Book Review: Ack!


Book review: Ack! By Cory Sanchez


First, I want to let all my readers know that I am back online and excited to be joining the blogging network once again. Where have I been, you ask? Well, the Lilac fire caused us to evacuate for 4 days and then we returned home for our Christmas miracle! Our home is still standing!

Beginning a somewhat normal routine again, I reached for my copy of an 18-page paperback children's and delightfully embraced the message of the book! I can't wait to share it with you!!


Just a quick note to let you know that you can get 3 formats of Ack! on Amazon!

So, what's the book about?

Tired of feeling "blah", tired, or worn out throughout your day?

Desire a life with less worry, fear, and overwhelm? Dream of finally having an end to pesky, "grumpy day" feelings and emotions? There's a "little known" secret to finding happiness in today's "on the go" existence.

In ACK!, the author guides us through an “easy to follow" journey to living a more fun, engaging, and joy-filled life. If you're looking for the ultimate shortcut on how to turn bad days into good days, then this is the perfect roadmap to unlocking untapped energy, connection, and love.

And, who is Cory Sanchez?

Cory Sanchez is an entrepreneur, investor, world traveler and breakfast burrito aficionado.
A big believer in “living a life you love”, he hopes that his books can somehow make an impact on even a few people that go out there and change the world.

Book illustrations by monika suska



My Thoughts

I think we all know that we have been given the opportunity to make choices in life. Sometimes we choose good ones and often we find ourselves saying, "Oops, why did I choose that?" Often we spiral down with our not-so-good attitudes and a friend arrives to show us our blind spots. In Cory's book, I have found the author's message to be simple, yet powerful with an endless rippling effect! Get the book today! It is a positive approach to catching our runaway negative thoughts and focusing on all that is good. Enjoy and experience the sunny side of life. Cory will introduce you to how to make lemonade when life throws lemons our way. Highly recommend the book for all ages! I have 5 grandchildren and 2 grown daughters. We focus on our attitude and perspective. This one is a keeper, for sure!

5/5 stars!! Ack!

Thanks, Cory for the opportunity. Best wishes and much success!

You can follow the author's journey, ackthebook.com, and instagram.com/ackthebook.


Happy reading!

Wishing all my readers a warm "Merry Christmas!"

Lady D 
 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Charlotte's Garden: Guest Post

Ladybug in the Garden l LadyD Books


                                 photo credit: Daniela Parra F. magic garden (1 of 3) via photopin (license)


I would like to introduce you to Shirley Johnson! She is a WordGirls Member and author of
this guest post. When you have the time, visit her blog to view some of her writings. 
I especially love her poem, So Grateful. I love gardening and I know you will enjoy 
discovering a new perspective here.

Charlotte’s Garden
By Shirley Johnson

Charlotte loved to work in her garden in the morning. She could hear the morning birds greet the day with a song. The refreshing dewdrops found rest upon the garden. The flowers seemed to smile back at the sun.

Charlotte worked hard at maintaining the presentation and growth of the garden. She knew with the proper care it would not only look beautiful but create a peaceful atmosphere for those viewing it. From childhood, she knew which of the elements and garden intruders can interfere with the presentation and growth of the garden and which are harmless.

The garden often ministered to Charlotte. She embraced the seasons of the garden. It often shared reflections of life and whispers of hope.

While working in the garden a ladybug crawled on her sleeve. There was a time many years ago if this happened she would have panicked. She smiled and laughed to herself. She thought back to when she was a very small child. She was with her mom visiting at their friend’s home. The porch provided a favorite play area. Somehow a ladybug crawled right where she sat. She cried out to her mom for help.

Charlotte’s mom came running in response to her cries. While Charlotte saw a big intruder, her mother saw a simple little ladybug. “Oh, Charlotte.” “It’s okay,” said her mom. Her mom had gardened a long time and knew the difference between a harmless bug and dangerous ones. “This is just an innocent little bug that somehow landed in the wrong place.” She calmly scooped up the ladybug with her gentle hands, opened the screen door, and let it go.

