Book Review: Blaze of Glory by Canadian Author M. Garzon #50bookpledge

Opening yourself when it comes to reading I find is always a positive thing.  I believe if you limit yourself to one genre, then you may miss out on many of the fabulous books out there.  Personally, I have never read books before that involved horses, it was just not a topic that would be top of mind.  I have never been involved in the equestrian world, but have known many people who were and I have always been intrigued by it.  This is why when I came across an opportunity to review Blaze of Glory by M. Garzon I jumped on it.  Honestly, just by seeing a brief description of the book even if you have never been interested in the horse world you would have been drawn in.

"Last year, I had it all. Two jumpers on the show circuit, a lot of wins, and a lot of attention - the good kind. But now I have nothing. My life is circling the drain. The only spark of light that exists for me is my new, forbidden passion. If my stepfather finds out, he will kill me. My twin brother, my only blood relative in the world, has already begged me not to. But I can't help myself. If it can't be horses, it has to be this."

 If you are looking for a book for women age 15+ then I can not recommend a better book.  If I was asked to give a brief description it would be the horse world meets Romeo and Juliet.  I am a sucker for stories that involve the basis of the forbidden love similar to what Shakespeare wrote.  I find those type of love stories always so entertaining and addicting and this book was no different.  We all know that life is not easy and I do not think love is any different.  Love can bring us to the ultimate highs in our life, but also can bring us down so low.  

The main character in the story, Tea, her life can definitely attest to this.  She lives far from an easy life, but her beauty and strength shines through both inside and out.  To know her is to love her and she is one of those people that on your good days and bad days you would want by your side.  She is far from perfect and she does not expect you to think she is, but she is the type of person who would make you want to be a better person just because you know her.  While reading I honestly felt as if I knew her and found myself rooting for her time and time again.


If you are like me and do not know anything about the equestrian world, do not be intimidated.  The author is so clear on her descriptions that you learn as the story goes on and finish the book feeling as you were always so knowledgeable.  Her writing style was easy to understand no matter you knowledge base or age.  Being an older married women, I never felt that the book made me dumb down to a level below my reading level.  Though with that being said I also did not think that it was too mature and over the top for older teens.  The story does involve lust and sex, but it is done in a tasteful way.  In my honest opinion the book was more tamed in comparison to many songs that we can hear on the radio and any age can listen to the public radio.


I myself could not put my ereader down.  I stayed up a few nights past my bed time, which is already a lot later then most, because I was so drawn in I could not part with the book.  I have to say though it is awesome that the book takes place in my stomping grounds.  I live in the area that the book takes place so it was hard to remember that it was a fictional story and not actually a true story.  For myself it seemed so real!  I also love the fact that it is available both for ereaders or on paperback depending your reading preference.  Then as added bonus, I was excited to see that there is going to be more then one book in the series.  What this means is I have something more to look forward to from M. Garzon.  Plus, it looks like it may become a TV series!  How awesome for this wonderful Canadian author!


If your looking for a new read then head on over and get yourself the book in whatever version you prefer.  The ebook version is on sale until March 31, yes thats today!  So do not put it off!  No matter if you get it on sale or not the price is very reasonable and soo worth the cash!

Happy Reading!!

Get Your Daily Dose of Food and Love for the Soul #50bookpledge

I love food and I love reading.  Honestly, if I was having to pick between one or the other I am not sure what I would I would prefer.  If stranded on a deserted island both would be required to keep me sane and alive.  This is why I love the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Food and Love as it involves both things I am passionate about.  If you have not had an opportunity to read books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, I recommend picking up this book.  Food is a part of many different events in our lives and I do not know about you, but I have tons of great memories that involved food.  This book brought me back to many of those special memories and as an added bonus I got to read about many others similar stories.

"Chicken Soup for the Soul: Food and Love contains 101 Stories Celebrating Special Times with Family and Friends... and Recipes Too!

