Meet Donna Riner Weber, Author

Donna Riner Weber is the author of Scrapbook Your Christian Faith. A series of events and experiences--including chronic illness, early retirement, and her pleasure in becoming a grandmother--inspired her to reexamine her life, and she began writing stories of her faith to her family and friends. Learn more about Donna and her work by visiting https://www.faithbook101.com.

1. What is "faithbooking," and how did you first learn about this practice?

"Faithbooking" is the art of creating a scrapbook about your Faith. The "Faithbook" is your scrapbook with scriptures, pictures, prayers, and stories about God's presence in your life.

Several years ago due to chronic illness and daily pain, I had to stop my teaching career. I had been in the education field for 18 years, and it was a shock to my system, when the doctors told me I would not be able to return to work.

I believe that God has a special plan for you and me and each one of us. The Bible tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil to give you a future and a hope." Jer. 29:11 (TLB)

I didn't understand.

"But God, what is your plan for me? I thought it was to teach my middle school students." I cried. I prayed. I wrestled with what God wanted me to do. I knew it wasn't to lie around on the sofa watching TV and waiting for Him to call me home to Heaven one day.

I felt God was whispering in my heart to write stories of how He's been faithful to me and my family. So I started jotting down notes and throwing them into files.

2. What motivated you to write Scrapbook Your Christian Faith?

Around the same time that I was starting to jot down those notes, my cousin (Nora) came to visit our family. She brought her scrapbook. While I was amazed at her beautiful layouts, I knew I could not do anything like that because I have never been an artistic.

But the seed had been planted and I was interested. I attended several 101 level scrapbook classes at local craft stores.

After I created a few pages, I felt that something was missing. It was my Faith. It's a huge part of my life and I wanted evidence of my Faith to be on the pages I leave for my family and future generations.

But how could I combine Faith and Scrapbooking?

I tried to find a book to help me. At that time, there were lots of books on scrapbooking techniques but only a few on the "Faithbook" aspect.

So I set out to write the book I needed as a beginner in Faithbooking. I entitled it: Scrapbook Your Christian Faith--the Beginners Guide to Scrapbooking Your Spiritual Legacy.

3. I like that you say that you don't have to be artistic to create a meaningful scrapbook. How has scrapbooking become a creative outlet in your life?

As I continued to take scrapbooking classes, I found more and more fun tools were being created which meant even a non-artistic person like me could create a scrapbook layout.

I did not understand the techniques, tools, or even the language--but I was thoroughly enjoying the creative process and wanted other people to feel they could start participating in Faithbooking as well. In writing Scrapbook Your Christian Faith, it was important to me that everyone who wanted to leave their spiritual legacy could understand the basics to get started.

4. Would you tell us a little more about your ebook? Does it contain photos and visual tutorials as well as text?

Inside this guide, the reader will:

• Discover which scrapbook tools and supplies you need to get started
• Know how to tell which scrapbook supplies are safe
• Find out what's really in Faithbooking for you and your loved ones
• Discover the differences in adhesives, albums and cutting tools
• Find out which types of scrapbook papers are best
• See examples of layouts
• Understand basic terminology

Bonus Lessons include

• Step-by-step lessons on how to do matting
• Step-by-step lessons on paper piecing
• Instructions and resources for creating your titles

Readers can learn more about the book by visiting http://tinyurl.com/ScrapbookYourChristianFaith.

Thanks, Donna!

Meet Santo Artusa, Attorney

Santo Artusa, Esq of the Artusa Law Firm is an attorney who focuses on family law and divorce cases in New Jersey, primarily in Hudson and Essex County, NJ.

He started the firm right after law school as he worked in sales, marketing, and trading before becoming a lawyer. He also interned for a federal judge.

Learn more about Santo and his law practice by visiting his website, http://topjerseycitydivorcelawyers.com.

1. What made you decide to shift your career path and become a lawyer?

I left Wall Street and the sales industry after I had a family law situation and realized how important it was to have a lawyer in court. From there, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer, so I went to Rutgers Law School at night after working in Manhattan every day and with two young children at home.

2. How did you decide on family law and divorce as your specialty?

I chose family law and divorce because it is one of the specialties in the law that can have a direct impact immediately on someone's life.

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy when a client is happy and justice is done. It is harder than you think to prove to the judge who is honest and who is trying to deceive the court.

4. Do you run into any common misconceptions that people have when it comes to divorce proceedings?

The two most common misconceptions I come across as a divorce and family law in New Jersey is that people think judges want to hear about affairs or misdeeds their spouse has committed only to find out from me that the law does not take these acts into account when dividing assets or awarding alimony. The other is that people only see us working in court, but the majority of our work is preparation and paperwork.

5. Why did you decide to base your practice in the Hudson and Essex County area of New Jersey?

I decided to work primarily in Hudson and Essex County because I have lived here for over ten years. I understand the people here, and I can relate to them.

