Book Review: Knockout Entrepreneur (George Foreman)

Thomas Nelson is now Book Sneeze! My latest read from Book Sneeze is Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman.

Using boxing analogies combined with practical advice, George Foreman shares with the reader the lessons he has learned on the way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Exceeding customer expectations, "turning a deaf ear" to negative influences and staying in the fight are just a few of the themes tackled in Knockout Entrepreneur.

In one word this book was INSPIRING. From choosing an accountant with integrity to making time for family in the midst of an entrepreneurial venture, Christian principles are prominent throughout. Confidence and humility are two of the author's personal character traits that really stood out. The conversational tone combined with George Foreman's contagious positive attitude made for an easy and enjoyable read, leaving me with the feeling that he believed in me and that I could succeed with my business ideas as well. Although a bit simplistic with the feel-good “You can do it!” attitude, I would certainly read again and recommend to others.

Book Review: Beautiful Mess - The Story of Diamond Rio

I had the opportunity to read the book, Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio compliments of Thomas Nelson Book and their Book Review Bloggers program.

Despite a makeshift beginning in Opryland as the Tennessee River Boys, six committed band members persevered through personal and industry challenges to develop into the highly successful group, Diamond Rio.  Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio tells the struggles and victories of the band from conception to present and outlines the individual stories of all the members: Marty, Dan, Jimmy, Brian, Gene and Dana.  The book documents Diamond Rio's recognitions and awards, and features many group photos and select childhood photos of each member.

Learning about the integrity of the band members--their faith, unselfishness, humility and charitable contributions--made the book a positive read overall; however, reading about some of their marriage problems was disappointing.  Starting with the band at a crisis point in Chapter 1 was a good tactic to keep the reader's interest.  Showing multiple photos and telling the life story of each band member helped me keep them distinct from each other.  Overall, the book felt tedious with all the different name/place connections that the author included (e.g., a band member met a certain songwriter whose cousin stayed with the band on their trip to..., etc.), but die-hard country music fans might appreciate these details and recognize more of the names given.  I would recommend this book to fans of Diamond Rio or country music in general.

Traveling with Your Cat

I was VERY apprehensive before moving from North Carolina to Oklahoma with--not one--but TWO cats who were "born and raised" in one house and only left it to go to the vet.  Trying to coordinate sight-seeing along the way, too--in mid-summer heat--was also a challenge.  Before taking them all that way, I tried a few short car rides then a 2-hour drive followed by a week stay with a friend and they adapted so well!

Read One Eye on the Road and One on the Litter Box and if you STILL want to travel with your cats, read on... :o)

BACH RESCUE REMEDY
Thank you to my cat Rosie for posing for this post :o)  She is the more sensitive of my two felines (her brother's name is Dill) and the one I was worried would be scared about the car ride and her new surroundings.   Before a trip with a nervous cat, you cannot beat Bach Rescue Remedy (or Stress Drops as I call them!). These worked wonders at keeping Rosie and Dill calm for their cross-country adventure.

I.D. TAGS

And be sure to make a small investment in either microchipping or pet i.d. tags!  I researched affordable quality tags and was happy with the very inexpensive stainless steel ENGRAVED tags from Love Your Pets.  Check them out!

TRAVEL TIPS
Finally, if you are planning a trip accompanied by your cat(s), do yourself and them a favor and check out the great travel tips from The Ramblin' Cat and Little Big Cat.

Ugly Cat

As much as I love cats, can you imagine waking up to this furry friend every day!?!  You can read about Ugly Bat Boy (yes, that's his real name) and even watch a video here.  Poor kitty :o(

Cat Catches Bus Daily!?!

Pet cat catches the daily bus for four years
A pet cat has caught the same bus regularly for four years.
telegraph.co.uk

PUNCH

2qt water
23 to 46oz unsweetened pineapple juice, chilled
2 cups sugar (may reduce)
1 pkg unsweetened Kool-Aid
1qt ginger ale

Combine water and juice; add sugar and Kool-Aid powder. Shortly before serving, add ginger ale. Serve with a punch ring*. Yield: 5qt or 20 (8oz) servings

*A punch ring (or punch cubes) can be made from most punches by freezing some of the punch base (without ginger ale or other carbonated ingredients) in a gelatin mold, bowl, or any other freezer-proof container smaller than the container in which the punch will be served.

ORANGE JULIUS

6oz frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
10 regular-sized ice cubes

In blender combine all, increasing from low to high speed until frothy. Great with breakfast or brunch. Yield: 4 (6oz) servings