Food is an expression of love — both the romantic kind and the comforting kind between family and friends. With its savory, sweet, and sometimes spicy stories, this delightful collection will sprinkle in laughs, warm hearts of readers, and stir up memories that certain aromas and tastes always bring. Readers will relish the stories on how love and food together played a flavorful part in life. Some recipes included too!"

It is a great read not to mention as well there are some great recipes along with the stories too.  I will definitely be trying out some of these recipes and as always share a review in the future!  Being able to share in the stories allows me feel that in some way I am a part of their cherished stories.  If your looking at getting your own book be sure to check out www.chickensoup.com and get yourself a copy.  I know you will love it! It will have you laughing and probably even crying, but it will be worth every single minute you read of it!

Happy Reading

Disclosure: I was provided a book for review purposes.  I was in no way compensated for my review, all views are 100% mine.

Tasty Tuesday: Edamame Vegetable Soup

I love Edamame, but I have to admit other then eating them plain or making an Asian salad I really have no clue or ideas that I could add them into.  I love making soup and when I came across this soup on the Canadian Living website I wanted to share.  I know if I was having this issue many of my readers may feel the same way.  Be sure to head on over and check out more of their great recipes!  I know I have been finding tons I can not wait to try!

Edamame Vegetable Soup

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
• 4 cups (1 L) vegetable stock
• 1 red-skinned potatoes, (unpeeled), cubed
• 1/2 pkg (454 g pkg) medium-firm tofu
• 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) frozen shelled edamame, (soybeans)
• 1 dash hot pepper sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh chives or green onions

In large saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat; fry sliced carrots and celery, onion, garlic, thyme and pepper, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

Add vegetable stock and potato; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until carrots and potato are tender, about 15 minutes.

Cut tofu into 1/2-inch (1 cm) cubes. Add to soup along with soybeans and hot pepper sauce; heat through.

Serve sprinkled with chives.

Enjoy

Inspirational Monday

Source:www.picturesdepot.com

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream

Having two little girls Disney and princesses are a big hit in our house.  We have been to many of the Disney on Ice shows and have so many princess items in our house.  For March break, we decided as a treat to go as a family to the latest Disney on Ice production Dare to Dream.  My girls were super excited to see this as they had some princesses that we have never been able to see live before and their all time favorite as well.

If you haven't already heard Dare to Dream tells the stories of 3 of Disney's movies The Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Cinderella.  As always as a family we loved the show.  If you have not seen a Disney production they deliver on every single promise.  The costumes are fabulous, the show is entertaining and when it is finished it leaves you wanting more.  Would we go again?  YES!!!! Honestly, I would even go just to see Maximus again.  That costume without a doubt was my favorite and was so realistic it was a-ma-zing!

If I was to point out a fault it would be that my very observant 5 year old noticed and had to point it out to me.  At the end of the show Disney has all the princess come out with their prince's and they are all in gold.  My 5 year old looks at me and says "mommy were is the other princess"  I told her they were all there and she was adamant that one was missing.  So of course I go through my memory of all the Disney princesses and sure enough, Pocahontas was missing from the lineup of princesses at the end.  It still amazes me how observant children are!  I too wonder why she was missing.

If you have not had a chance to check out the show be sure to check and see when it is playing near you.


Disclosure:  Views are 100% my own.  I was in no way compensated for this post.

Tasty Tuesday: White Chicken Chili

I am always looking for new recipes and I am a huge fan or ground turkey and ground chicken so ofcourse this grabbed my eye.  I found it on a blog called The Five Foodies, be sure to check it out and see other recipes that they have.  I have not tried making it yet, but as I usually cook for the kids and my husband and myself in one meal I may cook without the jalapeños or anything else that may spice it up.

Adjust the heat in this dish by adding the minced ribs and seeds from the jalapeño as directed in step 6. If Anaheim chiles cannot be found, add an additional poblano and jalapeño to the chili. This dish can also be successfully made by substituting chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. If using thighs, increase the cooking time in step 4 to about 40 minutes. Serve chili with sour cream, tortilla chips, and lime wedges.

