A Cab from Oxford to London – a Dream Vacation

A Cab from Oxford to London – a Dream Vacation

During my travels throughout Europe, I never made it to England. One vacation at the top of my bucket list is to experience taking a cab from Oxford and London. I’ve taken the trains across France, Spain, and Italy. But taking a private cab from Oxford to London would allow for a more up close and personal experience of the English countryside.

The perfect English vacation would start in Oxford, home of the oldest university in England. In Oxford, I’d sit in a café, drinking some tea, and read a classic novel.  I’d explore all that Oxford has to offer. Then, after a couple of days in Oxford, I’d take a cab from Oxford to London with London Drivers travel service so I could enjoy the English countryside on my schedule at an affordable and fixed price. 

Once in London, I’d have London Drivers take me to famous attractions like the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. There is so much on my list for London, I’d want to spend at least a week in London taking in the culture, the shopping, and the pubs. Yes…England is certainly at the top of my travel list!

Have you traveled to Oxford or London? What was your favorite experience?

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by London Drivers. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Kuhfs – The Perfect Boot Cuff Accessory - #ProductReview

Kuhfs – The Perfect Boot Cuff Accessory

Ah…boot season! Probably one of my favorite things about the cooler weather is pulling out my winter boots. There are so many styles of boots, but I’m not always in the market for a brand new pair every year. 

Earlier this month, I was introduced to Kuhfs boot accessories. These fabulous women's boot cuffs are a great way to change up the style of your boots without breaking the bank. Each Kuhf is designed to wrap around the top of your boots to add some style and flair to your classic winter boots of any height. Definitely a boot cuff accessory must have for all women this winter season!

Kuhfs carries a variety of patterns and styles – from animal print to designs with sequence – you can find a Kuhf for any occasion so you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on multiple pairs of boots. I love the sequence of the New York pair.

Current styles are $39 each. Clearance styles are $25. I can see these in stockings for some of my favorite fashionista friends this holiday season.

This is such a great idea of a product! Plus during the holiday season they are offering free shipping on all orders through December 18th!

Like Kuhfs on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter.

What style of boot Kuhfs would you wear?

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by Kuhfs. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Kids eBook “Dinosaur Party Adventure” - #BookReview

Kids eBook “Dinosaur Party Adventure”

I remember as a kid, I loved the books that let you ‘choose your own adventure’. You know the books that told you at the end of the chapter, “If you want X to happen, turn to page Y.”? 

Last week, I received “Dinosaur Party Adventure” ebook from author Christina Johnson, which is very similar to these books I loved as a child. The main difference is that it is for younger kids with a fun party theme.

After I downloaded the ebook, I tested the book with my 1st grade daughter who loves to read new books and explore new topics. I handed her the tablet and she was entertained for an hour reading and re-reading the "Dinosaur Party Adventure".

The clickable blue links in the “If X then Y” sentences took you right to the page of the adventure you are choosing. She would test to see which results she liked better. Plus at the end of the book was a fun puzzle game for her to try.

This is a great ebook to read with your child or to let your child read on their own. Check out Dinosaur Party Adventure on Amazon and visit Christina Johnson’s author website to learn more about her other books.

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by Christina Johnson. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Special Letter From Santa – Just in Time for Christmas

Special Letter From Santa – Just in Time for Christmas

Oh, Santa! How many times do you say, “Don’t do that Santa is watching?” or “We will add that to your Christmas list for Santa to bring you.” I’ve already started dropping the Santa reference more than once a day. He's become my scapegoat to encourage good behavior.

Then, I discovered Special Letter from Santa – a great website that has entered my life just in time for the Christmas season. Special Letter from Santa allows you to send a personalized letter from Santa to each of your kids. They personalized the letter with your child’s name, your home town, and a friend’s name. This is such a cool idea to keep the dream alive for children of all ages!

The Value Pack includes a personalized letter, a good behavior certificate, a nice list, and a holiday envelope from the North Pole so there is no doubt that the letter from Santa is real. You simply select your package, complete each child’s information, complete your order, and wait for the excitement to arrive in the mail.  Shipping is free and all orders come with a 100% money back guarantee.

