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Here’s how I hosted my #Gals for #GalentinesDay with a @dunkin Brunch Board + a ‘Hey! It’s Your Day’ @mangopublishing Book Review/Giveaway! Enter to Win ♥️

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My #Gals + Galentine’s Day Book Swap × Dunkin’ Brunch Board x Hey! It’s Your Day Book Giveaway

Galentine’s Day falls on February 13th and it’s a day to let your gals know how much you appreciate them. Last year I hosted a “Galentine’s Day” party and shared How to Host a Fun Book Swap with my readers. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to host another #GalentineBookSwap this year!

THE INVITE

#GalentineDayBookSwap Invite | SobeSavvy.com

#GalentineDayBookSwap Invite | SobeSavvy.com

What do you do when it’s a pandemic among us but you still want to get together with some girlfriends? You take the necessary precautions, send an invite to a chosen few and mask up! I used a group pic from the last book swap and created a collage invite to send. Between the cold rain and Covid-19, I was thankful to still celebrate Galentine’s Day!

SIPS

Now Pouring ..Shoe Crazy Wine | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

Now Pouring ..Shoe Crazy Wine | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

I received a wine gift from Shoe Crazy, which is owned by a African American female. So I was happy to serve their Peach Mango Sparkling Wine as a welcome cocktail. This fruity, sweet wine was the perfect blush color to cheers to Galentine’s Day!

EATS by Dunkin’

Dunkin' Brunch Board | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

I made a Dunkin’ Brunch Board! | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

Feast your eyes on my Dunkin’ Brunch Board! Since I was hosting the ladies late morning/early afternoon on a Saturday, I thought why not share some of my favorite snacks from Dunkin’! With charcuterie and cheese boards being all the rage, I hoped my guest would enjoy the presentation and they did! I added items from the Dunkin’ Snacks menu : hash browns, snackin’ bacon, stuffed bagel minis, munchkins and their speciality heart-shaped Valentine’s donuts (Cupid’s Choice & Brownie Batter)! It was all so delicious!

Leslie of SobeSavvy.com serves up a Dunkin' Brunch Board

Leslie of SobeSavvy.com serves up a Dunkin’ Snacks Board for Brunch!

I also got a Box of Joe to go from Dunkin’ with their Original Blend of coffee and a shot of Hazelnut. It serves 10 ppl and comes with cups, kids, sugars, creams,and stirrers. It was convenient and brewed to perfection. Definitely order one for your next gathering!

Box of Joe to go from Dunkin

Enjoy a Box of Joe from Dunkin’ at your next gathering! | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

Book Swap + Review + Giveaway

Book Swap Ready!

Book Swap Ready | Photo Credit: SobeSavvy.com

After we sipped, snacked and shared stories, it was time to swap books. Guests are welcome to bring whatever type of literature they want to exchange. As a thank you gift, I gave each guest an uplifting book from Mango Publishing titled Hey! It’s Your Day written by June Cotner.

Hey ! It's Your Day by June Cotner - Review/Giveaway by SobeSavvy.com

Hey! It’s Your Day by June Cotner – Review/Giveaway by SobeSavvy.com

Hey! It’s Your Day! is a collection of quotes, personal essays, and aspirations for anyone to live by, making it the perfect reminder of how valuable these life events are. June Cotner is an author well equipped in helping people rediscover excitement in life, with millions of books sold on momentous occasions such as marriage in Wedding Blessings and special events in Graces. Featuring multicultural lessons, thought-provoking compositions, and gorgeous pages, Hey! It’s Your Day! will remind readers that life isn’t just living in the moment, it’s also about looking forward to the future.

This book provides so many inspirational reminders to live your best life! I enjoy reading positive affirmations and quotes from some of my faves such as Rumi, Oprah, The Obamas..just to name a few. There is an eclectic mix of people as well as nearly 50 topics that cover subjects like love, friendship, family, growth, happiness, success, creativity and more! Hey! It’s Your Day! would be a great gift for anyone at anytime but I can see me gifting this for some upcoming celebrations such as Mother’s Day or Graduation. But I don’t want to wait that long…I am excited to partner with Mango Publishing to host a giveaway and gift someone this wonderful book! Head to my Instagram @SobeSavvy to enter there:

*No instagram.. no worries..leave a comment here on the blog and share a favorite quote!