Life’s seasons have a way of presenting itself with different problems. There are times when we have real problems, big problems that we need to face, address and solve. Sometimes though, we have little irritations that invade our space. They land right where we sit in life. They have us talking, repeating, agonizing and spinning our wheels. They interfere and distract us from the purpose and plan in our lives. They “bug” us.

When those little irritations land in our space,
look at them and determine how big they are.
Perhaps there are times when we too must open the screen door and let them go. 




Shirley Johnson author

ABOUT

Shirley Johnson shares inspiration and encouragement through her writing. She is a member of SCBWI and ACFW. She loves to read and has volunteered at her local Public Library as an Adult

Literacy Tutor. She shares her writing on her blog. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

http://busylifepause.com/

https://twitter.com/shrlyjohnson

https://www.instagram.com/shrlyjohnson/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/shrlyjohnson

Thanks again, Shirley for a wonderful article to share with our readers! Wishing you continued success!

Blessings,

 Lady D




 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Free Online Logo Maker Review



Logo for LadyD Books

                                                       Logo made with DesignEvo

I would like to introduce you to a free online Logo Maker! I absolutely believe these designs that you yourself can make would be a great addition to your website and social media platforms.

DesignEvo is a free online logo maker for creating your professional logos in seconds. Try it out for yourself, https://www.designevo.com/


Key features: 

* Over one million icons available to search through.
* Hundreds of text fonts and shapes to choose from.
* Fully customizable and unlimited free downloads to your logos.

The above icon for this blog, I chose to color the books, use white special text and have a color background instead of a transparent one.

With the next example, for my children's book reading blog, http://barefootbooks-ladyd.blogspot.com, I used a simple flower design and a small banner graphic. I duplicated the flower and changed the font style. Just type in the image that you're looking for and have fun creating!

Logo for Barefoot Books-LadyD
Logo made with DesignEvo
                             
Logo for Piano Diana
Logo made with DesignEvo
With my music blog, http://pianodiana.blogspot.com, I chose a simple piano graphic and placed my name on the piano cover! The possibilities are endless as you can see how just a change in the color can mean so much to the eye and total look of your blog.

Logo made with DesignEvo


If you are looking for a quick, efficient online design tool for your social media presence, I am pleased to endorse DesignEvo for all your logo making needs! Have a great time choosing your special brand through endless icons available and then experimenting with the layout you want!

5/5 stars! Highly recommend!!

Kind Regards,

Lady D

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Guest Post: Wear Your Own Shoes


Pumpkin patch down on the farm

Here in SoCal it definitely feels and looks like Fall. We arrived at Lavender Hills Pumpkin Farm.

Libby playing the guitar

Meet Libby... After purchasing our pumpkins, this charming lady began to play the guitar and sing for our pumpkin receipt!

Grandsons wearing tennis shoes!

Our grandsons were a captive audience! Then I started thinking about an article I read that reminded me of the changing of the seasons... and something about "Wear Your Own Shoes."

Kolleen Lucariello


Dear Readers,

This is a guest post! Meet Kolleen Lucariello!

ABOUT The Author

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, the author of the devotional book, The ABC's of Who God Says I Am, resides in Central New York with her husband, Pat. You can connect with

Kolleen at www.speakkolleen.com as she pursues God’s heartbeat to change our identity —one letter at a time. 


Walking in Your Own Shoes
By Kolleen Lucariello

Here in my home state of New York, October ushers in the fun of pumpkins, apple picking and salmon fishing season. There’s also the beauty of leaves peaking, apple cider, and cozy sweaters. Among the many things October has to offer, it has also been designated as Women Walking in Their Own Shoes month: a global call for women to say yes to their purpose, passion, and power.

If you’re like me, fall also means it’s time to shed the flip-flops, put away the sandals, and slip your feet back into a pair of shoes. Preferably comfortable ones—it’s never enjoyable to spend a day in shoes that don’t fit.