Don’t let the holiday craziness get away from you. Order quickly so your little one’s letter from Santa can arrive before Christmas {make sure you mention you heard it on MyMomSpark}.

So, will you be sending your angel a special letter from Santa?

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by Special Letter from Santa. All opinions are 100% mine.

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PrivateWriting: Academic Paper Writing Service #Review

PrivateWriting: Academic Paper Writing Service #Review

Do you remember being forced to write papers in college (and high school) that felt like pulling teeth? To find a topic, some inspiration, and all the sources you need to compose an academic level paper was not always my cup of tea. While ironic that I now write for my blog, my business, and a variety of content for online marketing, I still remember those painful papers.  

Recently, I was introduced to PrivateWriting Service – an academic paper writing service that offers writing help for essays, dissertations, term papers, and ghost writing. This service offers editing, rewriting and proofreading services, among others. They use their own unique plagiarism detection software, and have developed an APA citation tool, which is helping students around the world.

As I was checking out their site, I really appreciated their explanations of different types of writing and paper styles. For example, for “Argumentative Essays” they give a clear explanation of what an argumentative essay is and how to construct such an essay. They even continue to provide topic suggestions to get you started. It is much more than a paper writing service.

All good writers recognize the need for editing, rewriting, and proofreading. Students can benefit from the helpful information and writing prompts on this site. PrivateWriting services are worth a bookmark for mom bloggers, business writers, students, and copywriters.

What sources do you use for your writing?

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by PrivateWriting. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Softy Dolls – Hand Made Goods for Your Little Ones #ProductReview

Softy Dolls – Hand Made Goods for Your Little Ones

There is nothing more special than a handmade toy or gift for your little one. While I enjoy crafting (though I’m not very good at it), crocheting is not a skill I’ve spent much time perfecting. So, when I find unique and whimsical crocheted goods, I’m impressed with the skill it takes to create such goods.

Softy Dolls has an adorable collection of crocheted animals for children. Softy Dolls has a wide assortment of animals from owls to bunnies to giraffes, there is sure to be a cute little animal for a young child in your life.

Each Softy Doll comes with a unique name and cute story about their personality. One of my favorites is Terry a lovable mouse. He is a great listener and offers great advice. Plus, his teal coloring is one of my favorite colors recently. I just thing he is a total cutie.

So, if you value handmade goods, check out Softy Dolls collection of handmade toys and gifts for children. Plus, every order comes with a special holiday gift. Be sure to tell them you heard about Softy Dolls on My Mom Spark.

Do you like handmade gifts?

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by Softy Dolls. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Sfoodle – Hand-Picked, Organic Foods Delivered to You #ProductReview

Sfoodle – Hand-Picked, Organic Foods Delivered to You 

How contentious are you about the foods you give to your family? For us, we make an effort to eliminate artificial sweeteners, foods riddled with GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), nitrates, nitrates, and limit processed foods. Sfoodle is a marketplace that caters to buyers who care about providing their families with hand-picked, organic foods that are delivered to your door. 

Sfoodle offers an assortment of cooking ingredients made by specialists farmers and food producers . Organic drinks, artisan cheese,  extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegar, bread and biscuits, tomato sauces (the list goes on).  Selected products listed on Sfoodle are organic, biodynamic or categorized PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). Sfoodle does not list factory-made provisions.

Finding all the food you need in one place is a significant advantage for busy people – from the wholesale food buyer to the busy mom wanting quality foods delivered to her door while she is running her household. Sfoodle caters to all types of food buyers who value quality over quantity, but want the convenience of delivery.

Sfoodle even offers wine! For wine enthusiasts who are looking to replenish their collection or someone looking for a high-class bottle that cannot be found in your ordinary supermarket, Sfoodle has it. I really enjoyed browsing their collection of Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Wines, Pasta, and Sauces. They are clearly high quality and hand packaged. They have an excellent array of Italian and European-inspired foods that will make a foodie {like me} go crazy.

Are you a foodie? What about a Sfoodle foodie?

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by SFoodle. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Roarr Kids – Comfy Kids Clothes #ProductReview

Roarr Kids – Comfy Kids Clothes 

Boys are so hard on their clothes – at least my 3 year old is. Finding stylish, durable, and comfy boys clothes is quite the tall order. When I found Roarr Kids, I immediately loved all their boys' outerwear jackets, sweaters and pullovers.

