All Stories
Showing posts with label self-help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-help. Show all posts
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

This book was recommended by one of AVON's top representatives, 
Lisa M. Wilber, Platinum Executive Leader.  
Lisa also wrote a recommendation at the very beginning of this book.


Andrea Patten addresses the fact that everyone has always been told to hush the inner critic within you.  Her approach is to try to work with that voice so that it can work for you, instead of against you. 

 "Finding benefits hidden by annoyances is not an easy process.  It takes effort, energy and focus.  And creating a new, more peaceful relationship with your Inner Critic is complicated by the fact that, for years, experts have been offering advice on how to silence the Inner Critic."

 She believes that by trying to 'kill off' the inner critic brings it back to be "even stronger and naggier than before."

 What is an inner critic?  Patten describes it in this way: 
"An Inner Critic is our brain's misinterpretation of stimulus or data that:
amplifies harsh self-judgement, creates negative self-talk and, interferes with the confidence needed to take action toward personal goals and desires."

The author also gives many ideas and skills to help "transpose the negative into positive."

 "Your Inner Critic can brilliantly detect threats but is none too bright about priority-setting." 

 Patten also recommends giving your inner critic a new name....something that "brings both comfort and confidence."  

 "Personal growth strategies are not Swiss Army knives: I can't think of a single one that works in every situation, that's why it's such a good idea to try them on for size."

 "Part of nurturing an inner ally involves deciding which messages to focus on and which ones to let go." 

 Some negative key words mentioned within the writer's vocabulary in this book are:  demoralization, enemy, flaws, faults, tension, bad mental habits, threaten, warning, shatter, permanent, worrying, harmful, dangerous, panic and undesirable,

 Positive vocabulary used in this book to counter-act the negative words above are: brave, honest, relax, soothe, energize, safe, forgive, strengths, peaceful, strong, partnership, healthy, powerful, brilliant, nurturing, honesty, acceptance, courage, flourish, opportunities, benefits, focus and energy.

I wish I could say more and believe more about the topic presented in this book.
I've tried many times in my life to turn things around by mental ability.
I honestly think this is way to continue to motivate yourself to just keep moving on in life.  I don't think that just by 'thinking' about something that it will happen.
I could post examples here, but will refrain because I do not want to drudge up old memories just to upset myself on a book review.
Change takes action, that I believe.  But even sometimes with action and doing the best you possibly can do, that still isn't enough.
It's discouraging, and unfortunately we learn to live with it.

I do not totally disagree with the thoughts and exercises presented in this book.  Like the author said, it's not a one-size-fits-all type of thing.  Definitely read this book to get ideas to help yourself deal with your inner critic.
Try to apply the mental exercises presented and
 choose the ones that are best for you!


Book Review: The Inner Critic Advantage: Making Peace with the Noise in Your Head by Andrea Patten

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

This book was recommended by one of AVON's top representatives, 
Lisa M. Wilber, Platinum Executive Leader.  
Lisa also wrote a recommendation at the very beginning of this book.


Andrea Patten addresses the fact that everyone has always been told to hush the inner critic within you.  Her approach is to try to work with that voice so that it can work for you, instead of against you. 

 "Finding benefits hidden by annoyances is not an easy process.  It takes effort, energy and focus.  And creating a new, more peaceful relationship with your Inner Critic is complicated by the fact that, for years, experts have been offering advice on how to silence the Inner Critic."

 She believes that by trying to 'kill off' the inner critic brings it back to be "even stronger and naggier than before."

 What is an inner critic?  Patten describes it in this way: 
"An Inner Critic is our brain's misinterpretation of stimulus or data that:
amplifies harsh self-judgement, creates negative self-talk and, interferes with the confidence needed to take action toward personal goals and desires."

The author also gives many ideas and skills to help "transpose the negative into positive."

 "Your Inner Critic can brilliantly detect threats but is none too bright about priority-setting." 

 Patten also recommends giving your inner critic a new name....something that "brings both comfort and confidence."  

 "Personal growth strategies are not Swiss Army knives: I can't think of a single one that works in every situation, that's why it's such a good idea to try them on for size."

 "Part of nurturing an inner ally involves deciding which messages to focus on and which ones to let go." 

 Some negative key words mentioned within the writer's vocabulary in this book are:  demoralization, enemy, flaws, faults, tension, bad mental habits, threaten, warning, shatter, permanent, worrying, harmful, dangerous, panic and undesirable,

 Positive vocabulary used in this book to counter-act the negative words above are: brave, honest, relax, soothe, energize, safe, forgive, strengths, peaceful, strong, partnership, healthy, powerful, brilliant, nurturing, honesty, acceptance, courage, flourish, opportunities, benefits, focus and energy.

