Impact: Great Leadership Changes Everything Review & Giveaway

About the book:
*New York Times bestseller

For more than 25 years, organizational psychologist and management consultant Dr. Tim Irwin has worked with thousands of leaders in well-known global companies. He knows most leaders work for recognition and advancement and they want more challenge and responsibility. He’s also found this to be true: Most of us want to make a positive difference through our work and to have our lives count for something more than simply making a living. We want to make an impact.

Yet when we look around our organizations, we don’t see many leaders who have real impact. We see them just managing the daily rat race. Somewhere along the line, many began working for money instead of for meaning, for status instead of for a lasting legacy.

In Impact, Irwin identifies the principles and beliefs that lead to great leadership—ways in which you can grow and thrive and be trusted by others. Learn how to be the kind of leader that motivates others in meaningful work and great accomplishments and what you can do to stay on track so you avoid a path of personal destruction so many leaders go down today.

Accessible, humorous, and engaging, Irwin’s latest book shows you how to live the vision you began your career with and then finish strong for a lasting impact, the hope of every great leader.

About the author:

Dr. Tim Irwin, the author of the New York Times best-selling book Impact: Great Leadership Changes Everything, has been a confidante to thousands of global leaders. He is a favorite guest of Hugh Hewitt and is being featured on a number of Christian radio programs. Irwin sees one central issue anytime a leader “derails”—he believes they have a defect in their “core”, which Irwin says goes beyond the overused term “character”. His new book, Impact, addresses this and gives actionable ways leaders can protect themselves, and better serve their organizations—especially crucial for those of us who serve in ministry and are walking a Christian walk.

My thoughts:

Like most people, I want to make a difference. I found this book really interesting to read because it talked about why some leaders make an impact while other leaders fail. Dr. Irwin explains that each of us has a person inside of us which he calls our core. Our core has a voice and guides our beliefs so he explains how important it is to have a strong core through self-awareness. This quote sums up the purpose of the book, and I have to add that I really love it:

A strong core depends upon self-awareness. It vets our beliefs and alerts us to rationalization. It controls errant impulses. It makes us authentic and emotionally resilient. A strong core prevents us from going down that path of personal destruction that many have taken.

I found it extremely helpful that Dr. Irwin used real examples from the news to illustrate leaders with strong and weak cores. At the end of most chapters, there is a "Go Deeper" section where you reflect upon questions or take a quiz. The purpose of these sections is to make you aware of your actions and how you improve your core.

Right now I am a stay at home mom. I am no longer a leader of various organizations. However, I am a leader or the CEO of my home. And, that is how I applied the book to myself. I don't want my children to grow up in a demeaning environment or an environment where they learn that to a leader is one the coerces others to follow them. This book helped me to recognize areas where I need improvement. I loved this quote:

A leader with influence holds sway over others not from position but rather from persuasion.

I feel that if I show proper behavior and leadership skills at home, then my children will apply these skills when they go to school and in their careers. Parents do have an impact upon their children, and I want to make sure that I have a positive impact.

Want more information:

Website: http://www.drtimirwin.com

Take the personal assessment: http://drtimirwin.net/assessment/impact-assessment

Giveaway:
-Open to US and Canada
-Winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email before a new winner is chosen

Entry-Form

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

A Week of Letter "M"

Last week I wrote about an update with my little boy, Monkey. Because he started preschool the same week we were learning about letter "M", things got a little crazy. We were almost able to stick to our preschool schedule.

Monday - Reading

We started off our "M" week by creating the letter of the week. I decided that Monkey should make a mountain because we live by mountains (This great idea came from No Time For Flashcards). Monkey had a blast doing this letter of the week project. He even pulled out his crayons and had fun coloring all over this mountain. I tried to get him to practice writing the letter "M" out, but he wanted to color instead. Oh well, at least, I tried. And, as you can tell, Monkey was sick of the picture taking. He is that stage of hating his picture being taken.

Monkey LOVED My "m" Book because it had monkeys in it. We read it many times and practiced saying the letter and its sound. We also tried to read books that featured the letter "M" in order to connect words with the letter.

Tuesday - Science

This was by far Monkey's favorite activity project we have done so far. I'm so glad that I found this idea at Creekside Learning I made a sensory bin where Monkey could explore with a a magnet wand and see what items are magnetic and what items are not magnetic.It was fun watching Monkey play in the rice bin and see what items stuck to the magnet and what items didn't. I used a variety of items such as pom poms, twisty ties, pencils, pens, canning lids, plastic rings, rubber bands, little magnets, batteries, etc.