Once, while visiting my parents, I slipped my feet into a pair of my mother’s shoes so I could retrieve something from the car. Immediately, I noticed we walk completely differently; she walks on the inside of her sole—I don’t. My feet in her shoes didn’t work well. Come to think of it, I’ve stood in the clearance section trying to squeeze my feet into the wrong size shoe all for the sake of cuteness. I’ve also clomped around in shoes too big out of convenience. Neither were comfortable. Did you know it’s possible to cause serious harm to yourself by wearing shoes that don’t fit properly?

Serious harm can also happen when insecurities keep you from walking in your own shoes. Just as there’s comfort when we slip our feet into our own shoes, comfort can be found when we slip ourselves into the purpose, passion, and power God has given us.

Paul wrote, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone” (Ephesians 1:11-12, MSG).

When we say yes to Christ, we say yes to purpose because we discover what we are living for. We say yes to passion because we recognize who we are, and we say yes to power because we understand the kingdom of God is not based on talk but on power (1 Corinthians 4:20).

Cinderella was the only one who could wear the glass slipper. 

You’re the only one who can walk in your shoes.

Wow...

Thanks so much Kolleen! Best wishes and continued success! What a pleasure to read these encouraging words that help us to know who we are in Christ. He desires for us to know Him personally and progressively while on our spiritual walk with Him (in our own shoes)!

Blessings,

Lady D

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: I'm Not A Scaredy Cat

Max Lucado: I'm Not A Scaredy Cat l LadyD Books




Book Description

From New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado comes I’m Not a Scaredy-Cat, a silly, fun, and faith-building picture book to help kids manage their fear or anxiety. To avoid introducing new fears to children, this whimsical story depicts a cute cat character facing fears that are fanciful or exaggerated. These silly scenarios will create talking points for parents to help their children understand what to do when they feel afraid. Kids will learn that God is good, God is near, God is here with them, and, most important, God loves them.
I'm not A Scaredy-Cat

Book Review

I think everyone is afraid of something, especially in our former years of childhood. I suppose we learn how to deal with our innermost personal anxieties and in turn wish to teach our children and grandchildren how to face their fears. Inside the pages of this delightful picture book are fun-loving rhymes, along with excellent colorful illustrations. Most children love cats, so this cute young one, who's afraid of the littlest things, learns to immediately talk to God when he reacts to unexpected circumstances and immediately feels better. A quote from the book regarding the problem:

A leaf from a tree
Landed right on my knee.
I jumped with a bump, fell down with a thump - And that's what happened to me.

My favorite line from the book explaining the solution:

Then I pray:
"God, you are good.
God, you are near.
God, you are here!
And, God, you love me." 
Max Lucado does it again! I love this one! 5/5 stars. Highly recommend.
Great for gift giving and an awesome addition for home and Sunday School libraries.
I'm not A Scaredy-Cat
I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Lady D

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Gobi: A Little Dog With A Big Heart (Review)

Book Review: A Little Dog with A Big Heart Gobi



About The Book

Bring home the incredible true story of a friendship so strong that it crosses the globe! Families everywhere will be delighted by the tale of Gobi and Dion—a little-lost dog and the ultramarathon runner who saved her. Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart is a fun, engaging picture book perfect for families to enjoy together.
Prepare to fall in love with the heartwarming and true story of Gobi and Dion. Gobi, a scrappy little stray dog, latches onto a man named Dion and keeps pace alongside him for 77 miles of a long 155-mile race across China. Through cold nights and raging rivers, with little food and water, and through a long, hard journey, these two create a bond unlike any other.
Cross the finish line with Gobi and Dion, the little pup who never quit and the ultramarathon runner who loves her. This amazing true story sparked international attention and will continue to inspire readers as they enjoy this fun picture book perfect for children.
Join these two unlikely friends as they form a winning team for both the race and life!