Serves 6 to 8
3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves , trimmed of excess fat and skin
Table salt and ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 medium jalapeño chiles
3 poblano chiles (medium), stemmed, seeded, and cut into large pieces
3 Anaheim chile peppers (medium), stemmed, seeded, and cut into large pieces
2 medium onions , cut into large pieces (2 cups)
6 medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 (14.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans , drained and rinsed
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
4 scallions , white and light green parts sliced thin

1. Season chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook without moving until skin is golden brown, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, turn chicken and lightly brown on other side, about 2 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate; remove and discard skin.

2. While chicken is browning, remove and discard ribs and seeds from 2 jalapeños; mince flesh. In food processor, process half of poblano chiles, Anaheim chiles, and onions until consistency of chunky salsa, ten to twelve 1-second pulses, scraping down sides of workbowl halfway through. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Repeat with remaining poblano chiles, Anaheim chiles, and onions; combine with first batch (do not wash food processor blade or workbowl).

3. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from Dutch oven (adding additional vegetable oil if necessary) and reduce heat to medium. Add minced jalapeños, chile-onion mixture, garlic, cumin, coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat.

4. Transfer 1 cup cooked vegetable mixture to now-empty food processor workbowl. Add 1 cup beans and 1 cup broth and process until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add vegetable-bean mixture, remaining 2 cups broth, and chicken breasts to Dutch oven and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until chicken registers 160 degrees (175 degrees if using thighs) on instant-read thermometer, 15 to 20 minutes (40 minutes if using thighs).

5. Using tongs, transfer chicken to large plate. Stir in remaining beans and continue to simmer, uncovered, until beans are heated through and chili has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

6. Mince remaining jalapeño, reserving and mincing ribs and seeds (see note above), and set aside. When cool enough to handle, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones. Stir shredded chicken, lime juice, cilantro, scallions, and remaining minced jalapeño (with seeds if desired) into chili and return to simmer. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.

Per Serving:
Cal 370; Fat 6 g; Sat fat 1 g; Chol 115 mg; Carb 25 g; Protein 52 g; Fiber 7 g; Sodium 710 mg


Enjoy!

Deal Of the Day:Free Books and More

If your a fan of romance books or fantasy books like I am I definitely recommend to check out this website I came across the other day.  Pocket After Dark is a one stop shop for free books and to mingle with others who having similar reading interests that you may in fact have.  On top of all of that it is FREE!


Enjoy!

Inspirational Monday

Source: picturesdepot.com

The Lovely Bones Book Review #50BookPledge

Starting off the #50bookpledge2012 I read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. In case you are not already aware, this book has also been made into a movie. I personally have not seen the movie, but I have heard both positive and negative feedback about it. I assumed from those reviews that this book was going to be something similar. It would be something I either loved or disliked, but I hoped of course I would like it. Sure the book has received tons of praise and was a best seller.  However, if this is not your typical genre best seller or not you may not have have reached out to read it.  If you have not heard about either the book or the movie let me give a brief description of what it is about.   The Lovely Bones is about a 14 year old girl, Susie Salmon, who is almost home from school on a late December day.  Sadly Susie Salmon is raped and murdered by a neighbor on that otherwise normal day. Susie passes on and goes to her own personal heaven and watches life unfold on Earth for her family, friends and the man who murdered her.

I have read murder mystery books before and watched many shows about various crimes that happen to us humans.  I have to say though, this is the first time I have ever read book that goes beyond the crime itself into the actual question of what happens to the ones we love when they leave this world.  Of course we believe that they go to heave and many of us believe that they become guardian angels that look after us.  However, those thoughts and beliefs still fail to see through the eyes of the one who is deceased.  This is where Alice Sebold comes in and changes the face of murder mysteries as we know it.  The Lovely Bones allows readers to see the victim as more then just a victim, which I personally think many people, like Susie Salmon would prefer.