RECAP

For this to be my first time having guests over inside the house since the pandemic, I think it went well. I made everyone feel safe, comfortable and we all had fun! Take a look at my video recap, here:

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How To Host A Fun Book Swap | Event Recap #GalentineBookSwap ft. @mangopublishing @sassoolcafe @nothingbundt @loveblockwine

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Hey ladies! I am back with another cool way to celebrate Galentine’s Day. If you read my last post, I went out with some friends for a wine tasting and hosted the event I decided to name: #GalentinesandWine. This past Saturday, I decided to do something at home with my bookish gals. If you love to read and want a creative way to share (or get rid of) the too many books you may have, here’s How to Host a Fun Book Swap Party:

THE INVITE

Inspired by a hair product swap party I attended in 2019 and a convo I had with a bookish friend, I decided to host a book swap party with a Galentine’s Day theme and used the hashtag #GalentineBookSwap. What is a #GalentineBookSwap? It’s a fun way to celebrate female friendships and our love of reading!

I sent an invite out via Facebook (and a countdown reminder via Instagram) as follows:

Hey Ladies..Let’s get together to celebrate Galentine’s Day and our love for reading at my first ‘GALENTINE BOOK SWAP PARTY’
There will be wine, small bites and books to exchange. You may have some books that you have read, given as a gift and will never read, but would like a chance to get a book that you want to read! Please read the following on how it will work.

6:00 -7pm: Eat,Drink,Be Merry
7:00-8pm: Will start drawing numbers for swap order to choose your selection

You are allowed to bring up to 3 books. You will receive a number for each book you bring in and I will draw number to see the order that you will pick a book (for fairness).

*RSVP closed at 10 guests*

WHERE: MY PLACE
WHEN: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2020
6PM-8pm

Hope to see you there! 📚🍷💕
#GalentineBookSwap

A WARM WELCOME

I like having an element of surprise, some festive decor and a welcome drink to set the tone when guests arrive. For the #GalentineBookSwap, I showered guests with rose petals as they came in the door and hit them with my own rendition of “She’s Your Queen To Be” from the classic movie “Coming to America”. Red Sangria was the welcome drink for this occasion. I simply set up a self serve Sangria bar along with some cute cocktail napkins that said #GALS which I got from Target dollar spot.

FUN PHOTO PROPS

Walmart was the place to shop for some cute photo props. I found a heart wreath and door fringe, which made for a cute backdrop for all the selfie lovers. The light up heart box came from Tuesday Morning some years ago and hangs up in my daughter’s room, but I borrowed it to make a #GalentineBookSwap sign and placed some red coiled chocolate Hershey’s Kisses nearby. I also picked up some heart shaped balloons from the Dollar Tree, and Viola! We had fun photo props to give the guests choices for photo ops!

DELICIOUS FOOD

When you want less mess and no stress, catering is the way to go for me when I host at home. I was very excited to introduce my guests as well as my own tastebuds to something new being offered by Sassool Cafe. All February long, Sassool Cafe will be offering a delicious and nutritious Heart “Beet” Hummus! This beautiful pink dip is the perfect side dish to all of your favorites at Sassool. This “lovely” hummus will be available at the Cary, Raleigh, and Sassool Select locations.

On the menu of heart healthy bites, we enjoyed:

-hummus

-Heart “Beet” hummus

-tatziki

-pita chips for all

-assorted mediterranean cheeses + grapeleaves + olives

-Spanakopita Triangles

-Mini Chicken and Beef Kabob Skewers

-Root Salad

-Assorted Baklava

Not only does Sassool Cafe provide the food, the platters but also the serving utensils. How convenient, how delicious!

For more information on their catering packages, go to sassool.com!

PRESENT A 🆕️ WINE

My husband likes being an at home Sommelier and presenting new wines to our guests by sharing tasting notes. I’ve even shared on the blog, tips on hosting a wine tasting at home, if you’d like to get some ideas for that as well. This always adds a level of intimacy to my at home events. After his presentation, we all get to enjoy our very own wine tasting! For this event, I partnered with Terlato Wines, who sponsored two varietals from LoveBlock.

We started off with the white and served the LOVEBLOCK Sauvignon Blanc,which was just released in Dec. 2019. LoveBlock SB is a classic example of New Zealand’s most famous varietal. Tasting Notes: Lots of grass and just the perfect amount of acid.

Next, we tried the LOVEBLOCK Pinot Noir, which went great with the grilled steak skewers. Tasting Notes: Deep finish and notes of berries on the palate.