As I learned more about Roarr Kids, their clothes are designed by moms (like you and me) who were looking for comfort, style, and durability for their little ones that didn’t look like the same boring styles you find at the big box store. I get it and I love their mission. 

One of my favorite shirts is the Mustache Man Tee in Yellow and Black. This long sleeved shirt is adorned with foe-suspenders around a face with mustache and black top hat. It’s a unique and whimsical design that fits right in with the masculine fascination with mustache...well, everything.

Cool shirt and it comes in a white version as well.

All of the designs at Roarr Kids are different than what you will find at the traditional discount store. But their prices are very reasonable for the quality of the clothes they offer.

This is a very cool line of kidswear that all you stylish moms should check out. As an added benefit for My Mom Spark readers, get free shipping on your order when you use “MomSpark” at checkout!

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by Roarr Kids. All opinions are 100% mine.

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AlignerMeter - The Invisible Braces App #ProductReview

AlignerMeter - The Invisible Braces App 

An individual's teeth and smile divulge some important hints about the person's health. On a primal level, great teeth and a smile convey an overall impression of health and wellness. Socially, studies show that we're naturally attracted to people who smile, as they're viewed as more confident, more approachable, more intelligent and more attractive.

What's more, your good smile can make your date appear more attractive too. When you smile, others naturally mimic this expression, so you can get your date to smile too. That's important because studies have revealed that people are viewed as more attractive when they smile!

As a parent of a young child who has started losing her teeth, I often wonder if we will end up investing in her smile. AlignerMeter is a free smartphone app that could help answer that question for us as she gets older. AlignerMeter allows you to get a profession free orthodontist consultation via your smartphone. 

The AlignerMeter Application captures three photographs of the individual's teeth and sends the images to a board-certified orthodontist who examines and evaluates the photos to determine whether the subject is a suitable candidate for invisible braces or any other type of treatment. Once a positive determination is made, the app informs the user and provides the user with referrals to orthodontists in their area. 

This app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. The AlignerMeter has expanded its successful app to five different languages. Consumers can set the app to one of these languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Chinese.

To learn more about the AlignerMeter App, visit www.alignermeter.com. 

My oldest has a few more teeth before we need to take action towards assessing her mouth. But I love the convenience that AlignMeter offers to busy parents without needing to make an appointment and spend money before knowing if Invisible Braces are what we need.

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by Alignermeter. All opinions are 100% mine.

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JS Puzzles - Daily Digital Puzzles Delivered to your Inbox #ProductReview

JS Puzzles - Daily Digital Puzzles Delivered to your Inbox #ProductReview

One of my favorite activities growing up was putting together jigsaw puzzles. Even as a mom, I love sitting down with my 7 year old to do a puzzle. Perhaps it the challenge of putting the pieces together or maybe the reassurance that each piece has it's place in the picture, but either way I find the pastime to be a relaxing activity.

JS Puzzles is a daily digital puzzle service that delivers a unique puzzle to your inbox every day. You simply create a free account and a new jigsaw puzzle comes to you. While I don't always have time to complete a daily puzzle (and sometimes it can get lost in my inbox), I enjoy the idea that I can sit down to complete a puzzle whenever I need a brain break.

JS Puzzles has jigsaw puzzles of nature, animals, places, scenery, and more. You can literally find a puzzle theme to fit your mood. Once you select the theme, you can choose how many pieces and whether you want them to be large or small. Then, the puzzle launches with the pieces shuffled on the board. You move them around and they lock into place when lined up next to an adjacent piece.

Another aspect of JS Puzzles, that I like, is the timed leader board for each puzzle. Because I am uber competitive, I like knowing that I can be casually competing with other players' times. So, after I finished my peacock puzzle, I had to check my time against other players. I was nowhere near the fastest time, but I enjoyed the challenge anyway.

Are you a puzzle fan? Have you tried digital jigsaw puzzles? Share your thoughts.