The Lovely Bones was a great read, but by no means was it a perfect story.  There were parts within the novel that I felt I had been lost or possibly more that my attention was lost.  This did not last as you would find yourself drawn in a short time later.  Overall, I truly did love this story and how different it is from many other books I have read.  The author did a great twist on the traditional murder mystery books and opens our minds to a different afterlife than what we may hold.  Whether you agree with the authors depiction or not of the afterlife, it gives us a basis to remember to start thing about those who leave Earth as more then just the shell they leave behind. 

I definitely recommend this story and personally want to go check out the movie and see how the book was developed into a movie.  From the author writing from the point of view of the deceased I see it as a bit complicated to do, but look forward to how one managed to do just that.

Have you read the book or seen the movie?  What are your thoughts?

House of Night Book Review: Marked

Yes it is that time again. Where I share one of the awesome books I have read lately.  Sad thing is all I have been doing lately is reading.  Which is why overall my blog has been a little slow.  I find I am drawn to books with series and it seems I find the book when the series is almost complete.  Then I can not pull myself from reading it as I have the rest of the books in the series waiting there for me to pick up and read.  Yes, I am that much of a book worm :-)

This is the first series ever that I have read by a mother daughter duo, not to mention the first time I have read any type of their work.  P.C. and Kristin Cast team up together to bring readers to a world outside of anything we know or rather we are too naive and blind to see what truly exists out there.  I don't know about you, but being a teen was hard.  Not only as teens are you trying to find out who you are you also need to determine what you are going to be when you grow up and if that wasn't enough your hormones are going berserk.  Plus you have boyfriend/girlfriend problems and your parents drive you crazy and do not understand you and I could keep going on really.  Now imagine dealing with all of that and then on a lousy day having a vampire show up out of nowhere and mark you and viola now your a vampire fledgling.  Talk about a crappy day or what?

Zoey Redbird is the main character in Marked and I have to say she is such loving character.  Shes got spunk and courage and comes across beautiful inside and out.  She has so much thrown at her in her new life at the House of Night (not to mention before) and by the authors writing it makes you wish in some way that you in fact had been marked instead.  Zoey does come across as a perfect girl, probably one of the girls that most would hate in high school.  Actually probably one of those girls many of us women would still hate as we grow up.  She is beautiful, smart and even someways a total goody goody.  She doesn't swear at all and even some of her vocabulary seems immature.  However, this if anything makes you realize its almost impossible to be able to know someone true self by looking at the outside packaging.  Her life is anything but perfect to a point where you are thankful she's got her looks because so many other things literally suck in her life.
 
I adore the concept of having a school for just vampire fledglings and no other students.  It brings a fresh look into the connotation that many of us believe and hold about vampires.  Having the students marked and then being "developed" into a perfect ideal of a vampire shouldn't be surprising, Humans do the exact some thing so why would not other "creatures" do the same thing.  Something else fun the others incorporated into the book was the hint that all the super talented and almost flawless humans we see plastered all over the TV's or magazines are not truly human.  I do not know about you, but this makes me feel a lot better about myself.  HaHa.

If your looking for any deep soul searching or trying to find the meaning for life then I would definitely suggest looking for another book or another series.  Marked is one of the books that you can sit back put your feet up and enjoy a few hours or more escaping into a world that seems so different from your own.  It is a fun read and has many characters that you'll love and probably just as many that you will dislike.  I definitely recommend checking out this series and I look forward to giving you my thoughts on the next book!  Do I think all my readers will like it?  Not at all, I know some may consider the book juvenile, but as for myself I live daily as an adult sometimes I find its fun to see the world through the eyes of our younger generation.

Happy Reading

Looking for more books to read?  Why not check out what I have been reading with the #50bookpledge2011 or the  #50BookPledge2012

Funny Friday

Source: Fanpop.com

Enter to win a $25,000 pre-payment towards your Scotiabank mortgage or $10,000 cash

If you haven't had a chance yet be sure to check out this contest!  I know I will be, who couldn't use some extra cash?

