Getting That Book Out There

                   

You finally did it, your book is done. Hooray!! Now what? Do you sell it to a major publisher, taking the risk of your book getting lost in the shuffle, overlooked in favor of big-name authors? Or, do you decide to really lay it on the line and team up with an experienced book consultant who will help you to publish it yourself, on your own terms?

The Book Publishing Game

Today, many authors are deciding to go out on their own, as far as publishing their own book goes. There are arguments on either side, as far as self-publishing or selling a book to a major publishing house. For those who decide to self-publish, the advantage is in keeping all the rights to the work, and any income the book generates. Selling to a publisher means giving away the rights, as well as a percentage of the sales. It’s also hard to get a publishing deal if you are not a big name author, so self-publishing is a way to get a work out into the world, on your own terms.

Order Fulfillment

A self-published author must deal with the marketing and printing of a book as well as getting the book orders fulfilled. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but for many authors who are passionate about what they do, the work can be a joy. It’s also good to know that there are good options for order fulfillment out there, through mailbox centers. Mailbox centers are known for offering P.O. boxes, and other services like an apostille in NYC and document printing. These centers also offer warehouses for product storage (like books) and the means of taking on all the order fulfillment (packing and shipping) of book orders that come via email.

So, for anyone thinking about getting their book out there, the good news is that there is a way to get it done and get it into the hands of the reading public. Yes, it’s a big job, but it may be a little easier than you think.

               

Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player At Best Buy

** I received compensation in return for my post and social media shares. All opinions are my own. **

If you have a TV with an HDMI port, this new Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player just might end up being your family's new best friend! You can stream directly from your phone (iPhone and Android!) and listen to your favorite playlists, watch your favorite YouTube videos, shows, movies, and even use your phone while you're streaming. You can also enjoy your favorites from over 2000 apps! Including, Netflix and HBO NOW.

One of the coolest things about this media player is that you can start streaming with just your voice! Just say what you want from compatible apps and control your TV hands-free. Of course, my kids will be trying to take over and ask, "OK Google, please play * random Youtube gamer account * on my living room TV!" (I would be asking Google to play The Office reruns on Netflix. If I ever get control of the TV!)

Now your little ones can drive you even more crazy by showing using their phones and tablets as a remote control for your TV and you can watch all of those YouTube videos for Minecraft Tips and Tricks right along with them in your living room. Chromecast will be a plus for family night when you have more options from everyone's devices. (Depending on what streaming services you have or plan to subscribe to!) Basically, everything you watch on your phone, tablet, or computer can be sent directly to any TV in your house and onto a much bigger screen. So grab some popcorn and start streaming together in your living room!


At a price of $35 a piece, you could knock your gift list down a bit. Google Chromecast also works with a variety of laptops as well as Apple and Android devices. Definitely make sure the recipients have compatible devices and TVs! If you have a lot of tech-savvy family and friends to buy for, chances are they're already set up to use the newest Google Chromecast.


So far, I've read a lot of good reviews about how much faster this one is when compared to the original. Including, "Makes the constant buffering a thing of the past."



The Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player can also mirror a device's screen. This would come in handy for PowerPoint presentations if you're looking for a bigger screen. You can find info on this at Chromecast Help. You just need to have the Chrome browser, a Chromecast, and to connect both devices to the same network.



Google Chromecast is compatible with your existing HDTV.

** Easily connects to high-definition televisions with HDMI connectivity.

¹ Subscriptions are required to view some content.

² Google Home, Chromecast, and compatible content required to cast to a TV using Google Home.

Web-based services and content require high-speed Internet service. Some services may require a subscription.

Tips For Busy Mom

As a mom, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all of the things you need to get done in one day. Not only do need to take care of yourself, but you also have to look after your children, your career, your marriage and more. It can all seem very overwhelming. However, if you utilize these tips, you'll be able to effectively cross off items on your list and not feel exhausted in the end.

1. Maintain a realistic schedule. 
First, it's important to realize that you are not superwoman. While you may view yourself in that way, you will get tired. You have to honor your body and understand that even you have a limit. You don't want to push yourself past that limit. Knowing this, it's best to maintain a realistic schedule. Do not pack your day to the brim with things to do. In fact, take a look at the most important things you need to get done. Put those items at the top of the list and then take it from there. Whatever isn't completed the first day, you can always move it over to the next.