PULL NAMES FOR BOOK SWAP

Everyone was instructed to write down their name and the # of books that they bought to swap. I advised to bring up to 3, but next timeI will say u limited. Any kind if books were allowed.

Everything from non-fiction, to fiction, self-help, children’s books, thrillers, devotionals…you name it, there was something for everyone! We all got a new book to dive into.

THANK YOU GIFTS

Although gifting is not my love language, I enjoy giving some type of swag or goodie bag for every guests to remember the special occasion. Everyone received a special “thank you” gift from:

• Mango Publishing @mango.books.and.authors |If you read my February Reading List blog post, then you may recognize these two amazing books:

❤ Say It Now – 33 Creative ways to say I Love You to the most important people in your life by Sherry Richert Belul

❤ Friendship Isn’t A Big Thing,It’s A Million Little Things- The Art of Female Friendship by Becca Anderson

• Nothing Bundt Cakes @nothingbundtcakes | no matter the occasion they offer moist, delicious, AMAZING, tasty, bundt cakes for any occasion in a variety of flavors. Vanilla, Chocolate and Red Velvet are the flavors I gave as a choice for the guests to take home.

This was my first time hosting/ attending a book swap and I had so much fun combining it with a Galentine’s Day theme! And although it was all about the ladies, I had help from my husband in having my event go smoothly.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO or HOSTED A BOOK SWAP PARTY BEFORE? Share your comments below!

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3 Books That Celebrate Strong Women | Book Review + Giveaway @MangoPublishing #books

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Hello Readers and Hello April! Can you believe how quick March went?! I can not, but I am always happy for a new month to arrive and to share new books that I have read. Since March is National Reading Month and Women’s History Month, I thought I would share with you 3 Books That Celebrate Strong Women, which is something we should do no matter what month it is, right?! Plus, I have a gift for you to win and keep the celebrations going! Stay tuned..but first, let me tell you about these three phenomenal books from Mango Publishing.

STILL I RISE

STILL I RISE- THE PERSISTENCE OF PHENOMENAL WOMEN- by Marlene Wagman-Geller

You may recognize the title Still I Rise from a poem by Maya Angelou. The Author’s Note shares that this book is a tribute to that poem and dedicated to the women who helped her rise. STILL I RISE, [which was #1 New Release on Amazon] is a paperback book that answers the questions— Who are the great women leaders in history? Who are the women heroes who personify “girl power”?
STILL I RISE embodies the strength of character of the inspiring women profiled. Each chapter will outline the fall and rise of great women heroes who smashed all obstacles, rather than let all obstacles smash them. There are so many unknown stories of women who quietly and courageously changed the course of history! I can guarantee there will be stories in this book that will not only resonate with you but leave you inspired to lead a life well-lived!

SobeSavvy.com Book Review | STILL I RISE- THE PERSISTENCE OF PHENOMENAL WOMEN- by Marlene Wagman-Geller

DEAR WOMAN

DEAR WOMAN by JUST MIKE THE POET- Michael E.Reid

I have heard so much about this author [@justmikethepoet] via social media and hearing how empowering this book has been for women that I was excited to read DEAR WOMAN. This hardcover book is poetry+self help+inspirational all wrapped up into one dope read! This book was respectfully written by Michael E. Reid aka Just Mike The Poet to encourage all women to:

•Stop cutting yourself short: You must wear your crown at all times. Every woman is a queen, and you don’t have to wait for someone to give you your crown. 👑

•Take a journey: No one has just one page in their life story. That’s why DEAR WOMAN has everything—quotes, letters, short stories, and poems to educate, motivate, encourage, and provide a little tough love.

•Want the best for yourself: Michael E. Reid wrote this book and started with these encouraging words “Dear Woman, This is YOUR book. With it comes the responsibility to be a better woman.” This is more than a self-help book, more than just relationship advice for women—though it does include both of those things. No, this inspirational open letter, full of poetry and wisdom, is life advice just for you.

•Do it for you: You are an amazing woman. Deep down, you know that. DEAR WOMAN isn’t here to tell you that you need to improve. Rather, it’s here to tell you that you can be your true self—for yourself.

Filled with great advice and written to shed some love and light, DEAR WOMAN is a great read and reminder for every woman to Be Confident, Know You Deserve The Best and Love Yourself!