I made the magnetic wand by hot gluing a big magnet onto a large craft stick. Make it at home instead of buying one in order to save money!

Wednesday - Math

I decided to do another interactive math activity because Monkey likes them. I found this fun idea from No Time For Flashcards. So I got these white bins from Walmart (3 bins for $1.34) and I labeled them with numbers. I also numbered ten envelopes.





Monkey had fun sorting the mail. I think next time I will put things in the envelopes that correspond to the numbers because Monkey was disappointed that the envelopes were empty.



Thursday - Art

Because Monkey loved the magnet activity we did on Tuesday, I thought it would be fun to use magnets again with another project. We used magnets and paper clips to paint. Rockabye Butterfly gave me the inspiration. Anyways, Monkey wanted as many colors on his paper plate as possible. He had fun for a little awhile using his magnet want to move a paper clip through the paint. But, then, he wanted his paintbrush so he could "really paint".



This is a great painting activity. I had fun painting with magnets and paper clips too!

Friday - Physical Exercise

Well, I have to admit that we didn't really do anything grand today. I originally planned to go on a nature walk up in the mountains, but my husband had to work all day long (16 hours). And, I just didn't want to do it by myself. So I had Monkey play outside with the dirt or "mud" while I did some yard work.

Saturday - Music

I made sure to make today super fun because I felt bad about not doing any special yesterday. So we made maracas! This worked out so well since one of the Monkey's vocabulary list from preschool had the word maracas on it. I totally recommend using this simple but fun way to make maracas from Easter eggs from Dana Made It.

Monkey didn't care to decorate them because he just wanted to shake them. So I ended up decorating them. I'm just glad he had fun making some music today. I wanted to show how much fun he had with the maracas, but Monkey is in the stage where he doesn't like getting his picture taken. *sigh*

Sunday - Religion

Well, today was the other day that kind of got "forgotten". Out of desperation I let Monkey watch the animated scripture series, The Miracles of Jesus. Then, I talked with him about the movie and what miracles mean.

Like I said, this week was crazy, and I just didn't get all the projects and activities I planned into each day. But, oh well. Monkey didn't seem to mind, and he still learned a lot from the projects.


Want more alphabet ideas? Then check out these posts:

Letter A   Letter B   Letter C   Letter D   Letter E   Letter F    Letter G   Letter H   Letter I   Letter  J

Letter K   Letter L

Roar Lion Roar!

Last Tuesday we learned about the letter L  and in that post I mentioned some further crafts I intended to do, including a lions mask. Life has been hectic recently, but I finally had time to try and realize my vision and... well... it didn't exactly turn out the way I'd hoped. However, it's still simple to do and would be an easy motor activity for children 4 and up.

First, find a foam visor. The one I found has a flexible coil along the back and holes pre-punched along the edges. Since the coil is flexible, I'll use it to hold the mask under BooBoo's chin. Next, find yarn you like. I used this fun textured yarn in orange and white. The only problem with using something like this is that it comes apart very easily and can be kind of hard to get through the holes. This is where you have to decide if it's worth your time to have something extra cute, or if you just want to use regular yarn. If you're using this as a project for the kids, I would recommend using regular yarn so it's less frustrating for them. Then, cute off long strips of yarn in varying sizes. I used longer sizes for the sides and got smaller as I went up. I  wanted the top to still look mane like and not too droopy.

Thread the yarn through the first hole, pull until the two ends are even, then tie a knot so that it forms a loop OR tie at the hole so that the ends are separate. Once again this all comes down to aesthetics. Then skip a hole and repeat on the third. I found doing every other hole was the best for me because it made it easier to see the loops and gave it more of a lion's mane look.

Look to this link later for an update including pictures of BooBoo the Lion! I can't wait to show my little 'Simba' off!

Magic Mayonnaise Biscuits

Need something to round out a meal that's not only quick, but fail-proof? Craving something warm, soft, but a little chewy? Like the convenience of being able to grab your breakfast as you run out the door? Then I have a recipe for you! (In my mind I said that in the same tone of voice and using the gestures of an old-time travelling salesman, trying to draw everyone to my wagon to see my tricks and wares.)

