Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Live Below The Line 2013 - Day 2 - Inspired To #GiveMore to World Food Program USA (@WFPUSA)




I am inspired to Give More to the World Food Program USA (on Twitter: @WFPUSA) with a total donation of $250 to help provide 1,000 meals to school children in the poorest countries. This Day 2 of the Live Below The Line Challenge 2013, gave me a feeling of intense thanks to have my health and strength. I have learned through the years that it's better to give than to receive and in my giving, it will be given back to me. However, in my giving, I do not think about how I will receive my blessing in return because giving should be done with a free heart. In the end, it always works out better that way. I feel that love for others is important for us all to be successful. I am happy to be able to show how much I care and to help so many school children.

In this video, I share why and how much impact my donation will have on these little children. Here's where you can help by donating to the World Food Program USA (donations are tax-deductible): https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/selenab



Live Below The Line 2013 - Day 1 Recap (Video) - Be Grateful



Here's my Day 1 Recap (Video) for April 29th as I begin my 5 days journey to Live Below The Line in 2013


"I had to start out pretty early in the morning and visit one of my senior citizens. Instead of having our regular toast with tea together, I had an oatmeal packet with some raisins. 
I do believe that action is a product of change and teaches me how to be grateful for where I am in life. On Day 1, I had my lentils with onion for lunch and then for dinner, lentils with onion and the rice pudding. I realized how lucky I was and so many others, who didn't have to worry about how much food we ate. However, every time I desire to make a difference, there is always tests, but in those tests I truly realize how much strength I possess, to follow through with the plan. Overall, my first day went well. I kept reminding myself that I was in a challenge and could only eat what I prepared on the $1.50 a day budget, especially when I had to go out to run errands. It was nice to hear that small little voice inside telling me, "You can do this. Your food is at home". :)"


If you're on the Live Below The Line journey, share your experience from Day 1, in a comment. I would love to hear your story. 


Or, if you would like to donate to my cause of choice, World Food Program USA, please do so at: https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/selenab The donation is tax-deductible.

Thank you,
Selena B. 

Monday, April 29, 2013

My Meal Preparation (Video) for Live #BelowTheLine 2013



On Sunday, I decided to go ahead and prepare my meals for the start of the Live Below The Line Challenge, which is today, April 29 - May 3, 2013! I decided to have the following menu:

Breakfast - Oatmeal with raisins
Lunch & Dinner - Lentils with onion
Dessert - Rice pudding with raisins
Drink - Water, Water, Water

Today, my day began pretty early so I am glad I took the advice of so many participants who have done this before me and prepared my meals on Sunday. I have shared my meal preparation video below if you would like to know how I prepared my lentils and rice pudding. The recipe mentioned in the video for the rice pudding can be found in the Live Below The Line Cookbook for free download at: https://www.livebelowtheline.com/us-guidance/

There is still time to join us on this 5 Day journey at: https://www.livebelowtheline.com/us

If you would rather help by donating. I am supporting the World Food Program USA. You can find all of the information on their cause and dontate at: https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/selenab

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Live Below The Line 2013 - My Shopping Trip





I hope you're having a great Sunday! It's one day before the Live Below The Line Challenge 2013. I will be living off $1.50 a day of food and drink for 5 days, April 29 - May 3, 2013. Today, I went on my shopping trip and here's my video to share with you.

If you're doing the Live Below The Line Challenge with me, Welcome! Make sure to share with me your experience. If you're not able to do the challenge, please consider donating to my cause of choice, the World Food Program USA. Every $250 raised, which is my goal, helps provide 1,000 school meals to children in the world's poorest countries. Your donation is tax-deductible and you will receive your letter immediately in email for the next tax season. To donate, click the link here: http://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/selenab

Share this with your family and friends. You never know who would like to help this great cause.

What would be on your shopping list if you had $1.50 a day for 5 days?


Friday, April 26, 2013

Live #BelowTheLine 2013 Meal Plan & Shopping List (Video)




Hello!