SobeSavvy.com Book Review | DEAR WOMAN by JUST MIKE THE POET- Michael E.Reid

THE FEMINIST FINANCIAL HANDBOOK

THE FEMINIST FINANCIAL HANDBOOK •A Modern Woman’s Guide to a Wealthy Life• Brynne Conroy

I start a new, full time job in a couple of weeks and this time around I want to be smarter about saving and investing my earnings as well as paying off debt. I was attracted to THE FEMINIST FINANCIAL HANDBOOK to help me with these goals. I plan to start reading this book this week and can’t wait to learn more about general financial planning principles. THE FEMINIST FINANCIAL HANDBOOK provides actionable tips for overcoming obstacles and explores financial issues with anecdotes and perspectives of women of different races, sexual orientations and abilities. I look forward to reading the stories and learning from the advice of women who have worked through the struggle, and achieved their goals.

SobeSavvy.com Book Review | THE FEMINIST FINANCIAL HANDBOOK •A Modern Woman’s Guide to a Wealthy Life• Brynne Conroy

***SobeSavvy Giveaway: ENTER to WIN all 3 BOOKS THAT CELEBRATE STRONG WOMEN!

1.SHARE this SobeSavvy.com post via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest by clicking option below ………….AND…………

2. Leave a COMMENT sharing one of your greatest strengths!

One Winner will be chosen at random on April 10, 2019 at 12pm/noon EST.

***Plus, earn an EXTRA ENTRY by entering via Instagram ⤵️

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzNr5SHmqW/

SobeSavvy.com Book Review + Giveaway | 3 Books That Celebrate Strong Women

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5 Zen-Tastic Books To Read For Your Wellness From @MangoPublishing

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According to Forbes list of 10 Wellness Trends You Have To Try In 2019, “finding big meaning in small rituals”, “unplugging from the digital world” and “workouts for the soul” are just some of the ways you can add some Zen to your life.

In my opinion, you can never have too much Zen. For example, I recently created a meditation space for myself that I call the “Zen Spot“…

…..as well as a little “Zen Den” for my daughter to read/relax in.

Did you know reading is a key wellness practice? It is proven to reduce stress, build empathy, and even lessen sugar cravings! It’s nice to have these peaceful nooks at home to which I recently added these 5 Zen-tastic Books To Read For Your Wellness from Mango.

THE MAGIC OF CRYSTALS & GEMS

As someone who has been gifted stones and have always admired the beauty of crystals, I was intrigued by this book. I wanted to learn more and discover what lies behind or shall I say within these gems. This book is a fun, entertaining and enlightening guide to the magical uses of crystals and the powers of stones.

GODDESS POWER

What is the divine feminine? Who is the goddess Oshun? Why is “herstory” an essential part of our cultural legacy? Goddess Power is a book that will answer those questions and more! Informative, Inspiring , Insightful and Important~ these are just four words that I would use to descibe why I enjoy this book.

WOMAN’S BOOK OF PRAYER

No matter when or how you pray, this book was written to show you the way thru words of encouragement, inspiring quotes, poems and meditations. Becca Anderson has done an amazing job at gathering a year’s worth of prayers by and for women for every occasion. I have found that reading from this devotional each day has impacted my spirit in a positive way.

ZEN DOGS

Our daughter wants a dog but since that is not happening anytime soon, she was happy to receive this book filled with adorable photos of mindful mutts and dharma dogs! Zen Dogs offers key lessons on how to live in the now. Dog lovers will enjoy reading the timeless teachings of Buddhism, meditations and eternal truths while enjoying the pictures of so many cute canines.

SUPER AGER

As a 45 yr old Mom of a 7 year old, it is important for me to prepare for my second half of life. I want to do everything I can to not only age with grace but to live long and prosper. It’s every parents wish to be here for as long as we can to see the growth of our children. Super Ager is a ‘how-to’ book that compiles a comprehensive look at what others are doing to be healthy at age 100 and beyond! I’m ready to increase my lifespan and my healthspan with this book.

📚SobeSavvy Tip: Find these great books and more from amazing authors at >>>> Mango.

I am so looking forward to curling up with these books and learning from each of them. So if you don’t hear from me, I’ll be somewhere reading. Which one of these books would you add to your collection or gift to someone?

