Full of meaning and flair - great for EVERY Spunky Soul!
359249
Beautiful - and FUN!  I am not only a yoga/meditation practitioner, but I also have graduate degrees in the study of Asian religions, so this trio of bracelets is about as perfect for me as you can get!  But whereas many other pieces of jewelry that focus on meditative or religious symbols tend to be neutral colors or overly formal, these bracelets are full of color and spunk (perfectly suitable for a company called SPUNKYsoul)!  The vibrant colors match the vibrancy of my life, and they're all my favorite colors too!

The Om symbol represents the meditative syllable "om", used frequently in prayer and meditative contexts, including yogic practice.  The Buddha charm represents, well, the Buddha!  But the symbolism extends beyond the historical figure and represents compassion and wisdom.  The Hamsa is an ancient protective charm.  Grouping these icons together is brilliant and represents an all-around well balanced life.

The bracelets themselves are made of high quality beads and charms.  With stretch bands, they can easily fit anyone, and are small enough unstretched to not be annoying on very small wrists like mine - I usually hate bracelets because they're almost always too big.  Since my wardrobe is so full of bright, spunky outfits, these bracelets (either in a group or separately) will be making MANY appearances on my wrists!

(Disclaimer: I received this item at no cost in exchange for my review.  All opinions expressed herein are my own, as always.)
4633467
"Whether you are surrounded by trusted soul friends, or you are lonely and longing for deep-spirited friends, this book is designed for every woman who wants to grow in faith and friendship."

This was an incredible book to read, ponder, and try to apply to my life.  It's written by an author I have a lot of respect for - Dr. Leslie Parrot, a marriage and family counselor who has written many other books on her own, as well as books with her husband, Dr. Les Parrot.

I expected this to be a fun, light read, but it really was a lot deeper than that.  The book is set up to help us see our "spiritual journey in terms of four major landmarks: Quest, Calling, Crisis, and Communion".  Each of those areas were ones she came to after study, and she gave a lot of background on how she got there.  Some of it was borderline new age, talking about the Celts and their terms for things like "soul friends", but I still thought it was good.

I appreciated that the book was divided based on those four landmarks, but I also appreciated how she talked about how many of our experiences will have parts that are in more than one category.  Each chapter (including the preface, which she called the "invitation") ends with a section called "soul souvenirs", a couple of questions to help you dig deeper into what you just read.  With how much depth is in this book, the theologians quoted, the books that it references (and makes you want to dig out to read for yourself!), and the numerous Scriptures quoted, I think it would make an incredible book to read through with a book club or a small group.  I loved reading it on my own, but I do think I'd get a lot more from it if I was able to work through it with a friend.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.  I was in no way required to write anything positive - all thoughts and opinions expressed here are completely my own.
4073541
As a contributor to one of the past "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books, I was privileged to be provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I will tell you right off the top that I would willingly have paid for my copy of "Simply Happy" and may yet do so by purchasing the book for friends, because I think this is fantastic gift that doesn't come off as a self-help book so much as it does having a heartfelt one-on-one conversation with a woman named Amy, who just so happens to be the CSFTS publisher.

Amy is honest. She shares her own experiences and shares stories from other CS contributors from the many other books that have been published, all the while using them to illustrate some very simple, practical and DUH! moments that have the ability to transform anyone's life. She doesn't set herself up as an "expert," she doesn't "preach," she doesn't do anything but sit down in a chair across from you like a friend and tell you things she's learned, with the intent to help YOU. As she says in the Introduction, "Once you realize that you already have your toolkit, you can be the mechanic for your own life." And she's right. You can.

One of the biggest revelations to me was "Impostor Syndrome," a topic she covers in Chapter 3 where she explains how we are our own biggest critics. From "making friends with your body" to Seven Key Tips to "Find Your Happy." From what you can learn from your dreams to the - quite literally - laugh out VERY loud hilarious story about gerbils in Chapter 12 that still has me giggling, Amy's warmth, her approach and the genuine caring she has for helping other people really shine through. She talks about redefining, which I call "reframing," a transformative tool that I've only just learned about in recent months.

I was very surprised and extremely pleased to find a great many Truths I have slowly learned over a period of years are echoed within the pages of this book, often defined in a much, much better fashion than any attempt I might've made! Things like realizing "all the crummy things going on around you aren't for you, about you, because you, or in spite of you" from Chapter 21, or the full chapter dedicated to the topic of the unexplainable things that happen to people all the time.