I am just three (3) days away from the Live Below The Line 2013 Challenge, here at Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose, to live off $1.50 a day of food and drink for 5 Days. Today, I decided to look through the Live Below the Line Cookbook for ideas on what I could prepare for next week. I'm a very simple eater as is, but I wanted to make sure that I was following the challenge correctly and had my meal plan together. I have my meal plan and shopping list posted below for you.

In the following video, I show you how to: 

  • Sign up to join the challenge
  • Donate to my chosen cause, the World Food Program USA
  • Download and use the Live Below The Line Cookbook for your meal planning and shopping list.


If you would like to join me in this challenge and bring awareness to extreme poverty and hunger in the world, sign up as a participant and raise funds for a cause at: http://www.livebelowtheline.com/us

If you would like to help me reach my goal of $250 to provide 1,000 meals to children in school in the poorest countries through the World Food Program USA, donate here: http://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/selenab


Share Your Thoughts in the comments below
Could you live off $1.50 a day? 
How would life be different, if this was your daily reality?

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Live Below the Line 2013 - Raise Awareness for #Hunger and #Poverty!



Hello,

Next week, Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose blogger, actress Selena Brown, that's me, will be taking part in the Live Below the Line challenge, and I’d love you to join me!

From April 29th – May 3, 2013, I will be living on just $1.50 a day of food and drink to get a better understanding of the challenges faced by people living in Extreme Poverty, and to raise funds for very important anti-poverty initiatives. Here on my blog, I will be sharing with you my progress from Day 1 - Day 5.

Us-wfpI'm doing Live Below the Line for the World Food Program USA Charity, and think you should too. This charity helps provide school meals for children in the poorest countries all over the world. Every $250 that is raised will help create 1,000 school meals. How fantastic is that!?

Did you know that $1.50 a day is the US equivalent of the International Extreme Poverty Line – it's what 1.4 billion people live below every day.

You can sign up at www.livebelowtheline.com/us.

If you can’t join me in living below the line, please support my efforts for the World Food Program USA at https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/selenab


Thank you so much!

Selena Brown 
Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose

Monday, April 22, 2013

$10 Amazon Gift Card #Giveaway for Two Winners from Traces of Kara #Book Author! Open Worldwide. Ends: 05.12.13, 11:59PM/EST




Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose welcomes Melissa Foster and her novel, Traces of Kara! This adventure will definitely keep you on your toes and to top it all off, the author has introduced a $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway for Two Lucky Winners! Read all of the details of this exciting book and make sure to enter this giveaway using the Rafflecopter entry form, all provided below. Good Luck!



Kara Knight can't wait to leave her hometown for the promise of nursing school and a fresh start on her future--leaving behind an over protective mother, a broken heart and painful memories. However, twenty-five miles away, the twin she doesn't know exists is determined to be reunited with the sister he cannot forget.

Kara is abducted and thrown into her obsessive captor's delusional world. As the past she thought she knew unravels around her, Kara struggles to make sense of the memories that come creeping back, threatening her sanity and her safety. Meanwhile, Kara's mother races against time to save the daughter she fears she will lose when a long-held secret is revealed. The hours tick away as her captor plays out his plan--to take Kara with him into death at the exact moment of their birth, never to be separated again.

TRACES OF KARA is an action packed, pulse pounding psychological thriller/suspense novel that features a determined killer who slowly loses his grip on reality as his carefully detailed plan starts to fall apart and a heroine determined to move forward with her life who now must reconcile everything she believed to be true about her family with the reality of their tragic past.

From International bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster comes her newest pulse-pounding thriller and Kindle Bestseller (Amazon US & UK) 

Author Melissa Foster's Website    Facebook    Twitter    Goodreads    Pinterest 


About Melissa Foster
Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of four International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Cafe. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.


Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest or her personal website.