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#GiftIdeas For Her | Four #Books To Give Every Female Bookworm

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*Disclosure: This content uses some affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy for more info: here

Do you have any female bookworms on your ‘Nice’ list this year? This holiday season, give a unique gift that they can enjoy all life long…a book! Books make wonderful gift ideas for her especially when they provide helpful information. Here are four books to give every female friend, family, co-worker, bookworm that you know!

For your workout buddy and any woman who loves wellness gifts 📘A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils: Recipes and Practices for a Natural Lifestyle and Holistic Health by Hayley Hobson

Homeopathic medicine and alternative medicines are gaining in popularity daily. A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils by Hayley Hobson can become your first step to a healthier life—your first step to holistic health. Hayley is an internationally known author and inspirational speaker. She presents uplifting and educational programs in over 50 countries and promotes a holistic path to wellness by incorporating the use of essential oils with a regimen of exercise, healthy eating, and mental and emotional wellness practices. As a coach, she passionately empowers others to live their dreams and create lifestyle transformations by supporting them in becoming the best possible WHOLE versions of themselves. In her book, you will find real life stories and natural lifestyle principles. You’ll discover why we get out of balance in the first place—and find out how to fix it. You’ll learn about Hayley’s signature recipes and their specific purposes, helpful remedies and daily changes, safe handling and usage, and much more.

Buy on Amazon: here * and pair it with an essential oil set * as a gift idea!

For the woman who is #perfectlyflawed and on a healthy lifestyle journey 📙Be Iconic: Healthy and Sexy at any Age by Dr. Eudene Harry

Opening up the conversation of true beauty and acceptance, Eudene Harry MD writes her latest book, Be Iconic: Healthy and Sexy at any Age. Discussing that your diminished self-worth and confidence shows up in a variety of ways—the extra weight you carry, the sleepless nights, the chronic illness, and your lack of joy—Dr. Harry offers an all-encompassing guide to your health.

In this motivating and inspirational workbook, Be Iconic explores:

  • Sexy doesn’t mean perfect! 5 ways to know what makes you sexy

  • How patterns of negative thoughts diminish your health

  • The connection between beauty and sleep

  • Tips for beautiful hair for the aging woman

  • Minimally invasive techniques to love the skin you’re in

  • And, so much more!

To learn more visit, www.drharrymd.com

Now available on Amazon: here * and gift it with this motivational wall art !*

For your crafty chicks, DIY gal pals and any hostess with mostest 📗Cooking, Baking and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons by Cynthia O’Hara

From the creative mind of the “Harried Housewife” blog comes a beautifully packaged one-stop-shop book bursting with DIY recipes and ideas for the entire year! Cooking, Baking, and Making includes 60 DIY recipes with bonus designs and 40 DIY ideas that tie your home together for all 365 days. For spring, serve Herbed Cucumber Tea Sandwiches and a make a Spring Centerpiece as you watch the flowers bloom. In the hot summer, delight your guests with Fresh Berries and Cannoli Cream and make your own decorative coasters. In autumn, admire the turning leaves as you bake Dilled Beer and Cheddar Bread and make Autumn Harvest Potpourri. And in winter, enjoy Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes and make Festive Votives while snuggling by the fire. Cynthia O’Hara presents incredibly user-friendly projects and dishes that make replicating her flavors and designs as natural as the changing of the seasons. The Harried Housewife has written articles and developed a wide variety of recipes that reflect a simpler time and are ideal for budget-conscious families. The “Harried Housewife’s Recipe Box” column is syndicated nationally in regional newspapers.

Get this book on Amazon: here * and pair it with these cute apron sets for a great gift!

For the Mom friend or little girl in your life who has an interest in ancestry 📘Famous Family Trees by Kari Haug

Explore the fascinating family histories of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Charlotte Bronte, John F Kennedy, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Maria Tallchief, and many more with 30 family trees from around the world.

This accessible, visually-stunning compendium of family trees features some of history’s most loved — and loathed — famous faces and is great fun for the whole family to explore.

Genealogy and history combine to make a fascinating, fact-filled treasury of family trees belonging to famous people throughout the ages. Spark conversations with children about their own family histories this holiday season.

Purchase on Amazon: here * and add this family tree picture frame to give as a unique gift!

As you can see there are amazing gifts for every woman, mom, sister, girl, friend on this list. I found these books to be helpful, inspiring, empowering and encouraging. I am grateful to have received these review copies to add to my bookshelf and to share these thoughtful gift ideas with you!

📚What Books Are You Reading?📚 Are you gifting books this holiday season?

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