Push Start: A Practical Guide To Jumpstart Your Life from Average to Awesome

Product Details Paperback: 166 pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 17, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1490469400 ISBN-13: 978-1490469409

About This Book

Push Start is filled with one hundred tips, tools, techniques, quotes, anecdotes, stories, ideas, thoughts, and concepts that will provide you with the motivation and inspiration to take you on your journey through life’s situations and circumstances. So, push start and take your life from average to awesome.

The Friday #56

From the chapter, Finding Value.

"Even though a Leader is ultimately responsible for the outcome of many situations under their charge, they still have to be able to have confidence in others to also get things done and value their opinion when something cannot be done or if a suggestion is made that something needs to be done a different way."

My Review

There is a plethora of good information and valuable insights for improving yourself and getting better. The book covers a variety of subjects on life's experiences, especially making good choices and being motivated towards personal excellence. The author outlines a similar thread through the chapters and that is to improve one's life. I especially like the discussion regarding how to apply and adapt where you can control your destiny. Be open and flexible. If you want to make a change with a renewed perspective, this book offers some vital tips in accomplishing that.

5/5 stars.

About The Author

Terry Thompson grew up in a military family and has spent his entire life travelling around the world gaining valuable knowledge and experience that he shares with you through his writing about life and leadership. Terry has served in multiple positions of increased authority and responsibility that spans many assignment locations to include two deployments to Iraq, one to Kuwait, and one to Afghanistan. Terry has led teams as small as 3 to much larger groups of over 200. Terry brings to you valuable insight that he has gained from his personal and professional life that will lead you to success. Terry does this through multiple platforms to include his website (Leadertank.com) and his three books (Leadership Solved, Leadership Is . . . , and Push Start).

Pick up a copy!

As I write this post, I'm remembering back to some former posts that I had written around the end of October. Hope you folks have a fun and safe Halloween!

If you're looking for some ideas for a Halloween costume, take a look at my grandson as Super Mario. Plus, you'll find the recipe, Batman Biscuits to try for ages 4-6.

In the mood for a chuckle, visit some of my Pumpkin Quotes!

Happy reading!











“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

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie

Product Details Age Range: 4 - 8 years Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Zonderkidz (October 6, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 0310747678 ISBN-13: 978-0310747673

Book Description

New artwork by New York Times bestselling illustrator Richard Cowdrey, this Christmas book tells the story behind the meaning of the Christmas cookie.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie tells the story of a young boy named Jack who learns from his generous mother the story behind the Christmas cookie. The family who began the tradition of baking the special cookies gave them to the needy and shared the story of the very first Christmas. This sweet holiday book offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves and encourages them to share the true tale of Jesus' birth. A delicious recipe is included on the jacket flap so readers can make their own Christmas sugar cookies.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Christmas

Although it's soon approaching Halloween and all of my grandchildren have their costumes ready for our church fall festival tomorrow, I still enjoy reviewing Christmas books at this time. That way, I know which ones go to each grandchild for a loving present, along with homemade fleece blankets. After all, the weather is changing and getting a bit cooler in my neck of the woods. How is it where you are?

  The Friday #56

"Then right there, beside the railroad tracks, under a gray sky that promised snow, Jack began: "Long ago an angel like this one brought us the most wonderful news: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

(I chose the last page because the children's picture book only has 32 pages).


My Review

This is a tender story, set in very hard times during the Depression, about a boy named Jack and his mom barely scraping by. Word reaches them that Jack's dad is not coming home for Christmas since he is out west finding work. Naturally, hearing the sad news on Christmas Eve leaves Jack feeling very disappointed. On top of that, he sees his mom making heavenly scented cookies but alas, not for them but for the needy at church.

Children will love the beautiful warm illustrations woven throughout this sweet story, showing a caring relationship between mother and son. Jack begins to make cookies with his mother, using intricately wooden carved cutters, as she tells him why people started making Christmas cookies. It's a wonderful memory hearing of the Savior's birth through many snowflake type cookies handed out to the village, hearing of the true meaning of Christmas.