2. Utilize automated cooking tools.
If you are responsible for preparing the food in your home, take advantage of automated cooking tools like the slow cooker, rice cooker, and the bread maker. When you utilize these tools, you'll be able to prepare delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, when you're finished preparing those meals, you can put them in Tupperware containers and eat the leftovers for the next few days.

3. Shop online.
When the fridge is empty and it's time to go grocery shopping, understand that you can do this online. Plus, many stores have programs that will even deliver the groceries to your front door. This makes it so much easier to spend more time on other items instead of spending hours in supermarket lines and aisles. Furthermore, you can apply the same concept when it's time to shop for many other items for your family. Whether your children need new school supplies, onesies or toddler girl leather shoes, you can always go online and order the different items your children need without breaking a sweat.

What To Look For In A Home Health Care Worker

When hiring a home health care worker to take care of a loved one, you naturally will want to check references and do a background check. However, there are other things you must look for when deciding on the right person to care for your mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather.

Compassion

Although our elderly relatives want to stay in their own homes, they may feel like someone coming in to take care of them is invading their territory. A home health care worker must be compassionate, understanding, and have the ability to communicate well with your family member. Listening to their concerns and a respectful attitude goes a long way toward creating a good relationship with your loved one. A company that can provide an in home caregiver for your loved one is Arcadia Home Care & Staffing.


You will want to observe the home health care worker when he or she is interacting with your elderly relative to ensure that they are comfortable with each other. Sometimes, a situation may arise that can be very challenging. Many elderly patients can be quite demanding, and certain illnesses can cause them to be somewhat cranky. The home health care worker you choose must be patient and calm even in these situations.

Dependability

Is the person you have hired to take care of your loved one dependable? Do they show up on time and stay later if needed? It is hard to maintain a strict schedule when it comes to taking care of the elderly or someone recovering from an illness. For example, perhaps you stay with your loved one a few hours each day. One day you are required to work late so you may need the caregiver to stay later.

Always check the credentials of someone you hire to take care of your loved one. This is particularly important if your elderly relative has an illness or condition such as diabetes, heart disease, emphysema, or something else that requires special care or medication. Anyone that is in charge of their care should have the medical knowledge and skills to properly handle their needs. 

Discover Life improving Wellness And Enter To Win The $100 Medicine Cabinet Makeover

Fall is the perfect time to clean out your medicine cabinet and fill it with new, effective products! That is why I’m super excited to help you discover some medicine cabinet musts and invite you to enter to win a $100 VISA gift card from Natural Products Network!

DiaResQ


With fall comes the heavier comfort foods that will have you reaching for DiaResQ! When you feel the indigestion starting, it works rapidly to address the underlying issues and not JUST the symptoms. The difference is that DiaResQ isn’t a drug, but rather a food made from naturally derived ingredients to provide relief. Plus, it is safe for kids as young as one year of age.

Soothe Topical Hemp Balm by Touchstone Essentials The Good Inside

Soothe Topical Hemp Balm offers a full spectrum hemp extract that is rich in cannabinoids to help soothe muscles and joints. Also, just so you know, in contains NO THC so you do not need a subscription to use it and it cannot get you high.

Dr. Tungs Snap-On Toothbrush Sanitizer

Dr. Tungs nifty snap-on toothbrush sanitizer utilizes essential oils to keep your toothbrush hygienic and fresh. It’s easy to use and releases all-natural, anti-bacterial vapors to fight the germs that can re-infect your mouth when you brush. 

Head here to take the Medicine Cabinet Makeover Challenge and enter to win! 

Back To School With Minted.com

** This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I was compensated for this post. ** 


You probably already started your Back to School shopping or if you're like most parents, you never really stopped school shopping! Between my homeschooler, my elementary kids and my high schooler, I seem to spend most of my summer checking for the best online deals and grabbing a few things every time I go literally, anywhere. I keep a notebook with websites, coupon or discount codes, and save emails with sales announcements and anything else that might come in handy for any and all kinds of supplies or clothes. (I named this folder, "Deals And Sales") Each kid starts making a list of everything they need and want and I add these lists to my notebook so I can work on checking everything else as I get to it.

Sometimes, an email surprises me and I find a website that has something that we absolutely need for school supplies and I take advantage of whatever discount code they have available. For instance, I have a shoe organizer behind our laundry room door and fill the pockets with little odds and ends so the kids can take what they need. The pockets make this super easy to keep track of inventory and easier for them to find! A couple of years ago, I started buying little, flavored dental floss packs and put these in the pocket next to sugar-free gum and mints. (At 25 cents a piece and several flavors and a coupon code for 25% off, I simply couldn't resist!) Besides the typical pens, pencils, lead refills, erasers, dental floss, gum, mints, and pocket packs of tissues, I like to stock up on antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers. I'm always in search of new places to shop or new things I should buy or stock up on so, I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon the "Back To School" on Minted!






Not only do they offer some super fun decor for dorm rooms and kid's rooms and desks of all ages, they also have stationery, notebooks, labels, and journals! I'm sure we can find a lot of good uses for all of the above this year!




Did I mention that you can order personalized stationery? You choose the colors, backing, type of paper, and yes, you can add their names! (PS You can always order samples of the stationery at Minted.com by paying just $1! They will credit that $1 to your order if you choose to place an order!)

There are options for journals too! My favorite option is turning the journal into a day planner or an address book if you prefer. Or you could order one of each in each option for yourself and your children.

If you decide to check out the options at Minted.com, you may want to check into a Minted More membership. This will give you year-round savings and special promos as well as free standard domestic shipping. The membership costs $50 per year but, if you sign up now, you get a Minted More gift box valued at $160! On top of the everyday discount of 15%, 30% off holiday cards, free shipping, (and a 30% off bonus sale on back to school supplies right now!) you will receive a gift box filled with some of the finest products Minted has to offer! Everything from a 12x12 pillow to stationery samples to a gift wrap essentials kit and more! This is a great way to get some school supplies knocked off of your list, grab a gift box for yourself, an annual membership that could very well pay for itself in just a few website visits (or even just 1!) and you're set for the next 12 months!

Mix & Match Mrs. Meyer's Scents with Grove Collaborative

** This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you choose to purchase through my links! **

By now, summer is in full swing. I've fallen into a slow, easy routine since our calendar is a little emptier and we don't have to rush out the door in the morning.

But as much as I'm enjoying these slower days, I sometimes feel like my routine needs a little shake-up.

It's amazing how one small tweak, like changing up your usual household scents, can energize your entire day.

Now is a great opportunity to try a different scent (or three!) because my friends at Grove Collaborative are giving away this FREE set with your first order of $20:

Free Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap

Free Mrs. Meyer’s hand lotion

Free Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap

Grove Collaborative cleaning caddy

Free shipping & 60 day VIP trial

I started using Mrs. Meyer's products a few years ago and have been hooked ever since. They're made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, in scents inspired by a backyard garden.

The three Mrs. Meyer's products all come in lavender, honeysuckle, lemon verbena, geranium and basil. When you grab your free set from Grove, you can mix and match to create your own custom combination!

Why stick to just one when there are so many fun ones to try? I've tried them all, and I can confidently say that they all smell fantastic and clean beautifully.

If you came to my house right now, you'd see that I have Mrs. Meyers soap and lotion next to every sink in my house. Right now, I have the basil scent in the kitchen, lemon verbena in the guest bath, and lavender in the mudroom. Whenever I use up a bottle, I switch to a new scent. It instantly changes the atmosphere of the room and makes it feel like a fresh space!

I like to keep a few extra soaps and lotions on hand so I never run out. This gorgeous, multi-functional enamel caddy is perfect for corralling extra products until you're ready to use them. (It's also a stylish way to round up cleaning products, gardening tools, or the kids' summer art supplies!)

Another way I make sure I never run out of my favorite products is by using Grove Collaborative. Grove delivers the best natural products right to my doorstep, on my schedule. They make creating a healthy, beautiful home effortless and affordable. I've also discovered some of my favorite cleaning products through Grove. Here are some products I think you should try:

Mrs. Meyer's multi-surface cleaner $3.89

Grove Collaborative cleaning gloves $6.95

Grove Collaborative walnut scrubber sponges $3.95

Method antibac bathroom cleaner $2.99

Full Circle grunge buster grout and tile brush $6.99

Mrs. Meyer's dish soap FREE

Mrs. Meyer's hand soap FREE

Mrs. Meyer's hand lotion FREE

Grove Collaborative cleaning caddy FREE

You'll get all these products for $24.77 plus free shipping when you place your first order from Grove Collaborative! And when you sign up for Grove right now, you'll also get a free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, you'll save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales, and personal service. Here's how to take advantage of the free offer:

Sign up for Grove Collaborative here. You will receive the Mrs Meyers cleaning kit and cleaning caddy for free when you sign up! To receive this offer, your order needs to be a minimum of $20. Choose the combination of products and scents you love and receive your first box within a few days. You made it! Click Finish & Pay and place your order.