Month: March 2012

Book Reviews

Final Week to Give a Book

Impower You

YOU can empower young women.  Why is that important? Why should you care?    Because we all deserve to know that we are capable, beautiful and accepted.  When we empower just one young women she has a ripple effect on her community. She betters her community by becoming a productive citizen and not just another statistic collecting welfare. We can empower women to not be victims, to be financially independent and to be tolerant of others. Because young women grow up to be moms, employees, volunteers, neighbors and friends. Not every young woman has a positive role model to support them. This is where YOU come in. You can give a young women this book, I Am More Than Just a Girl and change the direction of their life.

We are at the wonderful amount of $560 towards publishing hundreds of books (I Am More Than Just a Girl) that will be given to young women and youth organizations across the USA. THANK YOU!  So many of you wonderful readers have been supporting my campaign and taking the time to encourage others to support it as well.  I could not reach this many people on my own.  Because of YOU many young women will have a chance to get more from life.  After this fundraiser is completed I will give you updates about the book, who has a copy and what young women who read it are saying.  I want you to see that you did not just support a fundraiser, but real people who will benefit from your gift of this book. The last day of this fundraiser is Monday, April 2nd.  I can hardly believe it has been a whole month!  WOW!

There is still time to donate and share this book with your family and friends. Remember that even $5 can make a difference.  If you don’t have five dollars, how about investing one dollar and asking four of your friends to invest one dollar as well? This is a great way to work together and make a difference with people you respect and love.

Visit http://morethanagirl.webs.com/bookexcerpts.htm and click on the yellow ‘Give’ button. You can then pay with a credit card or PayPal.

MEET THE SPONSORS:  $10 from Jennifer W., $50 from 1 Solution Focused Coaching, $50 from Grace A.,$10 from Kenneth W., $10 from Andra M., $10 from Russell A., $30 from Club Soda, $5 from Mariella Rocha Jewelry, $20 fromYour Everything Services, $5 from Zahira Tiara S., $20 from Danna D., $10 from Jasmine G., $100 from Lynda P., $10 from Brenda M., $50 from Vicki D., $5 from Gorgeousocity, $160 from me, the author.

Pass this blog post on. Reblog it. Share it on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Linked In and in an email.

🙂

Art

ART WEDNESDAY

Impower You

 

 

 

See more art on Facebook.com/OviedoStyle  OR  Zazzle.com/OviedoStyle

Empowering Discussions, Self Defense

Guns Suck

Impower You

Yea yea yeah, there are plenty of great arguments FOR guns. People use them to protect, they can save lives, blah blah blah. If there is one thing we can learn from the untimely death of Trayvon Martin it is how much guns suck. Don’t even leave a comment telling me how you think guns are great. It wont be published. Usually I like to hear different points of views, but not today.  You can have whatever opinion you want. That is your right, just keep it to yourself this one time. I am not going to sit here and tell you that you have no right to own a gun. You have a right to believe what you want. I just want you all to know how much I think GUNS SUCK!

For every kid that was hit by a stray bullet as they walked down the street, for every war that claims lives both innocent and guilty, for every friend that stuck a gun to his head and ended his life, for every wife or partner killed,  for every wasted life there is pain. Guns are a PERMANENT solution. You can take back words. You can apologize for yelling. You can heal from a bruise. BUT when a fatal gunshot takes a life, there is no chance, no forgiveness, no hope because guns kill without mercy.

What if  George didn’t have a gun?  Could they have still come to blows? Yes.  Could one of them ended up in the hospital? Yes. Could Trayvon still be alive? YES!

Aside from the disgusting tragedy of how we treat people based on their skin color, the worst part is knowing that the moment he squeezed that trigger lives were destroyed, families wept and a community was ripped apart across the lines of right and wrong. he probably felt like a big man with that gun. It gave him a false sense of control over the situation. It made him think he was invincible and nobody would mess with him. He probably thought I will show this kid who is boss. Only he knows for sure, but these are thoughts people tend to have when they are in possession of a weapon.

Nothing will bring Trayvon back.  It could be 16 years later as one of his friends types a tragedy similar to this on their blog that it all comes back. Their own sad memory of a violent loss from the past will come slamming back into their hearts breaking their resolve, releasing pain so that heavy they can barely see through their tears to continue typing at all. So yes I stick with my unwavering belief that guns suck.

