WSJ Wednesdays: Books for Young Entrepreneurs

I try to stay away from book topics for WSJ Wednesdays because I talk about books a lot, but I have to say this article by Emily Glazer caught my eye; especially since I am reading The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson.

In the Monday, May 21, 2102 edition of The Wall Street Journal Glazer spoke to experts who recommended books for young entrepreneurs. Today's world is a fascinating place where children come up with amazing ideas. On Fact Monster you can learn about the edible spoon-shaped cracker invented by Suzanna Goodin because she was tired of cleaning the cat food spoon. You'll also read about Jeanie Low, who invented the Kiddie Stool--a folding stool that fits under the sink so kids can easily pull it out, unfold it, and use it to reach the sink on their own.

The Young Entrepreneur Council believes, "entrepreneurship is a solution to youth unemployment and underemployment." If you search for "young entrepreneurs" on Google, you'll find many organizations dedicated to this group of creative young minds.

Yesterday, the Lil Diva (10) brought me a sheet of paper filled with drawings of what she calls FooFoos. These are little creatures with a variety of facial expressions. There are aliens and angels, a one-eyed creature, and something that looks like a Frankenstein kind of guy. I got to thinking, "Why couldn't FooFoos be the next Squinkies™ or Sillybandz® craze with tons of kids clamoring for them in toy stores around the country?"

You can read Glazer's article here. Perhaps you'll find some books for your little entrepreneur.

Book Review: Hurry Less, Worry Less for Moms by Judy Christie

If there is one thing I understand, it's being a busy mom. Seems the days fly by with little time for any rest or even a moment to catch a breath.

Filled with practical advice and hope, Hurry Less, Worry Less for Moms by Judy Christie will help. This book will empower you to make the needed changes in your life. As moms, we have the corner on guilty feelings. I missed a field trip with one of the kids yesterday because I woke with a stomach bug. Yes, I managed to get work done, but my heart was heavy all day because my daughter was so looking forward to me coming on her field trip. I sometimes wonder how much of my hectic schedule is caused by not wanting to disappoint someone else.

Even from the beginning I was inspired by Christie's book. In the first chapter, she shares something very important:  "Get to know yourself and your family better, being aware of what makes you tick, your strengths, and the areas that may need improvement. Consider your relationship with God. Depend on others." I think this wraps it up in a nutshell. Too often I focus on the areas for improvement and none of the strengths. Too often I try to go it alone instead of bringing my worries to God or asking others for help.


Hurry Less Worry Less for Moms encourages you to take it one step at at time, learn to say no, focus on what is right for your life at this time, set priorities, learn how to make wise decisions and be truly blessed by your role as a mom. It helps you find more joy, pursue peace in your daily life, build a hopeful heart, and reminds you to lean on God. Pray for your needs and your family's needs. It also talks about one thing that I feel most moms forget--self-care. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our families.

I loved everything about this book and I would recommend it to any mom I know.


Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 2011)
ISBN-10: 0687659159
ISBN-13: 978-0687659159
SRP: $14.99
Also available Kindle and Nook

I received a free paperback of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review. 

Book Review: Hurry Less Worry Less for Moms by Judy Christie

If there is one thing I understand, it's being a busy mom. Seems the days fly by with little time for any rest or even a moment to catch a breath.

Filled with practical advice and hope, Hurry Less, Worry Less for Moms by Judy Christie will help. This book will empower you to make the needed changes in your life.

As moms, we have the corner on guilty feelings. I missed a field trip with one of the kids yesterday because I woke with a stomach bug. Yes, I managed to get work done, but my heart was heavy all day because my daughter was so looking forward to me coming on her field trip. I sometimes wonder how much of my hectic schedule is caused by not wanting to disappoint someone else.

Even from the beginning I was inspired by Christie's book. In the first chapter, she shares something very important:  "Get to know yourself and your family better, being aware of what makes you tick, your strengths, and the areas that may need improvement. Consider your relationship with God. Depend on others." I think this wraps it up in a nutshell. Too often I focus on the areas for improvement and none of the strengths. Too often I try to go it alone instead of bringing my worries to God or asking others for help.


Hurry Less Worry Less for Moms encourages you to take it one step at at time, learn to say no, focus on what is right for your life at this time, set priorities, learn how to make wise decisions and be truly blessed by your role as a mom. It helps you find more joy, pursue peace in your daily life, build a hopeful heart, and reminds you to lean on God. Pray for your needs and your family's needs. It also talks about one thing that I feel most moms forget--self-care. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our families.

I loved everything about this book and I would recommend it to any mom I know.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 2011)
ISBN-10: 0687659159
ISBN-13: 978-0687659159
SRP: $14.99
Also available for Kindle and Nook

I received a free paperback of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review. 

You've Got Mail Mondays

Last week flew by and here we are at Monday again. It was a week filled with books, magazines, cat litter, and bills (yuck).

Ernie the postman brought me John Locke: Philosopher of American Liberty by the late Mary-Elaine Swanson. I am helping to promote this book. As a lover of American history it should be right up  my alley. I also received Bible Blessings for Bedtime by Linda Carlblom. I blog with Linda over at the Christian Children's Authors blog. I won a copy of this book through a contest she was running. I can't wait to share it with the girls.

