Monday, January 14, 2013

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I may be easy <g> but I'm not cheap and I do a great job with blogging, product testing and reviewing, anything having to do with dogs and Sharpei's, guinea pigs, hippos, gators, you name your critter and I can do it!   I'm also very attuned to the beach and beach living and anything sand or ocean!  Do you want a tour of some beaches?  I have been to many besides mine!  I have pictures for sale (I am a photographer) and dog images for sale and also food products!  I write and review food products and anything in the kitchen!

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Welcome to Chicken Soup for the Soul, a world leader in life improvement. We have been helping real people share real stories for fifteen years, bringing hope, wellness, inspiration and love to hundreds of millions of people around the world. We hope our books and products touch your life in a similar way.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels Among Us
101 Inspirational Stories of Miracles, Faith, and Answered Prayers
Celestial, otherworldly, heavenly. Whatever the term, sometimes there is no earthly explanation for what we experience, and a higher power is clearly at work. In this book of 101 inspirational stories, contributors share their personal angel experiences of faith, miracles, and answered prayers. You will be awed and inspired by these true personal stories from people, religious and non-religious, about angel guidance, miraculous intervention, and love from beyond.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive
101 Inspirational Stories about Changing Your Life through Positive Thinking
Attitude is everything. And this book will uplift and inspire readers with its 101 success stories about the power of positive thinking and how contributors changed their lives, solved problems, or overcame challenges through a positive attitude, counting their blessings, or other epiphanies.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Finding My Faith Chicken Soup for the Soul: Finding My Faith
101 Inspirational Stories about Life, Belief, and Spiritual Renewal
Everyone's faith story is different. People of all faiths share their personal experiences in this inspiring collection of amazing stories about the number of ways people discover, or rediscover, their faith — whether it's Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or any other religion. These inspirational and powerful stories will touch the hearts and souls of readers.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas
A Special Collection of Joyful Holiday Stories
Share the magic and joy of Christmas. You'll love these heartwarming, inspirational, and fun stories of Christmas miracles, family reunions, charity, the wonder of children, the joy of giving, and family and religious traditions. Most of these stories originally appeared in a limited edition book called Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Christmas that was sold exclusively by Barnes & Noble in 2010.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hooked on Hockey Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hooked on Hockey
101 Stories about the Players Who Love the Game and the Families that Cheer Them On
Hockey fans and hockey families will love the 101 exciting and inspiring stories in this collection about playing, living, and loving hockey! This collection of stories from everyday hockey players and fans, as well as revealing personal stories from NHLers and hockey insiders will delight anyone who enjoys hockey, whether it's in the backyard, in school, or at the professional level.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can't Believe My Dog Did That! Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can't Believe My Dog Did That!
101 Stories about the Crazy Antics of Our Canine Friends
We all rejoice in the simple absurdities, funny habits, and crazy antics of our dogs. They make us smile every day, but sometimes they really outdo themselves. You will love reading all the heartwarming, inspirational, and hysterical stories in this book. We know after reading the stories you'll say, "I can't believe a dog did that!"
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Great Health Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Great Health
Use Your Mind to Promote Your Own Healing and Wellness
Inspiring Chicken Soup for the Soul stories and accessible leading-edge medical information from Dr. Jeff Brown of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Brown unlocks the mysteries of the mind/body connection and shows you how you can feel better and really be better by using your mind and thinking positively. The great stories will show you how other people have used positive thinking to affect their physical and mental well-being.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Married Life! Chicken Soup for the Soul: Married Life!
101 Inspirational Stories about Fun, Family and Wedded Bliss
Marriage is a wonderful institution, and in this fresh collection of stories, husbands and wives share their personal, funny, and quirky stories from the trenches. This book will inspire and delight readers with its entertaining and heartwarming stories about fun, family, and wedded bliss. Whether newly married or married for years and years, readers will find laughter and inspiration in these 101 stories of love, romance, fun, and making it work.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Boost Your Brain Power! Chicken Soup for the Soul: Boost Your Brain Power!
Redesign & Energize Your Brain at Any Age
Inspiring Chicken Soup for the Soul stories and accessible leading-edge medical information from Dr. Marie Pasinski of Harvard Medical School. Many people would like to enhance their brainpower and are looking for help to do just that. Others are retraining their brains after traumatic injuries or strokes. Others are looking for ways to keep their brains young and dynamic. This book will fascinate you with stories and useful information on how to improve your own brain.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Back Pain! Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Back Pain!
How to Handle Flare-ups, Injuries, and Everyday Back Health
Inspiring Chicken Soup for the Soul stories and accessible leading-edge medical information from Dr. Julie Silver of Harvard Medical School. Many people suffer from back pain. The lucky ones have occasional flare-ups and the unlucky ones have chronic issues. This book is filled with great advice on how to care for your back, recover from injuries, improve your mobility, handle pain, manage chronic problems, and maintain a positive attitude.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Stress Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Stress
Manage Your Problems, Big and Small, Every Day