The story doesn't end there because just as Jack's mother handed him a big angel cookie she had been saving, well... there's a knock at the door. You've got to get the book and read on to the very end where you'll find two delicious cookie recipes waiting for you! Overall, it's an inspirational book filled with love and hope for all families. Loved it!

5/5 stars. Highly recommend to friends.

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

About the Author

Dandi Daley Mackall is the author of over 450 books. She still can't believe she gets to write for a living, helping children of all ages grow spiritually. Dandi and her husband, Joe, both write from rural Ohio, where they're blessed with three children and a variety of horses, dogs, and cats.

About the Illustrator

Richard Cowdrey's favorite things to draw and paint are the things that reflect the awesomeness of God and His creation. From vast landscapes to the littlest bug on a leaf, Richard marvels at the beauty in the details. Richard's bestselling children's books include Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Christmas







“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

A Rose Blooms Twice: Review

About The Book

Rose Brownlee has suffered more loss than most people can endure. Now she must find a purpose and a way to move on with her life. Will she bow to conventional wisdom or will she, like Abraham of old, choose to follow where God leads her . . . even to a wild and strange land she does not know?

Set in the American prairie of the late 1800s, this story of loss, disillusionment, rebirth, and love will inspire, challenge, and encourage you.

Book 1 in the series, A Prairie Heritage. Read the exciting prequel and companion to A Rose Blooms Twice, Wild Heart on the Prairie.

A Prairie Heritage:
Book 1: A Rose Blooms Twice
Book 2: Wild Heart on the Prairie
Book 3: Joy on This Mountain
Book 4: The Captive Within
Book 5: Stolen
Book 6: Lost Are Found 

The Friday #56

"If she continued eating like this, her clothes might begin to fit again rather than slide around like they belonged to someone else."

My Review 

A fiction novel about a strong woman who is a widow and has suffered greatly. After losing her family in a terrible accident, Rose decides to head West. The early settlers of the 1800s who lived on the prairies learned to rely on God a lot. It warms my heart to read about a close rural community of people helping one another out. You feel as if you are part of their clan, participating in all their work routines, attending church together and experiencing good old fashion fellowship with one another. Follow along as you read about the main character, the lovely Rose and her spiritual journey of strength, courage, faith in God and love. Love the book. It drew me in and could not put it down.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend to friends.

About The Author 

Vikki Kestell’s passion for people and their stories is evident in her readers’ affection for her characters and unusual plotlines. Two often-repeated sentiments are, “I feel like I know these people” and “I’m right there, in the book, experiencing what the characters experience.”

Vikki holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Learning and Instructional Technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. “Writing is the best job ever,” she admits, “and the most demanding.”

Also, an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband Conrad Smith make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To keep abreast of new book releases, visit her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or find her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfVikkiKestell.

Have you read the series or are familiar with Vikki Kestell's writing? I like this one a lot!

So, what are you reading this week that you can't put down??

Happy Reading!

“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: Around My House!

About The Book

Through the use of interactive questioning, Around My House!, the first book in the Smart Start series for prereaders, fosters engaging conversations for parents and their children. Images in this book convey children in realistic and familiar settings around the house: in the kitchen, the playroom, the bedroom, the garage, and more.Around My House! prompts children to think at critical, creative, and mathematical levels about their everyday surroundings, and the open-ended questions stimulate curiosity and invigorate conversations between the parents and children. Around My House! highlights the vast world of a child's imagination and encourages children to think deeply about the objects and situations they're faced with every day.