Thanks, Santo!

Introducing ThingsTwoDo, A Website for Finding Great Things to Do

One of the most common questions in the world has to be, "What do I do?". I remember asking my parents that question over and over as a kid when I would get bored and didn't want to do the usual things I enjoyed. And I still ask that question as a grownup at times! But guess what? There's a website with the sole purpose of providing creative answers to this very question.

The site is called ThingsTwoDo. What I like about the site is that the writers offer suggestions geared toward activities for people who are looking for different things. For example, there are ideas for things to do on a date, and there are ideas for things to do by yourself. There are also lots of ideas for things to do with kids and as a family. You can find ideas for things to do with friends, too, and ideas for activities that can be fun to do with seniors.

Sometimes there's something in the back of your mind that you know you want to do, but it takes someone suggesting it to you to really make you actually plan to do what you want. I feel like ThingsTwoDo functions in that way. I read a recent post on things that married couples should do without their kids and found some very practical suggestions for activities that people get so in the habit of doing as a family that they neglect to take the time to do the activities just as a couple.

There is also an app currently in development from ThingsTwoDo to make it even easier to find ideas for activities for yourself, your friends, or your family. I can see that this website and app is really going to grow over the next months, and I'll be checking back to watch its development.

The next time you want to find a new activity to explore--or maybe to be reminded of an activity you haven't done in a long time!--check out www.ThingsTwoDo.com for a diverse selection of ideas. And new posts are being added all the time.

Meet Jordan Hernandez, Entrepreneur and Afghanistan Veteran

Jordan Hernandez is a veteran of the US military who served in Afghanistan. Now living in Texas with his wife, Dulce, he is working on starting his own business called Article Express. He is raising start-up funds for his business through this GoFundMe campaign. Jordan also hopes to help his parents and brother through his new business.

1. When it came to developing a business idea, what inspired you to focus on an online-based business?

The thing I love about doing anything online is that it's liberating--it's totally creative. I feel as though this was how the "American Dream" was back when we had such a massive and booming society. It allows anyone with a vision to create it and get the benefits from that creation.

2. Why did you decide to create a site focused on articles and content marketing?

Well, I started meditating a few years ago, and it has helped open up my consciousness so much. It helped me understand what thoughts ran through my head, and how to better interpret the meaning of those thoughts. The way I understood what popped into my head has led me to a gut decision that this is something that I am meant to do too liberate my family's life! So I'm doing it, one way or another!

3. For you as a reader, what makes for interesting web content--and what keeps you coming back to a website?

Anything that would keep me coming back would have to be giving me insight on something. It's that feeling whenever you hear something so true that you just can't help but smile and shout "YES!!! I know exactly what you mean!!".

4. Why did you decide to kick off your project by seeking backers through a crowdfunding platform?

Honestly, I decided to go this route because I would like to avoid the debt of a loan. My wife and I are trying to get a new house which we got pre-approved for, and took on a new car bill recently as well. Reaching my goals this way will avoid all the excess debt we just can't handle. I believe when people see a legitimate cause, they are compassionate, and they are loving. I have high hopes for humanity.

5. As you and your wife look ahead to the next year or so, what are your goals?

I try to place myself in this present moment. If I do try to think of a future, I'm creating separation from this moment, and now have a chance to be dragged down by thoughts of anxiety and worry. In the present moment that will be in the "future" so to speak, we are hoping to accomplish an income that will take care of us and my family around us. I hope to help my father and brother who are addicted to antidepressants, and to free my mother from a household of gang retaliation due to my brother's lifestyle. I just wish to ease the pain and hurt from their minds. Thinking about that every day must be torture.

These pictures show my brother today, and back when we were kids.

Thank you for taking the time to interview me!

Thanks, Jordan!

A Blog about Natural Home Products and Ideas

Have you ever heard of the Norwex brand of products? They are natural, chemical-free products designed to help you clean your home--and more. In addition to their cleaning products, Norwex sells a lot of other products, too, such as bath care items, body lotions, and products specially designed for kids.

If you want to buy Norwex items, you need to buy them through an independent consultant. Suzanne Holt is a Norwex consultant who also maintains an informative blog at LittleGreenCloth.com. In addition to posting content about Norwex products, she also posts a lot of useful tips for keeping your home clean and organized without using chemicals or other products that are dangerous to your family. She has a lot of interesting posts about saving time and money at home, too.

Honestly I've learned a lot about ways to avoid chemicals by reading Suzanne's website. Her ideas are especially relevant if you have kids or if kids regularly visit your home because she's talking about products that aren't hazardous to have around. It's a lot more convenient to pull a cleaning cloth out of a drawer than to take bottles of chemicals back and forth from a high shelf!

If you're looking for a work-from-home business opportunity, Suzanne's site may also be of interest as she tells you how to become a Norwex consultant yourself. You can sell the products at parties and/or to friends online. If you're looking for extra income, I think it's worth it to check out this opportunity as it's a proven one with a demonstrable track record.

