Hello readers!
It is so easy to bet lost in the myriad of holiday shopping that we sometimes can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and lost…..losing the real intention behind gift-giving.
My hope is that everyone (and I am trying this myself this year) make conscientious choices about HOW and WHY we shop. To give a gift from the heart,pick items that are hand-made, or meaningful to you and the recipient. For children, think in terms of practical and outside the box gifts such as coupons for activities, etc. Rather than supporting the big box stores, please think in terms of supporting small and local or internet based businesses that have been recommended.
There are so many many great websites out there to purchase from without leaving the comfort of your own home. Here is my list of a few top picks in music and books for the season. NOTE: I receive no sponsorship or money for the below links, I just simply adore and support these musicians and authors and recommend their music and books!
MUSIC
Of course, I would be honored if you would consider my new CD, CELLOBIES, Relaxation for all generations, as a gift. See wrapping and shipping options HERE! ON SALE THROUGH DECEMBER 15th. ORDER NOW TO ENSURE HOLIDAY DELIVERY!
Straight Up Music! Keith Smith
Music inspired by an intense passion for life. Fresh, raw and filled with emotion. An eclectic mix of Native American flute, penny whistles, drums and electric guitar! Check out Keith Smith’s site: Straight Up Music! for wonderful inspiration and MP3 downloads!
Spirit of Our Time
BOOKS
The Western Montana landscape provides the backdrop in the tale of Sammy Black Wolf. Sammy is a Lakota/Irish ranch kid from Dillon, Montana who plays basketball for the University of Montana Grizzlies.
A chance meeting on stage at the University Theatre introduces Sammy to Maggie, a music major, and her musician friend Zee. Sammy and Maggie share immediate chemistry and their relationship deepens quickly, but a brutal attack unravels their world and the fallout threatens their relationship.
Read reviews to Leaning here: http://www.jwswartz.com/
Or purchase Leaning here: http://www.
From the back cover:
“The journey starts with leaving your comfort zone and looking inside your self for the answers. Pack your emotional bags and leave them behind because you will not need them where you are going. ” ~ BOOYAH! SPIRIT
BOOYAH! SPIRIT merges scientific research, humor, wonderful pictures, quotes, how-tos, and personal life lessons to help you live the life of your dreams. This engaging book is like a great big piece of dark chocolate… plan on consuming a little every day because it is so rich with wisdom and great taste!
~Jen Slayden, Writer, Composer, and Life Coach
To Purchase: Visit Sheila and her wonderful site at The Zen Store for this book and many other gift giving options.
HOW TO BE A ZEN MAMA is a book with 13 tips on how to stop worrying, let go and be closer to your kids. At the end of each chapter is a “Zen Mama Master” story to illustrate the chapter. THE BOOK OF QUOTES contains a collection of quotes through the ages to help you on your life’s journey. The Quote Book is a great gift for anyone in your life. You can get it in print or as an ebook.
Order through paypal if you’d like a signed copy. Or get the ebooks.Or order on Amazon.
ONE MORE to add. Although it is a magazine, it reads like a BOOK! How about a subscription to the parents, grandparents, or new mamas in your life? Mamalode Magazine is locally owned and GROWING leaps and bounds! I am fortunate enough to be a part of their regular weekly contributors on their website, with my weekly DEN CHRONICLES blog each Tuesday.
From their website:
Mamalode is the place where there is room for all of the parts that make you whole. Whether you are working to become a mother, or driving your grandkids’ car pool — you are changed. Motherhood can be very shattering, both from the pressures on the outside and the love from the inside. But there are bits that remain yours– pieces that come from your own childhood, your own adventures and your own growth. They are still there, mixed in with your family, relationships, time, money, health, passions, dreams, work, and creativity. There is room for all that at mamalode. Welcome — every last bit of you.
To subscribe to their print magazine, which now reaches all 50 states and internationally, click HERE.
Enjoy exploring these author and musician sites! I know this is just a tiny snippet of worthy gift ideas for music and books, so please feel free to share any other gems in the comments, along with links to their site (or yours) with a description of the book or CD.
HAPPY CYBER MONDAY, folks!
IN HARMONY,
Jen ♫
thank you, so sweet of you to add my book to your post, love it!
Thanks so much for including me!!! I didn’t know your friend Jennifer Swartz has her novel out already. There’s the first thing I’m getting. And keith’s music, too. And i just love sheila’s book!! Thanks for sharing Jen!!
Jen, I can also vouch that Sheila’s book, BOOYAH! SPIRIT, makes an uplifting gift for the holidays and all throughout the year! I’ll have to check out the music CDs and other books you recommend, too!
Many blessings,
Nancy
Hi Jen,
I do like to receive gifts from the heart as opposed to gifts of obligation. I haven’t bought a CD in years but I often listen to music for free online.
take care…