Have a Thankful……
Book: “The Impact Equation” by Chris Brogan & Julien Smith
I received a preview book copy of The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. The subtitle to the book is “Are you making things happen OR just making noise?” I loved their title because we get hit with a ton of information from all directions every time we go online. How do companies, blogs, and any other items of importance have a chance to get our attention with everything being thrown at us? What makes those few stand out?
When I first started blogging I felt like no one was reading it…..some days especially in the very beginning that it was a waste of time (who would want to read what I was writing about anyway)…….and I looked at all the “numbers”. If there was a dip in stats I would be upset or stressed about it. Now I don’t stress about my numbers much at all because I am focusing more on writing and all the fun stuff that I want to share with my readers. I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn but I was very excited to get a copy of Chris Brogan’s and Julien Smith’s new book because I have been thinking about this very topic.
It my goal to make a positive impact on the lives around me and one of the ways I reach out to people is through my blog. Although, at the same time it is important I take the time to review how things are going I have to evaluate how much of an impact I really am making. Is the impact I am making on my readers positive? I really liked how Chris and Julien’s book encouraged me to evaluate many areas, they even shared a great CREATE acronym to help.
Here are a few things I took away from Chris & Julien’s book:
- CREATE acronym (i.g. Impact = Contrast * [Reach + Exposure + Articulation + Trust + Echo])
- Spend more time giving thought and refining my ideas
- Share the great ideas of others – the “give before you get” principle
If you have a presence online whether it is through your business, blog, or social media accounts to stay in touch with family and friends this is a great book to read.
Free Audio Book: “What is the Mission of the Church?” by Kevin DeYoung & Greg Gilbert
For the month of November Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert.
Addressing mission, evangelism and social justice, two pastors draw readers to the Bible’s teaching on some contentious matters. Readers in all spheres of ministry will grow in their understanding of the mission of the church and gain a renewed sense of urgency for Jesus’ call to preach the Word and make disciples. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in November. Make sure to submit your order by November 30, 2012 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 2)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
Day 2
Who: My Spouse – Jake
I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family. He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me. Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him. He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough. Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles.
People appreciate sincere thanks. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.
In everything give thanks!
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
A Spooktacular Halloween
Monster bags, note, and goodies on their bar stools at breakfast. They were excited to see a little treat waiting for them at breakfast. These bags were too cute, the package came with a variety of eyes and mouths that you could put together in any combination.
Here is a picture of one of the pancake, sausage and bacon Halloween monsters the girls ate for breakfast.
Jake even got festive Halloween sprinkles on his toast!
Karlie’s goody bags to share with her class are all packed and ready to distribute!
Brina’s Halloween class goodies are packed and ready to go!
Teacher Halloween Gifts
A monster and note waiting on Karlie’s seat when I picked her up from school.
Brina had an orange monster and note waiting on her seat in the van when I picked her up from school.
Our little Dancer and Superwoman!
The girls were super excited to have the opportunity to meet up with their cousins (we were able to capture a picture of the adorable blue crayon….there was also a cute little monkey that joined us that evening)!
Every day for the month of October the girls got a little treat in their pumpkins (if they did well at school, after school activities, and at home). On Halloween Day they got their last little goodies. Some of the items they received were Halloween socks, Halloween Underwear, books, glow sticks, crafts, and more!
Recipe: Apple Pie
One of the best parts of Fall is the delicious food, which includes APPLES! If you want to make a homemade apple pie or need to use up some of those apples here is a great recipe to use. You can get a pie crust from the grocery store or make my Great Aunt Noami’s Never Fail Flaky Pie Crust. The only thing I should have done with this pie is put some foil over it to keep it from browning so much, it still tasted amazing!
Apple Pie with Never Fail Flaky Pie Crust:
First is the pie crust (if you are using store bought or another recipe skip this step). This recipe makes crust for 2 pies (top & bottom).
- 3 cups Flour
- 1 cup Shortening
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Egg, well beaten
- 5 tablespoon Water
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
Mix flour, shortening, salt with pastry blender. Combine egg, water, and vinegar then combine with flour mixture. Mold into 4 balls chill awhile then roll out for pie. Balls will keep up to 2 weeks in refrigerator for additional pies. Yields: 2 double pie crusts
If you want to just do enough for 1 complete pie crust (top and bottom) cut the recipe in half.