I wish I could say more and believe more about the topic presented in this book.
I've tried many times in my life to turn things around by mental ability.
I honestly think this is way to continue to motivate yourself to just keep moving on in life.  I don't think that just by 'thinking' about something that it will happen.
I could post examples here, but will refrain because I do not want to drudge up old memories just to upset myself on a book review.
Change takes action, that I believe.  But even sometimes with action and doing the best you possibly can do, that still isn't enough.
It's discouraging, and unfortunately we learn to live with it.

I do not totally disagree with the thoughts and exercises presented in this book.  Like the author said, it's not a one-size-fits-all type of thing.  Definitely read this book to get ideas to help yourself deal with your inner critic.
Try to apply the mental exercises presented and
 choose the ones that are best for you!


No comments
Posted at 7:26 PM  |  by Lisa Epler, AVON AMB and Gold Amb. Leader / 10 Star Ambassador
-->
Hello Everyone!
I'm back with a 2-in-1 book review because these two books are directly related. 
 I was very fortunate to be nominated and accepted into the Fall 2016 online course for the AVON Leadership Academy in partnership with 
This was a 12-week online course and it was Ahhh-mazing!!!
I started as an AVON Representative in July 2015.  I'm quite new. 
I've never been a salesperson, never been in marketing or wanted to be a home-based business.  (I have always wanted to work from home, however.)  Becoming a representative for AVON was the right thing at the right time for me due to wanting to pay off the braces my daughter was about to have put on and the next goal was (is) to pay off my car loan (still working on this and getting closer!)
Direct sales was not something I knew much about.  
Yes, I had known people who invited me to home parties (not really my thing) and a few people who had been representatives, but I never really asked about how they worked.  Now here I was a part of the mother of all home-based businesses, AVON!!!!   (131 years old in 2017!!!!)
Now before I go any further, I know what you're thinking.....home-based business?  You just show some brochures and put some orders together!!!!
Yes, that's what a lot of people think it is, and what some people do, but it can be made into so much more.  There are personal shoppers, hobbyists, part-timers, full-timers and sales leaders.  There are many avenues you can follow in this business and you can do it all from home!  
I was kind of in awe at the opportunity of being able to build a business all from home for such a reasonable price.
(If you'd like to find out more, please visit this link.)
When I was presented with the chance to take the AL Academy courses, 
I was excited and a bit hesitant.  I hadn't attended a class in quite a long time and now I had to fit this in with my kids schedules, home-duties and my AVON  business.  It really wasn't that difficult to squeeze in, and there were replays I could listen to if I could not attend the webinars live. 
The training was broken down into six parts: 
                                                  1-Visionary Planning
                                                  2-Creating Community
                                                  3-Team Building
                                                  4-Training
                                                  5-Coaching
                                                  6-Business Management
One week would cover a topic, the following week would be a review and a coaching session with two chosen participants and plenty of time to ask questions and learn from the session.  Then the following week the next topic would be covered, followed by a coaching session for that topic and so on.
Some topics I felt like I had already mastered, but many others I knew I could use a lot more training in.  
I was given a  digital printable workbook and the two Build It Big Books for my Kindle as part of the course.  A few weeks into the course I decided it was worth buying both of the hard copies of these books because I could easily flip to a section and find information I may need to help a team member or myself.  In my opinion, these books are close to being Bibles for the direct sales industry.
I will go over the general sections covered in each of these books and I hope you will consider purchasing them through the links provided if you are a part of a direct selling company.  Many, many, many thanks to the DSWA for creating this program and tailoring it to AVON Representative Leaders!  And to all of the contributors in these books (including my own sister, Pam Heller, which I didn't even know until I got to her chapter!) thank you for sharing your expertise and honest opinions, solutions and outlooks on what can happen in a home-based direct sales business if you have the right tools to aide you in your success!
Published in 2005
  • Starting Your Direct Selling Business
  • Booking And Coaching Your Hostess
  • The Art Of Selling
  • Sponsoring And Building Your Team
  • Coaching Your Team
  • Developing Leadership Skills
  • Managing Business Finances
  • Integrating Home And Business
  • Building Through Technology
  • Strategies For Success
Published in 2006
  • Direct-Selling Excellence
  • Sensational Shows
  • Networking And Prospecting
  • The Art Of Sponsoring
  • Principle-Centered Coaching
  • Managing Your Money
  • Home Business Excellence
  • Enlightened Leadership
  • Success Strategies


 Purchase the Build It Big books through the below links to help Elle raise  money for her vision of making this blog bigger and better in the future.                             Thank You!

    
I received a leadership pin, certificate and I can proudly display the below seal for completing the AVON Advanced Leadership Academy training.
The training has been invaluable to me and I know I will continue to come back to these two books as resources whether to help myself or my team members.
Contact me @ colorsofavon@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more about joining my AVON team and adding some extra income to your life!