One of my quirks, when it comes to recipe finding, is latching onto a random ingredient mentally and then trying to find the most out-there (and hopefully still delicious) way to use it. A couple of years ago that ingredient was mayonnaise. I went to the search bar on my internet, started typing "mayonnaise.." and the next suggested word was 'biscuits'. Huh? I'd never even heard of anything like that, but decided it was worth the risk. Only hitch (once I'd opened the link)? I didn't have self-rising flour. So, I searched out how to make that. Most recipes call for regular flour, baking powder, and salt. In this case? Don't add the salt. Don't do it. The mayonnaise provides plenty and if you REALLY need more, the butter you add inside of them when you sit down to eat provides that. Of course, I only know this from the first time I made them and they tasted like...ocean for lack of a better word.

So, I tried it again... and the results were amazing! Biscuits you can whip up in 5 minutes and have baked in 10- 15 minutes until the perfect comfort food and completer dish for many a meal.

Now, you don't have to worry about finding self-rising flour or looking up how to make your own because I've worked the changes into my recipe down below. However if you do happen to have some on hand, go ahead and use that, just leave out the baking powder. Oh! And if you prefer wheat, that works too; just put in a little less flour. I have not tried these with any gluten free flour though. Another note- I've used both regular and low-fat mayo (though not the olive oil kind) and both have turned out fine as well. Stay tuned after the recipe for step by step pictures.

Magic Mayonnaise Biscuits

2 cups white flour- minus 2 tsp
2 tsp baking powder
6 Tbs mayonnaise
1 cup milk

Put the 2 cups flour into a mixing bowl and then remove 2 tsp (this is the step that will make it self-rising); mix in the 2 tsp baking powder. Stir well. Then add the mayonnaise and milk. Mix until just combined. The texture turns out better if you do it by hand, but you can do it with a mixer. Scoop onto cookie tray or muffin tin. Put into pre-heated 400° oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm or room temperature with your favorite biscuit toppings.

Remember to take out the 2 tsp of flour! Very important!

Mayo has been added

Next the milk

Texture should be sticky and slightly lumpy.

Mmmmmmm....

These would go great with our Slow-Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu!

OraMD Review & Giveaway

I have been slowly making the switch to safer household and health products. I don't like the idea of having harsh and dangerous chemicals in my household. I only want safe chemicals. So I was really excited to try out OraMD, 100% liquid toothpaste.

About the product

OraMD is the 100% pure liquid toothpaste, mouthwash and breath freshener with ingredients that kill the 22 harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. 

Features and Benefits 

• OraMD is a 100% pure liquid toothpaste, mouthwash and breath freshener 
• Contains only all-natural 100% pure ingredients - oils of peppermint, spearmint and
  almond 
• Combining the 1) bacteria fighting properties of OraMD’s ingredients, 2) the OraMD 4
  Step Oral Hygiene Program, and 3) the information in Dr. Tom McGuire’s book, Healthy
  Teeth Healthy Body, gives you the best possible combination to fight problem-causing
  bacteria. 
• Ingredients help create and maintain a clean and healthy environment in your mouth
  (gum conditions have been linked to numerous other conditions) 
• Has interdental access, so it gets in between your teeth and those hard-to-clean areas 
• Leaves a fresh and clean feeling unlike anything you’ve ever experienced 
• Ingredients polish teeth and make them feel as smooth as glass
• Safe and effective for everyone ages 3 and up
• May taste a little stout the first 3-7 uses 
• Safe for braces, veneers, bonds, crowns, fillings and dentures

Ingredients and Properties 

• 100% pure peppermint, spearmint and almond oil 
• Unique proprietary formula 
• Ingredients are specifically formulated to eliminate 22 known harmful types of oral
  bacteria that can lead to multiple oral problems 
• OraMD’s peppermint oil has potent anti-bacterial properties 
• OraMD’s spearmint oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties 
• Flouride-free 
• Alcohol-free (alcohol is known to cause dry mouth) 
• Contains none of the harsh chemicals found in toothpaste 
• No abrasives like silica, found in nearly all toothpastes 

Directions – 4 Step Oral Hygiene Program

 *Please be advised that OraMD may taste overwhelmingly stout over the first half dozen uses or so and you will experience a very strong, minty taste. You may want to start out using just a drop or two! This strong “burn” is actually the anti-inflammatory properties killing bacteria and does take about a week to get used to but the “burn” will decrease in time.

1. Brush twice a day in the morning and evening using 2-5 drops of OraMD on a
toothbrush and brush normally.
2. Floss every evening before brushing - more frequently as needed. Get any food particles
out from between teeth.
3. Use OraMD as a mouthwash twice a day: morning and evening. Just put 2-5 drops into
an ounce of water, swish and gargle.
4. Mid-morning, mid-afternoon and as needed: put 2-5 drops of OraMD on the tip of the
tongue to coat the gum line and teeth to kill bacteria and keep breath fresh.

