Good Day Yoga by Julie Schoen

I am really impressed by the new Kindle book: 

Good Day Yoga

I have been practicing hatha yoga for many years (on and off) and have looked at many books and DVDs on this topic, during that time. This Ebook is one of the best that I've seen to date.

Author Julie Schoen, gives the reader many good reasons why starting the day with yoga is a very good idea.

I've always been a night-time yoga person, but after reading the many benefits of adding a yoga session earlier in the day, I'm thinking I'll definitely try to add yoga to my mornings too, at least on some days. Right now, I'm just trying to decide which sequence of poses in this book I want to start with. ;-) 

This Ebook provides three different yoga sequences that each include 15-16 easy to follow poses that would be suitable for most yoga advocates, even many beginners. 

The poses flow nicely one into the other. I appreciate that; that's not always the case with other yoga Ebooks/books and DVDs.

Each pose includes full color photos, so much better than diagrams IMO.

Great formatting and written with an engaging style, also adding to the overall appeal of this Ebook.

I'm so impressed by this Ebook that I plan to check out more books by this author. I noted that she has several others pertaining to yoga too.

If you already love yoga or have just been considering starting a practice, give Good Day Yoga a try. 

I think you'll be glad you did. ;-)

Overall rating for this Ebook: Excellent. 5 out of 5

How To Knit Socks for Beginners by Sandra Harris

As an avid and long-time knitter, I've looked at a lot of knitting books and Ebooks over the years. When it comes to those specifically created for beginner sock knitters, this is one of the best I've seen, to date.

Author Sandra Harris has done a great job with:

How To Knit Socks for Beginners

The information included is written in an easy to understand way. 

Instructions are clear and concise.

Chapters include:

- The Anatomy of a Sock

-Toe-Up Sock

-Knitting Two Socks at a Time

 -Advanced and Beginner Cuff Down Socks

-Darning and Mending (I learned some tips on that topic!)

and several other pertinent topics, including several sock patterns.

I haven't actually tried any of the patterns in this Ebook yet, but reading through them, they look like they would work just fine! If any of you do try these, let me know how they work out. I'm currently taking a bit of a break from sock knitting myself but I know I'll be back to it, by the fall. It's kind of addictive, after you've made that first pair! LOL

This Ebook is nicely formatted too, with full color photos throughout. As a Kindle author myself, I know how much work goes into formatting an Ebook properly. And it does add a lot to any type of book, when it is done well. 

And speaking of photos, I think they are so much better and easier than diagrams in any kind of yarn-craft book, especially for beginners to follow.

If you've always wanted to knit socks but perhaps thought they were too difficult for a beginner knitter, think again. How To Knit Socks for Beginners, will have you turning out lovely knit socks for yourself and for gifts, in no time.

PS: At the time of posting this, this Ebook is available free over at Amazon, so a great time to get a copy! ;-)

Overall rating for this Ebook: Excellent. 5 out of 5

Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers (gluten-free)

Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers are the best gluten- free crackers that I've tasted, to date. 

Many of the other gluten-free cracker brands that I've tried, like Blue Diamond, as one example, have a very strange texture, bland flavor and are not appealing at all.

These Crunchmaster crackers actually taste good on their own, no topping required unless you want to add something to them. That to me is the "true test" of overall cracker-appeal. ;-)

 I  also think they are just salty enough and the rosemary has a nice, not overbearing flavor. They come in other flavors too, but the Rosemary and Olive Oil is my fav. Absolutely fab with some hummus on top, a delish and satisfying snack, anytime of the day. And they have a wonderful crunchy texture that adds to their overall appeal in a big way.

My only complaint, one package I got had about a third of the crackers broken into small pieces. I ended up using these in veggie patties so not wasted. I haven't had another pack with that many broken crackers since but I think the packaging could be better. I did contact the company about this a few weeks ago, but haven't received a reply.

I also hope that the company adds an organic option to this cracker brand. I'm all for organics, in everything and this would make these crackers an even better choice.

Here is the ingredient/nutritional info. from the back of the package:

If you've been looking for a good gluten-free cracker or even if you aren't concerned about gluten in foods, give these a try. I think you'll like them! :-)

Overall rating for this product: Very Good. 4 out of 5

How I Roll by J. Bryant Neville Jr.

How I Roll by Bryant Neville Jr. is not the kind of book I normally pick to read. But I noted it on one of the Top 100 Kindle lists at Amazon recently, for inspirational books and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad that I did.

I was inspired by Bryant's true life story of how he has faced his disability head-on, from the young age of 17, when he was involved in a car accident to the present day, at age 47.

I learned a lot about the reality of what it means to live life in a wheelchair and how a person with a disability like this must learn to adapt to so many "givens" that we take for granted, like going to the bathroom, bathing, showering... etc. Although I'm rather a squeamish person, I did not find these references particularly gross or hard to read; just enlightening. 

It certainly put my own (by comparison, small) challenges over the years into perspective too. How Bryant has adjusted and gone on to having a very successful life in every way, is truly inspiring for anyone who reads this book. 

His disability obviously changed his life forever, but it certainly didn't defeat him. He has accomplished so much, in spite of his disability including: graduating from college, rising up through the ranks for several upper-level employers and raising a family of his own.  

I thought the book was well written, in a realistic but still for the most part, sensitive way.

Bryant has an incredible family who really helped him to get to where he has in life, in spite of his disability. I was touched by the love that he conveyed for all the people who are close to him, including many friends who stuck by him, through the years. In that respect, Bryant is blessed so much more, than many people in similar circumstances.

There was only one sentence that I found a bit surprising and insensitive and this was not in relation to Bryant's injury. It was in reference to a weekend at the Daytona 500 when one of the drivers was tragically killed in a race. 

When asked by a friend after the weekend was over, how things had gone and if he had HAD FUN, Bryant replied: 

"Absolutely! The seats were amazing and everyone had a blast."

Wow, that didn't sound right and it bothered me, reading this. 

Other than that, a good book and one that I definitely think would help a lot of people who are struggling with big challenges and adjustments in life (of any kind) as Bryant has so capably done.

I did not find the book overly religious either. I don't like that in a book and I didn't agree with some comments from other reviewers over at Amazon, in this regard. Obviously, Bryant's faith is important to him and that is conveyed throughout this story, but not in a preachy or overbearing way.

Overall rating for this Ebook: Very Good. 4 out of 5. 

The Yoga Guide by B. T. Dean

As any of my regular readers already know, I've been practicing yoga for many years and love it! 

There have been times though that I have taken a break from yoga; sometimes for months and a couple of times, for years. But I always regretted it, missed yoga very much and started practicing again.

Yoga can and does affect every part of life in a positive way, if you stay with it. 

The Yoga Guide by B. T. Dean  is one of the best guides I have ever read on this topic. 

The author has done a great job of explaining (and in an easy to understand way) the various forms of yoga, the benefits to our health and overall well-being, do's and don'ts for beginners...the list goes on and on.

It also includes an easy to follow, safe yoga routine (with photos, that's so important) that would be a great starting point for most beginners.

Color photos throughout, nicely formatted and presented. 

This book is really well done, in every way.

Yoga is an exercise form that can be followed throughout life. Definitely not just for the young and super-flexible but you do need to pick the right form and postures that are best for you; taking your current level of fitness into consideration. 

And by all means, if you have any pre-existing health problems or concerns, consult with a health-care professional before beginning a yoga practice or any other new exercise regime.

If you have been curious about yoga, perhaps are considering beginning a yoga practice or are doing yoga on a regular basis already; this is a guide you won't want to miss.

It reminded me why I should always find time and make yoga a priority. And why I should never skip my yoga practice again! ;-)

Highly recommended. 

Overall rating for this Ebook: Excellent. 5 out of 5

Louis Armstrong's All Time Greatest Hits

I got a copy of: Louis Armstrong's All Time Greatest Hits on a whim and I'm sure glad that I did. 

Every time I play this CD, it brings a smile to my day and makes me feel happy and relaxed. :-)

I have never really listened to Louis Armstrong much before this, except for hearing: It's a Wonderful World and Hello Dolly, when they've played on the radio, over the years. 

Love the songs, love the music, the vocals and of course Louis on trumpet is the ultimate treat.

If you click through to Amazon, you can preview each of the songs.

La Vie En Rose brings tears to my eyes (but in a good way) every time I hear it. How I love that song. My fav on this CD.

The duet with Bing Crosby: Gone Fishing, makes me laugh. 

Hello Dolly has me up and dancing! 

Listening to this CD also piqued my interest to find out more about the life of Louis Armstrong.

You can read more here (Wiki page) about his long career, personal life and many accomplishments over the years. Sounds like a special man, over and above being such a talented performer. 

One of the things about truly great music and musicians is that they never get stale. 

Fifty plus years later, after most of these recordings were originally made, still so relevant and fresh.

If you want a CD that will bring a smile to your day, make you want to dance around the living room with someone you love or just to dream a little dream on a rainy day, buy this one.

 I think you'll be glad you did! ;-)

Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5

Book Launch: Laughing AT the Grim Reaper!

Ta da....

My newest book/Ebook is now available at Amazon.com. 

You can read all about it here.

A labor of love, comes to fruition! 

I'm smiling, in a big way. :-) People were telling me when I was out and about today, that I was actually glowing!!!  

Happy Reading and Weekend!