The Art of Getting Things Done: Book Review

The Art Of Getting Things Done: Vincent A. Santiago


About The Book


In a world full of busy schedules, family time and unscheduled meetings, time is Gold.

Time is a very precious nonrenewable resource, and this is what you'll hear from people who know the value of it. They say that the more you rush, the faster the time gets, and the more you wait, the slower it gets. The truth is that time will remain the same whether you rush or not. It really depends on the way you manage yourself. That is why self-management is key. It helps you become more organized, punctual, and a more effective person. The Art of Getting things Done was created to serve those who lack in the "self-management" category. It also teaches you self-discipline and self-awareness in order to successfully manage all of your work, and have time for additional activities. But this is only scratching the surface! Much much more will be included in this simple, step by step guide.

In this book you'll learn:


  • The importance of a winning attitude.
  • How to create effective to-do lists the right way.
  • The 5 most powerful to-do lists that will save you time.
  • How to weigh your priorities.
  • How to remain calm amidst distractions.
  • The benefits of taking a break.
  • How to develop new habits for a none productive day.
  • How to stay healthy and attain prosperity.
Time management might be a little tricky, but The Art of getting Things Done provides a step-by-step blueprint to make life easy, more fun, and hassle free.

The Friday #56  (56% reader)


"If your goal is to keep calm and stay relaxed, it is best to listen to piano pieces or instrumental music instead of grunge rock or similarly loud music."

Why I Like It 


There are ten well organized chapters, mostly about self management and having a winning attitude. I think there's some valuable information here, like getting a breakthrough on mastering your own attitude is everything. Next, the author tackles effective and doable to-do lists to incorporate a healthy self discipline. I like that the author makes an important point in taking small breaks and learning to outsource, delegate tasks to the right people if you're a successful business leader. What I enjoyed most about the book was the underlying importance of tuning out distractions and ignoring them. Make it a habit to stay calm is a good mantra to have for oneself. It's true, we will have trials come our way but having good health makes it easier for you to think positive thoughts and help you to go onward, despite adversities in life. I like the book and the author seems to share form his heart the tried and true lessons he has learned in life that work for him.

4/5 stars.

About The Author


Performing at peak performance doesn't mean following the latest trends or motivational programs.

True health, wealth and prosperity come when you take action every single day. In other words, it's the paradigms that help you achieve your goals and truly live the life you've always wanted. What's a paradigm?

Paradigm's are simply a multitude of habits. Your results are in direct proportion to your habits, and if you want better results, alter the paradigm.

Vincent Santiago is an Audio Engineer, Producer, Recording Artist, Author and Entrepreneur. In his books, he has developed simple and effective strategies in the areas of health, fitness, work and personal relationships.

His books provide step-by-step instructions to maximize your full potential while breaking down the barriers that keep you from living the life you dream of.

If you're having problems saving and accumulating money, achieving your short term/long term goals, managing your time, and discovering your passion and purpose in life, allow him to solve your problem.

Vincent's strategies have worked for countless individuals across the globe regardless of age, creed or background. His books are available in digital format and can be read on any computer, smartphone or tablet with Amazon's Kindle App and begin reading immediately.

The return on your investment will be far greater than the cash value. When Vince is not working he enjoys a good laugh, exercising, reading and exploring the world.



Skywatch Friday

Dusk sky as we approach the view of the valley


Night time sky with illuminated clouds

It's been real hot here in the 90s with humidity. Good bye summer... I remember it well!







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Wordless Wednesday: France (Part Two)












Oh, the beautiful countryside of France! So very relaxing!

Linking with NCSueMerlinda and Ramona for Wordless Wednesday.

 The Louvre - Visit the museum's exhibition rooms and galleries.






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: God Bless Our Fall


Review: God Bless Our Fall l LadyD Books

Book Description


Little ones will love seeing all of God's blessings of fall!
Parents and children will want to cuddle up together again and again to hear the sweet rhyming story and see the snuggly animal families happy in their fall activities. Pumpkin patches, apple harvests, leaves that change color, hayrides, warm beverages, cozy clothes-God Bless Our Fall highlights all the wonderful things families get to enjoy together when the air turns crisp and cool.
The fifth installment of the bestselling God BlessTM series, God Bless Our Fall features the same talented writer and illustrator combo from God Bless You and Good Night,God Bless Our Easter, and God Bless Our Christmas. This padded board book with a beautiful orange, gold, and crimson color palette will be sure to catch the eye of Mom and Grandma. They'll love using it to introduce fun fall traditions to their little ones and guide them in giving thanks for God's blessings of the season.

Author: Hannah C. Hall
Illustrator: Steve Whitlow


Colorful illustration from God Bless Our Fall


  Why I Like It

A beautiful story of rhymes, along with many warm colorful illustrations, invite children to explore autumn festivities in the great outdoors. From the beginning, the author draws the reader in with my favorite line in the book, "God decorates what He creates." Little ones will be delighted in seeing adorable puppies, raccoons, squirrels, deer, beavers, pigs and kittens. You'll see a pumpkin patch and a harvest fair. Plus, you can almost smell the warm cider and taste s'mores around a warm campfire. I highly recommend this beautiful book with gorgeous pictures for home and church library. The older children can read the simple style of words to their brothers and sisters, while the younger kids will be quite engaged with seeing so many loving animal families. It's perfect for young families counting their many blessings and giving thanks for all of God's wonderful blessings.