I pray, hope and imagine a world where guns, bombs, landmines and war do not exist. I see a world where arguments, fights and problems are solved without weapons.  What one thing would YOU get rid of from OUR world? What do YOU think sucks?

Empowering Discussions

Good Health and Empowerment Go Hand In Hand

Impower You

Today we have the pleasure of a guest post by Scully at Large.  I asked him to write an update about his new life routine and how being healthy has improved his state of mind. Let’s all remember that exercise and nutrition are an important part of empowering ourselves. When we are overweight, out of shape and eating foods that are body can’t handle we are not in full control.  We feel sick, have allergic reactions and are not as strong as we can be. This post is a reminder that it takes work to stay healthy, but if you stick with a routine you will succeed. Enjoy.

Approximately six months ago I made some positive changes in my life. These changes was recommended to me by a nutritionist. I know six months isn’t really a long, long period of time, but I would like to let you know how I’m doing, and what I’ve been doing.

At this stage in my life. After six months of practicing the recommendations of my family friend the nutritionist, I am in a great place. I didn’t think that I would be in this place, at this point and time, six months ago. Right now I’m in the best mental and physical shape of my life! I am attributing my high self-esteem, my mental and physical health, to my unwavering dedication to my fitness routine, my good eating habits, and my steadfast practice of getting a good night’s rest, every night!

I exercise five days a week. My exercise routine is dominated by weight training. One day I will exercise with weights only. The next day I will go bike riding or I will go jogging. I practice eating right everyday, by making sure that I’m getting proper nutrition.

This is what my exercise routine is like:

On Mondays I do weight training for approximately two, and one half hours.

On Tuesdays I ride my bike for approximately one, and one half hour.

On Wednesdays I do weight training for approximately two, and one half hours.

Thursdays are my jogging day. I will jog for approximately one hour. Sometimes I’ll put in a little more time.

Fridays it’s back to working-out with weights for approximately two, and one half hours.

In regards to my eating habits;  I try my best at all times to make sure that some of the foods that I eat are loaded with carbohydrates. I don’t eat any meat. Eating a lot of fish is a big part of my diet. I juice all the vegetables and most of the fruits that I consume. Raw vegetables are very potent. If you’re having any problems sleeping, don’t juice your vegetables, it will only make your sleeping problems a lot worse! I drink a lot of protein shakes and I also drink a lot of water.

Those are the things that I’ve been doing for the last six months. And it has gotten me into the best shape of my life! Exercising regularly, and eating right is very addictive. I don’t know if anything that’s addictive, is a good thing to do. But I love doing it! And I’ll recommend exercising regularly, eating right, (proper nutrition) and getting a good night’s rest to everyone!

… Continue to follow Scully’s blog at http://scullynne.blogspot.com/

Empowering Discussions

Random Posts to Share

Impower You

Here are some posts I enjoyed the past few days.

Yes We Can Do Nonviolent Protest…: http://lifestyle30.wordpress.com/2012/03/22/media-think-yes-we-can-do-non-violent-protest-images-and-articles-from-around-the-web-trayvonmartin-million-hoodie-march/

Mr. Thomoas Edison Speaks: http://gorgeousocity.wordpress.com/2012/03/20/mr-thomas-edison-speaks/

A Great Mental Freedom: http://subhanzein.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/a-great-mental-freedom/

The Dog Ate My Homework and other BS: http://auroramorealist.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/blame-2/

For an Ageless Glow Do Yoga: http://paularenee.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/for-an-ageless-glow-do-yoga/

Pro Choice Tshirt on Zazzle: http://womenarrr.org/2012/03/24/pro-choice-t-shirt-on-zazzle-com/

10 Italian Feminists You Should Know: http://lachristagreco.com/2012/03/23/10-italian-feminists-you-should-know/

 

 

Book Reviews

Week Four Fundraiser Update

Impower You

We are in week four of the fundraiser to publish I Am More Than Just a Girl.  We have raised $365 towards our goal of $1,800. Thank YOU for continuing to spread the word and donate.  Let’s see what we can do in week four. It’s almost the end of March and my time for fundraising is almost over. I must get these books out to the organizations that were promised one, so if you can donate this is the week!

So…… where are the funds coming in from?