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by JS Puzzles. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Horse Art: Kathy Shell #BookReview

Horse Art: Kathy Shell (Shepparton Studio Book 1) by Ryn Shell, Kathy Shell, and Gray Nomad

Horse lovers will enjoy Horse Art: Kathy Shell. It is the first book in the Kathy Shell Art Studio series. Horse Art is more than just a coffee table book. This book is part memoir of internationally acclaimed author Kathy Shell. It contains tips for artist, both for ‘how to’ create art and the business of art.

In this first book, Kathy Shell shares an eclectic collection of horse paintings. From her popular collection of Clydesdales paintings to Welsh ponies, Horse Art gives the readers interesting insights to what inspires her art and the history of her Australian heritage.

As a collaboration between Ryn Shell (author), Kathy Shell (artist) and Gray Nomad (non-fiction author), this book is an interesting mix that will draw you in, keep you inspired, and make curious for more works by Kathy Shell. Albeit, it's a short read since it is half pictures, but for horse lovers and those who appreciate Western art, this is a great book.

Book Details – Buy on Amazon:

• Ryn Shell (Author), Kathy Shell (Author), Gray Nomad (Author)

• ASIN: B00GX08QHK

• Kindle eBooks > Arts & Photography > Art > Painting

For more works by these authors:

• Novels: http://www.amazon.com/author/rynshell 

• Art: http://www.amazon.com/author/kathyshell 

• Non-Fiction: http://www.amazon.com/author/graynomad

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by KathrynShell. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Wishgiving Men’s Jewelry #ProductReview

Wishgiving Men’s Jewelry - "Let's create beauty and blessings."

Does your man wear jewelry? From time to time, my husband likes to find unique pieces of jewelry to wear on a daily basis. Aside from his watch and wedding band, he currently doesn’t wear any other jewelry.

However, when I came across Wishgiving Men’s Jewelry I wanted to know his thoughts. Wishgiving jewelry offers a unique collection of handmade men’s jewelry that is both masculine and original. At first glance, my husband (who is not a bracelet wearer) was a little unsure about the designs. 

After taking a closer look at a couple of pieces, he seemed to open up to the idea of wearing a bracelet made out of natural materials that have more meaning than an everyday piece of jewelry.

Wishgiving is a handmade jewelry startup in Los Angeles that is changing the reason people wear jewelry. Wishgiving creates blessings for the wearer by:

• Creating jewelry that is handmade in the Los Angeles
• Using natural gemstones and recycled gold and silver
• Sourcing materials from mines that do not exploit labor

One piece that caught my husband's eye was the Handcrafted Zen/Yoga Bracelet with Black Jade & Rosewood. This piece is made of rare jade stone and polished rosewood beads on a leather string with recycled silver clasp. It has a jagged yet refined style to it. Plus, Jade has been treasured by the Chinese for thousands of years as a gem that promotes longevity and divine love.

So, if you are in the market for a gift for the main man in your life, check out Wishgiving’s collection of men’s jewelry. The chance to wear something made with pure intentions and pure resources, is a blessing and the chance to give a gift that celebrates life in such a simple way is unique indeed.

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by Wishgiving. All opinions are 100% mine.

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The FOOTer & The Ritz Kids - #ProductReview

The Footer & The Ritz Kids – a portable foot measuring devices for adults and kids.

How many times have you bought your kids (or yourself) the wrong size shoes? Perhaps you’ve been buying the wrong shoe size all along.

Wearing the right size of shoe is important for posture, balance, and growth and development in your legs and feet. However, measuring your kids’ feet for new shoes is often a guessing game. If you are like me, you prefer to shop for your kids clothes online or alone in a store without them in tow. And when you do take them out to the store, you are lucky if they sit still long enough for you to get an accurate measurement. The result – you buy ill-fitting shoes that are the wrong size and that is good for no one.

The Footer is a lightweight collapsible plastic foot measuring device designed to let you measure the length and width of your foot or your child’s foot quickly and easily. It comes with an easy to read conversion chart to make sure you are getting the right size and width for your child’s foot. The fact that you can take it with you in your purse means you don’t have to rely on a store employee to play the guessing game with you. Simply pull the Footer out of your bag, measure your child’s foot, use the conversion chart, then select the right size shoe.

For moms like me, who’d rather measure their child’s foot at home, you’d like the newest member to the Footer Family. The brand new Ritz Kids is a wooden foot measuring device specifically designed for kids’ feet. I like the fact that I can use it at home to get the right shoe size, and then head to the stores or go online without needing to guess at a shoe size. 