Inspiring Chicken Soup for the Soul stories and accessible leading-edge medical information from Dr. Jeff Brown of Harvard Medical School. We all have stress in our lives. What differentiates us is how we handle it. The combination of these stories, from people who have learned how to manage stress, and Dr. Brown's practical advice, will have you wondering what you were worried about! Who knew there were so many easy ways to manage your stress?
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Hello to a Better Body! Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Hello to a Better Body!
Weight Loss and Fitness for Women Over 50
Inspiring Chicken Soup for the Soul stories and accessible leading-edge medical information from Dr. Suzanne Koven of Harvard Medical School. Women over 50 fight menopause, creaky joints, busy lives, and other factors that interfere with their quests for weight control and fitness. These advice-filled stories from women over 50 who have figured out how to get fit are combined with Dr. Koven's practical advice and medical information. You won't have any more excuses!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Here Comes the Bride Chicken Soup for the Soul: Here Comes the Bride
101 Stories of Love, Laughter and Family
The wedding day, and each day leading up to it, is a special and exciting time. In this collection of 101 heartwarming and hilarious stories, brides and grooms, families and friends share their memories of the big day. With stories about everything from the proposal, to the planning, to actual wedding day events, the honeymoon, and all the joys and frustrations in between, this book will delight and encourage any bride or newlywed. A great gift for bridal showers, engagements, and weddings!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stay-at-Home Moms Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stay-at-Home Moms
101 Inspirational Stories for Mothers about Hard Work and Happy Families
With stories by famous moms, including Jane Green, Melora Hardin, Liz Lange, Jodi Picoult, and Jill Kargman, and stories from other moms who elected to stay at home or work from home. Every stay-at-home and work-from-home mom will view this book as having been written just for her! A reissue of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms, this book contains 101 great stories from mothers who have made the choice to stay home or work from home while raising their families. These multi-tasking, high-performing women have become today’s power mom. This is perfect for book groups as it contains a reader guide.
Originally issued as Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers
101 Stories of Love, Sacrifice and Bonding
Do you have a family member who requires constant care? You are not alone. This collection offers support and encouragement in its 101 stories for family caregivers of all ages, including the "sandwich" generation caring for a family member while raising their children. With stories by those on the receiving end of the care too. These stories of love, sacrifice, and lessons will inspire and uplift family members making sacrifices to make sure their loved ones are well cared for, whether in their own homes or elsewhere.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters
101 Inspirational and Entertaining Stories about That Special Bond
Mothers and daughters. They are, at the same time, very similar and completely unique. This relationship — through birth, childhood, teen years, adulthood, grandchildren, aging, and every step in between — can be the best, the hardest, and the sweetest. Moms and daughters will laugh, cry, and find inspiration in this collection of entertaining, poignant, and heartwarming stories that remind them of their shared love, appreciation and special bond. A great gift for Mother's Day.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven
101 Stories Miraculous Stories of Signs from Beyond, Amazing Connections, and Love that Doesn't Die
When our loved ones leave this world, our connection with them does not end. Death takes away their physical presence, but not their spirits, and we often sense them after they have gone. Sometimes when we see or hear from them, they give us signs and messages. Sometimes they speak to us in dreams or they appear in different forms. The stories in this book, both religious and secular, will amaze you, giving you new knowledge, insight and awareness about the connection and communication we have with those who have passed on or those who have experienced dying and coming back.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times for Teens Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times for Teens
101 Stories about the Hardest Parts of Being a Teenager
The teenage years are tough, and when bad things happen, the challenges can be overwhelming. Faced with illness, car accidents, loss of loved ones, divorces, or other upheavals, the obstacles to happiness can seem insurmountable. The 101 stories in this book describe the toughest teenage challenges and how other teens, with the same struggles, overcame them. This collection will be a support and companion for teenagers and will encourage, comfort, and inspire them, showing them that, as tough as things can get, they are not alone.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Food and Love Chicken Soup for the Soul: Food and Love
101 Stories Celebrating Special Times with Family and Friends... and Recipes Too!
Food is an expression of love — both the romantic kind and the comforting kind between family and friends. With its savory, sweet, and sometimes spicy stories, this delightful collection will sprinkle in laughs, warm hearts of readers, and stir up memories that certain aromas and tastes always bring. Readers will relish the stories on how love and food together played a flavorful part in life. Some recipes included too!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Answered Prayers Chicken Soup for the Soul: Answered Prayers
101 Stories of Hope, Miracles, Faith, Divine Intervention, and the Power of Prayer
We all need help from time to time, and these 101 true stories of answered prayers show a higher power at work in our lives. Regular people share their personal, touching stories of God's Divine intervention, healing power, and communication. Filled with stories about the power of prayer, miracles, and hope, this book will inspire anyone looking to boost his or her faith and read some amazing stories.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times
101 Daily Devotions to Inspire and Support You in Times of Need
Struggles test us all, but readers will find counsel and reassurance in these devotional stories of faith, strength, and prayer. This collection is filled with stories that show God's presence during times of trouble — from illness, addictions, job loss, grief, and much more — providing a boost and reminder of God's ever-present love. Readers will find encouragement, solace, and hope in these personal stories and prayers.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for the Young at Heart Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for the Young at Heart