As you can see above, even a $5 donation can make a difference. Ask four of your friends to each give $1 and together you can join us. Your support is greatly appreciated and will have a powerful ripple effect of empowering young women. Below is a picture of the book cover that you can share along with the fundraiser information.
 
NOW is the time to donate just $5 via PayPal or with a credit card at: www.MoreThanAGirl.webs.com If every single person who knows about this campaign donates just $5 then I can publish 300 books. You can also send a check. Send me an email request for my address to investing in women @ gmail.com
Send this text below as an email and ask your friends to also send this email.
Want to help publish this great book, I Am More Than Just a Girl ?  It provides resources, information, advice and creative exercises to empower women with the knowledge to make their own informed decisions. 
I won’t go into depressing statistics of how often young women are abused, assaulted and oppressed. You don’t need me to remind you that until recently women had very little rights as equals and in some countries are still considered objects that can be owned.  Society encourages us to be outwardly successful, to make lots of money and then we will be happy. We are not often encouraged tofind inner success in the forms of knowledge, happiness and emotional health.

The author, Leah Oviedo, wants to give a free copy of her book to organizations that work with youth in the USA. With your support we can make this happen.  150 books will be given (for free) to youth organizations.  50 books will be given (for free) to young women that are unable to join such organizations. The remaining 100 will be sold and the profit used to buy more books. Later this year Leah would like to have the book translated into other languages so more young women can have access to the book. Currently, young women and parents can read the book online for free,http://morethanagirl.webs.com
An important part of life is to help others feel empowered. We need a total of $1,800 to accomplish our goal. Shout it out on your Facebook pages, donate $5 online or send a check (email: investing in women@ gmail .com for the address). Visit, http://morethanagirl.webs.com to see what perks you will receive for helping publish this important book. If you will join, our goal is to raise the full amount by the end of March.
Read the book for free and pass it on!  Share it with parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, older sisters and brothers, teachers, community leaders, youth organizations and young women. Now is the time to take action! We can no longer wait for someone else to empower the next generation of women. As the saying goes, YOU must be the change you want in this world.
Pass this on to 10 other people and together we can make the world a brighter place.

Empowering Discussions

Drop In

Impower You

This post is dedicated to Annabanana and all other wild, strong willed adventurers.

High School drop outs have a bad reputation. It’s “oh so obvious” to society that if a person drops out of school they are a “failure”.  Pffft! You say drop out of school, I say drop in to life. Sure there are those that give up and never try, but I know many people that have dropped school so they could get a GED and move on with their lives. Some people go on to college, some start their own business and some take off on adventures.

We do not have an education system that teaches people to be creative and seek knowledge. We have a system that produces batches of patriotic worker bees who can memorize well. I was so bored in school,  I decided that if school was so boring, college would be the same or worse. It took a year of working boring low pay jobs to change my mind about attending college. So finally, I got an Associates degree and I am happy I did. The bottom line is most of our success is dependent on how we react, the choices we make and whether or not we decide to learn on our own. Now I know that sitting in a classroom memorizing rules doesn’t work for me. I learn much better when I can work creatively and at my own pace. I learned that failure is just a fork in the road that takes you in a different direction. It’s not all bad.

Do you think having a GED would stop you from becoming a governor, a famous actor, a business owner or an Olympic medalist? Think again.  http://www.k12academics.com/academic-testing/ged-testing/famous-ged-recipients

There is a huge difference between giving up and going against the crowd to get where you want to be. When have you decided a different path was better than following the crowd?

Book Reviews

A Book for Rescue Dogs

Impower You

I love when people use their talents to give back to the world in a positive way. Martha Cheves is one of those people. As an author and animal rights activist she has created a collection of great literature and delicious recipes in her new ebook, “A Book and a Dish, Book Reviews and the Authors Favorite Recipes“. All of the proceeds from this ebook will benefit Tilly’s Rescue Pack, a loving home for dogs in the UK. This rescue center currently has 17 dogs that have been abandoned, abused, neglected, given up by owners, and rescued directly off the street or from pounds.

With veterinary bills, food and shelter it is expensive to host all these animals. Martha is giving the profits from this book so these dogs (and all that follow) can have a safe loving home. The ebook is only 99 cents. Buy the book at Amazon.com and support Tilly’s Rescue Pack.

Learn more about this wonderful organization on their Blog, become a friend on their Facebook page or watch a video on YouTube.