I used both of these devices to check my kids shoe sizes. They were excited to see how big their feet were. And my husband (a big kid himself) was also curious to see how it measured his extra wide feet. Its super easy to use!

Both the original Footer and the Ritz Kids are made in the USA. They've both been granted the "Seal of Acceptance" by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). 

Follow the Footer Family on Twitter and LIKE them on Facebook. The Footer is a great gift for any family with growing kids.

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by The Footer Family - Foot Measure. All opinions are 100% mine.

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New App for Moms - Playdate by JAGO #ProductReview

Playdate by JAGO - a New App for Moms

Arranging play dates is a necessary activity for moms and dads – no matter how old your kids are. We need time to socialize with other adults. And let’s face it, we all know that a properly structured play date results in an hour (or two) of entertainment resulting in sufficiently tired children who will go to bed more easily after a couple hours of play with a friend.

One of the biggest struggles with play dates is getting everyone’s schedules synced and on the calendar. We all run at different paces juggling multiple schedules and places to be. By the time you match calendars, those once frequent play dates can quickly become few and far between. Until now.

A new app called Playdate by JAGO is in beta in your app store for both iOS and Android phones. Playdate is a new parenting app to help parents schedule & manage their kids social lives. This little app is the perfect way to sync calendars with friends to schedule those much needed play dates with friends. The app is free and installs quickly. You simply use their social feature to create your free account, connect with friends, and start scheduling play dates.

Playdate by JAGO has an easy to use interface that lets you keep your kids’ play dates organized and at your fingertips. Quickly and easily add a group play date in advance or use it for that emergency relief to burn off your toddler’s extra energy with a friend. Either way this app is a great addition to your smartphone.

I can see this app working great in larger organizations of parents who need a better way to connect – your local MOPS group, your Mom Meet Up group, preschool parent group…the list goes on.

Download the app and try it out for yourself.  

Until Next Time,

Katie

This post is sponsored by JAGO. All opinions are 100% mine.

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iPurify Colon Cleanse and Detox - #ProductReview

iPurify Colon Cleanse and Detox - by Reduxa

I was compensated for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.

Digestive health is important – even for busy moms who are more concerned with counting our baby’s bowel movements than our own. 

I’m sure there is plenty of nutritional value in all those detox fruit waters we saw on Pinterest all summer.  However, I’m always on the lookout for other detox options that meet my busy lifestyle;  meaning – I can’t be tied to a toilet for days, turn my entire diet into liquid form, or test the latest diet concoction of unknown ingredient.

So, when I was asked to review the iPurify Colon Cleanse andDetox by Reduxa, I did my research. I looked at Amazon reviews (over 377 ratings with an average 4 stars). I studied the ingredients and their natural benefit for my body. Since this formula is made of all natural herbal extracts – including St. Johns Wart, Psylium, Ginger Root, and Green Tea extracts. iPurify Colon Cleanse and Detox does not contain iron, gluten, wheat, yeast, corn, soy, milk, eggs, or preservatives.

While their claims have not been evaluated by the FDA, it is made in the USA in an FDA registered facility. With an all natural blend to promote digestive health, I’ve tried it. So far so good. Nothing crazy or out of the ordinary.

Until Next Time,

Katie

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For Moms Who Love Wine #Giveaway

How many of you are a mom of many talents?

In addition to writing product reviews, freelancing, being a mom, and working, I run an online wine accessories boutique called A Bit of Wine. This month we are giving away a $100 gift certificate to a lucky member of our monthly A Bit of Wine Member News. If you love a glass of wine after the kids go to bed or enjoy hosting wine parties with your favorite friends, then you'd L.O.V.E this monthly newsletter.

We feature wine tips, exclusive deals & discounts at our shop, fun wine facts, and a community of Every Day Wine Lovers. If you'd like to be entered to win, sign up to receive our monthly newsletters. Our winner will be announced in the November edition of the A Bit of Wine Member News. 

ENTER TO WIN

(plus you'll get a $10 off coupon for your first purchase and tons of exclusive savings each month).