101 Stories of Inspiration, Humor, and Wisdom about Life at a Certain Age
Life begins again at 60! Crossing that magic age might bring a few new wrinkles but also new experiences. This collection is full of humorous and fun adventures from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for the Young at Heart celebrates the fun and wonder of getting older with its stories about dynamic older singles and couples finding new careers, new sports, new love, and new meaning to their lives. This book will amuse and invigorate readers.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers
101 Stories of Inspiration and Support for Teens
Teenage years are tough, but this book will help teens as they journey through the ups and downs of adolescence. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers provides support and inspiration for teenagers as they grow up, reminding them they are not alone, as they read stories from teens just like themselves about the problems and issues they face every day. The stories in this book serve as a guide on topics from the daily pressures of life and school to love, friendships, parents, and much more. This collection will encourage, inspire, and amuse teens, showing that, as tough as things can get, they are not alone!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Preteens Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Preteens
101 Stories of Inspiration and Support for Tweens
Being a preteen is harder than it looks! School is more challenging, bodies are changing, relationships with parents are different, and new issues arise with friends. But preteens can find encouragement and inspiration in this collection of stories by other preteens, just like them, about the problems and issues they face every day. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Preteens will help readers as they navigate those tough preteen years from ages 9 to 12 with its stories from others just like them, about the highs and lows of life as a preteen. It's a support group they carry in their backpack!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Country Music Chicken Soup for the Soul: Country Music
The Inspirational Stories behind 101 of Your Favorite Country Songs
Songs tell a story, and now many of country music's most famous singers and songwriters are sharing more of the story! These artists reveal the inspiration, influence, and background, and when and why they wrote their most famous songs, in this fresh collection of stories. The book also includes great photos of the songwriters and lyrics of many of the songs. A great gift for anyone who loves country music!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Dog's Life Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Dog's Life
101 Stories about All the Ages and Stages of Our Canine Companions
It's a dog's life. This collection of 101 new stories focuses on all the memorable ages and stages of our lovable canines' lives. Starting in puppyhood and covering a range of middle and senior years to the twilight and end when our dear friends leave us, this book captures the entire experience of living through the natural life cycle with our dogs. All dog lovers will laugh, cry, and recognize themselves and their furry friends in these heartwarming and inspiring stories of puppy antics, teenage rebellion, adapting to an aging dog and, finally, having to say goodbye.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grieving and Recovery Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grieving and Recovery
101 Inspirational and Comforting Stories about Surviving the Loss of a Loved One
Grieving is a process everyone goes through in their own way. It often feels overwhelming and as if the sorrow will never end. While the hurt and sadness never completely fade, it eases with time. This collection of emotional and inspirational stories will provide comfort and peace to those mourning the loss of someone close. Others who have lost a loved one share their stories of what helped, offering guidance and support. With its stories of regaining strength, appreciating life, coping, and faith, this book will help ease the journey to healing.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Shaping the New You Chicken Soup for the Soul: Shaping the New You
101 Encouraging Stories about Dieting and Fitness... and Finding What Works for You
No one likes to diet, but the personal stories in this book will encourage and inspire readers with its positive, practical, and purposeful tales of dieting and fitness. Readers will find hope, help, and hints on getting fit and staying healthy in these 101 stories from those who have been there, done that, and maintained it. Stories about wake-up calls and realizations, moving more and eating better, self-esteem and support, and lifestyle changes, big and small, will motivate any reader looking to start fresh or needing a boost. This is a great book for anyone embarking on a healthier lifestyle.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Matters Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Matters
101 Unforgettable Stories about Our Nutty but Lovable Families
Nearly everyone thinks their own family is "nutty" or has at least one or two nuts. With 101 stories of wacky yet lovable relatives, funny foibles, and holiday meltdowns along with more serious stories about abuse and outbursts, this book is usually hilarious and occasionally poignant. Readers will feel comforted, amused, and encouraged by these unforgettable stories about "nutty" families just like their own. This book shows readers that we all have the same family matters and what really matters is families. It is a quirky and fun holiday book, and a great bridal shower or wedding gift!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic
101 Holiday Tales of Inspiration, Love, and Wonder
Christmas is a magical time of year — a time of family, friends, and traditions. And all the joys, blessings, and excitement of the season are captured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic with its 101 new holiday stories covering everything from finding the perfect Christmas tree, being with family, and seeing the wonder in a child's eyes to goodwill, love, and the true meaning of Christmas. This book will delight every reader, from the young to the young at heart, and bring back the magic of the holiday season. "Santa-safe" for kids!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Mothers Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Mothers
101 Daily Devotions to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire Mothers
Throughout time, women have shared their joys and sorrows, thoughts and feelings, experiences and life lessons with one another. The tradition continues in this charming book filled with 101 stories on motherhood, faith, and comfort that affirm God's unconditional love and His wisdom. Women will find encouragement, solace, and strength in these personal stories and prayers by fellow moms about all aspects of motherhood, from its joys and blessings to challenges and tests of faith. This book will uplift, counsel, and reassure any woman of faith who needs a boost or reminder of God's ever-present love as she goes through the ups and downs of life and motherhood.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive
101 Inspirational Stories about Counting Your Blessings and Having a Positive Attitude
Every cloud has a silver lining. With its 101 stories of optimism, faith, and strength, this book will encourage readers to stay positive during challenging times and in their everyday lives. Readers will be inspired by these real-life stories from people just like them, taking a positive attitude to the ups and downs of life, and remembering to be grateful and count their blessings. This book continues Chicken Soup for the Soul's focus on inspiration and hope and its stories remind us that each day holds something to be thankful for. A great start to the New Year.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles
101 True Stories of Healing, Faith, Divine Intervention, and Answered Prayers
Everyone loves a good miracle story, and this book provides 101 true stories of healing, divine intervention, and answered prayers. These amazing stories prove that God is alive and very active in the world today, working miracles on our behalf. Regular people share their personal stories of God's Divine intervention and healing power as He makes the impossible possible! The incredible accounts shared by people from all walks of life show His awesome love and involvement in our lives. This book of miracles will encourage, uplift, and recharge the faith of Christian readers.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners
101 Inspirational Stories of Energy, Endurance, and Endorphins
When runners aren't running, they are talking about running, planning their next run, shopping for running. This book contains 101 stories from runners, telling their stories to other runners about. running — how it has changed their lives, their bodies, and their spirits. Runners will love these inspirational stories of fellow runners challenging themselves, recovering from injuries, and staying motivated. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners also includes amazing stories of marathons, camaraderie, and the natural high that comes from this popular sport. It holds plenty of stories for triathletes too, covering swimming and cycling.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom
101 Stories of Gratitude, Love, and Good Times
A mother's job is never done, but in Thanks Mom, she gets the praise she deserves. Children of all ages share their words of gratitude and appreciation in this new collection of stories for moms. Daughters and sons retell tales of love and learning, celebrating moms, their wisdom, and all that they do. These stories of special memories, loving and hard lessons, unforgettable moments, laughter and tears, support and encouragement will bring any mom joy, inspiration, and amusement. Mothers of all ages, whether new moms, experienced moms, or grandmothers, will feel good about the recognition they receive. Expect plenty of celebrity contributors!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales
101 Inspirational Stories from Great Teachers and Appreciative Students
This is a great gift for new and experienced teachers, providing them a morale boost and the knowledge they are appreciated. The teaching industry has embraced this book, and more than half the stories are from "celebrity" teachers, including all of the 2009 State Teachers of the Year and the 2009 National Teacher of the Year. There is a lot of buzz about this book in the teaching industry and those teachers who don't receive it as a gift are sure to buy it for themselves, to read these 101 true stories by great teachers and appreciative students, with lots of laughs, poignant moments, and some tears too.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love
101 Heartwarming and Humorous Stories about Dating, Romance, Love, and Marriage
Everyone loves a good love story. And we all love stories about how the love started and blossomed. This fun new book about dating, romance, love, and marriage, will make readers laugh and cry, and is guaranteed to inspire a renewed search for that special someone or open the heart a little more to the love already found. Stories of how couples met, when “they knew,” good and bad dates, proposals, maintaining the relationship, second chances, and all the other ups and downs of love, romance, and marriage will entertain, encourage, and warm the hearts of all readers. A great Valentine’s, wedding, or romantic gift!
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story behind the Song Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story behind the Song
The Exclusive Personal Stories behind 101 of Your Favorite Songs
Ever wondered what inspired your favorite songs? What was going on in the songwriter's life at the time? Who those lyrics were really about? Did he really write the song on a napkin? Many of music's most famous names reveal the stories behind their best-known songs. Many of these exclusive stories are told for the first time. Photos and lyrics are included too. You will never listen to these songs the same way again. A great gift for anyone who loves music, any age.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings
101 Stories of Gratitude, Fortitude, and Silver Linings
This follow-on book to Tough Times, Tough People continues Chicken Soup for the Soul’s focus on inspiration and hope in these difficult times. These inspirational stories remind us that each day holds something to be thankful for — whether it is having the sun shine or having food on the table. Power outages and storms, health scares and illnesses, job woes and financial insecurities, housing challenges and family worries test us all. But there is always a silver lining. The simple pleasures of family, home, health, and inexpensive good times are described. These stories of optimism, faith, and strength will make a great start to 2010.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family
101 Incredible Stories about Our Funny, Quirky, Lovable & "Dysfunctional" Families
Almost everyone thinks their own family is “dysfunctional” or at least has a dysfunctional member or two. These stories of wacky yet lovable relatives, holiday meltdowns, and funny foibles, along with more serious stories about abuse, controlling family members, and flare-ups, show readers that they aren’t alone. All in the Family is a quirky and fun holiday book, and a great bridal shower or wedding gift! Norman Rockwell’s famous “Freedom from Want” Thanksgiving family painting appears on the back cover and is lovingly parodied on the front, driving home the point that all our families, no matter how much we love them, are just a little dysfunctional!
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Thanks for reading!  Get the idea that I have too much time on my hands?  My husband would say that I don't and I agree with that.  So I will take it slow!   Thanks  :)