Product Details Age Range: 3 - 5 years Series: Smart Start (Book 1) Hardcover: 16 pages Publisher: Prufrock Press (July 6, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 1618214497 ISBN-13: 978-1618214492 My Review This is the perfect educational picture book book for preschool and kindergarten, ages 3 -5 years. Around My House is the first book in the Smart Start series and an excellent resource in helping children develop cognitive skills. I know my 3 and 5 year old grandsons defineitely enjoy exploring every colorful page, responding to the many excellent realisitic photos, and engaging in the 3 repetitive questions throughout the short book. These open-ended questions stimlate listening and participating conversation with the child, parents and grandparents. I especially llike hearing the little ones discover and respond to the learning scenario in the kitchen, along with the spontaneous entertainment in the livingroom with loved ones. It's a win-win situation when asking Where, What, How and Why questions that bring families and friends closer together by talking with one another. Love the book! 5/5 stars. Highly recommend.    About The Author

Barbara Dullaghan is a baby-boomer born and raised in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, NY. She has worked in gifted education for over 30 years, in four different states. Dullaghan has published an educational unit for teachers of gifted students in grades 4-5 with Kendall Hunt Publishers and commissioned by the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. The Smart Start series of three books (Around My House, Let's Play, and Let's Go to the Market), published by Prufrock Press, fosters engaging conversations with children through the use of higher level questions and realistic images of children. Dullaghan's passions have always involved creativity and writing.

I really like the new writing approach to this book series. Be sure and check it out!

Happy Reading!







 “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

Fish Recipes: Over 100 Recipes

About The Book

Fish is a high-protein, low-fat food that provides a range of health benefits, including being lower in fat than any other source of animal protein. There are numerous ways to cook delicious fish such as steamed, fried, and baked. We have collected the most delicious and best selling fish recipes from around the world. Enjoy!

Apparently author Daniel Tyler has written quite a few recipe books on fish and vegetables. Here's an E-book I got for free awhile back and recently had the chance to go through some of the recipes. This one is found on page 56. I haven't tried the recipe yet but I like Tilapia and have always cooked it with a sliced almond batter. Do you like Tilapia? It's such a mild fish.


The Friday #56

"... then use wooden toothpicks to seal roll."

Stuffed Tilapia with Cheese and Broccoli

Prep Time: 15 mins.

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ready In: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup frozen broccoli, thawed

1 8-ounce container soft-style cream cheese with chives and onion

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons dry white wine

3/4 cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix

1 beaten egg

4 ounce fresh or frozen skinless sole, flounder or other fish fillets, about 1/4 inch thick.

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix in egg, 1/2 of the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, drained broccoli, stuffing mix then scoop 1/4 of the mixture on the end of each fillet, roll, then use wooden toothpicks to seal roll.

2. If cooking in the microwave, cover rolled fish on the dish with vented plastic wrap then cook in the oven for 8 - 10 minutes over 100 degrees.

3. If cooking in the oven, put rolled fish on a greased baking dish then bake covered for 35 minutes over 350 degrees.

4. As for the sauce, heat remaining cheese, wine and milk in a small saucepan, stir well. Serve.

My Review

The book is well organized beginning with 31 Flounder recipes. The Catfish section has 18 recipes to try. My favorite section is the Tilapia recipes. You'll find 31 outstanding recipes from broiling, frying, steaming, broiled, stuffed and grilled fish to try. In addition, the sweet and spicy sauces served with Orzo or Quinoa make a complete meal to enjoy.  The men in my family like the Trout section with 31 recipes in the category to try.  The Salmon recipes are a huge hit, enjoying 31 more great recipes to make. Haven't tried the Flounder or Catfish ones yet but I am impressed with the tilapia and salmon meals the most because the measurements are accurate and the taste is good. I would have given this one 5 stars but there were many typo errors I discovered along the way and I felt a photo or two would have been nice to see. If you like the fish, this one is a hit.

4/5 stars. Recommend it.



Skywatch Friday

Can you imagine the glorious sunrises fishermen must see in the wee hours of the morning?!

If you like trout fishing, here's an article I wrote, Those Tasty Trout.

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