Apple Pie Filling
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cups thinly sliced and cored apple
Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease a pie dish. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Stir in apples and place into the pie crust. Dot with butter and cover with the top crust. Cut a slit in the top of the pie to let the steam escape. Seal the top crust to the bottom one by pinching the edges together. Cover the edge of the crust with a strip of aluminum foil. Bake pie for 50 minutes or until the crust is brown and the juice begins to bubble through the top.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 1)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
People appreciate sincere thanks. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.
In everything give thanks!
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
New Upromise eCoupons for November 2012
Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of November 2012. Remember to activate your eCoupons to get additional savings. If you have not yet signed up for Upromise you can get more information regarding on our experience or directly at the Upromise website.
This month they have 26 coupons you can activate for bonus savings. Once you activate your eCoupons all you have to do is scan your rewards card or purchase the items at the store and the cash will be added to your account. You don’t even have to carry any coupons to get the rewards!
You can go to their website for more information on the Upromise program, it’s free to join.
Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
Lunch is ready to go!
The best part about Holidays is you get a lot of fun food to eat. On this particular day the girls got to take a rice krispie treat “cat” with the first letter of their name on it. When Grandma Penny was visiting she made these cute cats for the girls. They were super excited to see them in their lunch bags.
Lunch Box Meal:
- Hot Japanese Beef, Vegetables & Rice (in the thermos)
- Fresh Fruit Salad or Fresh Fruit Salad with Creamy Sauce
- Fresh Cucumbers
- Sugar Free Cherry Jello
- Cashews
- Apple Peel Confetti Crisps
- Halloween Cat Rice Krispie Treat with initial of their first name
- Corn or Bugle Chips
- Ritz Bits Cheese Crackers or Kellogg’s Pop Tarts Mini Crisps
- Reduced Sugar Grape Hugs Drink
Japanese food, Halloween rice krispie treat, fresh fruit salad and more!!!!
I always love sticking in a surprise for the girls every once in awhile. Sometimes they see it before lunch but several times they don’t open their bags until at school. One day I was able to go to lunch with them and watch their faces when they pulled out the special treat (a new container with their name on it). It made my day seeing the thrilled looks on their faces when they discovered their new container. Although it was something simple and easy it really was special to them!
Giveaway & Review: “Say Anything” Game by North Star Games
I am thrilled to announce a new giveaway on Blessings Multiplied! The winner of this giveaway will receive a Say Anything Family Game by North Star Games! As a Mom, wife and friend I am always looking for ways to entertain my family and guests. After playing Wits & Wagers (see my review) and Wits & Wagers Family (see my review) both are from North Star Games I received Say Anything to check out. My family gives Say Anything game a big thumbs up! I know you will enjoy this one! This game has become a favorite with our family.
Enter the Giveaway (up to 4 entries per person)!
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied. Put a separate comment for each way you follow Blessings Multiplied (Email, Twitter, or Facebook) plus an extra entry for your bonus answer! Each comment counts as an entry into the giveaway.
- Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email
- Follow on Twitter – @BlessMultiplied
- Like us on Facebook – BlessingsMultiplied
- BONUS – you can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing what types of game you enjoy playing.
All comments must be made by November 30th at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.
More information about “Say Anything” game:
Say Anything is a great party game to play with your family and friends! You will find yourself laughing as you read the wide variety of answers to each question. The game is made for 3 to 8 players and takes about 30 minutes to play. I would recommend if younger kids are playing that they are able to read and write answers independently (otherwise they may need additional help). The game is recommended for ages 10 and up.
- Ask any question from the card you draw, such as “What’s the best movie of all time?” or “If I could have a BIG anything, what would it be?”
- Everyone else writes an answer and turns it face-up.
- Secretly choose your favorite of these answers. Then everyone tries to guess which one you picked.
Where do I purchase “Say Anything” for myself or as a gift?
This game would be a perfect game to play during the upcoming Holidays or to give as a gift to family and friends! You can purchase this game on Amazon or at major retailers like Books-A-Million, Target, or local game stores found on North Star Games retailer locator. To learn more about the game and those who created it you can visit North Star Games website. You can get the most update to date information on North Star Games by following them Facebook and Twitter.
*A special thanks to North Star Games, specifically Dominic Crapuchettes and Luke Warren, for the providing this game for the giveaway!