Oh!  You can contact me here if you would like me to do something for you!  But catch me in March, 2013 unless it's something that you need right away!  :)





Saturday, January 12, 2013

Important information about the flu





Have you gotten your flu shot?  Don't be one of those people who "claim" that they get the flu from the flu shot because that is just not true!  

 

Flu outbreak: Why are so many not getting vaccinated?


The CDC recommends everyone who is over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine.  The people most at risk for developing complications from the flu include people over the age of 65, pregnant women, and those with asthma, emphysema and chronic lung disease. However, the majority of Americans do not get the flu shot each year – with only 46 percent getting the vaccine by the end of March 2012.  And, the success rates are fairly positive –  flu shots were shown to be 67 percent effective in preventing the flu.

So why do so many people skip getting the vaccine?  According to one doctor, people do not actively reject the vaccine.  Instead they are merely unsure of whether or not they really need it.

Myths vs. facts
“There’s a growing problem called ‘vaccine hesitancy,’” Dr. Frank Esper, a viral respiratory disease expert at UH Case Medical Center in Ohio, told FoxNews.com.  “They’re not truly against getting the shot.  But, with all these people online saying, ‘Watch out for this, be careful about that,’ – they’re hesitant to receive the flu vaccine, and then they never get it done.”

According to Esper, with numerous websites, blogs, and podcasts perpetuating false information about the flu vaccine online, it’s easy for people to doubt the vaccine’s safety or believe it was not tested accurately.  Many fear the vaccine will cause adverse side effects, which is an unrealistic fear, Esper said.

“There were certain vaccines in the past that did cause problems,” Esper said, alluding to a 1976 vaccine that caused Guillian-Barre syndrome (a neurologic disorder) in a small amount of people.

“It happens once, and people start saying how the [vaccine can cause severe problems].  But all these vaccines that we are producing in the U.S have been tested for this problem, and all sorts of other problems and have been well proven to be safe and effective,” Esper added.

Apart from the hesitancy surrounding the flu vaccine, there are also a number of propagated myths associated with the shot.

 The biggest one: You can get the flu from getting the flu shot.
Because the flu vaccine is developed utilizing parts of the influenza virus, many people believe the virus in the vaccine can ultimately make them sick. But Esper laid that myth to rest.

“The flu shot has absolutely no live virus in there,” Esper said.  “It’s a bunch of pieces and parts.  Think of it as if I take the flu, chop it up into little bits and put those bits into the shot.  You cannot get the flu from the shot because it doesn’t contain all the parts of the flu virus.”

To emphasize his point, Esper noted a person cannot get the flu from the flu shot, “no more than you can get three tires and a carburetor and drive a car.”

However, just because a person does get the flu vaccine doesn’t mean he or she won’t still get sick.  However, many people can mistake flu-like symptoms for the flu virus.  Esper noted there are many different viruses capable of causing disease, so people shouldn’t necessarily assume that if they are sneezing and coughing, they caught the flu virus.

Another myth people have is they think they cannot get the flu.  People who haven’t had the flu in years’ past think they are somehow immune to the virus – a mind set that is potentially unsafe for not only themselves, but others around them.
“The answer to that is, ‘Well you may not have gotten sickly,’” Esper said. “Just like the flu can cause really bad disease, you can actually just have a little bit of a runny nose and nothing else – and that’s still the flu.  It’s still something you caught and you can spread to others.”

Credit:  http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/01/10/flu-outbreak-why-are-so-many-not-getting-vaccinated/



Some key things to know about the flu season:

THE SITUATION: The annual flu season hit about a month early this year, and illness is now widespread in 47 states. Many cases are caused by a flu strain that tends to make people sicker. But so far experts say it's too early to know whether this will end up being a bad season. Maybe not: There are signs the flu may have already peaked in a few states, though it's too early to tell for sure, health officials say.

THE VACCINE: This season's vaccine is well matched to the circulating strains, and there's still some available. It is 62 percent effective, according to government study results released Friday, which is pretty good for a flu vaccine. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated; it's recommended for everyone 6 months or older.

THE DEFENSE: Besides getting a flu shot, wash hands with soap and warm water, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Keep away from sick people.

THE TREATMENT: Most people will get a mild case and can help themselves and protect others by staying home and resting. But people with severe symptoms should see a doctor. They may be given antiviral drugs or other medications to ease symptoms.

COLD OR FLU?: Influenza is not the only bug making people sick. The cold virus and a nasty stomach virus are also going around. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference, but cold symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and sneezing. Flu usually involves fever, along with chills, headache and moderate-to-severe body aches and tiredness. Symptoms can come on rapidly, within three to six hours.





Facebook:

Sniffly, stuffy, sneezy and achy and want someone to blame, just to make yourself feel mildly better? There’s now an app for that.
“Help, I Have the Flu” is a new Facebook app that trolls through friends’ profiles looking for keywords such as ‘sneezing,’ ‘coughing,’ and ‘vomiting’ as well as check-ins to find the culprit who may have passed on the virus.

“Hello. I’m sorry you have the flu,” reads the app. “Nothing will make you feel better like finding somebody to blame.”

Clicking on the “Who Made Me Sick” button on the Facebook page will track down prime suspects, such as those who’ve mentioned the word ‘flu’ in their status updates or those who’ve had multiple late night posts, as sleep deprivation, the app reasons, puts people at increased risk for catching a cold.

The app also allows users to send a message to the offending virus-spreader or purchase remedies from the healthcare company that runs the app, Help Remedies in the US.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has an app that tracks flu activity reports in the US through podcasts and feeds, while the Flu Defender provides handy tips on how to protect yourself this season.


Cold and Flu Coupons for you!

$2 Off Sudafed Product Coupon
$1 Off Chloreseptic Product Coupon
$1 Off Robitussin Product Coupon
$2 -$3 Off Theraflu Product Coupons
$1 Off ZarBee’s Cough Syrup Coupon
$1 Off Little Remedies Product Coupon
$1 Off Tylenol Coupon
$1 Off Advil Product Coupon – Use the scroll bar to switch between products – middle of the page.
$1 Off Excedrin Extra Strength Coupon


Recommending the Right Products for Cold and Flu Season:
http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2010/November2010/OTCFocus_ColdandFlu-1110

This year I recommend:
http://conversationswithcarolyn.blogspot.com/2013/01/cordicin-is-best-cold-and-flu-tablets.html

I hope you have gotten your flu shot and that you are staying home from public places since this has been ruled an epidemic.  You can still get the flu even if you had the flu shot.  I hope that you feel better soon if you are sick.

Goal One... Lose 20 lbs by the summer or more with Fitness Pal!







I just made a commitment to my #1 HEALTH GOAL for the New Year!  During the holidays I did some food reviews and made a lot of cookies and gained 20 lbs. (also ate comfort food while my husband was in the hospital at the beginning of the month for a colonectomy)


These are not my images but rather all the credit goes to: FITNESS PAL

The following images are descriptive of a sample FREE Fitness Pal!









Are you interested in joining me and using My Fitness Pal for free?  All you have to do is go here to join:  http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

I like to follow WEB MD for choosing the foods that I eat!  You can too by going here:  http://www.webmd.com/diet/default.htm

I'm going to be sharing great recipes for losing weight during this time.  For now, check out the recipes on the WEB MD link.
Click here:  http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=diet%20recipes

Add a comment if you are choosing to lose weight as a GOAL this year and if you are using the FREE My Fitness Pal!  Thanks and best wishes!


Friday, January 11, 2013

GOAL SETTING for the NEW YEAR and NOT Resolutions! 2013!

We made it!  Remember those RESOLUTIONS that you made in 2012?  How many did you break by March of 2012?  Diet resolutions, resolutions to the Lord, resolutions to your family and friends...  it can be upsetting if we look at the past, so let's look forward to the FUTURE!  But don't erase anything from 2012 because it was meant to help you grow in some way! Let's make GOALS in 2013 and do it the right way... no resolutions because we break those.  Just hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals!





 HEALTHY GOALS:

1. Protect the Heart!
       Why is it important?

"1.  Because your heart is extremely valuable. We don’t guard worthless things. I take my garbage to the street every Wednesday night. It is picked up on Thursday morning. It sits on the sidewalk all night, completely unguarded. Why? Because it is worthless.
  1. Not so with your heart. It is the essence of who you are. It is your authentic self—the core of your being. It is where all your dreams, your desires, and your passions live. It is that part of you that connects with God and other people.
    Just like your physical body, if your heart—your spiritual heart—dies, your leadership dies. This is why Solomon says, “Above all else.” He doesn’t say, “If you get around to it” or “It would be nice if.” No, he says, make it your top priority.
  2. Because your heart is the source of everything you do. King Solomon says it is the “wellspring of life.” In other words, it is the source of everything else in your life. Your heart overflows into thoughts, words, and actions. In Tennessee, where I live, we have thousands and thousands of natural springs, where water flows to the surface of the earth from deep under the ground. It then accumulates in pools or runs off into creeks and streams.
    If you plug up the spring, you stop the flow of water. If you poison the water, the flow becomes toxic. In either situation, you threaten life downstream. Everything depends on the condition of the spring.
    Likewise, if your heart is unhealthy, it has an impact on everything else. It threatens your family, your friends, your ministry, your career, and, indeed, your legacy. It is, therefore, imperative that you guard it.
  3. Because your heart is under constant attack. When Solomon says to guard your heart, he implies that you are living in a combat zone—one in which there are casualties. Many of us are oblivious to the reality of this war. We have an enemy who is bent on our destruction. He not only opposes God, but he opposes everything that is aligned with Him—including us."        http://michaelhyatt.com/three-reasons-why-you-must-guard-your-heart.html  to read more!

 Michael  goes on to share about "The Four Disciplines of the Heart" 
My friend was under attack. He had just discovered that one of his board members was campaigning to unseat him. Worse, one of his children had just been diagnosed with a chronic disease. As a result of these issues, he was struggling with the typical symptoms of stress—insomnia, indigestion, and back pain.

He was ready to throw in the towel. And, who could blame him? Life is hard.
This is why leaders must understand the importance of their heart and why they must guard it. In times of adversity and temptation, a healthy heart is essential to survival.
How can leaders cultivate a healthy heart? I would suggest four disciplines:
  1. The Discipline of Reflection. We live in a busy and noisy world that will suck the life out of us if we let it. This is why it is essential that we intentionally pull away to a quiet place, pause, and reflect. If Jesus did this (see, for example, Mark 1:35), how much more important is it for us? I believe this is best done by reading the Bible and praying. I have also found it helpful to read other spiritual writings, especially those of the desert fathers. Anything outside of our own time gives us much-needed perspective, as C.S. Lewis notes in his Introduction to On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius.
  2. The Discipline of Rest. God has built rest into our very physiology. We are made to shut down for a third of the daily cycle. One of the quickest ways to lose perspective is to cheat ourselves out of this God-given “off switch.” But practicing the discipline of rest requires more than a biologically-induced pause. It requires deliberate choices: deciding to rest one day in seven and choosing to take our allotted vacations. I believe it even involves fasting—giving our bodies a break from the tyranny of our appetites.
  3. The Discipline of Recreation. There is a difference between amusement and recreation. The former leaves us more tired than we started. (Ever taken a trip to Disney World and come back more exhausted than you left?) Yet the latter refreshes us and grounds us. Recreation involves any activity that gives us the opportunity to express our creativity. For some, it might involve painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. For others, it might even involve rebuilding an engine or baking a cake. These activities never seem urgent, but they are vitally important.
  4. The Discipline of Relationships. Arguably, this is the most important. You and I were made to live in relationship to others. In fact, the very foundation of reality is relational. Before the world was created, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, lived together in perfect love and unity. But in a world of social media and faux connections, we must be intentional about building authentic relationships and real community. This means making time—quality time—for our family members and friends. It means taking the initiative to invest in those we love.
I realize that I have only scratched the surface. This topic is worthy of an entire book. My hope in writing this short post is simply to put your heart on your radar, so that you will nurture it and find it to be a resource in the challenging times ahead. 
Question: Which of these disciplines is most important to you in nurturing your heart? 



 Lifestrong shares the importance:

Lifestrong shares: 
Your heart is a muscle that sits on the left side of your chest. It is about the size of your fist, and it beats, on average, about 70 times each minute. When you start to work, your muscles need more oxygen and sugar to make fuel. Your heart works faster to deliver these components to your muscles. When you relax at the end of the day, your heart slows down because your body does not need as much fuel. A healthy heart keeps all your body systems working.

How the Heart Works

Your heart is the central point for blood to release waste products and recharge with oxygen. Returning blood fills the right upper chamber, or atrium, of the heart. Next the muscle contraction pushes the blood down into the lower chamber or ventricle. From the ventricle, blood is pumped into the lungs to drop off waste products and pick up fresh oxygen. Oxygenated blood returns to the left upper chamber of the heart. The next heartbeat pushes it into the left ventricle, and then out into the body. The electrical system of the heart sends signals that cause the muscle to contract. The signal begins at the sinoatrial node, or SA node, and travels down through muscle fibers in the ventricles to make them contract.