"Calgary Flames Captain and Scotiabank Hockey Ambassador, Jarome Iginla, surprises a fan with a $25,000 cheque for following Scotiabank’s Mortgage-Free Faster tips! This is a fantastic and genuine moment for a true fan. http://tinyurl.com/7sywrkv

You can enter to win a $25,000 pre-payment towards your Scotiabank mortgage or $10,000 cash! Enter Scotiabank’s Mortgage-Free Faster contest - http://tinyurl.com/7v7o8cp "


Best of luck to everyone who enters.

Have A Happy St Patrick's Day At Home This Year

Disclaimer: This review links to an adult website that displays adult content and toys. Please read at your own discretion.



St Patrick's day is just right around the corner so why not get festive with some fabulous items from EdenFantasys.  Right now they have a great promotion on where you can save 20% off of your entire order!! You can use coupon code POTOFGOLD to save 20% off YES you read that correct your ENTIRE order (no restrictions, coupon code expires and sales mentioned end on 03/16 1pm EST).  If that wasn't enough you can also take advantage of the Pot 'o Gold Calex sale with a 30% on many of their luxury California Exotics products.  So do not delay!!!

I also wanted to share some adorable outfits I found while looking through their site.  I love how they have such a diverse range of products no matter how risque you are.  This first outfit I absolutely adore the name and had to check it out.  Seriously how cute is this costume and its name.  Robyn da hood comes in a array of sizes and for only $49.99 you get a dress, waist corset, hat, gauntlets, and bag.  I love the colour of the dress and it could be worn without the accessories and look fabulous still as regular wear.

The honeymoon sweet long gown is another item I absolutely love, its gorgeous!  It as well comes in various sizes and it is only $52.99.  With its embroidery detail and low back will definitely have you looking and feeling like a queen.

Remember the sale ends March 16th at 1pm so head right on over and shop til your hearts content!


EdenFantasys, an online retailer of sex toys, provided me with a gift card in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

You Have Been Cordially Invited To Attend The Wedding Of The Year

If you know any princess fans you will definitely want to watch Astral's Disney Junior as Flynn and Rapunzel are set to tie the knot!  How exciting is that for all the Tangled fans out there.  Premiering on Friday, March 23 at 5:54 p.m. ET, Tangled Ever After, the six-minute weddingshort, picks up where Disney’s film Tangled left off.

"When Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) and Flynn (voiced by Zachary Levi) attempt to proclaim their royal vows, they face catastrophe when Flynn’s noble steed Maximus, the ring-bearer, and Pascal, the flower chameleon, possibly lose the rings. As the desperate duo embarks on a frenzied search and recovery mission, they leave behind a trail of comical chaos that includes flying lanterns, a flock of doves and a very sticky finale."

Wanting more excitement to go along with the wedding?  Visit Tangled Ever After online at DisneyJunior.ca beginning Saturday, March 24 at 6 p.m. ET. Then on top of that DisneyJunior has a ‘Watch and Win’ contest running from Friday, March 23to Sunday, April 15. Viewers who tune in to Disney Junior or DisneyJunior.ca to watch Tangled Ever After can look for the special password at the end of the short, then enter online at DisneyJunior.ca for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Inspirational Monday

Source: PictureDepot.com

Bring #BirthCentres to Ontario and help save money!

Guest  Post from Canadian Blogger Little Miss Kate



Budget  cuts are in the news every day now.  In Canada we  value our health care system greatly, but the reality is that we spend  the majority of our budget on health care costs.

With all  the talk about saving money it is time to come up with innovative ways  to decrease our health spending.  One way to do that - Bring Birth Centres to  Ontario!






Ontario Needs Birth Centres as they will save us money:

• Births  carried out by midwives (in a hospital) cost the health system less  than those by a doctor, the savings is far greater


• Midwives support safe & normal birth leading to a reduction in the number of interventions


• The  c-section rate of women are under the care of midwives is less than  half of the provincial average for doctors


• Birth Centres will free up hospital resources to deal with the more complex cases

Want  to learn more visit the Ontario Midwives website or check  out  the Ontario Needs Birth Centres Brochure


What can YOU do?  Take action NOW!