Buy the book from...... 




   
printed book            ebook version

THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY


TWO (2) WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A
$10 AMAZON.COM GIFT CARD

Open Worldwide
Ending on Sunday 12th May at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Photobucket


Disclaimer: Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose is not responsible for the delivery of all prizes. The host will contact the winners of this giveaway event for all mailing details.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Doors of the Mind: Inner Mysteries #Review - A Hidden Object #Game



I've always been interested in strategy-type games, jigsaw puzzles, word find games, and now hidden object games. They really get my mental juices racing when I have writer's block or feel stuck in thought. I happened across Big Fish, who is now one of my affiliate sponsors and I can't help but be addicted to these artistically creative games. The first game I tried for free before I bought it, on my IPhone, was Doors of the Mind: Inner Mysteries. I decided to download it on my IPhone because I'm always out and about and if I'm sitting in a waiting room, I have something to stimulate my mind. This game is also available for your PC or Mac. I realized that I could only download a game to my IPhone, if I had a wireless connection. So, I downloaded this game from home and then I could play it anytime I wanted, thereafter, wherever I went.

Doors of the Mind: Inner Mysteries, is a hidden object game, with 5 Levels or 5 Days, as they say. Your job is to help a young boy, along with his hired dream specialist, decipher the nightmares he keep having since the death of his father. 

Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose Hidden Object Game Review

There were some really spooky moments as you entered some of the rooms so beware if you decide to keep the sound on, in play. The graphics for each room was very detailed and the colors looked great on my IPhone. You could see how much work and thought was put into this game. As you move through the story, you see your progression and how real it feels as you help the young boy gather clues. The hidden objects were sometimes hidden so well, that I had to take a break to let my eyes rest and come back to play later. Since, I'm not a person to use the strategy guides, unless I am seriously stumped, coming back later helps my eyes to readjust. However, if you like to have a strategy guide close by, this game comes with one and a blog walk-through, info here. On my IPhone I had to make sure to zoom in with my fingers to see some of the hidden objects because they could be under or behind other items in rooms. There were also other short challenges within the game itself that you will have to pass, but I do believe you could pass them if you got stumped, if I remember correctly. However, if you do feel frustrated, take a look at the strategy guide or blog walk-through, for a help. 


As I continued through the young man's story, I unlocked clues as I completed each Day until I found out the reason for his nightmares and the intentions of his father. It will surprise you and keep you wanting more until you solve it. Plus, since I would rather you try the game for yourself, I'll leave the ending for you to discover. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this game and would give it a rating of 4 out of 5 Stars. To download a free trial of this hidden object game, visit Doors of the Mind: Inner Mysteries 


Do you enjoy these types of hidden object games? If so, what's your favorite Big Fish game? 





Disclaimer: Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose is an affiliate with Big Fish Games. All content in this review is 100% my own. The new business acquired from this personal review will be paid to this blog in commissions. This game was tried for free and then purchased by Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose and was not given totally for free. All users will have the opportunity to try it for free as well before purchasing the full version with the link provided in review post.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Applecheeks for #Baby #Giveaway! Open to US. Ends: 04.23.13




Applecheeks and their best in the market Cloth Diapers!
How do feel about cloth diapers? Do you use them? If so, you're going to love these.

Giveaway ends April 23rd at 11:59pm EST. Open to US. Ages 18+ and up


New advances in textile technology allows for amazingly trim fitting washable diapers that unstuff by themselves in the wash! Gone are the days of bulky plastic pants and saggy, wet bottoms. Pins and Snappis are a thing of the past. AppleCheeks cloth diapers bring you the ultimate in form and function, combining effective leak control with attractive styling. Imagine a dry bottom that actually looks good! Who knew?


i_pic_applecheeks_0016
 
What makes AppleCheeks cloth diapers unique from any already existing product on the market? Firstly, AppleCheeks comes with a three-pronged approach to customer service. Each diaper comes with complete washing instructions, downloadable here, which clearly illustrate the optimal method of care for your AppleCheeks cloth products. As well, you can always speak with a live person through their toll-free number (1-877-8-APPLE-8) and be helped to find solutions to any questions you may have. You can also email them through our contact form and they will respond to your query within 24 hours. And lastly, you can check out their video tutorials, found here which show you how to use your AppleCheeks cloth products 
successfully.

i_pic_applecheeks_envelope_
Enhanced by Zemanta

The Prize
 One (1) lucky Mommy Guru fan will win a little bundle and a storage sac!