Book Illustrations: A Little Dog With A Big Heart

Book Review
Such a heart-warming book of a lifetime friendship and trust between a man and his dog. Discovering good choices between their partnership of give-and-take, always trusting, playing together and having fun. You'll notice maturity and growth in the owner who has trained long and hard, preparing to race across the Gobi Desert. You see, he decides that although he could win the race, in the long run, it would be better if he went back to scoop up his new found dog, Gobi from the waves of the water. Afterall, they're a team! Of course, you'll especially want to read the endnote and find out what Gobi is up to! I personally think this is a good read for children and adults. It just brings the whole family together and touches hearts.
5/5 stars. Highly recommend!

About the Author


Dion Leonard is a 41-year-old Australian who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife Lucja. Dion has not only completed but competed in some of the world’s toughest ultra marathons across the planet’s most inhospitable landscapes. This includes running across the brutal Moroccan Sahara desert twice in the 250km Marathon Des Sables and also twice across South Africa's Kalahari Desert, also 250km. Dion's latest 250km race across the Gobi Desert in China turned out to be a completely different race where he fell in love with a stray dog (later named Gobi) that followed him during the week and who would change both of their lives forever.

Lisa Manuzak is an illustrator of children’s books and a video game concept artist. Originally from Hawaii, she has lived all over the globe, getting inspired by the world and colors around her. She loves fantastical and magical stories, exploring distant lands, experimenting with art, growing plants, and collecting pets. She currently lives in upstate New York with her husband, their corgi, two cats, and a very large fish.
Gobi: A Little Dog With A Big Heart

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

Happy Reading!


Lady D
 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: Where Are You Hiding, God?

Elisabeth Zartl: Where Are You Hiding, God?



I won the advanced promotional manuscript of Elisabeth Zartl's book, Where Are You Hiding, God?

If you like, visit my profile at Librarything.com It's a great place to meet authors, post reviews and see what other folks are reading! So, here's what I have been looking at this week...

Book Description

Where are you hiding, God? In the dresser between my pants and socks? In the bathtub under my little rubber duck? In the grass next to the flowers and the dragonflies?
This colorful picture book tells the story of a little girl trying to find God. She searches in the house, in the bathroom, and in the garden, without any luck. But just as she gives up hope, she finds God.
With beautiful illustrations that offer a treasure trove for exploring, recognizing and naming, this touching story shows children that God is always with them. Ideal for children ages 3 and older. Where Are You Hiding, God?




Where Are You Hiding, God? l Elisabeth Zartl



Book Review

What a charming book, just perfect for preschool children. The illustrations are quite lovely, filled with beautiful nature scenes. The storyline is so sweet and it moves along at a great pace. Children will be delighted to hear the questions of a young girl seeking to find God. It's an engaging book for little ones to point to 'hide and seek' places. There's a wonderful moral here for everyone, that God is everywhere and always with us. My favorite line, "I would like to find you." Excellent for Home/Sunday School libraries and gift-giving.

5/5 stars! Love the book and highly recommend!




About The Author

Elisabeth Zartl has studied religious education, psychology, philosophy, and graphic design. She is currently a teacher and freelance artist in Vienna, Austria, and has authored and illustrated several children s books.
You can order and purchase the book, Where Are You Hiding, God?

Thanks, LibraryThing and Elisabeth Zartl for the book in exchange for my honest review.

Happy Reading!

Lady D

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

(Stuck in the) Sweet in the Middle


LadyD Books: Robin Steinweg Guest Post


Tomorrow I will join a team of ladies hosting a new Bible Study at our church for 8 weeks. I reflected this morning on the many seasons of life we ladies go through. I am so fortunate to share with you, dear readers this wonderful guest post by Robin Steinweg. I pray as you move through the changes in your life, that you will experience 'time for yourself' and see if the points shared in this wonderful article minister to your heart!


Stuck in the Sweet in the Middle
by Robin Steinweg

Do you ever feel you’re in that awkward, in-between stage? I sure do! 

I recently spent years stuck in a crushing middle. Round and round I turned from the growing needs of aging parents to those of growing sons to those of work. I’d carve hours from sleepless nights to write, compose, or read. More often to pray. My husband accepted leftovers with grace and gratitude. Not just food, but time and energy. He was stuck in his own middle, caring for his dad and doing more for my parents than can be recorded.