Send  an e-postcard to let Premier Dalton  McGuinty to let him know you support birth centres



On Twitter? Why not send out a tweet showing your support, for example:

@Deb_Matthews  looking forward your transformation of #Ontario health care hope to see  @ontariomidwives #birthcentres

or

@Dalton_McGuinty  pls bring @ontariomidwives #birthcentres 2 #Ontario cut healthcare costs &  provide better care #onpoli

Who wouldn't love to own an invisible car!

I am not by any means a car girl.  I don't really care about the engine, size of the tires or of that "fun stuff" (yawn).  However, I do love all the cool perks and advancements that have been made through the years when it regards vehicles.  Growing up I loved the Back to the Future movies and seeing all the cool things that were possible in the future.  Jump forward almost 20 years and seeing many of these creations coming to life is nothing but amazing!

While browsing online today I saw an article about an awesome vehicle I would love to get my hands on.  Realistically I would probably only use the vehicle to hide from my family on those days that you needed some "me time" and you can not get a moment to yourself.  Imagine what this would do for all us parents who have resorted to only getting a few moments to ourselves in the bathroom.  This vehicle would allow us to use the washroom for the purpose that is was created for.

However, I could see it also getting into the wrong hands.  I was never one of those teens that backed a care quietly out of the driveway to sneak off at night.  Although, think of how easy it would be now.  You could start the car without any worry as they wouldn't see it driving down the street anyways! (Children please do not try this at home ;-) )  Reality is though I will probably never be able to afford this car, but you have to admit it is pretty darn cool!

Check out the video below with the invisible Mercedes in action!

Funny Friday

Source: jucoolimages.com

Happy National Breakfast Day

Breakfast... I don't know how it is in your house, but it is a very busy time in ours.  After a long nights sleep my girls are always super hungry and cereal is always on the menu.  Some days they love eating it dry then the next they have it with milk.  We always ensure to have a variety of cereals in our pantry to mix it up.  Some days their bowls are filled with one cereal then the next they decide to have a mixture.  I love watching them trying to decide what that mornings creation will be.

The sad part is that in Canada 1 in 10 children are in poverty and are at risk with starting their mornings off with an empty stomach.  We all have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I find it truly sad that there are many children that do not get to have it.  Numerous studies over the years have shown that breakfast can help children do better in school overall.  Not only academically, but with improved behavior, reduced absences, tardiness and  also increasing focus and physical performance.

"Today is National Breakfast Day and Kellogg’s has partnered with Breakfast Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning to launch the Share Your Breakfast program to encourage Canadians to help children who might otherwise go without.

As part of Kellogg’s Share Your Breakfast movement , Canadians are invited to celebrate National Breakfast Day with Kellogg's.  Throughout the day and across the country they will be surprising Canadians with free mini-packs of Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal to raise awareness about our country's hungry children. In return, Kellogg's will donating to their National Breakfast Day charity partners.  In essence, a bowl for you will equal a bowl for a hungry child. 

  There are a number of easy ways to get involved:

1.    Visit Kellogg’s website (www.kelloggs.ca/SYB) to view the breakfast video and share this important message with friends and family via social media. 

2.    Pick-up a specially marked box of Kellogg's cereal in-store for a unique pin code to redeem for a free breakfast item and;

  3. In return, Kellogg’s will make a donation to Breakfast Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning

4.     Or visit the breakfast charities directly to make your own donation and find out more about the great work they're doing to fight hunger in Canada.

                   www.breakfastclubscanada.org or www.breakfastforlearning.ca

 

              5.  Tweet your support using the hashtag #shareyourbreakfast"

It only takes one of us to make a difference in the life on someone who need a hand.  As Mahatma Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world".  Please help share and make a difference.

*Disclosure:  I have not received compensation for this post, all opinions are my own.