This book made me laugh in many places. It also made me cry...or at least, tear up. In the end, I am grateful for the opportunity to have read this book but even more grateful to share my review with all of you, because I truly think we should ALL read "Simply Happy." Thank you, Amy, for the work that went into writing this, for baring and sharing and for everything you do with "Chicken Soup for the Soul." You really do contribute to changing everyone's lives one story at a time. Only this time, we got to hear more of YOUR stories and that was awesome!
4223791
I loved this book!  Not only does it have all the right stuff to capture young reader's attention and imagination, it has a beautiful life message that will surely resonate with readers of all ages - it did with me and I'm over 50!  I'm keeping this one around for that day when I can be called grandma!
4870158
Absolutely lovely little book with great insight and upbeat message!  And the excellent, creative illustrations add a classic, light touch with a lot to look at.  The timeless message to "love yourself as unique and special" is a fun read - and reread! - for both parent and child.  Highly recommended.  Very well done!
1175318
It seems the words in this book were written just for me.  I love how the author brings to light the inner dialog most people struggle with every day.  Full of sassy whit and wisdom, this book connects on so many different levels.  This book/journal is a very fast read with plenty of room to record what you're doing right.  I think this journal is the perfect gift for any mom, daughter, sister, friend.  In fact, it's at the top of my Christmas giving list this year.  Would also may the perfect gift for any special occasion, be it birthday, or anniversary.
4821960
Mrs. Pennybutton, Teacher of Souls is a treat for a person of any age who is young at heart. Full of wisdom and humor, this tender teacher of souls reminds us why we're here on this planet and refreshes in us the desire to be joyful. Dana Ross Martin hit this delightful gem out of the park with sincerity, simplicity, and vision. I'm hoping the hardback is out before Christmas so I can give copies of this to loved ones. (In fact, I may get buttons and string to give as well.)
1873007
I absolutely ADORE  this book of playfulness, acceptance, and teenage angst. The pictures are warm and colorful and the storyline is perfect for 2017, in a world in which acceptance of other's differences is a great lesson to teach children of all ages. My friend's daughter, who I read it to once, STILL runs up to me, rubs her shoulders against mine, and says "Ooh, SPARKLE, SPARKLE!" (She's three!) This book should be a household staple!
3165848
This book is filled with so much pure magic and beautiful words! These poems have helped me to look inside of me and see me for the first time. I am aligning with my true self through the truth within these poems. The front and back cover are beautiful! Everyone needs to read this book! Allie truly put her soul and heart in this book full of amazing poems! Thank you Allie for sharing your beautiful and inspiring words with us! Much love y'all! <3
757038
This is a wonderful coffee table book to own.  Anyone who opens it up will be inspired by the 100 life lessons inside.  I am honored to have been one of the contributing authors.  I have admired my fellow authors for years and it is truly amazing to be among them in this collection.  If I'm feeling a little blue, I just open this book to any random page and I know my mood will turn around!  I know now that I can accomplish anything!
2444798
Truly delightful, funny and witty poems, most with a surprising twist at the end that can deliver a punch of unexpected depth and meaning. The author has delivered, with great creativity and humor, very personal and inspiring messages to which most everyone can relate. And her uniquely comical drawings bring nothing but joy! You must get this book!&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/A-Thin-Book-of-Fat-Poems/dp/1945453001/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">A Thin Book of Fat Poems</a>
711203
This little book packs a HUGE punch of affirmation! Always lifts my spirits and makes me grateful. I keep one close by at all times and often give it to friends as a gift. Get a new outlook in just a few minutes!
1450501
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!  Such an easy, lighthearted read that's full of tips that girls/women of all ages (especially my young daughters) can relate to and find meaning in...spiritual, practical and even just plain fun bits of wisdom that's sure to make you smile, encourage you to be your beautiful self, and have faith in the journey that God has you on and the blessings He has granted you.  You can read the book from beginning to end in one sitting and/or pick pages here and there to enjoy whenever.  The illustrations are so sweet and add whimsy to the pages.  I'm definitely buying more copies for other ladies in my life!
4160840
Love this book of inspiration! Buy this without hesitation!
2107486
This book focusses on positive thinking.  Its silly words and wonderful characters allow this story to come alive.  I would highly recommend this book to families who believe that thoughts become things and in the magic of the universe.  This author also offers Saturday Sayings to your email.  Great resource!!
184582
Cheryl Katherine-Wash has managed to celebrate relationships void of color or gender. Everything she says is magic because it's so easy to relate to her pearls of words. She inspires from a place we often keep to ourselves and lock in our own "Private Rooms". What she has done is unlocked the door and shows everyone, were more alike then we think. Everyone who reads My Private Room will embrace it and love it. You'll find one piece or several that you'll have to share. My favorites are: The Rocker, and The Neighborhood.  GREAT BOOK!
4216067
Oh My Gosh!  This book is such a great tool for raising your vibration and loving your life.  Full of illustrations and FUN ideas on ways to celebrate and bring more joy into your life, Simply Celebrate is awesome!  I received my copy several weeks ago, and I have been using it as a way to get out of my own head.  As I do what Sherry Richert Belul suggests, I find myself laughing more, loving more, and simply celebrating and enjoying my life and all of the people in it.  I highly recommend!!!