For more mommy wine fun - here are some of my favorite memes featuring the relationship between moms & wine:

Until Next Time,

Katie

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uShine Hair, Skin, and Nails Complex, Health Supplement #ProductReview

Product Review: uShine Hair, Skin, and Nails Complex, Health Supplement from Reduxa, Inc

I was compensated for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.

One of my favorite things about both of my pregnancy was my hair. When I was pregnant, it was healthy, strong, and vibrant. It was fuller than it had ever been and I was able to let it grow longer than I had in my entire adult life. Then, it all went away after having my babies. I’ve tried everything to get that healthy hair back – diet, oils, shampoos, etc.

Recently, I was asked to review uShine Hair, Skin, and NailsComplex from Reduxa, Inc. This health supplement is formulated to promote stronger healthier hair, clearer skin, and stronger nails. One bottle comes with 60 capsules which will last one month, when taken correctly.

When taken as a supplement to your diet, uShine’s formula will help bring back that pregnancy hair I’ve been missing for the last few years.  If you’ve noticed your hair thinning after having kids, try uShine Hair, Skin, and Nails Complex health supplement. Reduxa, Inc offers a 100% money back guarantee.

Until Next Time,

Katie

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My Mom Spark Business Book Review - Conquering the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy

A My Mom Spark Business Book Review - Conquering the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy

I was once told I was a "learner of things". If you look at my background and experience, this is true. I've spent my entire life learning how to do new things, then teaching those things to others who share my same curiosity. From teach art when I was in high school to being a high school French teacher...and now, I teach Google AdWords to ecommerce retailers. Learning (and teaching) is a big part of my life.

For moms in business, learning should be a big part of your life too. One of my recent healthy habits has focused on fostering a healthy mind. We've added more trips to the public library, so my kiddos can catch this learning bug, too. Their excitement to explore the shelves of books is contagious!

On one recent trip, I was inspired to explore the audio books section. When I think of learning I often forget great books are recorded in an audio version. This is great for me - a mom who is constantly on the go, in my car, or trying to multi-task. Finding time to sit down with a book can be hard. Audio books seem to be the perfect fit for my lifestyle right now.

The book I grabbed for our road trip was Conquering the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy by Clate Mask and Scott Martineau. These two successful businessmen are the founders of Infusionsoft - a marketing automation system for entrepreneurs and enterprise businesses. 

This book highlights Clate's and Scott's journey from creating their business from scratch, battling the balance of home and work life, and the ultimate joy of watching their business grow. However, this is not just a book about two guys' success story. 

They've created an interesting and compelling story that is the basis for key elements entrepreneurs need to have in order to enjoy the time, money, and freedom that attracted us to entrepreneurship. It is their story that inspired their six strategies for 'conquering the chaos' and growing their successful small business.

Their 6 key strategies were broken down into two main types - Mindset Strategies & System Strategies.

• In Mindset Strategies, Clate and Scott discuss the three elements that are required for any entrepreneur to have the right mindset for their business. They discuss how these integral strategies are the fuel that keep you motivated through the tough times and the inspiration that brings about new ideas for growth and prosperity.
• In System Strategies, the Infusionsoft duo share three elements that make any successful business of the 21st century successful. Their systems are duplicatible yet applicable across all subsets of businesses today. Yet, they aren't pitching their product (one solution for their automation strategy).

Conquering the Chaos was an enjoyable book that I'd recommend to any mom, dad, or business person looking for a digestible action plan to emerge from the chaos and start living the entrepreneurial life we all dream of.

Are you a "learner of things" in your business? What business books keep you inspired for moving closer to your dreams?

Until Next Time,

Katie

Note: This post is 100% my opinion. None of the links included in this post are affiliate links (I will not get paid if you buy the book from the link). I was not paid to write this review. Pure inspirations for one entrepreneur to another. Enjoy!

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#SparkleWithDASANI - Refreshing Summer Fun + A Cool Contest

This post brought to you by Dasani. All opinions are 100% mine.

What makes you sparkle?

At My Mom Spark, I get to discover a lot of things to spark a conversation. However, the number one thing to make me sparkle has to be my kiddos. They are fun and full of energy. Often I am reminded of a more simple perspective through their eyes.