Book Review: Build It Big & More Build It Big

-->
Hello Everyone!
I'm back with a 2-in-1 book review because these two books are directly related. 
 I was very fortunate to be nominated and accepted into the Fall 2016 online course for the AVON Leadership Academy in partnership with 
This was a 12-week online course and it was Ahhh-mazing!!!
I started as an AVON Representative in July 2015.  I'm quite new. 
I've never been a salesperson, never been in marketing or wanted to be a home-based business.  (I have always wanted to work from home, however.)  Becoming a representative for AVON was the right thing at the right time for me due to wanting to pay off the braces my daughter was about to have put on and the next goal was (is) to pay off my car loan (still working on this and getting closer!)
Direct sales was not something I knew much about.  
Yes, I had known people who invited me to home parties (not really my thing) and a few people who had been representatives, but I never really asked about how they worked.  Now here I was a part of the mother of all home-based businesses, AVON!!!!   (131 years old in 2017!!!!)
Now before I go any further, I know what you're thinking.....home-based business?  You just show some brochures and put some orders together!!!!
Yes, that's what a lot of people think it is, and what some people do, but it can be made into so much more.  There are personal shoppers, hobbyists, part-timers, full-timers and sales leaders.  There are many avenues you can follow in this business and you can do it all from home!  
I was kind of in awe at the opportunity of being able to build a business all from home for such a reasonable price.
(If you'd like to find out more, please visit this link.)
When I was presented with the chance to take the AL Academy courses, 
I was excited and a bit hesitant.  I hadn't attended a class in quite a long time and now I had to fit this in with my kids schedules, home-duties and my AVON  business.  It really wasn't that difficult to squeeze in, and there were replays I could listen to if I could not attend the webinars live. 
The training was broken down into six parts: 
                                                  1-Visionary Planning
                                                  2-Creating Community
                                                  3-Team Building
                                                  4-Training
                                                  5-Coaching
                                                  6-Business Management
One week would cover a topic, the following week would be a review and a coaching session with two chosen participants and plenty of time to ask questions and learn from the session.  Then the following week the next topic would be covered, followed by a coaching session for that topic and so on.
Some topics I felt like I had already mastered, but many others I knew I could use a lot more training in.  
I was given a  digital printable workbook and the two Build It Big Books for my Kindle as part of the course.  A few weeks into the course I decided it was worth buying both of the hard copies of these books because I could easily flip to a section and find information I may need to help a team member or myself.  In my opinion, these books are close to being Bibles for the direct sales industry.
I will go over the general sections covered in each of these books and I hope you will consider purchasing them through the links provided if you are a part of a direct selling company.  Many, many, many thanks to the DSWA for creating this program and tailoring it to AVON Representative Leaders!  And to all of the contributors in these books (including my own sister, Pam Heller, which I didn't even know until I got to her chapter!) thank you for sharing your expertise and honest opinions, solutions and outlooks on what can happen in a home-based direct sales business if you have the right tools to aide you in your success!
Published in 2005
  • Starting Your Direct Selling Business
  • Booking And Coaching Your Hostess
  • The Art Of Selling
  • Sponsoring And Building Your Team
  • Coaching Your Team
  • Developing Leadership Skills
  • Managing Business Finances
  • Integrating Home And Business
  • Building Through Technology
  • Strategies For Success
Published in 2006
  • Direct-Selling Excellence
  • Sensational Shows
  • Networking And Prospecting
  • The Art Of Sponsoring
  • Principle-Centered Coaching
  • Managing Your Money
  • Home Business Excellence
  • Enlightened Leadership
  • Success Strategies


 Purchase the Build It Big books through the below links to help Elle raise  money for her vision of making this blog bigger and better in the future.                             Thank You!

    
I received a leadership pin, certificate and I can proudly display the below seal for completing the AVON Advanced Leadership Academy training.
The training has been invaluable to me and I know I will continue to come back to these two books as resources whether to help myself or my team members.
Contact me @ colorsofavon@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more about joining my AVON team and adding some extra income to your life!

No comments
Posted at 9:54 PM  |  by Lisa Epler, AVON AMB and Gold Amb. Leader / 10 Star Ambassador
Bread Winner, Bread Baker
by Sandy Elsberg
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars


This book is another gift from my sister (and upline.)
  Although I understood how multi-level marketing companies worked before I read this book, it helped me see MLM's a little differently.

Most people look at MLM companies as a hobby (mostly for women); a way to make a supplemental income.  This book focuses on looking at MLM's as an opportunity to create a customer base, a team to mentor and a way to earn a full-time paycheck.

I believe the author's approach of looking at an MLM as a way to help others is great, but what you must keep in mind is that not all people will want to work their business in the same way as you may work yours.  You can teach others to the best of your ability, but it is up to the individuals to decide how much work, time and effort they put forth.