Now our parents are gone. I’m living in the middle of grief, rediscovering who I am if no longer a caregiver. Looking to experience—and to pass on—the rich life Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). Know what? God shows me things I can do so He can help me move forward. I’m not stuck here. I get to be here, where it can be sweet in the middle!

If you’re in the midst of circumstances or even past them, it’s never too late to rediscover who you are. Try some of the following:

  • Develop friendships with people who will build you up.
  • Find ways to build others up.
  • Journal what you’re going through as a way to release feelings.
  • Photo journal or doodle journal.
  • Admit if you need help.
  • Get more color in your surroundings/clothing.
  • List your blessings.
  • Express more gratitude.
  • Find ways to expand or share your hobbies.
  • Join a book club.
  • Volunteer to help others.
  • If you have grieving to do, do it wholeheartedly. But don’t stay there.
  • Live fully. Enjoy what God gives you to enjoy.
  • Dream again. Don’t hold back—dream big. What does God have for you next? 

These ideas have helped. Yes, I still pick up the phone to call my mom or find jigsaw puzzles for my dad. I still if wonder I could have, should have done more for them. Guilt and remorse creep in. 

But I realize that’s the voice of our enemy, the accuser. So I intentionally turn to words of life in God’s Word. I leave my broken heart at Jesus’ feet. I embrace the blessings He sends my way. 
I affirm this truth: It is Sweet in the Middle! 

About the Author:


Robin Steinweg says life is like a sandwich-cookie. Whatever circumstances close in on us, it can be Sweet in the Middle. Her writings can be found in Today’s Christian Woman, Upper Room, Secret Place and The Christian Pulse. She also writes monthly for Music Teachers Helper blog.

Thank you so much, Robin Steinweg! It's a pleasure to meet you and read such comforting words you've shared with us today! Best wishes and continued success with your writing journey!

Blessings,

Lady D

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Where Does that Grin Come From?


Kathy Willis: Guest Blogger


Meet Kathy Willis, WordGirls Founder and author of Grin with Grace and Speaker To Speaker: The Essential Speaker's Companion. Dear readers, I am so blessed to share with you today, a guest post by God's Grin gal, Kathy Carlton Willis!! What a great encouraging message you are going to love. I know I sure need to be reminded of these truths that I can apply to what I'm going through.



Where Does that Grin Come From?
by Kathy Carlton Willis

I’m often asked, “How can you keep grinning despite the challenges in your life? It has nothing to do with me. It has to do with the God in whom I put my trust. Knowing “He’s got this” helps me carry on (in hope) rather than to carry on (complain)!

Grinning instead of grimacing comes from the discipline of thinking on glorious victorious thoughts outside the current stinky situation.

First I get my imaginary lariat out and wrangle those negative thoughts that attempt to defeat me.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV)

Once I evict those destructive thoughts, I fill the void with healthful and helpful thoughts. Thoughts that line up with the mind of Christ.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ...Then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8b-9 NLT)

If I practice this passage in Philippians, it might look something like this. I’m going to fix my thoughts on what is:

  • True: I remember the extreme way God answered my prayer to provide for our family. 
  • Honorable: I’m blown away by the way that writer stays humble when others try to put her on a pedestal. 
  • Right: I respect the decision this politician made to choose an unpopular but godly path.
  • Pure: How precious the gift of life is when I see photos of the much prayed for Lyla.
  • Lovely: How beautiful are the wildflowers dressing up that field.
  • Admirable: I see integrity in the choice Russ made to not malign a wrongdoer. 
  • Excellent: I respect how she endures through her weight-training routine.
  • Worthy of praise: God’s faithfulness is something I can count on.

Are you having a hard time grinning this week? What will your fix list look like?

Grin with Grace: Kathy Carlton Willis


About the Author:


God’s Grin Gal, Kathy Carlton Willis, shines the light on what holds you back so you can grow. She’s a popular speaker and writer’s coach. Read her book, Grin with Grace, or find more information at http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com

Great article by a very talented writer and speaker! Thank you so much, Kathy Willis! I hope everyone was inspired in applying these good habits that you have shared with us today! I know my heart has been touched and I'm so appreciative of you, Kathy!

