The Happiness Project

The Happiness Project

Posted by Unknown

I'm not sure what kind of book that this is but I'm sure its more than likely a memior (because everything written is a memior now days.)  Gretchen mixes her experience in trying to become more happy with antidotes, facts, and just plain common sense to help motivate ourselves in wanting to become more happy.  Because isn't that at the end of the day what we all are looking for?  That's right....Happiness is what we all seek to feel fulfillment.  It's what most people desire on a daily basis.  This books helped me to think about all the ways I can become more happy. (where is my mom to help correct my grammatical errors when I need her)  And did I mention it doesn't take a 'New Age' brain to wrap your mind around the concepts.  A good light read to help us all find a easier road to happiness. 

Fun Fun Fun

Fun Fun Fun

Posted by Unknown

Why have cake when you can have a cupcake? That's how I feel about cupcakes. There was once an episode of Seinfeld that had a fictionary store that just sold muffin tops. A dream come true if that were a cupcake top. The top is just so dang good and being a frosting lover is just the added benefit.

While strolling through Costco I thumbed through this book and made the 9.99 purchase (in paperback). It has the cutest ideas for cupcakes and parties and is 100% original. I'm sure it takes some practice to perfect these techniques but once you do it will be a sure fire way to please a crowd. I already know the "birthday cake" that I'm going to make for my sons next birthday. It's definitely worth a peruse!

Amy Butler

Amy Butler

Posted by Unknown

At Barnes and Noble the other night I ran across this book. It's Amy Butler's new book called Little Stitches for little ones and it is 100% absolutely adorable. In fact, it was so adorable it made me feel bad because I don't sew in any sense of the word. Her materials are indeed what make half the things so dang cute but she also has some great patterns for everyday things. Check it out the next time you're at a bookstore or just make the purchase online. If you sew and have skill and talent ta'boot then it's definitely worth a gander.

Daffodil Days

Daffodil Days

Posted by Unknown

It is officially spring and I am excited for that! I love the change in seasons and love to feel the warm sun and to watch the flowers start to pop. Especially when I'm in a place that awaits spring in March when the first day announces it's here and the signs of spring are already all around.

I grew up in small mountain town in Southern California. They have recently started celebrating spring with "daffodil days". With my dad a local activist in the community he buys bulbs by the flat to plant every fall and more and more daffodils and flowers bloom every year around the town. It's fun to see how and where they bloom. Different people plant flowers in the craziest places. Soon I hope the town will look much like the lady up the street who planted daffodils at her house until it became a local attraction. Because of her diligence in doing a seasonal chore many people appreciate the beauty that she helped create.

In the past few years a book was published about her life and her daffodil philosophy. I love the joy and beauty that flowers bring and this book is a great antidote for motivation or a plain old smile. Below is the book review off of amazon from her publisher (Shadow Mountain) along with some photos I took for you all to see.

Every year, high in the San Bernardino mountain range of Southern California, five acres of beautiful daffodils burst into bloom. Amazingly, this special spot, known as "The Daffodil Garden," was planted by one person, one bulb at a time, over a period of thirty-five years. The story of "The Daffodil Principle" originally appeared nearly ten years ago in Jaroldeen Edwards' book Celebration! Since that time, the story has gained international popularity and has been retold innumerable times. Available for the first time as an illustrated gift book, with artwork by Anne Marie Oborn, this story will touch hearts with its simple message: Start today, one step at a time, to change your world.

Sanders Starfish

Sanders Starfish

Posted by Unknown

I have a friend who is an author. I say author because she is a published novelist, whereas I am just an aspiring writer. She created her life project and realized that it could be done again. So, she wrote a second book and due to her experience and struggles in her first novel, she was able to make it better and more marketable. Her first book is available online as well as in bookstores. It is a good book with a moral that is often forgotten in today's world. I am amazed and inspired that she did this and she is a great example of fortitude to me. I hope to have my own novel published soon (in the next five years). I look up to her diligence in making things happen. Read the book review off Amazon and I think you'll be impressed.

Her website, telling a little more about her is viewable here.

Winners Never Cheat

Winners Never Cheat

Posted by Unknown

I always think insight that other people have is so very interesting. Maybe that is why I blog on some level. I recently read this book by Jon Huntsman (He's a very successful business man, emphasizing very) and thought it was actually really good. It's not circulating in the bookstores heavily but it is definitely worth the read if you find it or choose to buy it. He is a true philanthropist and 100% of the profits go to a worthy organization. It's an easy read, a feel good book and really does make you bring hope about mankind and its values. The book review by publishers weekly sums it up much better than I do so I'll post it below. Great success can be brought through honesty and integrity




This year, Huntsman took his multibillion dollar eponymous petrochemical company public, pushing him even higher on the upper tiers of Forbes's wealthiest list. This little book is structured around old-school aphorisms ("Play by the Rules"; "Check Your Moral Compass") from which Huntsman draws an informal moral code. King's foreword touches on the big picture: Huntsman's unremarkable beginnings, his scholarship to Wharton, his founding and stewarding of Huntsman Chemical, his giant Salt Lake City home and his philanthropy-as well as Huntsman's struggles with cancer, and the family members he has lost to the disease. Huntsman's own chapters include mild rants against lawyers, the story of his son's "successful 2004 campaign for governor" of Nevada, tales of his other eight children, their travels, business deals and the role of prayer in their lives. Prescriptive but digressive, Huntsman's book feels a lot like a long, informal speech to a graduating class.