What I did not appreciate about this book was how 'easy' the author makes it sound to acquire customers and team members.  No matter what MLM company you are with, I believe it takes a lot of time, dedication, persistence and sacrifice to truly make wages that you can live off of.  This is why I believe most who are in MLM's do it as a part-time gig because they already have a full-time job and do not have the aforementioned time to make full-time wages.

On the positive side, the author shows how when a mentor takes the time to train a new MLM representative how this helps the company, the leader and the new representative.  It also shows the new team member how to teach anyone that they welcome into the company.  Focusing on learning about the company's products, finding customers, learning business practices and teaching how to be an all-around good business person is essential to making things come together as well.

I recommend this book for anyone who does not understand how MLM companies work or anyone thinking about joining one.   Most importantly, this book shows an inside view of how what comes of your business is solely up to you and the effort the individual puts forth into being successful.  Most of the outcome in this type of business is on the shoulders of the representative.  Being responsible for outcomes, whether good or bad.



Book Review: Bread Winner, Bread Baker by Sandy Elsberg

Bread Winner, Bread Baker
by Sandy Elsberg
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars


This book is another gift from my sister (and upline.)
  Although I understood how multi-level marketing companies worked before I read this book, it helped me see MLM's a little differently.

Most people look at MLM companies as a hobby (mostly for women); a way to make a supplemental income.  This book focuses on looking at MLM's as an opportunity to create a customer base, a team to mentor and a way to earn a full-time paycheck.

I believe the author's approach of looking at an MLM as a way to help others is great, but what you must keep in mind is that not all people will want to work their business in the same way as you may work yours.  You can teach others to the best of your ability, but it is up to the individuals to decide how much work, time and effort they put forth.

What I did not appreciate about this book was how 'easy' the author makes it sound to acquire customers and team members.  No matter what MLM company you are with, I believe it takes a lot of time, dedication, persistence and sacrifice to truly make wages that you can live off of.  This is why I believe most who are in MLM's do it as a part-time gig because they already have a full-time job and do not have the aforementioned time to make full-time wages.

On the positive side, the author shows how when a mentor takes the time to train a new MLM representative how this helps the company, the leader and the new representative.  It also shows the new team member how to teach anyone that they welcome into the company.  Focusing on learning about the company's products, finding customers, learning business practices and teaching how to be an all-around good business person is essential to making things come together as well.

I recommend this book for anyone who does not understand how MLM companies work or anyone thinking about joining one.   Most importantly, this book shows an inside view of how what comes of your business is solely up to you and the effort the individual puts forth into being successful.  Most of the outcome in this type of business is on the shoulders of the representative.  Being responsible for outcomes, whether good or bad.



No comments
Posted at 10:29 AM  |  by Lisa Epler, AVON AMB and Gold Amb. Leader / 10 Star Ambassador


Og Mandino ~ Three Volumes In One
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

 This is my first book review at All Around The Circle.
I hope you enjoy my book reviews and insights in addition to Elle's.

 This is a book I would not have chosen for myself.
It was given to me as a gift from my sister, 
who just happens to be my up-line with Avon.
Why wouldn't I have chosen it for myself you may wonder?
Well, I'm not a 'self-help' reader and definitely am intimidated when I see a big 'ol book like this one is!!!!  Granted, there are three books in one in this particular book, but none the less, it sat on my bookshelf for about eleven months before I decided to make myself read it!

 At first I thought it was going to be all about business.
But really, this is one of those books that you can apply to life in general, so I would recommend it to anyone.  Also, there are religious references in this book (no doubt) but even if you are not the religious type, do not let that hold you back from reading this book to gain knowledge.

 The first book is called "The Greatest Salesman In The World."
This story is the basis of everything.  I honestly found myself excited to sit down and read to find out what would happen next.
The main take away from this book are 'The Ten Scrolls.'
These are ten lessons for beginning anew; to believe in yourself, have faith, build confidence, control emotions and focus on what you want in your life.  If you follow the book the way the author wants you to read the book, you will be reading one scroll every month to ingrain these scrolls into your brain.  Well, I do not have that kind of time and as I said above, I was intimidated enough at the size of the book and just wanted to get through it! (Just being honest here.)
So with that said, I know I will refer back to this book in the future when I need some inspiration.  I enjoyed the story of the salesman and in the life lessons each scroll touches upon.  This is one of those books that every senior in high school or freshman in college should be required to read.

 The second book was called 'The Greatest Secret In The World' and I felt it was just reiterating each scroll in more detail and dragging out the process of dissecting each scroll.

 The third book was called 'The Greatest Miracle In The World' and I really enjoyed this one.  I couldn't wait to finish it to find out what happened!
Og Mandino is a tremendous storyteller and I often wondered throughout this book how much of this story was fiction and how much was non-fiction because it truly read like a non-fiction book to me.

 I know I did not give away what the story lines of these books are about.
It is very complicated to explain, but just know that these books are like no other I have ever read.  I can truly say that.  