Funny Friday

Source: thoughtpic.com

Find Your Happiness with Chicken Soup for the Soul #50bookpledge

I have never been a big reader of self help books.  No, it was not that I thought I was perfect, but I never really gave them a chance.  Sure I have read some books on what to expect when pregnant or the first years of your child's life, but otherwise I have never really read anything dedicated to helping you live your best life.  It may sound surprising knowing I was a huge Oprah fan and that was what she was all about.  Helping others live their life to their fullest and reaching your dreams.

"Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness

Others share how they found their passion, purpose, and joy in life in these 101 personal and exciting stories that are sure to encourage readers to find their own happiness. Stories in this collection will inspire readers to pursue their dreams, find their passion and seek joy in their life. This book continues Chicken Soup for the Soul's focus on inspiration and hope, reminding readers that they can find their own happiness."

If you know someone that is going through a rough time this would be a great book for them to help them remember things will get better.  Honestly, you do not even have to be going through a rough time to benefit from this book. Who does not want to live a life full of happiness and live the life that was destined for them.  Fairy tales can really come true, but some of us need a little help to make that dream a reality.

Looking to get a copy for yourself of someone you care about?  Head into your local bookstore or shop online at Chapters, Amazon or ChickenSoup.com

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this books in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine have not been influenced in any way.


Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this book in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine have not been influenced in any way.

KICK UP THE STAR POWER THIS MARCH BREAK WITH DISNEY XD

Disney XD’s March Madness Marathon features:

·   New episode of Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil starring Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons

·   Series premiere of live-action comedy show Lab Rats

·   New episodes of Phineas and Ferb, Pair of Kings, Zeke and Luther

·   Network premiere of Disney’s Ratatouille

Toronto, March 1, 2012 – Disney XD embarks on a big adventure this March Break with TV comedian Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) as guest star in the animated series Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil. The new episode, “Jock Wilder's Nature Camp,” airs Thursday, March 15 at 3 p.m. ET. 

In the action-packed episode, Kick is disappointed when Jock Wilder’s Nature Camp is too tame, so he sets off to make it more awesome, bringing Jock’s overly-cautious brother Larry (voiced by Jim Parsons) on a real-life wilderness adventure.

From Monday, March 12 to Friday, March 16 between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET Disney XD serves up a marathon week of favourite series, with new episodes of: Phineas and Ferb, Pair of Kings, Zeke and Luther and the series premiere of Lab Rats, which exploded onto Disney XD in the US with record-breaking results. Premiering on Monday, March 12 at 3 p.m. ET, Lab Rats is a new live-action comedy series about 14-year-old Leo and his newfound "siblings," a trio of super-human teens, who together learn to navigate a typical high school with not-so-typical bionic glitches. 

Rounding out the week on Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET, is the network premiere of Disney’s Ratatouille, the Academy-Award-winning story of a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a French chef and forms an alliance with a hapless Parisian garbage boy to make both their dreams come true and restore Gusteau’s restaurant to its former glory. 

Disney XD is an advertising-supported digital specialty network and multiplatform brand offering a compelling mix of high definition live-action and animated programming to homes across Canada. Disney XD features series, movies and short form content that focus on comedy, discovery, accomplishment and adventure. Disney XD programming is also available through dedicated on demand and broadband services. Visit us at DisneyXD.ca.

O Canada, Chicken Soup for the Soul Style #50bookpledge

If your a reader like me and if you are looking for some new books you definitely need to check out the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.  I have been a long time fan of the books and have received many as gifts over the years and I have also gifted them.

"Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada is full of inspirational, amusing, and encouraging stories that will touch the heart of any Canadian. Stories include a wide range of topics written by Canadians, from daily life to Canadian holidays, along with tales from tourists and visitors."

If you are a Canadian or even lived in Canada for any period in your life I know you will enjoy this book.  You learn about how different one part of the country is from another, but if at all possible you also realize there is a common thread between us all.  The book will make you laugh and maybe even cry, both of which are perfect for your soul!

Looking to get the book for yourself?  Head into your local bookstore or if ordering on line you can buy it at Chapters, Amazon or at ChickenSoup.com 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this book in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine have not been influenced in any way.