They also have these fabulous storage sacs, shown above, designed to keep odor and moisture in and preserve a controlled environment for your soiled cloth diapers between washes, our Storage Sacs come in two generous sizes. 


How To Enter
Please use the Rafflecopter entry form to. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose is not responsible for the delivery of this prize. This blog was not compensated for the promotion of this giveaway. No purchase necessary.
DTGC6Z27A5FH

Sunday, April 14, 2013

$500 #Spring Into Cash #Giveaway! Open Worldwide. Ends: 04.28.13



Welcome to the $500 Spring Into Cash Giveaway!



We've teamed up with a great group of bloggers to bring you this amazing giveaway. It's always fun to participate in giveaways that will give my readers the chance to win great gifts. As the economy continues to recover, why not help its progression by giving one lucky winner $500 Cash to do some shopping or whatever they would like! There is a lot of things you could do with this cash. To learn more about this giveaway and to enter on the Rafflecopter form, please see the details below. Good Luck to You!

The Prize

One (1) Lucky person will win $500 cash via PayPal.


How To Enter

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.
Refer your friends using your unique link to earn even more chances to win.

Open Worldwide.
Ends at 11:59pm EST on April 28th, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are a blogger, entering this giveaway, we'd love for you to join an awesome group giveaway event like this one! Sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by Giveaway Promote.


Disclaimer:  Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose is not responsible for the deliver of this prize. This blog was not compensated for the promotion of this event. No purchase necessary.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

The #connections we make through social media




I can't get enough of social media. It is the quickest and most exciting way to meet new people. I was struck today by the number of people I have met thus far on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social networking sites. It is so refreshing, each day, to read their new updates

There are talented and gifted people all over this world, busy working on amazing projects. I do believe, genuinely, that we all are connected in some form or fashion. We all have something to share that will ultimately impact an audience. We hold the power to change, transform, or deter mindsets. 


We are the change.


The connections we make through social media is a new form of lifeline. It IS what keeps us going, to know that someone cares about what we have to say by "retweeting", or "sharing" our messages throughout the day. We begin to feel inspired, empowered, and brave enough, to share even more. I can only imagine what the world would be like without these instant forms of communication. 

Look how far we have come since the telegram, traditional letter writing, to now, speaking with people beyond our homelands in live video conferencing and Google Hangouts, just to name a few. We are not only people, but people with huge ideas, tough skin, and ambitions that can grow into a better way of living for all mankind. We are gifted and provided the opportunity, each day, to capture our reasons for living and breathing by sharing those ideas and gaining new knowledge from the connections we make through social media. 

So, why not start using it today!



Sunday, April 7, 2013

$150 Sunny Decals #Gift Certificate #Giveaway (Open to US) Ends: 04.21.2013



Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose welcomes you to this very special giveaway for the little ones in your life. It is always a gift to receive toys or creative projects that can be done with your child. Sunny decal has given us the opportunity to bring to you this very special giveaway for one lucky winner to dress up your child's bedroom or playroom walls. You never can get enough of using your imagination to make a room come to life. Giveaway ends April 21, 2013, 11:59PM/ESTOpen in the United States. Must be 18+ to enter.

Welcome to the Sunny Decals Giveaway!


Hosted by Giveaway Promote.
Sponsored by Sunny Decals.
Sunny Decals offers a wide selection of jumbo sized fabric wall decals for kids rooms, nurseries, schools, playrooms, and more.
Our nursery wall decals are made using the highest quality fabric materials and eco-friendly inks. More than ninety percent of the companies online use cheap toxic vinyl in their materials.
Our wall decals are non-toxic, easy to apply, repositionable, and won’t shrink or stretch. Check out our selection of wall decals for boys and wall decals for girls.



Enter to win a $150 Sunny Decals Gift Certificate.

Sunny Decals is offering a $150 gift certificate to purchase anything in their store. There are no restrictions.
Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.
Refer your friends using your unique link at the top of the Rafflecopter for even more chances to win.
One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.


Open in the United States.
Ends at 11:59pm EST on April 21st, 2013.