 If you do read any of these books, please don't hesitate to come back and visit me here to comment and talk about the books.  

 The next book I would like to read by Og Mandino is 'The God Memorandum' which was a part of the last book ('The Greatest Miracle In The World.')  I was thinking of reading  'The Return Of The Ragpicker' because I thought it would pick up where the story left off in 'The Greatest Miracle In The World', but then I read some reviews from others who have read it.  They said the author wrote it ten to fifteen years after 'miracle' and that it was basically a 'brag' book of the author's accomplishments and 'politically correct platforms' replaced his God-based inspirations.  Because of this I will probably not bother with the 'return' book, however I would like to read more of his early works because it seems to me that is when he was most 'humble.'


Book Review: Og Mandino- Three Volumes In One



Og Mandino ~ Three Volumes In One
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

 This is my first book review at All Around The Circle.
I hope you enjoy my book reviews and insights in addition to Elle's.

 This is a book I would not have chosen for myself.
It was given to me as a gift from my sister, 
who just happens to be my up-line with Avon.
Why wouldn't I have chosen it for myself you may wonder?
Well, I'm not a 'self-help' reader and definitely am intimidated when I see a big 'ol book like this one is!!!!  Granted, there are three books in one in this particular book, but none the less, it sat on my bookshelf for about eleven months before I decided to make myself read it!

 At first I thought it was going to be all about business.
But really, this is one of those books that you can apply to life in general, so I would recommend it to anyone.  Also, there are religious references in this book (no doubt) but even if you are not the religious type, do not let that hold you back from reading this book to gain knowledge.

 The first book is called "The Greatest Salesman In The World."
This story is the basis of everything.  I honestly found myself excited to sit down and read to find out what would happen next.
The main take away from this book are 'The Ten Scrolls.'
These are ten lessons for beginning anew; to believe in yourself, have faith, build confidence, control emotions and focus on what you want in your life.  If you follow the book the way the author wants you to read the book, you will be reading one scroll every month to ingrain these scrolls into your brain.  Well, I do not have that kind of time and as I said above, I was intimidated enough at the size of the book and just wanted to get through it! (Just being honest here.)
So with that said, I know I will refer back to this book in the future when I need some inspiration.  I enjoyed the story of the salesman and in the life lessons each scroll touches upon.  This is one of those books that every senior in high school or freshman in college should be required to read.

 The second book was called 'The Greatest Secret In The World' and I felt it was just reiterating each scroll in more detail and dragging out the process of dissecting each scroll.

 The third book was called 'The Greatest Miracle In The World' and I really enjoyed this one.  I couldn't wait to finish it to find out what happened!
Og Mandino is a tremendous storyteller and I often wondered throughout this book how much of this story was fiction and how much was non-fiction because it truly read like a non-fiction book to me.

 I know I did not give away what the story lines of these books are about.
It is very complicated to explain, but just know that these books are like no other I have ever read.  I can truly say that.  

 If you do read any of these books, please don't hesitate to come back and visit me here to comment and talk about the books.  

 The next book I would like to read by Og Mandino is 'The God Memorandum' which was a part of the last book ('The Greatest Miracle In The World.')  I was thinking of reading  'The Return Of The Ragpicker' because I thought it would pick up where the story left off in 'The Greatest Miracle In The World', but then I read some reviews from others who have read it.  They said the author wrote it ten to fifteen years after 'miracle' and that it was basically a 'brag' book of the author's accomplishments and 'politically correct platforms' replaced his God-based inspirations.  Because of this I will probably not bother with the 'return' book, however I would like to read more of his early works because it seems to me that is when he was most 'humble.'


No comments
Posted at 10:33 PM  |  by Lisa Epler, AVON AMB and Gold Amb. Leader / 10 Star Ambassador

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

A View From The Top is a compilation of top selling Avon Representative stories revealing how they achieved their success.  The various representatives offer their views on how they became successful in the Avon direct marketing business and offer their strategies on how you can become successful as well.

The reason I decided to read this book is because an online friend is an Avon Representative.  She asked me to help her promote her Avon business through my blog and in return she will help me monetarily so I can afford to do more things with my blog in the future.  This is in the early stages and we are slowly making progress working together.

The stories in this book are truly inspiring.
There are many women who came from dire situations, with no prior selling or marketing experience, who have built an incredibly large customer base as well as trained and mentored hundreds upon hundreds of  Avon Representatives.

One thing that I have taken away from this book is that there's not just one way to be successful.  What works for one person may not work for another.  This makes sense since every individual has their strong and weak points.  That does not mean an individual cannot focus on one of their weaker qualities and become better at it.  Life is one continuous learning process.

Another recurring theme throughout this book is that none of these women gave up.  Even when they may have lost their leadership title, their team or customer numbers diminished or something in their life threw them for a loop, they stuck with their business.  They did not throw in the towel.  Determination.