Blessings and Happy Reading!


Lady D

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Back To School Book (Billy Has A Birthday)


I found this cool Kindle Book for my grandson to read. He's heading back to school right after Labor Day. Have most of your children began a new school year in your area? Well, the subject matter of this quick read is close to everyone's heart, I think because love protects. This is a good one! Of course, not just for the first day of school but each and every day!

About The Book

Bullying is an issue in many children’s lives. This book will help to make your child bully-proof.

Billy Field celebrates his tenth birthday with his school friends, but Eddy Jost is upset at not being invited to the party. When Billy receives a special present from his granddad Eddy finds out, and wants it for himself. Using bullying tactics Eddy takes the present, leaving Billy devastated. And worse, Billy feels he has to keep his loss a secret from his parents and granddad. 
Max Turner, Billy’s best friend's sister, wants to help Billy, and she tells Billy's granddad. Max and Granddad hatch a plan to recover the present. 
What is Max’s plan? Does the bully get what's coming to him? Will Billy get his present back?

Billy Has A Birthday is the first title in the Billy Books series. Each book addresses a unique topic—bullying, arrogant pride, jealousy, lying, stealing, lack of self-belief, understanding money, and secrets. Written to help parents, guardians and teachers deal with the issues that challenge pre-teen children, each topic is presented in a gentle way through storytelling. Setting the issues in a meaningful context helps children to understand the challenges, and to see things from a different perspective. The books act as ice-breakers allowing for discussions on difficult subjects. Additionally, each title is supported by a free activity book to reinforce the learning, while having fun.

Buying this book today will support your child in the battle against bullying; a destructive and unpleasant behavior.

Billy Has A Birthday: Bullying (Billy Growing Up Book 1)


First Line

"Oh boy, turning ten years old, on the tenth day of the tenth month must be magical."
Book Review

A perfect combo, a boy turning ten and his loving golden retriever celebrate the day. Right away you are introduced to Billy's family and friends. The birthday party begins with the arrival of six boys, one girl, and The Great Magisco (Billy's Granddad). You'll love the author's word crafting here, filled with fun, descriptive action words. The story moves at a great pace with Eddy the bully entering the scene. He steals Billy's birthday money from his granddad. Get the book to learn how the children plan to get the money back! Great lessons on dealing with bullies and the illustrations are excellent!

I enjoyed the book and recommend to family and friends. Bullying, stealing and threatening behavior cannot be allowed.

5/5 stars!

Billy Has A Birthday: Bullying (Billy Growing Up Book 1)

More Bully Resources from Flashlight Press

Anti-Bullying Resources

Reacting To Bullying

Happy Reading!

Lady D

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book review: Get Out of That Pit

Get Out of That Pit l Beth Moore: Book Review




I was thrilled to receive a book copy of another one of Beth's masterful word crafting, Get Out of That Pit. Here's a little bit about this one.
Book Description
From her first breath of fresh air beyond the pit, it has never been enough for Beth Moore to be free.
This best-selling author and Bible teacher who has opened the riches of Scripture to millions longs for you to be free as well—to know the Love and Presence that are better than life and the power of God’s Word that defies all darkness.
Beth’s journey out of the pit has been heart-rending. But from this and the poetic expressions of Psalm 40 has come the reward: a new song for her soul, given by her Saviour and offered to you in Get Out of That Pit—friend to friend. This is Beth’s most stirring message yet of the sheer hope, utter deliverance, and complete and glorious freedom of God.
Book Review

If you know someone who has fallen on hard times and found themselves in a pit of despair and darkness, the writer's words will offer hope. As Beth shares the truth from God's word, they will see a new perspective on their situation. The author personally knows that pain is real. Within the pages, the biblical truth found here will set one free. I encourage you to read the book and get one for a friend. If you've been hurting and received help from Beth's sharing, please pay it forward. It is warm, funny, encouraging, and relational.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. Perhaps you would like to purchase a copy, here.