What’s your favorite animal?

🙂

Book Reviews

Week Three Book Fundraiser Update

Impower You

I am excited to share that we are up to $335 on our way to $1,800. 

THANK YOU!  I am so excited that with YOU, we can get “I Am More Than Just a Girl” published by April.  

So…… where are the funds coming in from?

Here is a list of ways you can help distribute 150 books to youth organizations across the USA. Feel free to pick as many actions as you like. If you have any questions about these actions just ask. Your support is greatly appreciated and will have a powerful ripple effect of empowering young women. Below is a picture of the book cover that you can share along with the fundraiser information.

1) Donate just $5 via PayPal or with a credit card at: www.MoreThanAGirl.webs.com If every single person who knows about this campaign donates just $5 then I can publish 300 books. You can also send a check. Send me an email request for my address to investing in women @ gmail.com
2)Share my blog post with people. Either share the link in an email or on a social network. https://writewhatuknow.wordpress.com/2012/02/24/300-books/Write just a few short sentences about why this book is important to you. Make it personal.3) Join our Facebook page and share it with all your friends.http://www.facebook.com/MTJAG4)Use the text below these suggestions in an email that you send out and ask others to pass along to all the “Women”, “Mothers”, “Fathers”, “Daughters”, “Youth Leaders” etc. you know.5)A little bit from a lot of people can make this fundraiser happen! Start a “Change Drive” Ask everyone you know to donate their spare change, collect it, take it to the bank and then donate via my website or send me a check.6) Send the information about my free book to youth organizations you volunteer with or that you like.7) Share my campaign with your local news media, women’s rights advocates, children’s rights activists and celebrities you admire.8)Share one of my YouTube videos with your network.http://www.youtube.com/user/ImpowerYou/videos9)Make a video about my campaign and the book. Upload it to YouTube and then send it to everyone you know.10)Hire me to start and maintain a social media marketing campaign for your organization.11) Download unique digital art for a $1 donations on my site,http://morethanagirl.webs.com/myart.htm


Send this text below as an email and ask your friends to also send this email.
Want to help publish this great book, I Am More Than Just a Girl ?  It provides resources, information, advice and creative exercises to empower women with the knowledge to make their own informed decisions. 
I won’t go into depressing statistics of how often young women are abused, assaulted and oppressed. You don’t need me to remind you that until recently women had very little rights as equals and in some countries are still considered objects that can be owned.  Society encourages us to be outwardly successful, to make lots of money and then we will be happy. We are not often encouraged tofind inner success in the forms of knowledge, happiness and emotional health.
The author, Leah Oviedo, wants to give a free copy of her book to organizations that work with youth in the USA. With your support we can make this happen.  150 books will be given (for free) to youth organizations.  50 books will be given (for free) to young women that are unable to join such organizations. The remaining 100 will be sold and the profit used to buy more books. Later this year Leah would like to have the book translated into other languages so more young women can have access to the book. Currently, young women and parents can read the book online for free,http://morethanagirl.webs.com
An important part of life is to help others feel empowered. We need a total of $1,800 to accomplish our goal. Shout it out on your Facebook pages, donate $5 online or send a check (email: investing in women@ gmail .com for the address). Visit, http://morethanagirl.webs.com to see what perks you will receive for helping publish this important book. If you will join, our goal is to raise the full amount by the end of March.
Read the book for free and pass it on!  Share it with parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, older sisters and brothers, teachers, community leaders, youth organizations and young women. Now is the time to take action! We can no longer wait for someone else to empower the next generation of women. As the saying goes, YOU must be the change you want in this world. If you believe this book is a must have for young women, get involved today.  To follow the progress of the campaign subscribe to the authors blog(https://writewhatuknow.wordpress.com).
Pass this on to 10 other people and together we can make the world a brighter place.

🙂

Empowering Discussions

Trayvon Martin

Impower You

Anger

Disbelief

Pain

Sorrow

Madness

Ridiculous

A waste of life at seventeen.  Fear and ignorance created a hate crime that did not have to be. Trayvon Martin taken away by George Zimmerman because his skin was too dark. Where is justice? Why are criminal charges not being set? 

http://www.change.org/petitions/prosecute-the-killer-of-17-year-old-trayvon-martin

My heart goes out to his family and friends.