They also all took action in their lives.  They believed in themselves.  Even sometimes when it was difficult to believe, they kept pushing through.  It's amazing what these women have done with something I always thought to be 'just a hobby' and not a real job.  But if you read this book, you will see that you can make a real career out of being an Avon Representative.  I was quite surprised!  That's not to say that doing it as a hobby,part-time, as supplemental income isn't a great idea either.....because it is!  You can make your own schedule and fir it into your life.  Flexibility is a wonderful thing!

If you or someone you know is looking for a home-based earnings opportunity, this could be the start of something substantial.  And unlike many other direct selling companies it does not cost much to start!  Currently it is just $15!!!!!
Follow this link to find out more about joining Avon.

****United States applicants only for the above link.****



Book Review: A View From The Top (Various Authors)


My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

A View From The Top is a compilation of top selling Avon Representative stories revealing how they achieved their success.  The various representatives offer their views on how they became successful in the Avon direct marketing business and offer their strategies on how you can become successful as well.

The reason I decided to read this book is because an online friend is an Avon Representative.  She asked me to help her promote her Avon business through my blog and in return she will help me monetarily so I can afford to do more things with my blog in the future.  This is in the early stages and we are slowly making progress working together.

The stories in this book are truly inspiring.
There are many women who came from dire situations, with no prior selling or marketing experience, who have built an incredibly large customer base as well as trained and mentored hundreds upon hundreds of  Avon Representatives.

One thing that I have taken away from this book is that there's not just one way to be successful.  What works for one person may not work for another.  This makes sense since every individual has their strong and weak points.  That does not mean an individual cannot focus on one of their weaker qualities and become better at it.  Life is one continuous learning process.

Another recurring theme throughout this book is that none of these women gave up.  Even when they may have lost their leadership title, their team or customer numbers diminished or something in their life threw them for a loop, they stuck with their business.  They did not throw in the towel.  Determination.

They also all took action in their lives.  They believed in themselves.  Even sometimes when it was difficult to believe, they kept pushing through.  It's amazing what these women have done with something I always thought to be 'just a hobby' and not a real job.  But if you read this book, you will see that you can make a real career out of being an Avon Representative.  I was quite surprised!  That's not to say that doing it as a hobby,part-time, as supplemental income isn't a great idea either.....because it is!  You can make your own schedule and fir it into your life.  Flexibility is a wonderful thing!

If you or someone you know is looking for a home-based earnings opportunity, this could be the start of something substantial.  And unlike many other direct selling companies it does not cost much to start!  Currently it is just $15!!!!!
Follow this link to find out more about joining Avon.

****United States applicants only for the above link.****



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Posted at 8:30 AM  |  by Elle
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


What A Girl Needs From Her Mom is a Christian Parenting book by Cheri Fuller.  I was given this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.

I started to read this book in November 2015 and did not finish it until May 2016.  Sometimes this happens with non-fiction books I read just because I may not be in the mood to read non-fiction.  This time however, it was just because I truly didn't have time to fit reading into my busy schedule.

Although this is a Christian book, the values, insights and relatability the author shows through real life stories with mother's and their daughters are invaluable to anyone raising a daughter in today's world.

From the 'degree of digital overload in our lives and families,' internet safety, helicopter parenting, knowing when to back off and give our daughters their space and relational bullying (this is an escalating problem and has affected both of my own daughters!) there are many relevant topics and a supply of great advice packed into this book.  The author also provides names of other books to read for more insight into problems affecting young girls today.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:

"It's our job to get to know and understand our children, not the other way around."

"The years between sixteen and twenty-six are especially crucial because our girls make decisions that will impact the span of their whole lives, like the friends she'll hang out with, what college major and career she chooses, perhaps choosing a husband, or deciding whether to follow the faith she was raised in ot to throw it away."

"The last dimension of the parent's role is teaching morality as part of a larger world view-a spiritual heritage that offers a vision of the purpose of human existence, ultimate reasons for leading a moral life, and traditions and rituals that weave the vision into the fabric of family living-and our own children's lives.  Though it is a challenging mission, it is a key part of our role"
-Dr. Thomas Lickona

"Remember that your words are important, but they can only go so far.  So much of the work of passing on a legacy of faith takes place when we model it ourselves and believe in our children." - Jim Burns

"Perhaps parents would enjoy their children more if they stopped to realize that the film of childhood can never be run through for a second showing."
 - Evelyn Nown

I recommend this book to mother's of girls, grandmothers, teachers, social workers, guidance counselors and anyone wanting to know more about the struggles this generation of young girls faces.  Very well written with some things I felt I already knew, but was worded in such a way that I would like revisit when dealing with a particular struggle or for reassurance that I am doing the right thing with raising my daughters.








Book Review: What A Girl Needs From Her Mom by Cheri Fuller

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


What A Girl Needs From Her Mom is a Christian Parenting book by Cheri Fuller.  I was given this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.