Happy Reading!

Lady D

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

FotoJet Designer Review

Violinist: Photo Editing





FotoJet Designer Details

FotoJet Designer, a simple but powerful graphic design app. It's available on both Mac and Windows.

Some of its key features:

* 900+ templates for social media graphics, magazine covers, cards, posters, flyers, banners and more.
* Thousands of resources: clipart, fonts, effects, backgrounds, lines, and shapes, etc.
* Powerful editing tools: crop, resize, rotate, layer management, duplicate, undo/redo, etc.

My Review

This is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves photography work, especially if you're a blogger and have a website. For example, in photo #1 I found a great photo template and added text and clipart for musicians to use piano chords in a very popular song. This image was created for Pinterest and its users.

Oceans: Where Feet May Fail


There are many wonderful font styles (sizes and shapes) to work with for headings and subheadings. Here in photo #2 and #3, I chose an eye-popping bubble effect in my text.

The Power of Music


Music Party

The good thing is that there are a variety of choices regarding templates to use for your various needs in creating banners or cards. For example, FotoJet offers pictures (templates) of fashion, travel, sports, food, landscape and so much more. There are so many creative possibilities at your fingertips, including uploading your own personal photos to work with.

If you like photo editing, I know I sure do... then you must look into this great photo designer app. You are in control of adding or removing any text designs on their photos as well as your very own.

In photo #4 I've designed a FaceBook Cover Art banner. Next, I will be working on a Spring Recital cover front and updating my YouTube and Google+ banners. So many delightful options to create for personal and business use.

Piano Lessons Banner

For photo #5, I went all out in social media and shared this photo that I created in FotoJet with my audience. Everyone loves Billy Joel and the response was great on FaceBook!

Billy Joel Quote

So, give it a try. I highly recommend the app and give it 5 stars! It's easy to use and you'll really enjoy it. Special thanks to Candy at PearlMountain Technology.

Oh, and you may be interested in private or group piano lessons if you're in SoCal. Please stop by LadyDpiano.com and send me a quick note. I'd love to hear from you. Wishing you all the best!

Happy photo designing!

-- LadyD
 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Review: Handy Household Hints from Heloise

Handy Household Hints from Heloise



Product Description


Do EVERYTHING Around the House
• Better
• Smarter
• Faster

Heloise is America’s most recognized name for household advice, and she shares her innovative solutions for your most pressing dilemmas. Whether you need shortcuts for everyday tasks, delicious ideas for quick meals, or ingenious tricks for the spills, accidents, and clogs in your day, just turn to Handy Household Hints from Heloise.

You’ll learn how to:
• Clean a keyboard with a used dryer sheet.
• Remove hot pepper seeds with a grapefruit spoon.
• Lift scuff marks with plain, white paper.
• Corral electrical cords with a ponytail holder.

Discover Heloise’s most creative ideas and tips for cleaning up, entertaining with ease, making repairs, getting organized, taking care of yourself, coping with nuisances, and keeping house. Filled with up-to-the-minute hints, you’ll turn to this handbook whenever you’ve burnt the rice, stained your shirt, or splattered paint on your hands.


Handy Household Hints from Heloise

About the Author


Heloise is one of the most recognized lifestyle managers in the world. Her column appears 7 days a week in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and foreign countries, and she is a frequent guest on national television and radio, where she shares her insight for saving time, saving work, and saving money.


Book Review

You'll find hundreds of clever cleaning tips inside that can help you solve life's little messes!  If you're wondering what to do with margarine tubs, metal mint tins, and peanut butter jars look no further. Heloise shares creative ideas for using plastic lids that can separate nonstick pans. Plus, I've read many times throughout the pages that one can roll kitchen and bath towels to save on storage room. There's an informative section on making the most of your closet space and I believe the author's all-time favorite cleaners are vinegar and baking soda for almost everything! Great helpful, practical tips to discover and experiment with.

4/5 stars!


Lady D


 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis