsTM from MyBlogSpark I was so thrilled to try them out! First because I love All detergent. I’ve been using them for quite some time as an inexpensive alternate to my other favorite detergent that is more pricey.  Second all® fits in our tight budget and they have a Free and Clear line for people like me and my kids with very sensitive skin.
     
    (stay tuned to win a package like the one I received!)
     
     
     

    Now just to add to my praise of the all® mighty pacsTM, let me show you just how good a job these do!  Our new home was quite dirty when we moved in. Walls hadn’t been washed in years, and half the house was just closed off. We live near a coal mine, so it’s not just dust, but dusty coal coating the walls and floors. My kids got dirty fast! and not just once, but everyday until I could get things completely cleaned up. I’m still in the process of that.
    At the end of the day, this is what the kids pants looked like.
    Now that’s what I’m talking about!
    I really love the ease of using all® mighty pacsTM. It has made me a little more sane as I continue with the Never Ending Laundry Story.
     
    Enough of my praise, on to the fun stuff!
    Head over to the All® Facebook page to enter their contest for a Norwegian Cruise!
     
    AND enter below here to win your own all® mighty pacsTM package like the one I received above. It will include
    – One 24-count of all free clear mighty pacs
    – One 24-count of original mighty pacs
    – A Beach Ball
    – A Beach Towel
    – A laundry bag
     
    Just use the Rafflecopter to enter!
     

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Disclosure:  The information, products and additional all mighty pacs gift pack was provided by all® through MyBlogSpark

  • Chase Danger {Book Review}

    Chase Danger {Book Review}

    Chase Danger Super Spy
    Mystery of the Special Sauce
    by Chase and Lisa Olivera
    About the Book: Chase Danger Super Spy reminds me of a comic book in it’s illustrations. Chase a 6 year old boy sneaks around being a super spy, hoping his mom won’t find him out.  Because let’s face it, what mother is going to let their 6 year old fight bad guys, and build their own super car!
    About the Authors: Chase Olivera and his parents Lisa and Chad Olivera are an Author and publishing team from California. Published works include the Chase Danger, Super Spy Series: Book #1 Mystery of the special Sauce and book #2 Pirates of Pineapple Island. Chase is a bright seven year old entering the second grade this fall, Lisa works with young children as a Special Circumstance Aide and Chad is a musician, composer and children’s theater director. They live and work in Santa Clarita California. As a family they enjoy writing books, going to the beach, watching movies and going on Geocaching adventures. Please visit them at http://www.chasedanger.com/ and “LIKE” them on facebook for exciting updates.

    My Thoughts: I actually really enjoyed this book. It was simple and a lot of fun to read my with my kids.  What we really loved however is the read along theater cd that comes with it. The sound effects really brought the story to life!  Princess V really listened well for the turn page sound, and all 3 princesses got excited turning the page as they listened to the story.  The pictures are vibrant, and easy to follow.  I would definitely recommend this book for young beginning readers.  Boys especially will enjoy this book.