I started to read this book in November 2015 and did not finish it until May 2016.  Sometimes this happens with non-fiction books I read just because I may not be in the mood to read non-fiction.  This time however, it was just because I truly didn't have time to fit reading into my busy schedule.

Although this is a Christian book, the values, insights and relatability the author shows through real life stories with mother's and their daughters are invaluable to anyone raising a daughter in today's world.

From the 'degree of digital overload in our lives and families,' internet safety, helicopter parenting, knowing when to back off and give our daughters their space and relational bullying (this is an escalating problem and has affected both of my own daughters!) there are many relevant topics and a supply of great advice packed into this book.  The author also provides names of other books to read for more insight into problems affecting young girls today.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:

"It's our job to get to know and understand our children, not the other way around."

"The years between sixteen and twenty-six are especially crucial because our girls make decisions that will impact the span of their whole lives, like the friends she'll hang out with, what college major and career she chooses, perhaps choosing a husband, or deciding whether to follow the faith she was raised in ot to throw it away."

"The last dimension of the parent's role is teaching morality as part of a larger world view-a spiritual heritage that offers a vision of the purpose of human existence, ultimate reasons for leading a moral life, and traditions and rituals that weave the vision into the fabric of family living-and our own children's lives.  Though it is a challenging mission, it is a key part of our role"
-Dr. Thomas Lickona

"Remember that your words are important, but they can only go so far.  So much of the work of passing on a legacy of faith takes place when we model it ourselves and believe in our children." - Jim Burns

"Perhaps parents would enjoy their children more if they stopped to realize that the film of childhood can never be run through for a second showing."
 - Evelyn Nown

I recommend this book to mother's of girls, grandmothers, teachers, social workers, guidance counselors and anyone wanting to know more about the struggles this generation of young girls faces.  Very well written with some things I felt I already knew, but was worded in such a way that I would like revisit when dealing with a particular struggle or for reassurance that I am doing the right thing with raising my daughters.








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Posted at 10:38 PM  |  by Elle
I received this book in exchange for
 an honest review from NetGalley.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book for engaged or married couples and for anyone who thinks they may want to get married some day.  Ashleigh adds anecdotes from her marriage as well as some of her friends marriages throughout the book.  She blends humor and wisdom very nicely which makes this book an enjoyable reading experience.  Her husband Ted's views are also dispersed here and there throughout each chapter so you get a feel for his view on the topic at hand as well.  At the end of each chapter there are sets of questions to ponder about your own marriage that pertain to the topic covered in that chapter.  It is also worth noting that the author quotes from the Bible and relates them to marital and relationship situations.

The main focus of the book is teamwork.  Marriage is a union and requires give and take.
It also requires work.  Working on romance, shared interests and communication skills. 
Ashleigh states in the book, "Perhaps marriage is a continual learning process."

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."  -Ruth Bell Graham

Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book that I feel are sound advice for any relationship.


"Not only have I spoken well of him, pointing out the ways I recognize and appreciate him, but I've also made it about me.  I've focused on a "this is how I feel," rather than a "you did this" approach."

"I've realized that marriage doesn't require us to have all the same interests.  In fact, I think it might get a bit boring if we did."

"Rather than fear disagreements he viewed them as an opportunity to improve our communication and deepen our trust in one another.  How very mature of him."

"Like a squeeze of a sponge brings to the surface stuff that's soaked deep within, sometimes conflict brings to light stuff in our hearts---stuff that we might not otherwise see.  For the sake of my heart, I want to keep my eyes wide open during these uncomfortable opportunities rather than avoid them."  (Ted, Ashleigh's husband)

"An unburdened heart is one that's not weighed down by grudges."

"Often the best way to prevent grudges and unforgiveness is by stopping conflict before it even starts."

"Verbal affirmation.  Truth is, Ted can't read my mind.  While my actions may demonstrate that I support and appreciate him, he needs my words too."

"Words paired with action are simple yet powerful---especially when the going is a bit tough.  And when you add dreaming to them, sometimes that's when mountains are moving."

"It's important that I'm purposeful in whom I bring into my confidence; that I'm intentional when I determine the friends I go to for counsel, advice, and prayer."

"You and your spouse need to decide what you are both comfortable with when it comes to confiding about your marriage to others."

"We don't live a fake Christian life in front of others and something else at home."




Book Review: Team Us ~ Marriage Together by Ashleigh Slater

I received this book in exchange for
 an honest review from NetGalley.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book for engaged or married couples and for anyone who thinks they may want to get married some day.  Ashleigh adds anecdotes from her marriage as well as some of her friends marriages throughout the book.  She blends humor and wisdom very nicely which makes this book an enjoyable reading experience.  Her husband Ted's views are also dispersed here and there throughout each chapter so you get a feel for his view on the topic at hand as well.  At the end of each chapter there are sets of questions to ponder about your own marriage that pertain to the topic covered in that chapter.  It is also worth noting that the author quotes from the Bible and relates them to marital and relationship situations.