Meet Sherel Ames, Creator of Fight for the Family TV Series

Houston native Sherel Ames has created a new family drama meant to engage and entertain audiences of all ages. Fight for the Family is centered around detective James Guillory and his younger sister Toi Allen. The show focus on their struggles to overcome issues that attempt to rip their families apart. Visit www.fight4thefamily.com to learn more about the show and watch it online. You can also follow Fight for the Family on Facebook.

To get an idea of the show, check out this teaser from the third episode.

1. What inspired the creation of Fight for the Family?

Hearing a sermon my pastor preached with the same title inspired me to create the series.

2. I like the idea of a brother and sister and their families being the center of the show. Do the characters experiences any tensions when it comes to their different family ties?

There is a lot of family tension in the show.

James Guillory, played by Carlton Skinner, and his wife Aisha Guillory, played by Aisha Jordan, are going through a battle because she wants to leave her husband and two beautiful daughters to move to London because of her job.

Nico Allen, played by Michael Fontenot, and Toi Allen, played by Candace Ames, are expecting a child. Toi wants to abort because the timing, as she puts it, "is terrible."

3. How are you distributing the show locally and nationally?

The show is currently airing on digital channel 15.1 in Houston and streamed at www.bethelsfamily.tv. Beginning in February, it will air on Comcast, Direct TV, Dish Network, and Roku. Check your local listings.

4. What is your favorite part about working as a producer on this project?

What I like most about working on this project is that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and dedicated actors in Houston.

Thanks, Sherel!

Meet Jesse Barrett of WDW Through Jesse's Eyes

Jesse Barrett owns and operates WDW Through Jesse's Eyes, a Disney tip blog and podcast. The content is all about Walt Disney World, and Jesse and his fellow contributors post fun and informative material. There are three people (including Jesse) who work on the site and podcast.

1. When did you first go to Walt Disney World?

I've been going to Walt Disney World since I was two years old. As a Florida resident, going to the parks with an annual pass was cheaper for my family of five than going to the movies.

2. How many times have you gone to Walt Disney World, and what keeps you going back?

I've spent over 250 days in the parks in my lifetime. I go at least once if not twice a month, and I spend about three to six days in the parks each month. By the end of this year, I will have spent 48 days in the parks in 2014. I continue to return to the parks because there's just something magical about that place. I tell my friends, "Disney is cheaper than therapy, and better than a drug addiction." Going through the turnstiles at the parks makes you forget all of your problems outside of the park. You're instantly immersed into a new world, and you're in Walt's World now...

3. How do you come up with topics/tips to cover on your site?

WDW Through Jesse's Eyes isn't just Jesse. We have Heath who also writes and cohosts the podcast and Donna who is a phenomenal writer and photographer. Heath and myself will come up with the show topics (usually we'll be in the middle of a conversation and say, "That'd make a great topic!"), or we take suggestions from our fans on Facebook. Donna's blog topics are one of two things: they’re either stories pertaining to an upcoming show topic or something new that she's recently experienced.

4. What's your best advice to someone visiting Walt Disney World for the first time?

Our first podcast episode was on this topic. I'll include the list we came up with, but I encourage everyone to download our podcast and listen for more in-depth information. (Our Podcasts are available on iTunes, Podcast Addict, and Sticher Radio.)

Here's the list:

Heath's Top 5:

• Don't Try to do Everything
• Give Yourself a Chance to Relax. Pace Yourself
• Don't Miss the End of the Night Shows
• Don't Argue, You're on Vacation
• Allow yourself to become immersed in your environment.

Jesse's Top 5:

• Learn the My Disney Experience App
• Make your Dining Reservations
• Don't Cram too much into one day
• Don't miss the end of the night shows
• Get Familiar with the Park before you go

Our Top 5:

• Don't Cram
• Relax. You're on Vacation!
• Don't Miss the End of the Night Shows! (Fantasmic is AMAZING!)
• Immerse yourself into the Fantasy of Walt Disney World
• Make your Dining Reservations before you go!

5. During the holiday season, are there special things to look out for at Walt Disney World?

There are so many fantastic things to do at Walt Disney World for the holidays! The castle is decorated with beautiful lights, and every night at dusk, Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Christoph of Frozen fame light the castle. There's Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is a hard-ticket event in the parks that has a special parade and its own fireworks. There's also Holidays around the World at Epcot where you can experience how Christmas is celebrated in other countries; there's the Candlelight Processional which features a full orchestra, choir, and a celebrity narrator to tell the Christmas Story; and there's "Joyful," a Gospel Christmas Celebration. All of those are available at Epcot. There's also the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios where over 100,000 lights are synchronized to music and cover two streets of buildings. My favorite thing is the Gingerbread displays at some of the resorts. You can see picture of all of these things on our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/WDWThroughJessesEyes.

Thanks, Jesse!