How to Enter: Please enter this giveaway on the rafflecopter form provided below. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bloggers, we'd love for you to join an awesome group giveaway event like this one! Sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by Giveaway Promote.

Disclaimer: Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose is not responsible for the delivery of the prize. The host of this giveaway will contact the winner. No compensation was given to promote this giveaway.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

3 #Winners Announced: $50 Walmart Gift Cards #Giveaway to #WakeUpYourWalls #spon



This has been an amazing giveaway! Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose would first like to thank the HP Wake Up Your Walls Event for sponsoring this giveaway. If you have enjoyed this giveaway there is still time (until April 30, 2013) to enter the HP Wake Up Your Walls event with Genevieve Gorder, ENTER HERE

Also, stay in touch with Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose for more giveaways and product reviews, when you Subscribe by Email, Sign Up Form.


As for my three (3) Winners, you are listed below on the Rafflecopter form.

CONGRATULATIONS TO...


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Important Disclaimer for Winners: All Winners will receive an email from Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose, requesting your mailing information to send your prize. You will have 48 Hours to respond to this email before another winner will have to be chosen. Thank you for your participation and enjoy your prize. 

Monday, April 1, 2013

Coach #Blogger Event May 2013 ~ Sign Ups Open! Begins May 20, 2013





Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose will be participating in this May 2013 Blogger Event. If you are a blogger and would like to participate, please read the details of this event below. These Coach events are always special for my readers and I know, for a fact, that they will be for yours too. Make sure to submit your blog soon if you are interested in a Free Link. After the first 50 blogger slots are filled, each link is $3.00 with an announcement post. Click on the 'Sign Up' link below to be taken to the form to see if you're one of the first 50 bloggers for the free link, then proceed from there.

Coach Blogger Event 2013 





Blogger Information: 
Giveaway begins May 20 thru June 14
Come and be part of this awesome giveaway

We are giving away:

"Coach PEYTON EMBOSSED PATENT POCKET TOTE "

Value $398


We will have a max. of 200 bloggers for sign up, it will be a big giveaway.
The RC is not long because each co-host has there own RC with their links.

Here are the details to sign up:

-Free Link (Twitter or Pinterest)  
The first 50 bloggers to sign up will get a link free with announcement. 
Announcement is required or you have to pay a waiver fee of $5.00
(Please read the sign up form on the top to know if we still have free space available)



-Link/ or extra links $3.00 each (if the free spots are gone, to be part of this giveaway you will need to pay $3.00 for each link you want on the giveaway)
Announcement is required or you have to pay a waiver fee of $5.00.

-Host page
$10.00

-Co-Host $20.00
The co-host get 2 host page.  
10 links on the RC.
No announcement required.

Please send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com as a gift.

Any question please email me at nysavingspecials@gmail.com

Blogger Opportunity ~ Signs Open for Visa Gift Card Event! Begins: June 3, 2013






Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose Welcomes All Bloggers to this:

Blogger Opportunity

Giveaway starts June 3 thru 28

If you're a blogger and would like to participate, please see the information below and Sign Up!



The Prize will be a $200 Visa Gift Card

We will have a max. of 200 bloggers for sign up, it will be a huge giveaway and beneficial for all bloggers involved.

The RC is not long because each co-host has their own RC with their links.


Details to sign up:

-Free Link (Twitter or Pinterest)  
The first 50 bloggers to sign up will get a link free with announcement. 
Announcement is required or you have to pay a waiver fee of $5.00
(Please read the sign up form on the top to know if we still have free space available with announcement post)


-Link/ or extra links $2.00 each (if the free spots are gone, to be part of this giveaway you will need to pay $2.00 for each link you want on the giveaway)
Announcement is required or you have to pay a waiver fee of $5.00.


-Co-Host $15.00
The co-host get 2 host page.  
10 links on the RC.
No announcement required

Please send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com as a gift.

Any question please email host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com





Disclosure: Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose was not compensated in any way to promote this upcoming blogger event. Details on what will be posted for this event, will be provided by the host as well as the prize to the winner.