The main focus of the book is teamwork.  Marriage is a union and requires give and take.
It also requires work.  Working on romance, shared interests and communication skills. 
Ashleigh states in the book, "Perhaps marriage is a continual learning process."

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."  -Ruth Bell Graham

Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book that I feel are sound advice for any relationship.


"Not only have I spoken well of him, pointing out the ways I recognize and appreciate him, but I've also made it about me.  I've focused on a "this is how I feel," rather than a "you did this" approach."

"I've realized that marriage doesn't require us to have all the same interests.  In fact, I think it might get a bit boring if we did."

"Rather than fear disagreements he viewed them as an opportunity to improve our communication and deepen our trust in one another.  How very mature of him."

"Like a squeeze of a sponge brings to the surface stuff that's soaked deep within, sometimes conflict brings to light stuff in our hearts---stuff that we might not otherwise see.  For the sake of my heart, I want to keep my eyes wide open during these uncomfortable opportunities rather than avoid them."  (Ted, Ashleigh's husband)

"An unburdened heart is one that's not weighed down by grudges."

"Often the best way to prevent grudges and unforgiveness is by stopping conflict before it even starts."

"Verbal affirmation.  Truth is, Ted can't read my mind.  While my actions may demonstrate that I support and appreciate him, he needs my words too."

"Words paired with action are simple yet powerful---especially when the going is a bit tough.  And when you add dreaming to them, sometimes that's when mountains are moving."

"It's important that I'm purposeful in whom I bring into my confidence; that I'm intentional when I determine the friends I go to for counsel, advice, and prayer."

"You and your spouse need to decide what you are both comfortable with when it comes to confiding about your marriage to others."

"We don't live a fake Christian life in front of others and something else at home."




No comments
Posted at 9:29 PM  |  by Elle
Codependent No More & Beyond Codependency


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 I wanted to learn about co-dependency because I wasn't completely sure what was meant by being co-dependent. This book is wonderfully written and is extremely informative.

 I wish I had read this book as a young woman so I could have been more aware of relationships with friends and others during that time of my life who may have been codependents. I believe reading this book as a young adult would help aide in figuring out personal issues (and relationships with others) sooner in life rather than later.

Although the book also focuses on alcoholism, substance abuse and 12-step programs, there are many more topics in this book that relate to general life issues. Learning to love and accept yourself (and others), expressing yourself, setting goals and learning how to communicate properly are just some of the helpful topics covered.

This book is actually a 2 in 1 book with 'Codependent No More' being published in 1987 and 'Beyond Codependency' being published in 1989. Melody Beattie, the author, is a recovered addict, alcoholic and codependent. The reason this book is so insightful is because Ms. Beattie wrote from the heart. She shares her experiences and those she has connected with vividly in this book.

 I must tell you that I started this book on February 11, 2014 and to my surprise I finished it exactly a year later. The reason I spread this book out over such a long period of time was because it is not 'light & fluffy' reading. It is intense and thought provoking. This was a borrowed book, but if I owned a copy I would go through the book again and highlight many insightful and smart advice that I could pass onto my daughters.
Here are more books by Melody Beattie that you may enjoy!





Book Review: Codependent No More/Beyond Codependency by Melody Beattie

Codependent No More & Beyond Codependency


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 I wanted to learn about co-dependency because I wasn't completely sure what was meant by being co-dependent. This book is wonderfully written and is extremely informative.

 I wish I had read this book as a young woman so I could have been more aware of relationships with friends and others during that time of my life who may have been codependents. I believe reading this book as a young adult would help aide in figuring out personal issues (and relationships with others) sooner in life rather than later.

Although the book also focuses on alcoholism, substance abuse and 12-step programs, there are many more topics in this book that relate to general life issues. Learning to love and accept yourself (and others), expressing yourself, setting goals and learning how to communicate properly are just some of the helpful topics covered.

This book is actually a 2 in 1 book with 'Codependent No More' being published in 1987 and 'Beyond Codependency' being published in 1989. Melody Beattie, the author, is a recovered addict, alcoholic and codependent. The reason this book is so insightful is because Ms. Beattie wrote from the heart. She shares her experiences and those she has connected with vividly in this book.

 I must tell you that I started this book on February 11, 2014 and to my surprise I finished it exactly a year later. The reason I spread this book out over such a long period of time was because it is not 'light & fluffy' reading. It is intense and thought provoking. This was a borrowed book, but if I owned a copy I would go through the book again and highlight many insightful and smart advice that I could pass onto my daughters.
Here are more books by Melody Beattie that you may enjoy!





No comments
Posted at 7:58 PM  |  by Elle
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