5/5 stars.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

About Hannah C. Hall


Hannah C. Hall is a wearer of many hats. (Except for real hats. Her head is too big.) 
She is a bestselling author, award-winning blogger, lover of Jesus, lover of Josh, mother of four, cooker of meals, changer of diapers, and unashamed enjoyer of desserts. For more information, visit HannahCHall.com








 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: Help! I'm Trapped In My Teacher's Body

Help! I'm Trapped in My Teacher's Body: Review l LadyD Books




About The Book


The first and original book in Todd's world-wide best-selling Help! I'm Trapped in... series. This hysterically funny book about the misadventures of Jake Sherman and his friends have sold more than five million copies worldwide and have been translated into numerous languages.

The Friday #56  (56% reader)

"Great... er, I mean, terrible," I said. "I had Jake, I mean Mr. Dirksen in my body, hang upside down and drink water until it ran out of his nose and he still doesn't want to be in his own body again."

Why I Like It


An exciting storyline involving a student getting into trouble named Jake Sherman and Mr. Dirksen who is a boring science teacher. I really enjoyed the story because it held my attention, shows empathy for others and I feel it's just right for middle graders. It's a fun, fictional read that is full of humoresque adventures between a dorky science teacher and a student who end up living in each other's body and liking it for awhile... but will they be forever trapped? Read on for the exciting conclusion.

5/5 stars. Recommend it.

About The Author: Todd Strasser


Todd Strasser is the author of more than 120 novels for YA and middle graders. His YA novels including such award winners as No Place, If I Grow Up, Boot camp, Can't Get There From Here, Give a Boy a Gun, Wish You Were Dead, Blood on My Hands, Kill You Last, the Impact Zone series, and the DriftX series.

His books for middle graders include Abe Lincoln for Class President, Byte barkley: Secret agent K-9, Don't get Caught in the Girls' Locker Room, Grizzly Attack, and the best-selling 17-book Help! I'm Trapped in... series.

His most recent novel for grades 5 and up, FALLOUT, received a stellar review in the New York Times and was named a must-read middle school book by School Library Journal.

Todd lives in a superb of New York and speaks frequently at schools.



Skywatch Friday

Big fish - little fish cloud formations: LadyD Books

Looks like one big fish and so many little fish to me. What do you see?

Happy reading and skywatching!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Wordless Wednesday: Pacific Ocean Surf



surfer guy riding the waves in the Pacific Ocean: LadyD Books

Nice water temperature for this surfer to enjoy in the Pacific Ocean!

surfer: LadyD Books

surfer riding a wave: LadyD Books

surfer on his surfboard: LadyD Books

Summertime surf in the Pacific Ocean: LadyD Books


Linking with NC Sue and Merlinda for Wordless Wednesday!







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: WEBSTER'S em@il


Review: WEBSTER'S Em@il l LadyD Books


About The Book


One click, and Webster's email is on its way... but where will it stop?

Webster's Email is a wonderfully witty rhyming story that gathers pace as the little spider begins to regret emailing a funny picture of his sister. Count with Webster in this number book as his email reaches more and more people, while gently introducing young readers to the vocabulary and etiquette of email technology.

One of a collection of picture books about technology for children, that introduce topics about online safety, over sharing, email, meeting strangers online and using computers responsibly. Appropriate for a young audience (ages 3-8) they are a perfect tool for parents, teachers and librarians to teach children about digital issues or for new readers to explore themselves. 




I love participating in a weekly book meme and sharing snippets and reviews with my readers.

The Friday #56

"So it arrived with Roger Frog who put it on his big screen. Ivy looked even funnier now, and he became fourteen." -- Hannah Whaley





As you can see, I've posted a few quirky illustrations from the picture book, best suited for ages 3-8.

My Review


This is a cute educational story about the email process, short and to the point. A sweet little spider named Webster snaps a picture of his sister making a funny face, of course. He decides to send it to a friend but later learns that each recipient sent it to someone else. Now, Webster wishes he never sent it at all! He soon realizes he made a big mistake knowing it will reach his mother's account and he'll for sure be in deep trouble. Webster learns a very important lesson about the proper use of technology. I think this is a charming, easy to read the story for children 3-8,  learning about sharing on the internet safely. It's so appropriate for what's happening today on social media sites and extremely important to think through your choices when sharing before you push 'send.' I like the storyline and overall content.

4/5 stars. Recommend




About The Author



Hannah Whaley is based in Scotland, and has always worked to combine education, technology and research. She graduated with a degree in Applied Computing in 2004 and was named UK Learning Technologist of the Year in 2007, before moving into University library management in 2009. Her books help introduce children to technology from an early age through reading and stories.
This book is currently free at the moment for Kindle readers.



