Habit Changers: A review

Habit Changers: 81 Game-Changing Mantras to Mindfully Realize Your Goals

Author M.J. Ryan posits that the biggest obstacle to change lies in our most deeply ingrained habits. She suggests we can rewire our thinking by using what she calls habit changers - simple, one-line statements used as mantras to reprogram the brain’s automatic responses. 

The book is a quick read, as each mantra has its own page, enabling the reader to pick and choose the advice appropriate to his/her needs. For me, the benefit of the book was not having a new "to-do" of reciting something each day, but to use the individual mantras to look at situations in a different way. Sometimes all we need is a different approach to a problem. For example, the mantra "Drop the Story" suggests that sometimes the story we tell ourselves (I'm not getting new business because the market is bad) is an excuse. If we drop the story and look at other factors (I am not networking, I am not supporting my sales staff appropriately), we can find a solution. Other useful reminders from the book: If everything is a priority, nothing is; Intention and impact are not one. 

I enjoyed the book and it gave me food for thought. I don't know that I will be reciting any daily mantras, but I am encouraged to apply the relevant advice to situations that I want to change. 

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this unbiased review.

A Beautiful Book

This book is absolutely gorgeous. The author goes into detail about how and why to use natural dyes in projects and accompanies each lesson with a photograph.  I am very visual, so it inspires and helps me to see end results. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about creating with nature.

I received a review copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.

New Review - The VB6 Cookbook by Mark Bittman

After a nice long, needed break from blogging, I was enticed back by the opportunity to review this book.  And I'm glad I did!  While the concept of VB6 is a bit gimmicky (eating vegan prior to 6pm each day, then having in moderation, anything) the book has good information.  The most useful for me is the first section of the book, which outlines pantry staples, how to use them, and other reference information.  The recipes in the book are helpful too, but as the owner of many, many cookbooks and the follower some amazing blogs like Tasty Yummies, I don't have as much of a need for those. Looking for help with eating better?  Try out the VB6 Cookbook!

Mark Bittman bio - click here

 "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."

Review: When to Speak Up & When to Shut Up

When to Speak Up & When to Shut Up  by Dr. Michael D. Sedler is a book I probably need to read frequently, as I suffer from foot in mouth disease.  Dr. Sedler discusses how to discern your motives for speaking out and then whether silence would be more or less beneficial.  He also acknowledges that you may have to speak out in difficult situations, when you know people don't want to hear something.  However, when you weigh the cost of silence against the risks of speaking the truth, you will know what to do.  It isn't easy to stay quiet when you are dying to interject your opinion, but sometimes it is the right thing. 

I enjoyed all of this book except for the last chapter, which was more of an auto-biography of the author. While I appreciate his wanting to clarify where he comes from, it really didn't add anything to the book.  Other than that, the book is well worth a look.

I received a review copy at no cost from Chosen Books in exchange for my unbiased opinion.  If you have read my other reviews, you know I don't hesitate to speak out when I don't like a book!

Review: Greater

The premise of Greater by Steven Furtick is that no matter what kind of life you are living, you could live a greater life by surrendering your plans and life to God. However, this doesn't mean you have to do something huge that the whole world hears about.  You just need to do what He calls you to do. Furtick states "Maybe God will call you to make a major life change.  Or maybe He simply wants you to come at your present life with a greater passion from a fresh perspective."

The book is written from a biblical perspective and offers encouraging advice.  I don't think it is a book that I am going to rush out and tell all of my friends they have to read, but for those seeking encouragement to move out of their comfort zone in some way, this book is worth reading.  For more information on the book you can visit the Greater book site.

 FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  All opinions are my own,

Getting to know my juicer again with the allergy diagnosis.  Tried this new juice the other day and it was delicious.  The lemon and parsley added just the right zing.  What about you?  Do you juice?  Send some recipes my way!