My thoughts

I was excited to try this toothpaste because I have never had a liquid toothpaste. I have to admit that I was a little "nervous" about how it would feel because I am used to the regular type of foaming toothpaste. I only used one drop of OraMD toothpaste because of the advice from the company. I did experience a strong minty taste and some burning sensation, but it didn't bother me. I love mint.

Over the next week, I definitely got more use to the liquid toothpaste. I love how clean and fresh my mouth feels. Plus, I love how the OraMD toothpaste is made in the U.S.A. and this bottle will last a month using their 4 step hygiene program. I did try out their recommended program, but it is a bit much for me. I'm the type of person who just likes to brush with the occasional flush so I eventually just used the toothpaste for my brushes (note: I have really clean and healthy teeth and my dentist is impressed with how healthy my mouth is). Thus, my bottle will last much longer.

Anyways, I strongly recommend trying this toothpaste out. I love knowing that I am not using harsh chemicals to keep my teeth and gums healthy.

Try OraMD for FREE

 “The manufacturer is willing to offer my readers one FREE bottle. They said they would love to have our readers try out OraMD and agreed to send one bottle FREE if our readers would pay a minimal shipping and handling charge. This is a one-time only offer!  They also agreed to include 2 eye-opening reports called 1) “The 6 Hidden Dangers In Toothpaste” and 2) “Why The FDA Requires A Warning Label On Your Toothpaste.”  That’s a total value of over $40.00.  Click here to get your FREE bottle and FREE reports now.”

Connect with Trusted Health Products

Everyone who "likes" the Trusted Healthcare Products Facebook page will receive $5 off their first order! You can get more information about OraMD toothpaste by visiting OraMD Facebook page. You can also follow Trusted Healthcare Products through their blog.

Giveaway
-There are 3 OraMD liquid toothpaste bottles available so there will be 3 winners!!
-Giveaway runs from 4-9-14 to 4-16-14 (closes 11:59 pm MST)
-Open to North America and England who are 18+ (free shipping)
***You – or anyone in your household - may win one bottle of OraMD one time only. Previous winners please do not apply.***

Entry-Form

Loving Letter 'L'

For this weeks post we did something a little unorthodox. To explain- we didn't really have a lesson. Instead, I worked it into things we were already doing.

For example, while at the store yesterday, we made a game of finding things that started with 'lah', like 'lemon' or 'lion' or 'letters'. Speaking of letters- our local Michael's has chunky wooden letters in their cheap bin and BooBoo always insists on stopping to look at them. We made sure to point out all the things that start with 'L'.

When we got home we focused on other things that start with 'L' like 'love'. We had a 'We Love Daddy' night- because everyone deserves to feel special once in awhile. I made one of McGee's favorite dinners - Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu. BooBoo and I made some signs and talked about 'love starting with  'L' and what love means.

Later this week we'll work on writing 'L's' and I have a plan for a lion mask. I can't wait to post about the other projects. BooBoo really enjoyed finding the 'L's' as we walked around. I love working learning into everyday activities!

Make sure to check out our other alphabet posts!

Homemade Playdough

Monkey loves playdough a lot. He loves to use playdough to make letters, snakes, shapes, and cut it up with a plastic knife. His love for this product started over a year ago. At that time, I didn't have any playdough. So I decided to use this recipe that I found on Musings From a Stay At Home Mom. And, I just have to say that this recipe is SO awesome. I still have the playdough in my fridge that I made over a year ago! This is what the playdough looks like right now: Looks pretty amazing for being a year old.

A year ago, I made 3 batches so I would have 3 different colors. I store the playdough in plastic tupperware containers (the very cheap ones). The playdough leaves a slight salty feel on your hand, but nothing like the regular salt play dough. It is soft and very easy to work with. When it is pulled out the fridge, it needs to be warmed up with your hands so it is easier to use. But, I don't mind since it was so cheap and easy to make. I totally recommend using this recipe.

Playdough Recipe
*note: this is the recipe from Musings From a Stay At Home Mom.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/3 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• food coloring

Directions:

• Mix together all the ingredients, except the food coloring, in a 2 quart saucepan. Cook over low/medium heat, stirring. Once it begins to thicken, add the food coloring. Continue stirring until the mixture is much thicker and begins to gather around the spoon.
• Remove the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool.

Here is a picture of Monkey playing and learning with the playdough during our letter "E" week:

Do you have a favorite homemade playdough recipe? Please share it!