When I received our Dasani Sparkling water, I couldn't wait to have my kids try it. We don't drink sparkling water very often, so I knew this would be a new experience for both of them. 

So after a hot summer day, we cooled off with some Dasani Sparkling water. I added a small handful of blueberries to their drink to make it more fun. They loved the idea. They each picked their flavor (we were sent lemon, lime, berry, and apple). It was great way to rehydrate after a hot day. My youngest enjoyed eating the blueberries out of his drink more than 'the bubbles' in the drink.

Later that night, for the adults, we took the ice, blueberries, and Dasani Sparkling and added our spirit of choice - Skyy vodka - for a refreshing way to unwind after a long hot day with the kids.

The #SparkleWithDASANI Contest - win a free vacation

Dasani wants to make you sparkle this summer with their refreshing contest #SparkleWithDASANI. All you have to do is tweet what makes you sparkle to @dasaniwater or upload a picture of what makes you sparkle to Instagram using the hashtag #SparkleWithDASANI and you could win a free vacation from Dasani Water.

The Grand Prize is a Sparkling Getaway to the Westin Diplomat in Ft. Lauderdale, and includes airfare, hotel and spa treatments for 4. Winner will be selected in early August. 

So, what makes you sparkle? Take a picture and send a tweet to Dasani for your chance to win.

Until next time,

Katie

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LivEasy App - Local Deal App Great for Local Businesses

This post brought to you by morebank. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you a small or local business owner looking to attract more buyers affordably?

The LivEasy app may be just what you need to find new customers without breaking the bank. They have a easy to understand model for local businesses to easily create deals for local buyers. LivEasy is called "The app store of life" with their deals covering all aspects of consumer life from food to entertainment. 
Since consumers (and pretty much everything) is going mobile. Why shouldn't your advertising go mobile to attract those buyers who are attached to their smartphone?

Here's how it works:

Once you sign up for LivEasy (it's free), you will be able to create exclusive deals to be shared within the mobile app. Your deal is then available to be seen by buyers in your area who've downloaded the app. These people are looking for new places or businesses to explore and when your business is there, it is a targeted new customer relationship that is mutually beneficial.

The set up is easy:

From your tablet or computer, you will have access to an exclusive member's area where you can create your deal. You maintain full control over your deals and offers.

Simply, select your category. Give your deal a name. Write some brief highlights and benefits to your offer. Set your price. Upload an image. Complete your business profile with address, hours of operation, and length of the deal. Finally, set your start date and you are done. Your deal will be live in the app within 24 hours.

The best part for business:

LivEasy doesn't take a percentage of your deal. Instead, they have a $0.99 in-app charge for the buyer to "lock-in" your deal. Once they've locked in your deal, the buyer has a certain amount of time to use that deal (you set that time frame) before it expires. LivEasy doesn't collect any money from the user for your deal (just the lock-in cost), and the buyer pays you directly for the deal. You keep all the money for the deal.

Once your deal is live, you can:

- Track how many people viewed your deal details (ex: 187 views)

- How many people “locked in” the deal (ex: 38 people)

- And then you can see exactly how many people actually used the deal (ex: 16 people)

- You can also see the best days of the week, the times, and you can even send personal messages through the LivEasy website straight to every user who “locked in” a deal. (Maybe you want to invite them back for another offer!)

For merchants to try the LivEasy deal app, they have a 60-day free trial. They won't collect any of your credit card information while you test your deals. During the trial, you can try new deals, track your stats, and have full access to the member dashboard. They will call you to help with your deals and gt your feedback. After the 60-day trial, and if you are happy with their service, you can continue to use the service for a small $99 monthly fee. No revenue sharing. No hidden fees. No commitment with long-term contracts.Unlimited deals per month.

Why make life hard? LivEasy.

So, I am testing out this app personally for my A Bit of Wine business. I didn't have time before writing this review to give a full and fair testing of the app's capabilities and reach. I love the concept of self-serve deal app. Plus, so far signing up and creating deals has been super easy. I'm still in my 60 day trial (and they didn't ask for my credit card...so its going to be free as promised). I plan to  run a couple deals to test the app's audience, reach, and consistency. Stay tuned for a full run-down on how my deals performed and progress with the LivEasy app.

Until next time,

Katie

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