Skywatch Friday


Hot and humid summer sunrise in SoCal.

August Sunrise: LadyD Books


Happy Reading and Sky Watching!






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: The Beginner's Bible: Wild About Creation

Review: The Beginner's Bible Sticker & Activity Book l LadyD Books




Book Description


A sticker and activity book featuring the classic art from The Beginner’s Bible!
The wonders and joys of nature come to life through age-appropriate puzzles, activity pages, and stickers in The Beginner's Bible Wild About Creation Sticker and Activity Book- featuring classic art and simply written content from The Beginner's Bible. Priced for impulse purchases making this a great gift.



Why I Like It


With over 50 great reusable stickers, the colorful activity book provides children with hours of  fun activities, such as word searches, counting objects, connecting the dots, coloring pages and matching games. My grandson loves using many of the colorful stickers from a large selection to choose from and then decorating the sky with stars and a moon. Another engaging activity is to use the stickers to fill the ocean with fish and the sky with birds. I really like this kid-friendly fun book and the educational content regarding creation from the Bible. It's a wonderful hands-on, easy to understand Beginner Bible activity book. Just right for home library and for gift giving.

5/5 stars. Recommend. ($3.99)

I received the book in exchange for my review through BookLook Bloggers.

Happy Sunday!







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Mexican Cooking: Hot & Delicious (Review)

Review: Mexican Food Hot & Delicious l LadyD Books



I think you know how much I love to cook. With my garden peaking with an abundance of peppers and eggplants, basil and tomatoes... Well, it's easy to search through my many cookbooks and find the right recipe for the ingredients on hand. This is a nice one and it's free!

It's great to be back with you after having my laptop in the shop for 10 days. I'm back in the saddle and ready to hear about what you're reading this week.

About The Book


Mexican Food: Hot and Delicious includes mouth-watering recipes perfect for hosting a Cinco de Mayo fiesta or for whipping up a quick weeknight family dinner. With forty-eight recipes for drinks, appetizers, main courses, sides and desserts, you’re covered with full-flavored options for the kids or even the 
pickiest foodie. 

Opening Lines

"Whether it's the searing heat of chilies, the crunch of tortilla chips, or the bubbly goodness of melted cheese, lovers of Mexican food can all agree on how addicting it can be. The recipes in this book should help you feed (literally) that addiction.

The Friday #56


"The traditional version of this recipe calls for the eggs to be prepared sunny side up, but I prefer scrambled eggs. If you like tradition this recipe is easy to adjust."



 Scrambled Huevos Rancheros 

4 large eggs
4 6 inch corn tortillas
1 15 oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped finely
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions

Prepare rancheros salsa...
(2 Tbl. canola oil, 1/2 white onion finely chopped, 2 cups canned fire-roasted tomatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 serrano chiles toasted, Mexican-style hot sauce.)

In a saucepan, drizzle olive oil pan and add garlic for a brief time. Add the drained black beans, a pinch of salt and about 1/4 cup water. Partially mash the beans, and keep them warm over low heat.

In a skillet, heat another drizzle of olive oil and scramble the eggs sunny side up, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

Place 1 warm tortilla on each plate. In layers: add beans, the fried egg, salsa and shredded cheese. Top with a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with the remaining salsa and a bottle of hot sauce on the side.

Tips

To heat your tortillas, stack them between damp paper towels and microwave for about ten seconds.

My Review


A neatly organized cookbook right at your fingertips. Easy to fix main course recipes like Slow Cooker Queso, Chorizo and Black Bean Quesadillas and Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos. Enjoy eating Shrimp Ceviche on a hot day and making a colorful appetizer like Mexican Cheesecake. If you like to make your own Red Sauce or Green Sauce for Cheese Enchiladas, you'll find them here. I like the Sides section from soup to salad, plus grilled corn, rice and muffins. In addition to the main course, the dessert choices such as Flan, Bunuelos and Mexican Wedding Cookies are delicious, too. Overall, you can't go wrong with this eCookbook. It's good and I recommend to friends.

5/5 stars.

Mexican Cooking: Hot & Delicious (Something Else Publishing eCookbooks)

  My Garden Harvest



Garden Chilis



Orange Peppers


Garden Tomatoes


Skywatch Friday


Sunrise: God is My Strength l LadyD

We've had hot days of summer here in SoCal. The drought continues and my lawn has a tan! How is it where you are?






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Wordless Wednesday: France (Part One)


France: Country Pathway l LadyD Books


France: Flower Pots l LadyD Books


France: Lemon Tree and Geraniums l LadyD Books


France: Weeping Willow - Flower Garden l LadyD Books

France: Old Church Building l LadyD Books

The fragrance of France was captured by my daughter's photo travels while attending a book conference over there during the summer. If you're not familiar with Barefoot Books, you can browse the bookstore for your child's reading selection (so much cultural diversity there), by clicking on Dena's Photo on my other blog.

Linking with image-in-ing and pixiedusk and create with joy for Wordless Wednesday.






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books