Speaking of the girls, recent Land's End and Justice® catalogs arrived. We shopped at Justice this past week too. The Lil Diva seems to have outgrown everything she owns. We came home with new swimsuits for both girls. The Lil Diva bought new sandals, a skirt on clearance (thank God), a shirt, and new strapless bra. The Lil Princess came home with a new pair of capris, a tank top, and a beautiful chiffon top.

The new Lowe's® Creative Ideas for Home and Garden catalog arrived with a great picture of a deck inside that I would love to have. My Gardening How-to magazine for May/June also arrived. They had this neat article on how to create a topiary. I've always wanted to do that.

World's Best Cat Litter™ was kind enough to send me a sample bag of their unscented multi-cat version to try out. As you know, I am always on the lookout to improve the time it takes to clean up that mess. I was surprised when the UPS man dropped it off this week. I thought it would take a bit longer to get here. Look for my review on this coming soon.

That's it for this week's You've Got Mail Monday. I've noticed a slight drop off in blog traffic the past couple of weeks. Please let me know if there is anything else you would like to see here. I made a few changes based upon past feedback, so keep those ideas coming and I'll do what I can.

Thanks for your support.

Getting that Beach Body Ready

Summer is quickly approaching and yet my exercise regime consists of a once a week 20-minute workout. How am I going to get that Beach Body I want for the Outer Banks if I am such a slacker? If I were honest, I would say my desire to exercise is right up there with my desire to have a root canal. I can never seem to make the time for it in my jam-packed schedule, despite knowing I am predisposed to osteoporosis.

An exercise program can help strengthen muscles and improve balance. It also helps improve your overall sense of well-being. As someone who has always struggled with body image issues, exercise could help me feel better about the way I look. I don't feel it's wrong to exercise for your health, while being happy with how you look too.

The thought of a 90 Day Review program is enticing. A training system that would allow me to get in great shape in only 90 days makes me want to sign up right now. If I can get in the habit of exercising over that period of time, then it could lead to a lifestyle change. An Extreme Body Workout would definitely make me feel better and look better. My husband already exercises five days a week. He's also made some diet changes over the past few years. I'm hoping I gain some of his willpower. While I don't eat anywhere near the type of junk I used to, I still need to improve my diet. A complete fitness and nutrition program could make a huge difference in my life.



This is a guest post provided by Fitness Alliance.

Book Spotlight: Making Life Matter by Shane Stanford

In a world of fast-paced schedules and priorities, conversations about what makes for a life well lived are a rarity and a luxury. But what if the daily pace of life held in itself the way to make choices more significant? What if the daily to-do lists gave a glimpse into how people might change their future? What if the daily grind, as arduous as it might seem, held the key to a life full of meaning and potential? What if everyday, simple steps, instead of some complex list of seemingly unattainable principles, showed how to make life matter?

Making Life Matter answers these questions and shows that the steps for making life matter are found in rather ordinary decisions, attitudes, and patterns found in normal routines. This book is about our story and our journey, and what we do and feel along the way.

Shane Stanford is a pastor, author and teacher. He is the Senior Pastor of Christ UMC in Memphis, TN, one of United Methodism’s largest and most influential congregations.

Shane is a former church planter as well as the Director/Host of the United Methodist Hour, a radio and television ministry airing in 30 million homes nationwide.

Shane is the author of eleven books including A Positive Life (Zondervan), The CURE for the Chronic Life (Abingdon), and Mosaic (Abingdon).

Shane has also written several articles published in such journals/magazines as Giving, CNNOnline, Alive, and The Circuit Rider. Shane has appeared on numerous media programs including ABC’s Good Morning America and Fox & Friends.

Shane travels extensively sharing his story as an HIV positive hemophiliac and pastor. He has presented at such venues as the Saddleback Global AIDS Summit and the National Civil Rights Museum.

He is married to Dr. Pokey Stanford (a Professor of Education) and they are the parents of three daughters, ages 14, 11, and 7. His latest book is Making Life Matter: Embracing the Joy in the Everyday. Visit his website at www.shanestanford.com.

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Abingdon Press (April 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1426710321

ISBN-13: 978-1426710322

PURCHASE MAKING LIFE MATTER AT:

CHRISTIAN BOOK

AMAZON

BARNES AND NOBLE

FOLLOW SHANE AT:

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

Pinch A Penny Franchise Opportunities in Florida

Many people I know dream of owning their own business, but are concerned about going it alone. Franchise opportunities are available in Florida with Pinch A Penny®, the largest franchised retail pool, patio and spa company.

Florida is ideal for poolside living. Because of their extensive line of pool and spa care products and experienced knowledgeable staff, pool owners rely on their local Pinch A Penny to be their one-stop resource for everything they need for their pools and spas, along with advice on how to use those supplies.

Pinch A Penny began with the opening of one store in 1975, and has grown to an entire network of stores in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. And they're still growing.

They will be there to help support and encourage your new franchise every step of the way. From sales training and marketing to advertising to an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of the business, and more, Pinch A Penny wants you to know you are part of their family and they want you to succeed. The training doesn't stop once you open your doors. Pinch A Penny offers on-going training opportunities for you and your associates.

You can visit their website for more information and to see if a Pinch A Penny franchise opportunity is right for you.


This post is sponsored by Pinch A Penny.