Irregular Heartbeats

If your heart is not healthy you can experience many problems. If the electrical system of your heart does not work properly, you could have an irregular heartbeat. Your heart could pump too fast or too slow. A fast heart rate is tachycardia. A slow heart rate is bradycardia. If the heart pumps too slowly, blood does not circulate fast enough to give your tissues and organs the needed oxygen and nutrients.

Weak Heart Muscle

Heart muscle is typically very strong. If the muscle becomes damaged from a heart attack or lack of oxygen to an area of the muscle, it becomes weak. This is heart failure. This prevents the heart from contracting hard enough to push blood out into your circulatory system, or to pump blood through the lungs to pick up oxygen.

Heart Health

There are many diseases and conditions that affect the way your heart works. Each one can cause different symptoms, but they all alter the way your heart works. Once your heart is damaged, all of your body tissues and organs suffer the consequences. Lack of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues causes them to start deteriorating. Lack of circulation to the brain alters your level of consciousness. It is important to keep your heart healthy and strong to keep your brain and body healthy.


References


Monday, January 7, 2013

Cordicin® is the best cold and flu tablets that I’ve ever had! Review 01/07/13





Cordicin® is the best cold and flu tablets that I’ve ever had!


Wow! Talk about the perfect timing! Coricidin® HBP Cold and Flu Tablets came at just the right time! I contracted the highly contageous norovirus http://www.keyt.com/news/local/Health-Officials-Investigate-Norovirus-Outbreak-182285881.html and I got it from the nursing
home that my Mother In Law lives in. So I ran to the box and coupons and went through 2 boxes of it (used a coupon) and took a friend
shopping with me and gave her a coupon for it as well.
 
She is a couponer like me and we stood outside the grocery store and handed out coupons for the product to people who were really bundled up and showing signs of the flu or norovirus. She bought a lot of packaged soup and we stood at out table and handed out all the coupons she had for this product and so did I and we handed them an envelope of soup too. She had extra coupons from the Sunday inserts of the LA Times, andI mean a lot, because we were there for 2 hours and she used the Coricidin® HBP Cold and Flu Tablets coupons and I took a lot from my inserts
and altogether we had passes out 80 something coupons! I waited til I was over the norovirus to sit out there and just chat casually with the people who sat in our chairs and talked about the (norovirus) because we had a survey and a fact sheet about the norovirus and the flu (and what it doesn't cover).
 
We shared the following information with the many people that stopped by our table on a piece of paper and we had memorized the lines so we could quote without having to do too much of a "pitch" but if you knew me and my coupon friend, we could talk bears into WARM WOOL jackets in the summer! We also had it on the paper that asked them how familiar they were with the product.
 
I shared from my personal experience and people actually said to us that they are going to the drugstore right next to the grocery store and get their flu shot! We had them use the tablets to take the quiz: http://www.coricidinhbp.com/coricidin/home/index.jspa and the COMMERCIAL
was going over and over again on a LAPTOP so they could see for themselves.
 
 
 
Coricidin® HBP Cold and Flu Tablets This medicine is specially designed for people with High Blood Pressure.
 
Coricidin® HBP Cold & Flu Tablets Temporarily relieve runny nose and sneezing due to the common cold.
 
Temporarily relieve minor aches, pains and headaches associated with a cold or flu.
 
Temporarily reduces fever.
 
On our survey we asked the interested people, "What would I want to know before I get this product." We had a fact sheet there with the Coricidin® HBP Cold and Flu Tablets facts that are in the paragraph above this one. We also had them sign an agreement that they know we are NOT Dr's and that before starting any new medication they ask their Dr. if this is a product that they could add to the present medications or not.
 
For a follow-up we pointed them to: http://www.amazon.com/Coricidin-People-Blood-Pressure-Tablets/dp/B000052X48 where they could find the product and consider other Coricidin® products. We had some TABLETS on the table that friends had lent to us so that we could let them go to the Coricidin® homepage and read what we had already shared with them AND they could see the commericial on TV and ads in magazines and where to get coupons for this product! On the second laptop we allowed them to sign up on the computer and TAKE the quiz right there so that they were getting the information on the spot and not waiting til they went home. Anyone who came out of the store with the product we handed out a candy cane! And of course the coupon went with it!
 
I had a statement written out to tell them that I am a Bzz Agent and do not represent the product itself and that my information came from the homepage of Coricidin® and told them how to become a Bzz Agent like me!
 
We counted 70+ boxes going out the door of the grocery store where we were set up. Yay!

YES, every person I spoke with in person or communicated with online mentioned in this BzzReport knows that I'm a BzzAgent and that I received a product sample, coupon, collateral or other special premium from BzzAgent.
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